Christmas Trimmings

Last weekend we started our preparations for Christmas. In years past, we've gone out to tree farms to search for that perfect tree and cut it down, but with a shortage of time and a sleepy baby we opted for the farmer's market tree sale. Our outing actually turned out perfectly. Harper fell asleep on the way there and slept cozily in his stroller while Josh and I searched out the perfect tree. Last year we put our tree on the porch to save living room space, but this year we wanted to enjoy it more and found a tree small enough to fit in the living room.

After a busy morning and afternoon on Sunday including a surprise visit by Josh's dad and Pam, we headed over to church for "Baby's 1st Christmas." It was put on by our church's infant and toddler ministry director and was actually a lot of fun. There were at least 20 couples and babies there (even another Harper!). We got to know the other parents and babies, took our baby's picture in the manger, made an advent wreath and handprint ornament, and ate cupcakes. I'd always wanted to make an advent wreath but just never got around to it. After the event, two other couples and their babies, Callie (11 mos.) and Charlie (6 mos.), joined us for chili and cornbread at our house. It was fun to watch them interact since the last time we got together the boys were still pretty much stuck on their backs or bellies.

We're going to be the Holy Family at one of the Christmas Eve services, and we think Harper did pretty well for his dress rehearsal.

Harper has received his first couple of Christmas gifts including a first Christmas book and a couple Christmas themed outfits. It's already obvious what Harper really wants for Christmas is some tissue and wrapping paper.

In other non-Christmas news, Harper's first tooth poked through yesterday! He slept poorly Monday night and had a really hard time staying asleep whenever we'd lay him in his crib. We figured it was his tooth bothering him. He has slept better since, and I only had to give in to caffeine once. 

Decorating the tree.

Merry Christmas!