Treat Bags

Thursday was the last day of school before Christmas break.  Macie had a Christmas party at school and Gavin and Lilah had a party at Miss Julie's house.  When we got home, I let the kids open up their treat bags and show us all of their goodies.  

Mrs. Wassmer's gift

Macie made a bunch of ornaments this year.  They decorated their tree at school and then brought them all home on the last day.  She also did a book exchange and ended up with a really neat book.  I'm sad that I missed her party, but was super busy with mine in my own classroom!

Chuck-E-Cheese

The night of Lilah's birthday, we went to Chuck-E-Cheese for dinner and fun.  Macie and Gavin were so pumped because they've been asking us to go there for a while now.  Grandpa, Grandma, and Aunt Allie met us there.  We had a great time.  The kids were able to see Chuck-E and Santa!  I can't believe my baby is one.  Next up...her big birthday bash on Saturday!!

Gavin wanted to touch Chuck-E but got a little freaked out when he got super close.

 Santa talked to each of the kids and gave them a candy cane full of m&ms.

Happy Birthday Lilah!!

Wednesday, December 19th was Lilah's first birthday!  I got her out of bed around 5 when she started fussing and we cuddled for a while.  For breakfast, she had pancakes and she ate every bite! Before we left, we let her open the card from Grammie and Pops and a present from us.  She could have cared less about opening them.  We had a rushed morning, before heading out to daycare and school.  Lilah was able to take some Santa Mickey cookies to share with her friends.  She had a great day.  I was a little upset/grumpy all day.  I just can't believe my baby is 1 and I don't have a baby anymore:(

That night, we went to Chuck-E-Cheese to celebrate Lilah's birthday.  I post about that next!

 Why are you taking pictures of me eating breakfast??

 There was $1 in her card from Grammie and Pops!!

We just got her a book and a microphone.  We usually don't buy them a huge present because we throw them a party and always do something special on their actual birthday.

Dear Lilah

Dear Lilah,
I don't even know where to begin this letter to you.  After your sister and brother were born, I'd convinced myself that I'd be OK if I didn't have anymore children.  Deep down, I knew that I wasn't done, but we were already so blessed, I didn't want to be greedy.  Then, I found out I was pregnant with you.  I was definitely overwhelmed and stressed about having three children three and under, but overjoyed at the thought of adding another precious life to our family.  My pregnancy with you was the most challenging yet, but I grew to love you more and more each day.  I was convinced you were a boy, but pleasantly surprised to hear you were a girl.  You have completed our family perfectly.  I can't even put into words how complete I now feel.  Until you came, a piece of my heart was missing. 
You are my serious baby and take everything in.  You study things and people before giving them the OK.  You are super smiley around people you know.  You are ticklish, cuddly, and a Mama's girl!  You can also be demanding and stubborn.  I have no idea where you got that from:)  I'm so thankful we've survived the first year and I look forward to many more years to come.  I can't wait to find out who you become and hear what you have to say.  I wish the absolute best for you and will always be your number one fan!  I'm so proud to be your mommy!
I love you to the moon and back,
Mommy