Feels Like the First

Technically, this is our daughter's second Christmas, but it feels like the first. Last year we celebrated Christ's birth with a baby. This year we are celebrating Christmas with a TODDLER!! She is so much more aware, and curious about life. Watching your child's face light up with joy and excitement as they experience something new, for the very first time, is one of my favorite things about being a parent.

Last year she wasn't talking, so we didn't hear her point and exclaim, "Star! Star! Star!"

Last year she wasn't walking (or crawling,) so we didn't have a little helper when decorating the tree.

Last year she wasn't interested in decorations, so we didn't experience her mesmerization by Christmas lights.

Last year she wasn't pretend playing, so we didn't have the joy of watching her play with the nativity set.

Last year she wasn't eating sweets, so we didn't see her eagerly scoop Christmas sweets into her mouth. (In moderation, of course.)

AND...

(I wish I had a video of this)

Last year she wasn't dancing, so we didn't see her excited version of "Jingle Bells," i.e. rapidly running in place while ringing a bell.