Let me first clarify that “Mama” is not me. Mama is Mimi.

So, let me explain. You will see from these pictures that there were an insane number of gifts under the tree this year for Christmas. And, as you probably guessed, 98% of them belonged to Brittain. For some reason, my mom felt it necessary for EVERY gift to have a bow on it. When I arrived on Christmas day, I heard it from Daddy. They were both up half the night…putting bows on gifts. She was so serious about it that any gift brought in without a bow were gifts that weren’t allowed under the tree. This included my gifts, of course, so they stayed by the sofa, away from the tree. Other family members that arrived experienced this same thing. Find another place if it didn’t have a bow. It was hilarious!

It really was a beautiful sight, all the gifts each with their own unique bow. I must say, though, bows or not, the day would have been just as special.

Each year we all find new things to be thankful for – the good health of everyone in the family and treasuring the time we are able to spend together. But, there was no denying that this year was even more special. A new life was among us – the innocence that Brittain has, her learning new things, and spending time with the people that love her the most.

It was a beautiful Christmas indeed!

The twins, Duke and Brittain:

Brittain couldn’t help but be amazed at the number of gifts under the tree (and the beautiful bows :-)):

Fun with her grand-Pappy!:

Exhausted even before opening gifts:

Brittain was certainly the theme of the day. Can’t get enough of her? Well, you don’t have to! Aunt Susan supplied family members with items so that Brittain is never really that far away. Here, a tie for Duke:

Mousepads for Pappy and Mimi:

One last picture for the evening with Uncle Terry. Brittain had had enough!:

Another Brittain gift. Yes, it’s a shirt with her picture on it:

The day after Christmas. Brittain figured out that it’s a tiring holiday…especially 2 days of it:

This Christmas day was much more relaxing than normal. In the past, Dan and I have worn ourselves out traveling all over Griffin to be able to celebrate the day with both of our families. This year was a good one for a change with Brittain being here. Cecilia went to Boston this Christmas to spend it with Matt’s family. So, my family rescheduled and decided to have Christmas on the day after. The two days were wonderful…and relaxing. We were able to really spend time with each family.

We started out Christmas day with just us. Dan, Brittain and I had our own Christmas here. Brittain didn’t have much from us this year because we knew the rest of the family would take care of spoiling her for us. However, we did get her a Baby Einstein jumper which she absolutely loves!

Then we headed to the Gill’s:

Brittain’s very own horsie (from her Uncle Doug):

And her first car (from Grammie and Papa):

Before we left, Brittain gave her Papa kisses:

Brittain’s first Christmas Eve was a busy one. She attended church 2 times that day…which worked out well. She was able to get both of her Christmas outfits worn.

Christmas Eve morning, wearing an outfit from Mimi:

Christmas Eve night, wearing a dress made by Gramy. I think she knows she looks cute. What do you think?:

Brittain’s entire family:

Always the center of attention:

Brittain didn’t want the night to end, so we made a quick visit to Mimi and Duke’s where she was SO glad to see her Great Aunt Susan again:

She then took some time to play in her jumperoo (an early Christmas gift from Mimi and Duke):

Brittain then went to an after party at her own home (yes, she is a well traveled child):

Spending time with Jenn Gill:

All of the Gill cousins. It was the first time in 8 years that they’ve all been together!: