Before I forget (although it's already going)

Dear Parker,

I think that Christmas Eve may have been my favorite day of 2011.  I know that we are well into 2012 at this point, but I wanted to take a couple of minutes and write about what an amazing day we had.

We spent a good part of our day in jammies.  We made cookies, had Christmas music dance parties and played.  We also ate a yummy dinner that Mom made!

Decorating cookies

Enjoying your hard work

We finally got dressed and ready for church.  You were so excited to wear your red dress with your “fancy” coat (which unfortunately I didn’t get a picture of).  We left for church pretty early because we didn’t know how crowded it would be.  This left us sitting in the sanctuary for about 30 minutes beforethe service started.  You were so well behaved. 

 You loved the music (and there was lots of music.)  I will never forget you singing along to all the hymns – even if you didn’t know all the words.  You kept asking when we were going to sing again.  You also kept asking when we were going to get bananas.  Turns out, you thought that communion wafers were bananas!  Too cute.  You were even interested in the readings and when the reader read something about Jesus being wrapped in cloths, you got all excited because you and the baby Jesus have that in common – cloths!  I was trying not to laugh.  You were so intent on being a good girl that when a boy (older than you, I should add) was making a bunch of noise and being taken out, you started to shhh him. 

I think my favorite part of church was when we lit the candles and sang Silent Night.  You are such a big girl.  You held your own candle and sang the song.  I was barely holding back tears.  I’m so grateful for you and our life.  You are a miracle, baby and I’m so proud of you and the big girl you are growing into.

On the way out, a woman commented that we had such a beautiful, well behaved young lady.  (You actually didn’t like that.  You kept saying that you were a little girl. Lol)

Before Church

You and me before Church

At home, you and Mom went upstairs and changed into special, surprise pajamas and then gave me a gift – special surprise pajamas for me!  You opened one present (books to read before bed.)  We set out the cookies and milk (and broccoli for Rudolph – you were insistent that Rudolph wanted broccoli and not carrots.) and called it a night.  You were so excited and ready to go to sleep. 

Right before bed.  You were so tired!

It was an awesome day.  I love you so much, Parker Alyse.  I can’t believe how big and mature you are becoming.
Love,
Mommy