Babies first Christmas

I've always been a bit of a Christmas freak, but having your own kids really multiplies the magic and wonder of the holiday x100. It's almost hard to write about, and in fact I won't really because I bet my girls will know how to look through my blog when they're like 6 and I don't want to write anything I'll regret...
It was so fun helping Santa get ready for Christmas. When they woke up on Christmas morning we went in the nursery, changed diapers & nursed, then walked into the family room and waited for them to crawl in and find their Christmas morning surprise.

 The look of awe

 

and excitement

 We weren't sure if they'd really be that into it, but they immediately crawled over to the presents and went to town like they were born for it.

 They were quick to figure out that if they tore paper, there was a surprise inside.

They got a couple of my favorite childhood toys including the classic record player.

 Santa was good to them. :)

 chatterbox oldschool phone

 Daddy had to get them their first hoops of course.

 It was so fun to watch them!

 Playing with their loot.

 Santa gave them each a box of wipes to rip out, because he knows what they REALLY love.

  

 Then we got ready for church, why isn't Christmas always on a Sunday? It was nice after presents to be reminded of the true reason for the season, (and it's only an hour long!) :)

 I wore my engagement dress & sang in the choir- so Brad was on his own sitting with the girls.

 I'm a lucky girl to have such a wonderful family to celebrate Christmas with!

'Twas the night before Christmas

 On Christmas eve we celebrated with my family and enjoyed prime rib, the nativity, the traditional Christmas pinata, and a special visit from Santa! Since baby Hank got sad during the nativity, June stepped in to play the role of baby Jesus- she loved being the center of attention and receiving gifts from her cousins of gold, frankincense, and mire. 

 Mrs. Clause comes on Christmas eve which is an extra special treat.

 The girls first gift was their dolls from grandma, and Santa gave them some really cute Christmas board books that light up and play Christmas music.

 Looking at grandma's beautiful tree.

 We got home from the party and put the girls in bed, we were tired but the night was young for parents everywhere and it was our first time getting to coordinate with Santa to make the Christmas magic happen!

 dollies.

 gingerbread house.

 cookies & milk.

meeting santa (we KNOW him!)

 

Going to meet Santa. Such an epic event that every parent looks forward to. It's one of those parental moments you dream about, and it really was fun! :) As usual we made sure to err on the side of being over the top in order to ensure the girls had the best experience-they met Santa a total of 4 times. (In all fairness 3 were just coincidence.)

SANTA #1 

 A darling Santa at Disneyland, but this didn't count of course because it was in November.

They were totally intrigued by him though, they said they'd keep their eye out for him next month.

SANTA #2

 

We headed over to officially meet Santa in December near our house, Mr. real beard Santa was very nice.

 

But as soon as June saw who was holding her she was not a fan of old St. Nick.

Lyla was all like, "what's up with that?" She kept hugging him & staring at him.  

But they got along before they met eyes.

SANTA #3

We just happened to run into this free Santa and let me tell you- third times the charm! This was the REAL Santa, I believe in him. Definitely not one of his helpers.

 Would anyone but the real Santa sweetly quiet baby Lyla like that? Nope.

 Or comfort terrified baby June so sweetly? I think not.

 It was magical.

 Totally worth the cold wait in line...

 At least there was pretty views.

SANTA #4

And then at my family party on Christmas Eve Santa came again to give all the little ones their first Christmas gift.

 June was beginning to warm back up to Mr. Clause by Christmas Eve, she could taste the presents.

 And Lyla was as comfortable as ever.
It's fun seeing that magical little relationship of your kids with Santa begin to develop. They had so many chances to get to know him this year, hopefully they'll feel like old friends by next Christmas... ;)

Christmas memories

 Christmas with babies was absolute magic, I'll share about Christmas morning later, but here are a few pictures after we decorated the tree.

 They loved playing with Christmas bells.

And every morning the first place they'd go is to the Christmas tree. They'd climb up on the presents and look at all the adorned branches. It kinda makes me sad thinking about it...we should keep a fresh tree in the house year round. lol.

 The Hagens were sending out a sports-themed Christmas card so these were a couple of pictures we took for that.

 Daddy and his girls.

 This is one of my favorites: June's adorable stare, Lyla's sweet yawn, and proud daddy's smile.