The Ho-Ho-Holidays

The anticipation of the Holiday season and all that it can hold always sets in for me right after Halloween. And I've discovered (at least it was my eureka! moment this year) that it's called the Holiday season for a reason.

It's not about one day. Or the night before one day.

It's about making the most of all of the days where the Christmas spirit is alive and full in your heart. And the beautiful thing about this is that it takes all of the pressure off of that 'one day' and creates opportunity to make the most out of each and every moment possible.

So, since I discovered that this year, I can't say that I was amazing at this sentiment. But I plan (as part of my 2013 resolutions) to carry that sentiment with me for all of the Holidays and not just Christmas.

Our Christmas season was fantastic. Matilda enjoyed a full week with Grandma and Grandpa since she graduated from General Mills daycare. I had to make two stops on the way home, and it caused us to miss her before she went down for her nap and Nate was NOT happy with me.

We spent a very long weekend with the family and got to see the 'other' Ekern's. Matilda made Emily's year as she immediately warmed up to her and remembered her Auntie Em.

And Aunt Marna and Emily and Meghan had the honor of helping Matilda open her first Christmas gift of the season--how fitting--a book (of which Matilda is still obsessed)

And a purse--and old one of Em's. Matilda loves carrying around bags. Those that are too big, too heavy, etc for her. So this one was just her size.

Cousin time is Tillie's favorite time. Whether it was her 2nd cousin's or her 1st Keaty Cousins. Matilda ADORES Finnegan. She likes Leo but right now more in the "I'll trade you one of my toys for one of yours" way. Finnegan on the other hand, can crack this girl up with one little tickle. Little smile. Or even acknowledgement of her existence. If only it was that easy for me. :)

Tillie had lots of smiles to go around.

I can also safely report (without jinxing myself--yes the superstitions remain) that Matilda did AWESOME with the tree. For whatever reason, we just kept telling her to say "hi" to the tree, and she would. I think she got into my parents tree a little more--mostly because the cats resided beneath it, but probably because it was about 12 feet high.

We also have our first official baby doll. Perfect preparation for Baby GH.

Lots of kissing, rock-a-bying, eye poking and throwing.

I'm hoping for more of the first two and less of the last 2 once the real baby arrives....

 From our family to yours, I hope you all had a memorable and love-filled holiday season.