Christmastime in '09!

I feel like I am finally coming up for air after all the hustle and bustle of the holidays. I knew this Christmas would be special because it was Lucy Mills' first. But I have to say that I am already looking forward to the Christmases to come where she will have more of an idea of what is going on and be able to participate.

Our first Christmas celebration was with my small group Bible study. I have mentioned this wonderful group of women before. We meet Tuesday mornings for fellowship and to discuss the book The Mission of Motherhood. Both the book and this group have been a HUGE blessing in my life as I have adjusted to life with my sweet baby girl. We have lovingly referred to our group as "The Baby Girl's Club" because between 8 of us there are 9 baby girls! Fellas better watch out once these babes start walkin' and talkin'! Here is a picture at our last get together in December...

That same week I hosted a dinner party with my other Bible study/group of girlfriends. I have been friends with these ladies for several years now and I was in a weekly Bible study with them. But after Lucy Mills came on the scene her nighttime nap interfered with me participating in this group. But lucky for me I still see these girls often. And three of them are expecting babies soon! This group has been such an encouragement to me and I am blessed to call them my friends. (Alicia - we missed you!)

Before we headed to Georgia, we celebrated Christmas with my mom and she surprised us with a wonderful family gift! You see, ever since I tried to find the perfect wedding photographer to capture our wedding, I developed an interest in photography. I am drawn to pictures that tell a story and that allow you to see the personality behind the photograph. Once I had a child, I wanted to be able to take great pictures throughout her childhood. While I have been saving to buy a nice camera (one better than the point and shoot Trav bought the day I went into labor!) Suggie surprised us with the Canon Rebel Xs. Thanks Suggie! I am enjoying figuring out how to work my new gadget!

So as Christmas drew nearer we loaded up the car, this time with presents in tow, grabbed this little punky

and headed on the road again to the Masons. We enjoyed a relaxing, family-filled, eating extravaganza, unending present opening, movie watching, loving on Lucy Mills time. Did I leave anything out?

We enjoyed introducing Lucy Mills to the rest of the Mason family in Georgia and Alabama.
Here is Travis and Lucy Mills with her Great Grandmaw Mason... Trav and I helping LM open up some of her presents...(we had to rent a uhaul to get them back to SC! )

Uncle Daniel and Lucy Mills - all the single ladies, Daniel is available! And he even looks cute first thing in the morning...see?

Lucy Mills "talking" to her Grandmother and Grandfather testing out her new "Sassy Seat" loving her new tummy time mat

So after our time in Alabama, we headed back to SC to have Christmas with my dad. Sadly I did not take pictures ( I think I was so tired and brain dead by this point), but I will post some soon of his birthday celebration!

After being away during the holidays it's always nice to be back home in your own bed. Even Maggie Mae can attest to that...

All in all, I can say that the three of us are incredibly blessed. Travis and I are still in awe of our little girl and enjoyed having her here this holiday season. I am also thankful to have such wonderful family, especially two sets of grandparents that love us and Lucy Mills. Thank y'all for everything you did this Christmas to make it so special. Lucy Mills is a lucky little girl to have family that shows their love for her in countless ways. I will never stop telling her how loved and adored she has been, even before the day she was born.
Love,

Lil