Houston and Lovington Christmas 2008

We had an extra special Christmas this year with little Bella here! Last Christmas we were dreaming and praying about a baby...what a difference a year makes! We first went to Houston to spend time with Mike's family. Nanny (Mike's grandmother) made his stocking when he was a little boy from things off of Susy's and her sisters stocking. This year, Susy made Bella her stocking with Mike's stocking and spelled her name with the "E", "L", and "A" from "Michael" on his stocking. That will be a neat tradition. Grammy also got some good rocking time and play time in with Bella. Thanks Grammy!!


PawPaw (Mike's dad) gave Bella a workout every day and taught her how to jump and stand and bounce. I think she got stronger during those times! PawPaw also showed Bella the trees and flowers and birds outside.
We also enjoyed seeing the rest of the family. Bella loves her Great PawPaw and so do we!
And, Meemaw had a way of putting Bella to sleep rocking!

After Houston we picked up Allison in Temple and headed to the Land of Enchantment (aka. New Mexico). Nana made the traditional breakfast casserole. yay!! We grew up having that and opening our stockings in the morning and then opening up the big presents that night after christmas dinner. And, it was goooddd! Nana had some special times with Bella and the first feedings of the day. Thanks Nana for letting Mike sleep in and me go running with Allison.Nana and Granddad bought Bella a CUTE jungle playmat that she loved! She was reaching up to touch the butterflies and learned how to turn the music on. Yes, we are proud and think she's brilliant. She would smile and coo while she was playing on that too. Here's a cute picture of dad and two of his girls. I couldn't resist sleeping on my dad while Bella was sleeping on me. Thanks mom and Mike for capturing the moment. Granddad seems to get lots and lots of smiles from Bella. She must love him as much as I do! Mom and dad gave me some of my baby toys, books, and clothes for Christmas. I still remember reading some of those books and had fun listening to mom tell stories of the other outfits and stuffed animals. And, of course my sista and I had tons of fun running around Lovington in the mornings and playing around with Christmas hats. It was a great Christmas with lots of remembering and new memory-making!