Annabel's First Christmas

We had a wonderful and laid back Christmas for Annabel this year. What with the economy being the way it is, and in an effort to cut back, we tried not to go all out on the gifts for Annabel. And, as you know, I was encouraging our friends and family to give Annabel the gift of a college education in lieu of clothes or toys. For Chris and myself, just having our beautiful baby girl underneath the Christmas tree was all the blessing we could ask for. It was a very special Christmas for us.

Earlier in the week, Tia Ana came over to give Annabel a present for her to open before she went out of town.

What a cute First Christmas outfit! We all know how I feel about Annabel in hats. Irresistible! Thanks, Tia Ana!

Then... the big day! We get our sweet girl to open some presents under the tree.

Annabel discovers that she has some shiny packages under the tree.

A Christmas morning snapshot with Grammy.

Grammy helps Annabel open her present.

A book (among other fun things)! Grammy and Annabel check out her new seahorse book.

On to the next present! This one is from her sitter, Ms. Margaret.

And a cute onesie from JP! It says "Best Gift Ever." Ain't that the truth?

Annabel seems to be more interested in the box, though. I guess cardboard is yummier.

Another present from Tia Ana! Annabel helps Mommy open it.

Annabel gets a present from Santa. She is so excited!

Or, maybe she's just excited about the box. It's so big! And so yummy...

Annabel takes a break from all the present opening and scoots around in her new walker from Ba Ngoai.

Later that day, we went to my grandma's place to spend the evening with the extended family. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera, but fortunately Ba Ngoai took many pictures! So when I get them from her, I'll post them to the blog as well.

In addition to the photos you see here, there are many, many, many more in the online album on Photobucket. The password is annabel.

Annabel is growing and learning and moving around... she's changing so fast! I don't think I can keep up. I'll post more later on that. I just transferred some cute video too. In any case, I hope you all enjoy your New Year's! Looking forward to 2009!!

Cheers!