Oh, Christmas time!
The most magical time of the year.
All of us had such a wonderful holiday. I can't say enough! It was joyful. It was triumphant. It was a Christmas we're sure to never forget.
And it all started with a little visit from Santa Claus (a tradition we had to continue from last year)...
"Uh, Dad, I hate to break it to you, but you look ridiculous in that Santa suit."
"That silly beard isn't fooling anyone, you know."
"I can't believe Mom is encouraging this too."
"Now can we all go and open up some presents already!? Come on, people!"
Wait a second there, Belle! Since we're on the subject of presents - what's the most important gift of all?
The gift of life!
In the end, that's all that matters, right? The gift of health, family, and spending time with one another. Every Christmas is another reminder: being together is all that counts.
Flash-back to last Christmas. Arabella was seven months corrected. She was a tiny little thing. She still required oxygen support and her NG feeding tube.
Fast-forward twelve months and we're looking at a big girl. A girl who's gotten so much tougher and stronger.
A girl with personality...
A girl with charm, charisma...
And, a whole lot of ATTITUDE! 😂
Mom and Dad certainly have their work cut out for them these days, but Bella is one gift we can't exchange (nor would we ever want to!).
She's a keeper!
On Christmas Eve we went to Grandma and Grandpa's where Arabella got her first taste of the joy and excitement. She had so much fun unwrapping her presents. She was ripping and tearing like we've never seen!
Dolls were a huge hit this year. Here's Belle opening up her Belle dolly...
"Give a kiss to your dolly, Arabella!"
Muuuahhhh 💋
Arabella received so many wonderful gifts from our family and friends. You guys are truly the best! Thank you so much!
After Christmas Eve dinner we went back home and let Bella open some more presents (and some especially from Mom and Dad). There was just so many presents this year that we had to stagger them throughout the 2 day event! Ha!
One of little Bella's favourite...Little People! 😄
"Hey guys, are you going to help me get these out of the box, or what?"
Bella was loving it.
Then came Christmas morning. Nana (Kiera's mom) came over and my girls were busy again opening presents.
For a second it looks like I have two children! 😄
And here's Bella feeding another new dolly...
She's such a good girl. Sometimes she feeds her dolls in the belly, the same way we feed her!
Presents and more presents. It was all too much, to be honest!
Someone got spoiled, don't you think? But our family just can't help themselves. And who could blame them? They love Arabella so so deeply, and they remember everything that she's been through.
Just look at all those gifts. And that's not even everything!
Her face said it all.
Bella shouted, "This was the BEST CHRISTMAS EVER! Thank you everyone!!!"
💗💗💗
