Birthmas.

Audra here. Just wanted to let you all know that what they say is true: Christmas birthdays are the worst.

Nobody takes time to celebrate you, because they're too preoccupied with the holidays.

You don't even get a homemade cake, just some grocery store cupcake that originally had a plastic martini glass stuck on it. And then everyone STARES at you like you're some kind of freak while singing an unintelligible song.

Seriously, lady. WHAT?

Okay, fine. I guess the grocery store cupcake wasn't that bad.

But no one bothers to dress up for your birthday dinner...or even smile at the camera for pictures. Just look at these weirdos. (Help, help, someone help. I'll just keep clapping until I get some help.)

You can't get the dang cards open, no matter how much you shake them. And no one buys you anything because they've already gotten you Christmas presents. I mean, look at that pathetic pile of "birthday" gifts. You know as well as I do that everyone split up the cost of my Christmas gifts between both holidays.

Plus the grownups hoard the real cake for themselves. Oh, and your mom forgets to take a picture until after she cuts into it, because you know, CHRISTMAS.

Like I said. The WORST.

Except for the cupcake. That was alright, I guess.

***

Audra's 12 month stats: 21lbs 1oz (49th), 31 inches (90th)

All I want for Christmas...

Is a decent picture of my children.*

Guess we might be a few years out on that one.

Though they seem to do better on their own.

As long as you don't expect to see their eyes. 

Gratuitous poofy Christmas dress picture. I may have squealed "LOOK HOW CUTE SHE IS" a hundred times at Nate on our way out the door to church.

She was. So so cute. (Thank you, Lord, for giving me a daughter. Really needed her.)

Not a creature was stirring...

 

Although this very excited little boy insisted he'd heard Santa on the roof the night before.

And what did Santa bring?

Just what Calvin asked for: Woody from Toy Story!

And Audra got her first baby.

 

I love their expressions in this one.

Calvin: "Don't even think about it, baby."
Audra: "Whatever, dude. I'm stealing your stuff as soon as you look away."

And steal it she did. Can't blame her, Reese's Pieces are far superior to goldfish and yogurt melts.

Calvin's excitement in these pictures is rivaled only by Nate's.

In a shocking twist of events, Audra didn't even crack a smile while opening her gifts.

Happy, entertained babies.

Good job, Santa. Maybe you can get me that picture next year?

*And a few things from the Boden 70% off sale.**
**And world peace. Obviously.

One.

Happy first birthday, baby girl. You've made our world more beautiful than we ever could have imagined.

Love you always.

Go Tell it on the Mountain.

After much practice at home and at school, Calvin made his second theatrical debut in the Sonshine Learning Center Christmas pageant — this year, as a shepherd. His class sang rousing renditions of Go Tell it on the Mountain, Away in a Manger, and Silent Night.

Preschool is worth the cost, if for no other reason than witnessing this 45 minutes of absolute chaos and total cuteness every Christmas. 

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2:8-11

Snow day.

I love a good snowstorm. There's something so sweet about being forced to stay home with the people you love.

Well, lots of somethings, actually.

Like watching your husband make your daughter giggle.

Teaching your son how to roll cookies in sugar.

Listening to the sounds of your kids playing...on their own and together.

And enjoying the snow from outside

And in. 

 

But nothing beats decorating the Christmas tree in jammies.

(Except maybe eating the cookies you taught your son to roll in sugar.)