Berry Family: Lauren's 1st Christmas--2009

Oh what a wonderful Christmas we had with Lauren. It was filled with spending time with family, good Southern cooking and was more relaxing than we had anticipated. We packed up Eric's truck, also known as The Sleigh anytime we travel for more than 2 days with Lauren, and drove the entire 45 minutes to Chipley to spend the night for 3 nights at Grandma and Pa's house. This in itself was something new for Eric and I as we have driven from Gainesville or Orlando since 1999 to be with family for the Holidays. We decided to just stay in Chipley to make it easier with Lauren and afford us more time with everyone there.
The only thing that was a battle with Lauren was her sleep habits. Every night while in Chipley (then for the next week), she would wake up once or twice during the night. At first, Eric and I joked that she must be excited that Santa was coming but after a few nights we began to wonder if it was because of teething vs growth spurt vs "who knows"!

Lauren playing with Kerry the Fairy, given by Evan and Joel. See how well she is sitting up now?!

Lauren is sporting her high heel shoes and leg warmers given by Gabby and Fia. So cute!!

On Wednesday night, we went over to Aunt Nan and Uncle Dick's house to have a Christmas afternoon over potato soup and sandwiches. We never get to open gifts with them, but now that we live in Panama City, we can! It was nice to sit and visit and watch Lauren officially open her first Christmas gifts.

Looking at her baby laptop.

Aunt Nan and Lauren.

Uncle Dick and Lauren

Ready for her Christmas trip to Chipley

Christmas Eve night, we enjoyed dinner at Mama Lee's house. It was delicious and Lauren was the highlight of the evening. It is so fun to have a little one as part of our Christmas. It has been 12 years since Thomas Jay was a baby. We all took pleasure in watching Lauren eat her dinner and chew on wrapping paper.

Mama Lee and Lauren

You think Lauren has enough attention? What an audience!

Playing with Baby Huggums given by Aunt Tami, Uncle Bill, Mallory and Thomas Jay

After a bit of fussing, we stripped the tights and shoes off. With Mallory and Thomas

Pa taking it easy with Lucas and Lauren

Lauren on Christmas morning at Grandma and Pa's house. She is sitting in a red chair that belonged Daddy and Uncle Gabe. Santa Claus came and brought her a Madame Alexander Little Huggums doll, an activity table, stuffed bunny and a few other fun little toys. And for those of you who really know the "sentimental me", you know that it was hard for me not to cry Christmas morning during this moment! :-)

We spent Christmas morning eating breakfast and spending a lazy morning at Grandma's. Lauren playing with Aunt Stacie when we went to their house to see what Santa brought Austin, Isaac, Ethan and Lucas.

Early Christmas afternoon, we went to Gigi and Pops' house. Here she is opening gifts with Mitchell, Aunt Kay and Uncle Tyler

One of mommy's favorite outfits. Who wouldn't love satin lined wool pants in 6-9 months. Ha!

Lauren's stocking at Gigi's

By the end of Christmas Day, Lauren was a bit fussy and we had resorted to taking ALL of her clothes off...and it worked!! She was happy as a lark for a while after we did it.

The day after Christmas, we had lunch and opened gifts with Aunt Sarah, Uncle Lance, Aunt Stacie, Uncle Gabe, Grandma, Pa and the Berry Boys. Lauren loves to watch the boys play and she seemed to have a little bond with Ethan (3 years old). He asked to hold her quite a bit and she really liked sitting in his lap.

The Berry Grandkids

Taking a ride with Granddaddy on his golf cart. She loves it! They ride around the yard, look at the horses, pick oranges, and look at Missy the cat.

Aunt Jeannie and Lauren

Taking a ride on Pa's golf cart to look at the cows.

Daddy and his girl.

On the night of 12/26, Daddy and Lauren stayed at Grandma's house while I went to Wells Belles at Mel's house. This is one of my most favorite things to do all year long! I'm looking forward to the next one in June.