Christmas 2008 in Milwaukee

SK and her new baby!!

Clapping in her Christmas dress from Great Nana and Papa

Uncle Mike, Sarah Kathryn and Aunt Karen Christmas morning

Christmas Eve with Aunt Karen

Sarah Kathryn with Nana and Papa (my parents)

Daddy and Sarah Kathryn Christmas morning

Pulling up to walk her baby

Snowy Milwaukee

Favorite hang out in Uncle Mike's house

Look at Me!!

Reading my book (upside down)

Playing with my learning table

Hi Mom!

Blocks and my piano

We celebrated our first Christmas with Sarah Kathryn in Milwaukee. Sarah Kathryn's only aunt and uncle (my brother) live there and boy was it cold...too cold! It was so nice to have a white (very white) Christmas but did I mention how much I hate the snow?? The snow is so pretty when it is coming down but then it gets all brown and all over everything and everyone. I was hesitant to pack anything nice because I knew my pants would be ruined by the snow and salt. With all the snow and cold weather aside we had a great time in Milwaukee. We celebrated Christmas Eve with my sister-in-laws family and the food was outstanding. It was so great to get a break this year from cooking...I could sit back and enjoy everything and that is exactly what I did! Christmas morning was slightly different from what we are used to because usually we go to the Christmas Eve Service at church but this year we went to church first thing Christmas morning. So we had to WAIT to open gifts from Santa!! I am glad that SK did not know what was going on or it would have been pure torture for her. In fact, by the time we opened gifts she was ready for her nap so she only opened a few things before falling asleep in my arms. I had to open the rest for her...so much for wrapping everything the night before. SK got so many fun gifts and she truly has enjoyed all of them since we got back home on Monday.

While in Milwaukee Sarah Kathryn learned to clap. She is also pulling up on everything and cruising from one thing to the next. Our lives have changed so much from the days when she just sat there and was not mobile. Although this age has totally been wearing me out each day it has been so worth it. I could sit here all day and watch Sarah Kathryn stand up and walk to another piece of furniture or walk behind her baby stroller and shopping cart. I would have to say that "true" walking is just around the corner. Up until a month or so ago I would put SK in her seat while I took a shower but now she gets out of it so we use the exersaucer but I am dreading the day (soon) when she will no longer stay content in it. Thank the Lord for Baby Einstein and Praise Baby, those still entertain her while I get things done!

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!