We didn't buy heaps of presents this year. In fact, we didn't have any presents under the tree. Instead, we bought a family present. When Nicholas was 2 weeks old, we had professional pictures taken by Wild Spirit Photography. We fell in love with the pictures and decided that we would buy them and call that our Christmas present this year. I've already warned Ryan that next year, when we're back in CA, I might go a little crazy at Christmas since it's my favorite holiday and since Nicholas will be older and might enjoy unwrapping a few gifts. But, this year, I was happy to have the photos.
The 10 photos we purchased for ChristmasNicholas and I started Christmas day by watching Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer while daddy had a bit of sleep in. Nicholas seemed to be really paying attention and enjoying the movie. But, when the Abominable Snowman appeared he wanted out of his bouncy chair and to be held by mom. Funny how even at such a young age, he can get scared.
Later, after Ryan woke up, we watched old home movies from Christmas 1981 and had a bit of a laugh. After that, Ryan and Nicholas took a 2 hour nap in the bedroom and I had some alone time and was able to rest up a bit before we made our first family Christmas dinner. Ryan BBQed a whole chicken, and I made garlic mashed potatoes, stuffing and a green bean casserole. Nicholas went to bed early, and Ryan and I were able to enjoy dinner with a glass of home-brewed Belgian Triple. It was a perfect end to our first family Christmas.
A few days before Christmas, Marg and Howard invited the three of us over for a nice Chrissy dinner of slow cooked lamb, roasted potatoes, fresh green beans and the most delicious hot, lemon pudding. We dressed Nicholas up in his Christmas outfit and elf hat, and Marg took some family photos of us.
Later, after Ryan woke up, we watched old home movies from Christmas 1981 and had a bit of a laugh. After that, Ryan and Nicholas took a 2 hour nap in the bedroom and I had some alone time and was able to rest up a bit before we made our first family Christmas dinner. Ryan BBQed a whole chicken, and I made garlic mashed potatoes, stuffing and a green bean casserole. Nicholas went to bed early, and Ryan and I were able to enjoy dinner with a glass of home-brewed Belgian Triple. It was a perfect end to our first family Christmas.
A few days before Christmas, Marg and Howard invited the three of us over for a nice Chrissy dinner of slow cooked lamb, roasted potatoes, fresh green beans and the most delicious hot, lemon pudding. We dressed Nicholas up in his Christmas outfit and elf hat, and Marg took some family photos of us.
Our First Family Christmas Photo
Mama and her Santa Baby
Marg and Me...and Howard being a goofballAll in all, in was a fantastic 1st Christmas. It was a little bittersweet knowing that it'll be our last one in Australia, while at the same time, we were excited knowing that next year we'll be surrounded by family, many of whom will be meeting Nicholas for the first time. So, as we think about taking down all the Christmas lights and decorations, we smile knowing that the next time they're put up, we'll be back home in California celebrating with family.
