Christmas gatherings.

This Christmas was a rough for the one. She ran a temperature of over 102 at one point on Christmas day, and she just wasn’t herself – throwing up, tired, crying lots, not taking her bottle, clingy, just generally unhappy. I thought for a while that she was just teething {no teeth yet}, but the day after Christmas, it became clear that she was suffering from more than just teething. Her pediatrician said it’s just a virus, so we’re still riding it out. {Prayers appreciated for a quick recovery.} We caught a few glimpses of my happy little girl over the holiday, but for the most part we saw a lot of this…

We have big families, and local families, which translates into many Christmas gatherings. The first was my mom’s family….

This was the weekend before Christmas, so the little one was still feeling decent…

My sister made gifts for my uncle & cousin that were toy car back rub shirts for their three little boys. Super cute…

Next up was the annual Christmas Eve breakfast at Eugene’s family’s house. I am so blessed to be a part of his family. Love these guys. {So much.}

Ahh, baby jeans & ruffle socks. :)

 

We opened gifts from the siblings on Christmas Eve. I received an amazing gift from Eugene’s sister: a calendar with scripture and my photos on every page. {Brought me to tears.}

She was so cute opening her gifts…

And even cuter napping in her “first Christmas” shirt…

Later that evening, we had our candle light Christmas Eve service at church. There’s something pretty incredible about a church full of individuals holding burning candles, lights dimmed, and everyone singing acapella “O Holy Night.” {He is truly light in a very dark world.}

Here’s our annual Christmas Eve family photo. The dog’s in it; he just wasn’t super cooperative…

And of course, the cousins had to pose in their pretty dresses…

After Christmas Eve service, my family came over, and my dad read Twas the Night Before Christmas and we opened our annual pajama gift from “Santa’s Elves” {aka my mom.}

She’s such an awesome present…

Christmas morning, we sang happy birthday to Jesus and read Luke 2.

Opened stockings…

Opened gifts. This year, I did four gifts: something she wants, something she needs, something to wear, and something to read. {Saw the idea online.} I liked the structure of it because it kept me from going overboard and also missing the purpose of Christmas.

The pup was pumped for his stocking loot…

Once we finished our Christmas morning, we headed to my parents’ place. Can you spot the spoiled loved grandkids? ;)

From my parents, we headed to Eugene’s grandparents’ and from there to Eugene’s parents’. By that time, the little one was in full-fledge fever mode. Poor thing was stripped to her diaper to cool her off, but she still managed to {kind of} enjoy opening her gifts…

We were blessed with so many wonderful, generous gifts…

But this is by far, my favorite gift this year: my family.

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14 {GOD WITH US!}