Did everyone have a nice Christmas?  We certainly did.  I have to tell you that I enjoy the Holiday season more so than any other time of year.  And now that my son is five years old he really understands the magic that Christmastime brings.  We have a few traditions at the Taylor house: Christmas Eve with appetizers and cocktails (I make my famous crab dip) is always at our home followed by an annual video spoof (created and acted by my nieces, Paige and Faithe) of the years’ silly events in our families.  It is hilarious, to say the least, and really the highlight of our evening. This year I made a homemade advent calendar for the kids.  It’s made of burlap and holds a special treat for each day (chocolate, small toys, etc) in the month of December.  I had no idea how much joy it would bring to Gannon and it inspired me to make more Christmas crafts in years to come.

Growing up, my mom was big on traditions, especially during the holidays.  Each year she made something for the Elves Gift Shoppe at St. Dominic’s and my sister and I would always help her.  We lit an advent candle each Sunday, we baked pumpkin cake and sang carols with my dad on his ukelele.  We still drink gluwein all season long and Christmas dinner is still roasted duck with dumplings…so delish!   Each year my grandmother would send a huge package from Germany filled with homemade cookies, gummi bears, stollen, Christmas outfits, ornaments, kids’ coffee, chocolate advent calendars, and presents that my siblings and I picked out from the german toy catalogue she’d sent months earlier.  My memories of Christmas as a child are so wonderful, thanks to my mother who made every holiday one to remember for her children.  It’s something that’s now instilled in me and certainly something I hope to pass on to my own kids.

As this new year unfolds I’ve been thinking about what I want to accomplish in 2012.  The other day I came across a list of goals I set for myself ten years ago.  Ten years ago?!  Is it just me or is time ticking away so much faster now?  It’s time for a new list.  I’ve already started…and I’m making a list of 5 and 10 year goals too.   It’s actually more difficult than I thought it would be!

Happy New Year to everyone…and PS. I’d love to hear about your traditions if anyone cares to share!

Christine Taylor Photography is having a sale the week of Thanksgiving.  Email or call me for details.

I blinked and the next thing I know you’re turning one.  It seems so unfair…a year that marks so many changes as you grow so quickly, goes by the fastest.  I’m holding on to every day as I know (inevitably) you’ll pass this baby phase sooner than I’d like.

Where has the year gone?  I can’t believe you are walking now…bravely taking two, three, sometimes four steps as you discover your ability to balance and walk.  You were born strong so it’s no surprise that you are doing things that keep me on alert.  You’re climbing out of your crib, your high chair, and your play center.  In fact, your play center has become an appendage but it’s not stopping you.  I can’t help but compare you to your brother because it’s all I know.  We never had to child-proof our home but the time has come…Finnley’s in the house!  And speaking of your brother, hands down he is your favorite person in the whole world.  No one makes you laugh like he does and you especially love when he chases you around the house.

Your first word was “Dada” and now you say “Mama” as well.  Sometimes you call for me from your crib upstairs…”Mama, Maaama, MaaaaaaaaaaMa!”…music to my ears, my love.  I’m teaching you sign language to help you communicate better.  The look you give me when I demonstrate how to say “more” or “bottle” is absolutely priceless!

You are a happy baby and you smile often.  Unlike Gannon, you love strangers and you’re very friendly.  You’re curious about everything.  To my dismay, you still have very little hair…it’s super wispy and very hard to find barrettes that will stay in it.  You have four teeth, two on top, two on the bottom.  Your favorite food is apples and you love your blankie.  We call you Finn, Finn Finn, Finney Finn Finn, Finnels, and Wiggle Worm.   And of course every sweet name there is for little angels like you.

I always dreamed of having a little girl.  To say that you are a blessing is a vast understatement.  Someday when you’re older I’ll tell you the story of how you came to be but until then, know that you are loved beyond measure, beyond the blue skies and rolling seas.  You are my sweet baby girl…you are mine…and I love you with all of my being.

I love the summer palette Tessie and Brandon chose for their wedding at the Jefferson Street Mansion.  The gorgeous bridesmaid and flower girls dresses were made by the mother of the bride, along with the bouquets.