Christmas

Maggie and Leah opening identical presents.

Wow! This was the present of the day that each child wanted to touch.

A funny little story about these shoes. Maggie got black shoes to go with her black dress that Grandma/pa Bixler bought her. We needed the shoes before Christmas so Maggie had worn them several times (including that morning). When she opened the present with her shoes, she was so happy and wanted to try them on immediately. I guess with young kids they can be surprised by the same gift over and over again.

This picture summarizes our Christmas fun. Whew, by the end of the 4 days, someone was tuckered out. Though Christmas went by quickly, a good time was had by all!

More Christmas

Christmas with the Lehman family

Since Maggie has been on TPN, she has made leaps and bounds in her motivation to walk. Here she is preparing to stand up while using her Christmas present.

She's up! What a big girl she is! At Christmas, Maggie didn't know how to get back down, but she is now lowering by herself. This is a great step in her strength and confidence.

More and more presents equals more and more smiles!

Arter Christmas

We spent time with my Mom's family celebrating Christmas.

Great Aunt Kristi and Uncle Jr. live on a farm and each time we go to their house, she spots out the animals. We managed to see some cows, cats, and a dog. She even had enough courage to pet the dog.

Brendan got a piano for Christmas and it was quite a hit for the kids.

Making Pizza

I think the highlight of Maggie's day was making pizza with her cousin's Stella and Mira. They spent quite a bit of time putting the toppings on the pizza and serving it.

I think this picture sums up how happy Maggie was. You don't get a smile from her often, and you rarely hear her say "cheese."

Christmas Day

Christmas day with the Bixler family!

Last Christmas Maggie was not at all interested in opening the presents, but this year, she really enjoyed it.

Grandma Bixler tried to get a picture of all the grandchildren. Unfortunately, the grandchildren didn't all cooperate. Maybe next year...

Our family Christmas

Maggie got starbursts in her stocking so in her pictures she looks like she has a mass of something in her mouth. The funny thing is, not many of the presents were a surprise because she shopped with me and even managed to play with some before the big day, but she was a good sport and acted surprised regardless.

We opened up Christmas presents Christmas Eve because we were going to visit family for the rest of the weekend. I think Maggie's favorite present was a Backyardigan's dvd. We have watched it daily on repeat ever since. Nothing like promoting bad habits to a 2 year old.

My Helper

We have graduated from the floor to the counter when helping me cook.

And the wonderful thing about the dishwasher is that Maggie pulls herself up!

Maggie has become like many other two year olds, which I am so happy to see. Anytime Maggie exhibits "normal" curiosities, I smile and then try to get a photo. So, here are a few pictures of Maggie "helping" me in the kitchen.