Merry Christmas !!!!

and what a wonderful Christmas it was!!! We celebrated Christmas eve at my friend Kathy's home and my FIL's home. We had a blast of both !!! At my FIL's we arrived at the exact same time as my SIL and her family. What a joy to see them all again, and to give Nicole's belly a rub. We all ate, talked, played, and DANCED !!! It was amazing to watch the cousins all play together. Bella fell in love with both of her boys. It was so sweet to watch how affectionate they were with each other. Kyle was Bella video game and dancing partner. Carter was her running and climbing up the stairs partner. So many laughs and smiles !!!Little man loved all the extra snuggles and he was full of smiles for everyone. We ended the evening with opening presents, we LOVED all of our gifts from Grandpa Freckle. He truly does spoil all of us. Frankie and I hurried home put the kids to bed, finished up so last minute "Santa" gifts and away to bed we went. Both kids slept in until 7:30am YAHOO!! The best present I could have ever received. Frankie and I waited for Bella to come out of her room. The look on her face and in here eyes, I will never forget it. This is the first year where Bella actually "gets it". We sat and opened present for over an hour with both kids. Santa was very good to them. We hurried and ate breakfast then we headed over to my MIL's to celebrate with a Christmas brunch. We had a fabulous time. We opened more presents, ate, and laughed. Nicole took some of the first pictures of all the cousins together. My daughter was actually the one just sitting there, she was so tired. But I bet some of them turned out great!! We then headed home for naps and assembly of all the gifts. We literally spend the rest of the evening opening boxes, putting together, and finding a place for everything. Our little family had so much fun !!! We are going take it easy today, as Bella, little man and I are still feeling under the weather. But are looking forward to a nice weekend. Merry Christmas!!!
I took SO many pictures..so these are just a few, I will send out an email later with all of them.

Do they know it's Christmas time....

is the only Christmas song that my husband will listen too...or should I say the only one he enjoys. The day after Thanksgiving I program all the radio stations to Christmas music!!! He puts up with for me...for the holidays. I think he really kinda likes it.

We have a BUSY past few days. Actually the kids and I have been super busy. Thursday the kids and I ran some last minute errands. Then Thursday evening we had Bella Ballet Christmas Party. The entire Trifilio clan went and and we had a wonderful time. It is the first class I had been to in a while, since Frankie typically takes her. I was IMPRESSED on how well Bella has all the steps/positions down. They did a new "reindeer" dance in class, she watched it once and new the entire dance the second time around. WOW!! They start learning their recital in January. Very exciting! We just ordered her first dance costume. We then all headed over to Shogun's to celebrate my FIL's birthday. It was so nice to see everyone and celebrate such a happy occasion. Little man LOVED all the extra snuggles from his Chelo. Happy Birthday Grandpa Freckle!! Friday the kids and I got all dressed up and went to our playgroup Christmas Party. FUN FUN FUN!!! Almost the entire group was there, plus a couple of new members. The kids and I had a great time!!! We had lots of food, gift exchanges, great conversation, and great friends. You can't ask for anything better, as I'm always reminded on how amazing all of these women and their children are. Something I'm truly thankful for. Friday evening we went to a wonderful cocktail party with some friends, and we had a fabulous time. What a great way to start the countdown to Christmas. Saturday Daddy was SUPER busy helping out Grandpa and Terry, so the kids and I enjoyed some new toys and played. I then tried to finish up some power shopping last night, but arrggg I forgot one gift. I have to head back out today.

We have so many exciting things coming up...Christmas of course, but most importantly we get to spend quality time with family !!! Our Haun family is coming and we can't wait to see them!!

Our Bella moment of the holiday season. She is OBSESSED with the nativity scene. She actually refers to them all as "Jesus", and it isn't uncommon to find them in her dollhouse, her bed, and all of her other hiding places.

A GREAT DAY!!

A quick recap of the past few days. This past Friday I took Frankie and Bella to a fun indoor inflatable playground with our playgroup. Bella LOVED it and played non-stop. Frankie enjoyed watching all the kids running around. Bella was a bit bummed she couldn't do the rock climbing wall, but fun was had by all. Saturday we hosted Frankie's office Christmas. It was a HUGE success. We had a wonderful time...good food..great conversation...great friends is just a recipe for a fabulous party. Bella and little man were also a huge hit ;-) Sunday we all bundled and dressed up and went to celebrate Aunt T's birthday. I dropped off the family and headed back out to try and finish up the last of our shopping. Mission Complete!

On to this week!!! Monday I dressed Bella up in an ADORABLE outfit for school. It was her Christmas program practice. She did GREAT!!! Then we hurried home for lunch and then back out again for Frankie's 6mth check-up. His lungs were great, breathing much better, and weight gain is improving. He weighed at 13lbs 10.5ounces and 26 3/4in in length. At 6 months Bella was 15lbs 9ounces and 26in in length. The doctor wants us to continue to work on the weight gain. We return for a weight check in 4 weeks. Tuesday my friend Kris came over with her kiddo to play and work on Teacher Christmas presents. Thank goodness for our Crafty fairy godmother our finished products turned out great. On to today...A) all Happy Birthday Aunt T !!!! B) We are SOOO excited to having a new little "boy" cousin C) Bella's Christmas program was AMAZING. She did such a wonderful job singing and dancing. I still have tears in my eyes just thinking about watching my little angel growing up way too fast. Grandma Bird and I hung onto each other sniffling away. We then went Bella's class to celebrate Jesus birthday and exchange their books. Bella loved showing off her grandma and brother. We then headed home for some much needed rest. We have another busy couple of days ahead of us with Ballet, Ballet party, another Christmas Party, and the list goes on. (I will post pictures of Bella performing soon, but they are on my MIL's camera).

Bella was so tired after school on Monday. She just past out!

At her Christmas Program walking up to the stage!

This truly has been a wonderful day!! I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Catch up !!

Most importantly...Happy Birthday Carter !! We love you !! Uncle Frankie, Aunt Amy, Bella and Baby Frankie

We had a pretty good weekend !!! We spent some much needed quality time with Frankie's mom. Bella LOVED assisting Bird in the kitchen, coloring, and playing tea party.

Monday Bella went to school and had a great day !!! I'm so lucky that she loves her teacher to pieces.

Tuesday we had a busy day we went to Jennifer's to try on some new outfits for Bella. It was so much fun to watch Kayla and Frankie play together. They both were mesmerized by each other. Then later that afternoon we went to a playdate at the park. Bella LOVED it! and mom loved the fact that she ran off tons of energy !! We had a great time and great conversation with my moms from the playgroup! Of course our day isn't complete with some type of Bella surprise. While I was feeding Frankie she found her "lipstick" aka chapstick, and proceeded to apply....all over her face. Good times !!

Wednesday was one word COLD !!! Bella, Frankie, and I BUNDLED up to take Bella to school. Brrrrr!! Then Frankie and I ran to the post office to mail our Christmas boxes. (I still need to finish Christmas Cards) Poor little man by the time we got home finally warmed up, we had to be back out again picking up Bella. The kids and I had a nice warm/cozy lunch. Then to our surprise around 3ish it started snowing. WOW!! After a couple of phone calls I bundled Bella back up again to take her out to play in the snow. She LOVED every second of it. She was in complete awe, and just kept yelling snow! I think I had just as much fun taking pictures, laughing, and watching my little girl with her first snow. We spent the rest of the evening retelling all of our stories to daddy as soon as he came home !!!

Today..I'm really going to try and get my Christmas Cards out. Then start working on the house to prepare for Frankie's office Christmas party. Yes! we are hosting...I'm such a sucker for Frankie's begging smile.

The past 24+ hours....

I just had to share a few of the events that occurred over the past couple of days. Wednesday night Frankie came home from work and wanted to take Bella outside with him to work on the car. I was in the kitchen feeding little man so I told him to put her pants (on the couch), shoes, and socks on. (She is very proficient at removing her clothes now) Well...about an hour later they both come inside and Isabella is wearing a pair of capris. ???? I told Frankie that she had worn jeans to school, and where did her get the "skin-tight" capris. He said "on the couch"! I move in for a closer look and he had put Baby Frankie's pants on her. I hadn't laughed that hard in FOREVER!! Obviously Frankie's pants were SUPER big on him, but all hubby could say was "Oh that was why they wouldn't button and so tight, and why her stomach is so red" I just about died of laughter...reason #7,426 why hubby isn't aloud to dress the kids.

As most of you know my princess can have a bit of a temper. Thursday morning she wanted to eat breakfast again! I told her no and that she had to wait for snack time. Apparently she learned how to open the child locks on the pantry (Yes we had to install them, because my daughter would eat of us out of house and home), and brought me a box of her cereal. I told her to put it back, nope she dumped the entire box on the couch. Needless to say I was none to happy....The joys of parenting.

Fast forward to last night...Bella waltzed into our room about 1am. I was too tired to put her back, and she proceeded to toss and turn and roll etc. Finally I picked her up to talk to her as she only wanted mommy to touch her. She goes "Shhhh mommy daddy is sleeping!" My little princess always looking out for daddy's best interest. She must be under the impression that I can run on pure caffeine alone.

We have a full weekend ahead with a "Family Playdate" for our playgroup, Family Pictures, I need to make Bella's ballet teacher Christmas gift, baking, Christmas cards, shopping, pictures with Santa etc. The list just goes on and on!!

Thanksgiving Week

WOW!! What a wonderful holiday weekend. Here is a recap of our festivities.

Wednesday 11/26 - Baby Frankie had another Doctor's appointment and that went well. He lungs have improved some but no where close to 100%. We received more steroids and orders to continue the breathing treatments for another thirty days. The kids and I then patiently waited for my family to arrive. Once they did mom and I hit the kitchen running and final cleaning of the house to prepare for everyone.

Thursday 11/27 - Happy Thanksgiving! My mom, sister, and I woke up and again hit the kitchen. We had a wonderful morning cooking, laughing and enjoying family. Everyone arrived at our home at 5ish and we were sitting down eating by 5:30pm. By far the easiest Thanksgiving without any hiccups at all. We were joined by my parents, brother, sister, Frankie's sisters Kim & T, Tiffany's boyfriend Mike, Terry a family friend, Frankie's dad, his mom and her friend Tom. A great time was had by all !! Even during the A&M football game. We spent the rest of the evening cleaning up and resting.

Friday 11/28 - Happy Birthday to me !!! I spent the early morning of my birthday shopping. Best buy wasn't to bad, but Toys R Us was a mad house. I always say never again, but I know I will be back out there next year. I came home to everyone awake and a wonderful birthday breakfast. We literally spent most of the day lounging around the house, watching movies, playing scrabble, and enjoying a few cocktails and a visit from Aunt T & Mike. It was wonderful to be surrounded by my family on my birthday. Bella and Baby Frankie even picked out a beautiful Little Mermaid card for me ;-)

Saturday 11/29 - The day of Christmas !!! I finally talked hubby and my dad to decorating the outside (and it looks wonderful). Then my mom, sister, Bella, and I put up the tree and decorated the house. It looks stunning and I have to admit one of the best yet. My mom and I enjoyed a quick trip to the store, we both really miss tootling around together.

Sunday 11/30 - This was our day of quiet. Everyone left early in the morning to avoid the traffic. So hubby, the kids, and I enjoyed a nice quiet day at home. We played games, colored, and listened to Christmas music. Quality family time!

That brings us to this week. Bella went to school yesterday and had a great day. Baby Frankie and I stayed at home and watched our new Uverse being installed. I'm still bummed we lost everything that was on our DVR :-( Isabella is finally getting out of her "whiny" stage, but she still has a TEMPER! I'm hoping that this too shall pass, but lord her mood swings are something. She is still singing constantly and mostly Twinkle Twinkle to practice for her Christmas program at school. She has now memorized several books and loves to read them to me. Bella hasn't lost any of her confidence and loves to be the center of attention at any given moment. I still can't believe what comes out of her mouth on a daily basis, and how much she is growing up. She answers me in full sentences, comprehends what I say and ask...just amazing. Just last week some of the favorites were "Daddy I'm talking to you" and "Mommy I need a bath I stink" and just yesterday out of no where she ran to baby Frankie shook his hand and said "Nice to meet you little man" (I always call Frankie my little man). Also when we were walking to the car after school she said "Brrrr it's cold AND windy mommy!" Out of the mouths of babes. I do have to admit it pulls on my heart a bit that her brother ADORES her. He follows her every move, and Bella is definitely a fair weather sister. When she wants to play with him she is great and then when she doesn't she cries if he breaths on her let alone touches her. Hopefully they will have a close bond when their older. ;-)

My little man is doing well. His lungs are improving finally and hopefully that means weight gain will soon follow. He still loves to laugh, coo, his exersaucer and rolling. He is now getting up on all fours and rocking. I think he maybe crawling by the New Year. He now has a total of three teeth. Thankfully he loves his baby food and green beans being his favorite. He definitely will be like his daddy and does not like sweets very much. To top it off on MY birthday he said "Dadadada" yeah for me !! Daddy was over the moon.

That about wraps everything up. We still have a busy week with MDO, house stuff, last of the Christmas shopping, etc.