Christmas!

Felicity's first Christmas was so very special. We spent time with our most favorite people and got to watch our little girl play and bond with all of them. She was also learning so many new things. FC learned to crawl, pull-up, and cruise furniture all within about a two week time span. She is a mini-tornado these days! She loved all things Christmas. To top her list were eating Nativity characters, licking the tree, pulling down gifts and attacking bows and tissue paper, and playing with the new steam engine. Needless to say, she kept us busy and laughing.

Christmas was also very bittersweet this year for it will probably be our last one at home for awhile. I cannot imagine trying to travel with her over the holidays while still trying to keep and make traditions with her (and our baby on the way). I think ultimately it will be good for John and I - we are going to make new memories with our family and they will truly be all our own. (Positive thinking, right?!?)

Christmas morning was full of fun. FC was overwhelmed and Mommy was a little embarrassed by the display of love for her in the form of gifts. Like many parents, I assume, we are hoping to do much less next year. Among other things, Nate and Ashley surprised all of us with some very exciting news. They are going to have a baby in August!! I can't believe my baby brother is having a child of his own. We are very happy for them.

We are so thankful for this time together! It really was such a special weekend at home.

Lola (said: Lula) and FC playing with the paper.

FC really enjoyed playing with her Aunt Katie!

The kid loves to eat...look at that face!

Noah and Uncle Bill tackle a box.

Daddy and FC's first tea party.

She looks so grown here sitting on her knees.

Ready for a ride!

Riding along with the penguin Daddy got her.

Didn't matter that it was FREEZING outside...she loves to be out. Thanks Nana and Pap for the cool ride! Thank you Uncle Matt for putting it together! Ha.

Change is Inevitable....

I was so thankful to see the new year roll in for us....ready to put away the decorations and settle back into our everyday routine. I love routine....really. I didn't realize how much until I had FC. We aren't the type to do the same thing on the same day at the same time, but we do have expectations and routines for each day. And when something shakes it all up it can be frustrating to deal with.

Here recently, as some of you know, John and I have been dealing with a pretty big "shake up" in our home. About two weeks after learning of our upcoming pregnancy, John came home with a big announcement. WE ARE MOVING. Yep...his position (along with about 700 other positions) is being transferred to Ft. Worth, TX. In three months. With a baby. And a another baby on the way. And two dogs. We have both moved many times in the past and have not lived "close" to family for a very long time...but we are unsure as to what expect when moving with children. So...the new journey is beginning. We are confident that God's plan is perfect for us. We are hopeful that Texas will be a good fit for our family. And most of all we are so very thankful to have a job that can provide for our growing family. Please be praying for us...that we remain thankful for God's provision, that John and I work together and not against each other, and that we have smooth transitions from everything from me leaving my job of nearly 7 years to all that comes with a major re-location.

I leave you with a couple of cute pictures I took today while packing away a few pictures...

FC helping Mommy sort through some fond memories.

She thought she'd help me wrap a few unnecessary decorations.

First trip of many to Goodwill. Probably the most positive upside to moving is unloading a lot of junk that you really don't need or want!