December

December was a whirlwind.  But isn't it always, when you have a newborn :)  Abby kept growing so big.  

Christmas was really fun this year because Ellie really "got it".  Michael and her went and bought a tree together in the freezing wheather.  She was so excited.  They did a great job.  It was a very beautiful and very "pine" smelling tree.  I love it when they actually smell good.  It was very strong at first but then died down as the days progressed.  It was really fun this year to decorate for Christmas.  I did it with Ellie this year and tried to explain the meanings of all the decor.  I can't say she listened too intently, but it was still really fun.  She was so excited and full of "WOW"s.  She especially liked playing with the cresh from my childhood, which was fun to see since I loved playing with it in my youth as well.  However, Ellie just isn't too soft on things and after a while, I soon found baby Jesus's head detached from his body.  SAD!  In her defense, it didn't look like the first break.  It was still shocking tho when I went to move the body and the head stayed in the manger!  We got it glued right back on in no time.  So ya, she loved playing with all the characters and making them chit chat and so on.

After Christmas we spent a week in Utah.  It was fun.  I spent a lot of time with Abby as she didn't feel so great while we were there.  A bit colicky, poor thing.  But we made it through.  Below is the cousin lineup.  Caden (next to Abby) is about 5 1/2 months older than her, and as you can tell, off the growth charts.  So its funny to see them side by side because he really is a double of her.  Haha.

The things this girl puts together for "outfits".  So funny.