Frankie's First Christmas

So much chocolate. So many cookies. And so so many happy hearts and bellies. We had a warm and lively Christmas weekend brimming over with family and festive feasts. 

On Christmas Eve, Frankie's Nanna and Granddad hosted a lovely party which for the first time in a long time was attended by a tiny pack of babies - four of them under two - all giggling and teetering about like a little gang of cute. It is going to be such a treat to watch them all grow up together and grow into their already great big personalities. 

As I tucked the bug into bed that night, and contemplated her many future Christmas mornings, it made me a little sad to think of her rushing downstairs all by herself without a little brother or sister pitter-pattering after her, both nearly done in by the anticipation of seeing what Santa has left for them. Although we've talked about having another little bee down the road, the bug's first Christmas really helped me to appreciate how much life she'd be missing out on without someone someday to share all of her excitement and new toys with. 

Christmas day was everything we were hoping it would be. After waking up at five in the morning for the first time in a long time, our little elf fell back asleep until ten – probably the only time that will ever happen on Christmas morning. We headed downstairs and opened everything Santa had placed under the tree taking a little break between each present so she could see how it fit in her mouth and how it would do for chewing. After a quick clean up of both wrapping paper and baby we headed out to a delicious Christmas Dinner topped off with real plum pudding (dear plum pudding, where have you been all my life) 

On Sunday night we wound down from all of the holiday excitement with another long quiet Christmas lights and peppermint tea walk. Frances fell asleep early on and stayed snuggled to my chest as we crossed town and returned making it all the more impossible not to be taken by the incredible love and light and richness in our lives.

Christmas Eve Baby 

Christmas Eve Pod

(Photo by Nanna) 

She's just learned to clap and finds it so entertaining! 

You clap, she claps, you clap, she claps, you clap ... wash, rinse, repeat. 

Brightly coloured presents as far as the eye could see and these woven coasters were the most popular toys in the room. 

Christmas morning! Something for my mouth? Oh you shouldn't have. 

Little Red (Napkin Head) Riding Hood at Christmas Dinner.

Tasting the pretty storage stools from Aunt Beth 

Testing out the perfect winter sleigh from Nanna and Granddad