Annalise had her acting debut as Baby Jesus at our church’s Christmas Eve mass. It was such an honor for our family and an occasion we’ll remember fondly each holiday season. Here she is snoozing in the manger.Here is a short video of the processional as Father Kevin (the priest who married us 5 1/2 years ago) carries her to the altar and places her in the manger, where she slept the entire 90 minute mass…quite a feat considering she wasn’t closing her eyes more than 45 minutes between feedings the two days prior! Daddy and I were seriously sleep deprived for the holidays, but seeing our little princess behave so angelically made us forget about that for a little while.

Tommy and Annalise ham it up for the camera in their matching PJs on Christmas morning. Tommy gets the biggest kick out of the two of them wearing the same outfit! Santa was very good to both kids this year…Tommy received more cars and airplanes than a little boy could ever ask for and Annalise got some new pacifiers and crib toys. It was a joyous morning for us all…if only we could all see the holiday through the eyes of a child.

“Oh, that’s right…the STORK brings babies, not SANTA!”

Snuggly and cute in her little seat.Wearing her holiday best. The beautiful little shoes were a baby shower gift from Aunt Cindy, unfortunately she wiggled them off her feet the moment I got them on. Guess I need to teach her a thing or two about the importance of fashion over comfort someday! She wasn’t a huge fan of the headband, either, but Uncle Derick has taken to calling her “Mrs. Burns” in homage to the Simpsons character with a similar hairline, so the bow is a way for her look to scream little girl before she grows pigtails. Please schedule an intervention if you ever catch me strapping a big flower to her head, though!Posing with Grandpa Tom and Big Brother Tommy. What a dapper group!Mommy, Daddy, Tommy and Annalise on Christmas Eve.

Here is a picture from Great Grandma Lucille and Grandpa Rick’s visit.

Here our little princess poses in one of her many pink ensembles. She’s finally growing into some of her clothes! The hat is becoming a necessity, as the temperature has dropped and so has her number of follicles. Yep, she’s going bald just like her big brother did, but she’s sporting a nice little mullet in the back.

Annalise had her first “date” with her boyfriend Charlie Agulles last week. The two were born exactly one month apart (Annalise is the cradle-robber here!) and their time together proved to be a real snore. Perhaps the sparks will fly later?

I took Annalise and Tommy to visit Santa December 9 at Town Square Las Vegas. Tommy was kind enough to share Santa’s lap and show his little sis the ropes of getting what you want for Christmas. She just snoozed while she got cuddles from Santa.

Annalise enjoys “Tummy Time” with Daddy, Mommy & Tommy. Actually, I think Tommy likes it best…he’s constantly saying “Mommy, it’s TUMMY TIME!” He really likes to be involved with his sister, which is such a blessing. This photo was taken in late November. I hope to get around to taking a few more pictures this week and updating her blog accordingly. We’ve had a lot going on.