Christmas

I have begun to get used to the idea of staying put for Christmas, which hasn't been easy (and is not my first choice). I still miss extended family a great deal, and am sad for Karina that she doesn't get to share the joys of that experience during the holidays, but nothing lasts forever. We'll see what happens...

We participated in some fun neighborhood events and Karina was incredibly excited during the entire month for Santa's impending arrival! What a GREAT holiday for kids. It was a little tricky though trying to explain to her why Santa was at Wal-Mart, the mall, PetSmart, etc., instead of preparing for his big night at the North Pole!

This was one of her two favorite outfits this season. She loved feeling like she, along with Santa, had a red outfit, a red hat, and black boots!

Jaclyn came up to make Christmas cookies with us, but the gluten-free version didn't work too well. ;-)

We still had fun...

Jaclyn got some really cute shots of Karina

Here's our "do-over" with gluten-filled cookies for Santa!
She had SO much fun.

This shot reminds me of a Christmas card picture my parents used when my sisters were little (before my time).

Thanks for the AquaDoodle, Tante Nina and family!

She loved this set of computer games called JumpStart. Very educational!

Here's the blanket I made for her. Cozy!

Although she hadn't yet seen Shrek, she enjoyed this stuffed one from Tante Astrid and family (and cuddling with the dad doesn't hurt either!).

"Wrapping up" Christmas Eve. Aren't there ANY more presents under here??
What a WONDERFUL gift this Christmas! Our family pictures will look very different next year. :-) Discovering her "train with tracks" from Santa in the morning. :-)We went to two friends' houses (Linda's and Darcy's) on Christmas Day and had a lovely time! This is us at Darcy's.And the magic of it all continues...

First Day of Preschool!

We found this amazing preschool (although it's a bit of a drive) that allows enrollment at any time! This was great news for us, since the traditional 'system' wanted us to wait an entire school year. Karina was SO ready (and so was I!).

This was her first day. Happy girl!

New Doctor, Third Ultrasound

I had to choose a new doctor that's closer to our new home than my old one (MUCH to my dismay). I chose a doctor at the Circle of Life Women's Center that came very highly recommended. When I read her bio., I saw that she's originally from the northeast, is very well-educated and experienced in her field, and has a Scandinavian last name, so I felt drawn. When I called to make my first appointment, the best news I heard was that they do an ultrasound at every visit and I get it all on a DVD! I sure didn't have that the last time. I love how technology advances over short a short period of time. What a treasure.

I was 13 weeks along at this visit. Everything looked great and this is the shot we used for our Christmas card this year. :-)