It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas

We've been getting all into the Christmas spirit 'round here!  From festive hayrides and parties, to cookie decorating and ornament hanging, wrapping presents, and staring at the Christmas tree in all it's glory.... 

it's been one very merry month.  

{Ellie seeing cows for the first time - complete wonder and awe!}

Andrew loved picking out the (non-fragile) ornaments to hang on the tree, while lil sis Ellie mostly supervised in her favorite chair. Andrew also explained the glee and magic that Christmas morning holds. 

One of the best nights was spent baking and decorating sugar cookies with Andrew.  We made a giant mess, and were covered in flour and sprinkles by the end of it.  But oh the joy on Andrew's face (and mine!) was well worth the clean-up.  I can't wait to carry on this tradition for years to come.  

We've also spent a lot of the time under the tree, just looking up at it in wonder, checking out all of the wrapped presents, guessing what each could possibly hold, and just looking real cute in our Christmas-y outfits :)

And we can't forget that moment Daddy comes home from work - all is finally right in the world ;)

Hope you and yours are having a wonderful and joyous Christmas season. 

May the King of Kings, the Prince of Peace, be ever present and near to your hearts, while we remember and celebrate His holy birth.  Love you all!

Gift Guide - Baby's First Christmas

If you are looking for a last minute baby gift or having a stocking to fill for your wee one, I've rounded up a few of my favorite items!  Some I have and LOVE (the moccasins and swaddle blankets), and some I've fallen in love with from afar :)
Either way, there are some great presents to be found for any little babe.

1- the sweetest first ornament
2- I love this adorable bunny doll!
3- the coziest zip up sweater 
4- a touch-and-feel nativity book - perfect for tiny hands
5- a painted wood nativity set - perfect for years to come 
6- this etsy store has the best wooden animal toys 
7- musical instruments are always a great gift! 
8- these are our favorite shoes - a must have for a new baby or toddler!  
9- this knit lamb rattle is just the sweetest 
10- a pewter rattle is a beautiful keepsake gift
11- my favorite swaddle blankets - in the cutest prints!

what's a baby gift you love to give?  
Or a favorite you've received?

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(And because the post is about Baby's First Christmas, I have to include a few pictures of my babies' first Christmases!  The first one was a pretty special one, as we brought Andrew home from the hospital ON Christmas Day!




And here's Ellie below, at 2 months old :)

Gift Guide - For the Guys

Alright - it's GUY TIME!  If you're anything like me, the guys are always the last ones I'm shopping for!  They aren't the easiest, and they always seem to just buy what they want throughout the year.  John's list is always empty at Christmas time, so I have to get creative and rack my brain ;)

Here are a few things I've found that I think would be great for guys - young and old!  

Some warm and cozy things, some classic staples, and a few fun things to make them smile!  

1- a classic plaid button-down - always a great gift! 

2- this watch is simple and great for men young and old 

3- I know a fella who is getting this witty mug!  

4- this highly-rated versatile backpack is great for work or play 

5- for the beard-loving men, this grooming kit covers it all :)

6- these slippers are the very best slippers of all - a must!

7- love this mid-century bar tool set - a practical and nice gift

8- a Yoda alarm clock for your Star Wars fan- check! 

9- love this warm and cozy beanie 

10- a leather iphone case, with a card slot too! 

Guys are hard to shop for!  What's under the tree for the men in your life this year?? 

Gift Guide - For the Kiddos

Back again with another gift guide!  It's time to shop for those sweet little kiddos!  If you're anything like me, your Amazon Prime account is getting a lot of "love" these days, and it's definitely a great option for kids toys for sure!
Here are some of my top kid gift picks - some from Amazon - some from other fun places too!  Most of these are either under our tree this year, or we have them and love them already!  Happy Shopping!

1- I love the idea behind these customized books - so creative and perfect for learning names and letters
2- this doctor set is such a great kit for useful and imaginative play!
3- such a great deal on this teepee!  love the stripes!
4- andrew is getting this cleaning set for Christmas!  I love how they can be neatly tucked away on the stand! 
5- magnatiles are always the "it" gift to give/receive! 
6- these are the most adorable knit dolls - great for many ages!
7- the cutest little kitchen - we love ours! 

what are your favorite kiddo gifts??