Feliz Navidad 2011

Well, I've already failed at photo-documenting some of A's first holidays the way I wanted to, but such is life. Anyway...

I grew up with so many great traditions around the holidays that I am so excited about passing on through our little family. Let's start with Christmas Eve. Ever since I can remember, my brother and I were allowed to pick one gift to open on Christmas Eve. Under one condition...well, two. 1. My brother and I had to first read Luke 2 together [The Birth Story of Jesus]. 2. We had to sing a Christ-centered Christmas song together on video. This often led to a long decision-making process about what to sing & lots of laughter while singing {which drove my mom nuts I might add, but now we consider it part of the tradition--even if it takes 3 tries at singing until we're serious enough for my mom}. There were years I thought it was stupid, but as with many things, I have come to realize how important this tradition is in reminding us of the true meaning of Christmas. :) We also always got new Christmas pajamas that we would wear to wake up in on Christmas morning. Another good one.

This year on Christmas Eve, Roberto's brother, sister-in-law and our niece and nephew flew in from Puerto Rico, and I sang in our church's Christmas Eve service. {side note: I love my church} We then headed to my parents' to have dinner and just relaxed.  Also, my grandparents gave us each special gifts. They talked to us about how important we were to them and how important it was to carry on our legacy and establish a Christ-Centered home. Our gift was this Willow Tree figurine:

I love it.

We decided to hold off on our traditions until Christmas morning, because it got late quickly and everyone was tired. But for the first time, Roberto and I got to be Santa! It was so much fun getting out not only Anderson's gifts, but our niece and nephew's gifts as well. 

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care {waiting on Santa to arrive}!

Just after Santa stopped by our casa...

...And then it was CHRISTMAS morning!...6:30 a.m. to be exact.

Diego was just so thrilled! I couldn't get downstairs fast enough once I heard him squealing in excitement. Even if I was still half-asleep. ;)

Mia was also precious, as she enjoyed ripping wrapping paper off her gifts. She'll enjoy it even more next year!!

Our little sleepy head slept in until 9:30 a.m. {I was actually pretty jealous!} But I'm sure as the years fly by, soon we'll be waking up before the crack of dawn to watch him wait at the top of the stairs...then run down to see what Santa has brought him!

Here awaited some of Anderson's gifts. :)

Then our sweet boy woke up! He had no idea what was going on...

Diego helped open his gifts as Anderson just stared at all of us!

Merry Christmas, little boy! We love you! :)

His little reindeer butt...Christmas PJs are the best!

Thanks, Santa! I love my tambourine, all my new clothes, my TOMS, my snowsuit, and my new monkey. :)

We then went on to my mom and dad's for Christmas Brunch and more gifts. My brother and I read Luke 2, then sang 'Jesus Messiah' along with Roberto. {I'm sorry, but I couldn't stop laughing when you sang, honey...I'm still trying to teach you to sing in tune ;)} We of course argued about what to sing for 20 minutes, and of course mom got frustrated with us, but I turned to her and said, "Mom, don't get all anxious and angry with us... this is part of the tradition!" Ha.

Roberto's family also joined us and mom surprised Diego and Mia with little gifts of their own. :) What a nice grandma-in-law {is that what she is to them??} Anderson was definitely spoiled for his First Christmas. Thank you Gigi & Great Gramps for the dino walker, and thank you Grammy and Grandpa for my next car seat, my whale bath toys, teethers and clothes.

Looking handsome at brunch!

We spent the rest of our day relaxing back at home; playing with all the new toys, and preparing Christmas dinner. Roberto's brother, Gaby, made delicious pork, my mom made our two favorite casseroles, while I made the mashed potatoes and OF COURSE had the baked goods ready {That's my specialty}!

YUM. Peanut Butter Fudge. No Bakes. White Chocolate Chex Mix.

...And this is where I failed to take more pictures. I lose. Better luck next year. It was a wonderful Christmas nonetheless, and I am again reminded how truly blessed we are. We have amazing families, a beautiful baby boy & most of all...an AWESOME God. Thank you for sending your one and only SON.