Merry Christmas

Christmas is only three days away and we can safely say we are ready. We have shopped and shopped. Most of the wrapping is done and all that needs to be sent off has arrived at their destinations. Now we can relax and enjoy right? Looking back I wish I could have done all the shopping and such in October or November so we could just enjoy this month. Christmas is my most favorite time of year and I hope to pass that on to Avery. I guess it would not be the same without all the hustle and bustle.

We put up both of our trees the Sunday after Thanksgiving (that's right both trees) as well as all the rest of the decorations. Avery has loved helping me and even has her own shelf on the entertainment center that she regularly decorates with various Christmas items. She is also in charge of arranging the village houses and people. We have been having fun making cards (Avery makes dozens of cards and loves handing them out to all her "friends and cousins") so if any of you received a Christmas card that has been painted, colored, and adorned with stickers you now know why.

We took a trip to the mall to see Santa (Andy took the day off work just for the occasion). Avery was so excited to see him she had a smile from ear to ear the whole time. When he asked her what she wanted him to bring her she just said a kitchen and when he asked what else she might want she said another kitchen. I think she just wants to make sure she gets a pink kitchen. All she wants this year is a pink kitchen, a princess barbie that sings and a blue computer oh ya and a green marker, we will have to see what old Saint Nick has for her.

We have not forgotten the real meaning of the season and have been reading to her about the birth of Jesus. She knows the story very well and is excited to have a party for Jesus. Last year she made us all sing Happy Birthday to Jesus and I think she will again this year. She was invited to be in the Christmas service at Church and has even been practicing with the kids and learning the songs but I think we will hold off on it this year, she is not even three yet. One of the coordinators of the program has told me she is better behaved than the four year olds but I don't want to take my chances with her just yet she may get stage fright.

Next year will bring many new changes for our family. Avery will become a big sister, although she wishes she would be getting a big sister. We are expecting June 21, 2009 (Father's Day). We are all very excited and can't wait for the day. Avery has begun talking to my belly and telling her "sister" to come out soon. As you can guess she wants a girl and Andy is holding out hope for a boy. We have decided not to find out what we are having and it seems to make the pregnancy go by slower. If we do have a boy we are in trouble because all we have is girly pink stuff as Andy puts it.

Well I guess I should wrap this up. But before I do one more big announcement Avery is now potty trained! Hooray! For the past two months or so she has been going without diapers during the day (night potty training is still in the works). I had been trying for weeks to get her out of diapers to no avail, but one day while I was at work Dad asked her if she wanted to wear big girl underwear and she has not looked back. Good work Dad!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our friends and loved ones who may read this. We are grateful to have you all in our lives.