Your very first Christmas, Ava!!

Your first Christmas was a very special event! We arrived in Quincy on December 23rd, to Nana Norma's house. We had such a good time while we were there! We laid low on the first night... went to Auntie Steph’s house to visit their family. You and Dulaney played on the living room floor. We ordered from Tower of Pizza... one day you will LOVE their food!The next day was Christmas Eve. We went for the annual Bower family lunch at Krieger's. You were dressed in the most adorable outfit! Everyone was commenting on how alert, calm and (of course) beautiful you are!

After lunch, we went to see Santa! You didn't cry at all! In fact, I think you were quite comfy lying there on his soft Santa suit! We got pictures of you with Dulaney on his lap... too cute!

After that, your Daddy and I ran a few errands before going back to Nana Norma's to help get some of the food in the oven/ put you down for a nap. Lord knows that our Christmas can wear people out!

Dinner was delayed (as usual) so we ended up eating late, which meant I had to put you to bed right around the time that we started to open presents. So your Dad and I opened a lot of your gifts for you. And boy, did you get some great loot! So many wonderful toys!

Your Nana made me a very special scrapbook.... all related to my pregnancy with you. It is amazing. I can't wait till you're older and we can look at it together.

When you woke up on Christmas morning you were smiley! I think you knew that Santa had come! You were so cute in your pack and play that I went to wake your Nana so she could see how happy you were! I'm pretty sure you stole our hearts (again) that morning. We changed you and fed you... and then went to see what Santa had brought you.

He brought you quite a few things must be because you're such a good girl! You got stuffed animals, rings, musical toys... he even brought me a book to help me learn how to teach you sign language! It was my most favorite Christmas morning EVER!

You really do make each day more magical. Later that day, we took you to my Daddy's grave. I wanted you to see where Papa Jack was laid to rest. We (Nana, your Daddy & I) asked him to look over you and make sure to protect you from any harm. I just know he was listening, looking down at your beautiful face. Oh, how he would have loved you! And you would have loved him, just the same. You'll meet someday, but not for a long, long while. :)

We laid low the rest of the weekend, not doing much but spending time with the family...and enjoying the beautiful snowfall. Everyone had to get their fill of you before we headed back home to Chicago. We got the best pictures of you!! I can't wait to show them to you!

I can't wait till next year!!