BEST Christmas ever!

I guess I am a little late in posting this, but better late than never, right? Our household is still getting over the crazy two days of holiday celebrations! ;)

Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year for different reasons. When I was a kid, of course it was about the presents and the anticipation leading up to Christmas morning. As I grew older, it was about finding the perfect gift for someone and watching them open it. Now, I truly value spending time with family and friends and also finding little ways to help those that are less fortunate. I cannot wait to share our Christmas traditions with Sophie as she grows older and witness how her view on the meaning of Christmas changes, as mine surely has.

Anyway, Sophie had an AMAZING first Christmas. She received more toys and clothes than she will ever use and she had a blast! She has fully recovered from surgery and really enjoyed opening her presents this year. Although her real motive was to eat the wrapping paper, she was still excited to rip and tear into her gifts! More importantly, we got to share her first Christmas with all of the wonderful people we care about. Our families were more than generous to us this year and we are truly grateful. I feel so very lucky to have such great people in our lives.

Here are some of my favorite pictures from the festivities:

All about eating the paper!

White Christmas in St. Louis! We had about 6 inches at my parent's house! This is the view from the kitchen.
Driveway on Christmas morning. So pretty!!!

"Are all of these for ME??!"

Big present!

"Oh yeah! Just what I needed. Thanks, Santa!"

Cousin Lyo is coming to help!

Pretty hat!

Family pic

It was a very busy couple of days, to say the least! Jared and I are on vacation this week, so we are just enjoying relaxing and spending time with Sophie. We went to see Dr. C. yesterday and Sophie's incisions are healing very nicely. She is off her pain medicine and seems to be back to normal. One strange thing - she has been extremely verbal since her surgery and I'm not really sure why. I was expecting quite the opposite because she has absolutely no access to sound. My only theory is that she making more sounds and "talking" to try and hear herself??? I really have no idea. One thing is for sure, though - this little girl has not gone silent! I'm giving myself a pat on the back for that! ;) Oh, and let's not forget - 10 DAYS UNTIL ACTIVATION!