christmas 2016

We had such a great Christmas this year that I barely took any pictures! It was so fun to watch Margo play with her new toys and all of the wrapping paper and ribbons, but it was even more fun to spend a lot of time with family.

We spent Christmas Eve at Alex's parents with all of his siblings. Then we spent Christmas morning at our house- just the four of us (Moose counts) and Christmas afternoon we left for my parent's house. Alex went back to work Tuesday and I stayed in Salem for the week and so did Becky and her kids (Jared worked too). While we were there we played with all the Puricelli cousins, relaxed and hung out with no real plans or agenda.

My aunt Jeanne and uncle Bruce from Virginia came Tuesday and then on Friday Jim and his family's flight came in and Alex and Jared came back from working. Friday night all of the adults went to dinner at RARE in Mt. Vernon and it was delicious; Alex is still talking about how good his steak was!

We had a great holiday and I am so thankful that we had the opportunity to spend so much time with our families and relaxing. Now that the New Year is upon us, we'll have to see what 2017 has in store!

Margo wasn't thrilled...

...at all 😁

Grayson & Jansen playing in the best toy they could ask for- a big box

playing with her alligator

I got Alex a pizza peel and he got me a record player!

Margo was a great little helper

We couldn't forget Moose- he got a new antler, rope and of course a festive treat 

We hope you had a Merry Christmas and that you will have a great New Year!

2016: a year in review

2016 year has flown by, it seems unreal that we're just hours away from 2017! We have had such a wonderful, full year. Our more notable events of the year were Margo's early February arrival and getting used to having a new member in our little family, I was a bridesmaid in two weddings (both of my Amanda's got married this summer), we took a trip to Lake Michigan with my side of the family and we have spent a lot of time with friends in and around Edwardsville. It has been one of our lesser traveled years, but we have had so many great new adventures!

I cannot wait to see what 2017 has in store for us! 

Happy New Year!

January 2016- Baby Shower

February 2016- Margo's Birthday!!

February 2016- going home from the hospital

March 2016

April 2016

May 2016- Amanda & John's wedding

May 2016- Amanda & John's wedding

June 2016- Amanda & Patrick's wedding

June 2016- Amanda & Patrick's wedding

July 2016- Lake Michigan

July 2016- Lake Michigan

July 2016- St. Louis Art Museum

August 2016- Edwardsville Rotary Criterium

August 2016

September 2016

October 2016- Halloween with Princess Leia

November 2016

November 2016- Thanksgiving

December 2016

December 2016- Margo's baby dedication at Trailhead Church

December 2016- community group gingerbread house competition 

margo: ten months

We have had such a great year, it's surreal to think that our sweet Margo is 10 months old! She is weighing in at 18.6 pounds, 27 inches long and her little noggin is 41.6cm. Her appointment at the endocrinologist went really well and all of our prayers were answered. The doctor saw no cause for concern and thinks she is a healthy little babe. As long as she is growing and her growth is following her growth curve (even if she is on the small side), she should be fine. She is meeting her milestones at or ahead of the average and is right on track.

We have a crawler!! She has been crawling all over and has started pulling up! She proudly claps for herself after she sneezes, sits up, crawls, finds a new toy and for Moose when he walks by. She is becoming so much friendlier with strangers and flirts with almost everyone who gives her attention. It has been so much fun to watch her grow and develop her own personality. She is definitely a mama's girl.  When she's tired, hungry, crabby, etc. she wants me to be there to comfort her. It's a curse and a blessing- I know I'll miss it when she doesn't want me anymore, but it does make it hard to pass her off to others when I need a minute away.

She loves food and eats whatever we're eating (unless it's spicy) and she still loves bananas and cottage cheese. She wants whatever toy Moose is playing with and loves her little piano. She hasn't paid too much attention to the Christmas tree so I'm thankful we didn't have to have a battle of wills. I'm excited to continue watching her grow and learn. This year has been so much fun, I can't wait to see what 2017 has in store!

we went for a walk and I forgot her mittens, she didn't seem to mind my gloves

she likes to help me with laundry 

merry christmas

Christmas is by far my favorite season of all! I love the nostalgia of the season, the crisp air, all the jingling bells, the giving spirit, copious amounts of cookies, twinkling lights, cheerful carols and mostly the celebration of Jesus' birth.

My prayer this year and for all Christmases to come is; as we parent Margo that we can teach and model the importance of this season beyond the giving and receiving of gifts. I pray that we can share the importance that God chose to send Jesus to redeem us from our sins. It is such a celebration and deserving of all the joy and merriment!

We hope you have the merriest Christmas and enjoy spending time with friends and family, eating the copious amounts of cookies, singing and jingling!