Baby's First Christmas...sort of.

Merry Christmas! Although today is December 25th and technically Christmas, we didn't actually celebrate Christmas today. Todd had to work today and he has to work tomorrow too, therefore we're gonna celebrate (as a family) Christmas on Sunday, the 27th.

So, tomorrow night (the 26th), we're gonna put out cookies for Santa, read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" and do all the pre-Christmas traditional stuff for Violet and Scarlett. Then Sunday morning, we'll open presents like it was Christmas.

Today however, I took Scarlett and Violet to church for Christmas mass at St. Mary's Bascilica. It was such a lovely and beautiful celebration. Violet and Scarlett were able to join several other children in the processional, it was such an honor. They were each handed carnations to give to baby Jesus (in the manger scene they had on display in the church). All the children were dressed in their Christmas best (including S and V), and it was simply darling. I wish I had taken photos! : (

Then we got to sing Christmas carols with the choir and pipe organ (my absolute favorite!). Then the homily included the children again. We got to go up and sit at the alter while father Vincent told the children a story about candy canes, then he handed each child a candy cane. The whole mass was practically magical. A perfect xmas mass, I'm so glad I got to take Scarlett to mass for her first Christmas. We'll probably go again on Sunday after we open up presents.

After mass, we went to visit my uncle Ron where Scarlett tasted her first tamale. She loved it! (she is 1/2 Mexican, you know). I need to make some of my own, because she really seemed to enjoy it.

I took this picture of Scarlett standing on her own tonight. She pulled herself up on Violet's table, and proceeded to steal a wedge of grilled cheese (which she's eating in the top picture) which she nibbled on. I can't believe she'll probably be walking before her 1st birthday. She is doing so well. I am so grateful that I get tears in my eyes whenever I think about everything she's been through and how thankful I am to have her in my life. I will post more pics of our "real" Christmas on Sunday.  But for all intents and purposes MERRY CHRISTMAS!