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| Merry Christmas! |
We had a wonderful Christmas season this year! Last year, I was scheduled to have surgery a few days before Christmas, so we were anticipating that I would not be able to travel. I ended up not having the surgery (I developed mastitis that day, and had 102 degree temp in pre-op. I got IV antibiotics instead of my wound being cleaned out), but we still stayed home. It was so nice to be at our own home and start establishing our own traditions, so we decided to stay home again this year.
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| Zoo Lights with Mama |
On Dec. 23 we went to Zoo Lights, to see the Zoo decorated for Christmas. Most of the animals were not out, but we did see the giraffes and the jaguars, as well as walk through the reptile house. It was a lot of fun, though it was hot! Florida weather is so funny, we were sweating in 80 degree temps two days before Christmas, now we're cold in 40 degrees less than two weeks later.
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| Zoo Lights with Daddy |
Christmas Eve was super busy for me, but Ellie went to school for a half-day. After school, we went to Church. After dinner, Ellie opened her two Christmas Eve presents -- Christmas pajamas, and a Christmas book (this year, "Goodnight, North Pole"). Then, it was time for Ellie to go to sleep so Santa would come visit.
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| Ellie after Christmas Eve Mass |
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| Opening Christmas Eve presents |
On Christmas morning, Ellie woke up to find that Santa had come! He brought her an art table and two stools. She can color and paint at the table, and it's just her size. She got a lot of other great toys and books, and had so much fun opening her (and our) presents. My cousin Zach who lives nearby came to spend the day with us too, which was really nice. All three of us woke up congested, so I was glad I had done most of my breakfast and dinner prep the day before. I was able to rest most of the day, and we still had some great holiday meals. All in all, Ellie had a great second Christmas, and we can't wait for next year, when she'll have a better understanding of what's going on.
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| Yay! Santa came! |
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| One happy little girl |
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| Opening presents... |
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| ...but, the best part is all the empty boxes to play in! |
