Oh Christmas Tree

Christmas is coming, and we've been busy getting ready! Most of the presents have been bought (thank you, Internet!), the stockings are hung by the staircase with care. And yesterday we got out tree! We had originally planned to bring the babies with us, since we'd be outside, but it recently got SO freaking cold (I hate winter!) that there was no way we were going to bring them out in it. So Grandma Anne came over for a bit while Joe and I ran to the tree farm to pick out our tree. It was too cold to dally, but luckily we found the perfect Fraser Fir right away and claimed it as ours. In just a few minutes it was on the roof of our car and on its way home. After a little artful rearranging of furniture and baby gear, the tree was situated in the living room. We spent the afternoon stringing lights and hanging ornaments. Charlie and Lily really enjoyed watching me decorate, and they both helped a little when they could. Now we have a pretty, sparkling tree and it really feels like the holidays! Plus, there are sparkling lights everywhere you look! What more could Charlie ask for?

Not much else to report, which is good! Babies are both doing well. We've been spending our time playing, dancing and reading Christmas books. The other day I put in one of our Baby Einstein DVDs since Lily is always staring at the TV and both babies seemed to enjoy it. Of course, they'll stare at shadows on the wall for 2o minutes at a time, so who knows what they found interesting about it? But it beats indulging Lily's America's Next Top Model addiction all the time!

Lily is the star on the Christmas tree.

Ooooh, so very, very sparkly.

All ready for Santa!

These ornaments were a gift from blog reader Laura. Aren't they wonderful? I collect snowmen and love the S'mores characters. These are the sweetest addition to our tree yet. Thank you, Laura!

Our stockings, waiting to be filled!

Taking a break from decorating for a little snuggle.

Charlie and Lily helping out with some holiday baking. What is Lily smiling at? Her reflection in the oven door, I believe!

Charlie loves his time in the kitchen!

Charlie's revenge! After weeks of being a tasty snack for his sister, Charlie decided to give Lily a taste. Mmmm, Johnson's baby shampoo...