December 6, 2011: It's beginning to look a lot like...

Christmas!  Well actually to back track a little, first it was Mal's birthday :)  We took her to lunch at our favorite Chinese place...

and then had crepes for dessert with the fam...

 Mallie has taught 3 out of 4 grandchildren 'sooo big'....

Okay back to Christmas...we started early this year, getting decorations out maybe a little before Thanksgiving ;)  Here's a glimpse...

 The boys watching Ice Age under the penguin blankie :)

Just in time for the holiday season, we got our fireplace going!  The only person who loves it more than me is Liam, especially when he gets to drink hot chocolate next to it...(I realize now that these pics look a little precarious, but I promise we are very careful with the kids while it's going!)

 Brynnie getting in the Christmas spirit :)

Bryn and Liam got a very special letter from Santa!  Via Georgia :)

Love traditions like our Advent wreath and calendar (which was Nick's growing up, so special that Liam is now doing it)...

and our Elf on the Shelf...this year we have two elves, Wassel and Holly...

Just as I did growing up, Liam and Bryn left their shoes out for St. Nick on the eve before his feast day.  He usually brings just a little surprise...like Cars 2 cars for Liam and Weeble cars for Brynnie...and a new Llama llama book to share :)

 And going out of the Christmas theme again...Bryn is now 13 months old!!  Still no teeth and still not walking, but who even notices anymore with all the amazing toddler things she is doing :)  She is still such a great eater (like the asparagus, salmon, couscous dinner she is eating here)...I can't imagine she's not putting on weight because she definitely feels heavier!  We still give her jars around her table food and whole milk, just to get some extra calories in.  She will finally drink out of a straw which a relief since she just skipped the sippy cup phase and expected us to hold a lid-less cup to her lips :)

We have put away all the 'baby' toys as she is now into all the big kid (and most of Liam's) toys, like the grocery cart, cooking in the kitchen, and of course pushing cars down the ramp :)

She has spent a few one minute increments in time out already unfortunately...I had to snap some pics of the first times :)  She's really good about sitting there (although very emotional) and then hugs and kisses me after.  Right now it's mostly for swiping at me or biting (gumming) Liam...hopefully we'll work all this out well before age 2!

And we always have puffs as positive reinforcement...you can tell she must be doing something right around here (and that they were on sale) :)  Love you Brynnie, can't wait to see more of that personality and learn all about the little girl you are becoming!