Christmas Time...Is Here

We are in full-on Christmas mode at the Eicholtz house. The tree is up, the Advent calendars are getting full, and gifts are even wrapped and placed in the 'Abby Safe Zone' as we like to call the top of our three-sided fireplace. Christmas has always been my favorite time of year and, to our delight, our daughter apparently shares this yuletide enthusiasm. Each morning, she leads us in our 'Christmas Rounds,' pointing and greeting each Christmas decoration we see. Allie is especially partial to the Christmas tree and our 'jingle jingle' Advent Calendar (our felt tree with Velcro figures and bells on the pockets), but she also gets pretty darn excited about Baby Jesus and his camels, our 'Friends' the Nutcrackers, Santa, and much much more. Here are some of the smiles from the past two weeks. (Oh, and in unrelated news...we've got a walker! 5 official steps is her max. She'll be driving Santa's sleigh by Christmas.)

Don't worry, Phriend. There's always next season.

Hey - I heard I have You to thank for all of this joy.  (Indeed, Al. Indeed.)

Allie's first pizzelle-making experience at Grammy and Grandpop's.

She busted out of her pack and play pretty quickly when she heard there were cookies to be tasted...

Especially ones as big as her face.

Every now and then she gets a 'shiver' of joy... not the most flattering, but they warm the heart.

It's an Advent playdate with Olivia and Brendan! One look at our girl's belly will tell you she clearly knows her way around a kitchen.

Below are some shots of Allie in her new favorite place to pass the time...within waving and pointing distance of the tree.

'Dat!'

Please...I just need a few moments to myself. I was never here.

So...tell me again how he makes it to all of those houses in one night?

More Christmas pointing...

and Christmas clapping.

You think if I'm real quiet...Christmas will get here earlier?

FORGET IT!!! WHO CAN STAY QUIET WITH ALL THIS EXCITEMENT?!?!

What's the count, Abs?

 

Abby isn't the only good-looking Abs in the house...check out my six-pack!

Who could hide these abs under a shirt?! They were made for gettin' DOWN!

Places to go, people to see. Later Mama.

Ummm...how do I get down?

Someone's finally settling down for a long winter's nap.