Dear Santa

Dear Santa,

I have been a very good girl this year - or at least, that's what my Mommy and Daddy tell me. I am not sure what all this Christmas stuff is about, but I think it sounds like fun - especially the ripping paper part. I love to rip paper, especially the covers of Mommy's magazines.


This year, could you please leave me a few special treats underneath the tree? I would really like some more footed pajamas, a cell phone of my very own so I won't break Mommy's (I like to chew on it), some things that make lots of noise when I shake them, and lots and lots of bananas and sweet potatoes.


Please stop by the houses of all my friends at daycare - Colin, Ethan, Stella, Max, Jillian, Claire, and Clayton - they have all been good this year, too.

Please be sure to fly your special reindeer up north and visit Aunt Rachel in Boston. Mommy tells me she is working at the hospital over Christmas and that she can't come home. I miss her and I think she needs something extra special underneath her tree this Christmas.


One last thing, Santa - can you please look out for all of the little children of the world? I hope that all little kids everywhere have full bellies, warm beds, snuggly pyjamas, and lots of hugs and kisses from mommies and daddies that love them as much as my Mommy and Daddy love me.



Mommy didn't get to make any cookies to set out for your visit, but she tells me there is a carton of peppermint ice cream in the freezer in case you get hungry.

XOXO,

Alexandra Grace Davis

p.s. Please leave a fresh mint bone for Pearl - she's awfully sweet and gives me lots of kisses but she has some real stinky breath.

Hey Mr. Postman....

Ryan and I joke that we know we are getting older because our collection of Christmas cards from friends with pictures of their children keeps growing as more and more people we know start families. Of course, we are no exception ... I can't wait for our Christmas cards to get here this weekend and to fill them with some cute photograph of Alexandra. Here's a picture of the cards I picked this year - you can get this or another great design here.

So Crafty

I finally stumbled upon Etsy this past year and have become a devoted fan of the site, constantly finding incredible items to lust over. What is Etsy? In case you haven't checked it out, Etsy.com is a website upon which the general public can sell or buy handmade items. There are literally thousands of sellers showcasing everything from pottery to furniture, jewelry to clothing, and on and on. Here are just a few of the beautiful items I've stumbled upon in the past few days:

Beautiful Baby Booties from Bubblegirl Knit


Colorful Stuffed Octopi from Happy Whosits


Tutti-Frutti Baby Bird Slippers from Piddies


Sun Kissed Bud Natural Soaps


Custom Silhouette Print from Le Papier Designs

Twelve Days of Christmas

We have already set up our Christmas trees (yes, I said trees, we have two!) for the holiday, but I always love searching for new festive decorations. Here's a few items I adore (and note how the first few all revolve around the 12 days of Christmas):

12 Days of Christmas Plates from Rosanna


12 Days of Christmas Ornaments from Crate & Barrel


12 Days of Christmas Ornaments from Land of Nod


Red and White Polka Dot Dishes from Rosanna


Gold and White Capiz Pear Ornaments from Crate and Barrel (these would look gorgeous on my "fancy" tree which is covered in cream, gold and chocolate brown ornaments!)


MERRY DECORATING!

Early Christmas Toy

In anticipation of all the photo opportunities coming up in the next couple of weeks, Ryan and I went ahead and got a DSLR camera, the Canon Rebel XS to be exact. As you'll recall, I've been slightly obsessed with getting my hands on a DSLR camera for some time. I had researched it and had narrowed it down to the Rebel and the Nikon D60 - after a lot of thought, and hearing the pros and cons of each from the very informed salesman at Murphy camera, I opted for this baby:


I started reading the instruction manual this weekend ... you know you're in trouble when some of the terminology used in the "Getting Started" chapter makes no sense to you whatsoever! I definitely need to sign up for one of the introductory classes offered at the camera shop. With that being said, I have thankfully been able to figure out some of the basics of the camera and have captured a few shots of my favorite subject. Even with my VERY limited knowledge as to the ins and outs of this camera, I'm already thrilled with the quality of the pictures I'm getting. I think I have found a new hobby...now if I could only find some time to carve out of my schedule to develop this hobby!

Here's some of my handiwork:

Adventures in Solid Foods

Who would have ever guessed that you could have this much fun with strained green peas??