Atley giving her new baby "kisses". She's a very affectionate, nurturing little girl and loves giving her teddy bears and animals loves and kisses.
Christmas was different this year. Andy and I felt it would be best to stay in Bakersfield, so we did... just the three of us. It was peaceful, quiet, relaxing and actually really nice. We spent Christmas Eve with some of our good friends, the Fieldsteds, who live just down the block from us. We made a huge Christmas Eve dinner, cheesy potatoes and ham...the works, and we did white elephant, played games and watched Elf. We had a blast with them!
Christmas morning, we slept in. :) (since we don't have a baby that really knows what Christmas is yet) We took our time opening gifts, and it was so nice! The past year or so, Andy and I haven't seen much of each other between his business trips, callings in church, school and other activities. So it was truly nice to just be able to spend a few days together as a family. I felt like our family ties were re-united.
Atley riding her new elephant... I don't know what it is about this girl, but she LOVES animals! More than humans I would say... ;) She gives them lots of hugs and kisses, and carries them around wherever she goes. We got her a new teddy-blankie for her to sleep with, since the one she's had since birth is starting to look raggy. Anyway, I thought it would be nice to have a "backup" in case the one got lost. Well, that plan back-fired. Now she wants to sleep with BOTH of them all of the time. So now instead of keeping track of one teddy-blankie, I'm keeping track of two!!! The rule is: they don't leave the crib! :) Haha... if I'm lucky that is.
My baby's in NURSERY!!! Today was her first day, and she did so well. New dress, and new bow for a new stage of life. :( I have mixed feelings about it... I'm a little sad to be honest. This means my baby is finally growing up, and isn't a baby anymore. I handed her off to the leader, and she didn't cry the entire time... although I must say, she was VERy happy to see me when I came to pick her up. :) (always makes a mommy feel good to be missed a little)
Her new bow I put together this morning... not a good pic, but I thought I'd post a little something. I think it turned out darling.
Right before church... and NURSERY. :D
At the park last week on a beautiful California day!!! She's sooo happy at the park!
Atley just getting out of the stroller, ready to play hard at the park!!
The beauty of living in California during the winter months!!! It was gorgeous last week! And since we live right by a park (literally like 1/2 block away), we went and played for a while with our good friends Tam and Sadie. This is Sadie and Atley holding hands, playing on the equipment. They're so cute when they play together.
Chillin' in her cute LOVE shirt that she got for Christmas from Uncle Jess, Aunt Jen, Cayson and Lily. I think it looks so good on her!
So for the last two weeks, our family has been stricken with illness. :( We've all taken our turns with the stomach flu. Definitely not fun! Luckily mom was already mostly over it by the time Atley was sick with it. (phew) Anyway, here's Atley with a fever... just loungin' in her boppy and sippin' her sippy with her favorite teddy-blankie in her arms. I hate it when she's sick... I always feel so bad for her... but this is just adorable. 
