Katharine Lange: Arwyn Week 28: The First Christmas

Arwyn had her very first Christmas this year. Her favorite part was definitely all the crinkly wrapping paper, but she also got some good new toys that she enjoys chewing on. Arwyn was a very good little sister, letting her big sister Leia open all her presents without making a fuss at all. She also came outside to play in the snow with us, even though it wasn't particularly fun or comfortable for her. She's such a good sport though, always willing to try new things! We learned this week that Arwyn likes to party; she kept waking up during our dinner parties at Nana's so that she could come to the table and dance and be held by everyone...way better than sleeping! Finally, Arwyn's been a champ at rolling over for a couple weeks now, but she finally had her first roll onto the tummy in bed! She's still sleeping on her back, but has rolled onto her tummy several times upon waking up.

While it was literally Arwyn's first Christmas, it was figuratively a first Christmas for Leia as well. This was the first year that she knew or cared about who Santa was, the first time she was really excited about receiving gifts, and understanding that this was a special holiday. It was really fun to watch how excited she was about everything, but also hard to see the "more presents" monster emerge with a vengeance! The Kolpeks arrived the day after Christmas, and Leia was so excited to have her big cousins in town, especially Jordan. The first thing she would say when she woke up was "Where's Jordan?!" Leia has been singing up a storm, and she's going crazy with making up her own lyrics and ad-libbing a tune as she goes...so fun to hear! She's also telling her own stories a lot. She'll open up a book, and start reading: "Once upon a time in a land far far away..." and the story goes on from there. I love seeing her creativity blossom.

A couple really funny Leia stories for the week: When we were putting her to be at Nana's one night, she changed up the routine by insisting that BOTH Mommy and Daddy want to sing. So the three of us got in a little hug circle, with Josh holding her, and Leia's arm wrapped around me (she did that on her own, by the way, melted my heart), and Leia proceeds to announce "It's our whole family!" It was such an intimate little moment, and it warmed our hearts and blew our minds that she was able to recognize and verbalize the same sentiments we were feeling. Then she sent us into fits of laughter when she requested we sing "Los Fandangos," the song with all the "L's" that she normally doesn't like because it's too hard. And she knew it was funny to us because she was laughing as she requested it! Finally, she got this little magnet dress up mermaid, and when she was changing out the bikini top, she said "And this one goes on her breast milks." So funny what they pick up when you are breast feeding a little one around them!

The scene from above on Christmas morning!

Leia's extra stocking.

Leia's main stocking.

Arwyn's stocking.

And Leia's matching stocking...yes, that makes 3!

Sunny and the Creche.

The final results of our first family gingerbread house.

And tree #2, also stocked with presents!

Santa brought another pretty outfit for Leia to wear today, given to her right in bed!

Arwyn spent most of the morning supervising the chaos with her Nana.

Showing Poppy some of her cool new Frozen paraphenilia.

This wrapping paper stuff is awesome; tastes good and makes great noises!

Ohhh, hello new friend. You seem kinda big but I just want to eat you!

Wahoo, new Elsa robe...just what she's been needing for the hot tub!

Emmett was more interested in climbing stairs than opening presents. But hey, it's Christmas, to each his own!

Practicing sitting up while inspecting some of her new presents.

Happy little guy was full of giggles, smiles, and showing off his silliness after waking up from his nap at our house.

Emmett spent the afternoon hanging with the Transues. Little did he know he was going to have to do some work, like help put Leia to bed.

More presents on Christmas Night...digging deep for the goodies at the bottom of the stocking!

Jake and the Neverland Pirates fruit snacks...big score!

Relaxing with Dad, again just watching the chaos.

It was a good stocking: Jake fruits and 2 new Willows!

Merry Christmas Nana!

This cute guy just makes me smile!

Emmett finally decided he might like to open a present, maybe two.

Poppy handsomely displaying his new wares.

Excuse me Dad, but I think I'll take that please.

Not quite doing this on her own yet, but sure looks cute trying!

Push ups are more Arwyn's thing.

Wow, have you guys seen this? This is a great rug!

She only likes to wear "soft jams," but now she's the proud owner of a "soft dress." Thanks Noura, I think we might be onto something here!

Arwyn's first time rolling onto her tummy while in bed!

Little flirt loves her some Daddy kisses!

Yep, this party is way better than sleeping!

Tongue contest!

Let's dance!

Checking out the manicured slopes...looks like it's going to be a good day!

First time up the Magic Carpet for the season.

Excited to be back on the hill and going fast, trying to remember how to stand up and lean forward.

Fun ski day with both mom and dad!

Hallelujah this sport is awesome!

Two little bad-asses taking a qick break and assessing the situation.

Auntie M is here to collect her big squeezes!

Arwyn says, "Goodness Carter, your swollen face from last visit really healed up nicely!"

Cousins!

All sorts of selfie action going on here!

Uncle Kole and the girls.

Wrapped in her new family blanket snuggling with her daddy.

After being rescued from a horrible session of bedtime tears, I didn't think Emmett was ever going to let go of his beloved savior Poppy.

At age 6 months, it is still possible to fall asleep in an uncomfortable backback on a cold morning while your sister sleds and your mom dives into the snow attempting to fend off a potential collision.