Santa, Sirens,Screaming, a Whale and Some Wailing

Heading to see Jolly Ol' Saint Nick on our turf.

Posing for Daddy's camera.

Practicing her new scrunch-face smile.

Livi in the calm before the storm.

Here he comes!

Livi checking him out.

Here he is!

And there she goes!

We heard the loud Christmas music booming from the streets last night. At first, David thought our neighbors were blasting the Charlie Brown Christmas song. Then it clicked what the festive tunes meant. "Santa's coming!" David yelled. And then I ran around crazy with Olivia because I had just changed her and she was in a shirt and diaper only. "Santa is coming," I repeated. We ran downstairs and I grabbed a blanket to wrap her in since the wind was whipping and it was about 20 degrees cooler than it had been during the day. We could hear the music but couldn't yet see Santa so back inside we went to get Olivia some pants.

Moments after we ran back outside, we spotted the flashing red and white lights leading the fire truck. The truck was covered in multi-colored Christmas lights and Santa sat high upon it. "It's Santa! It's Santa," I said enough times to annoy even a 9-month old. Olivia stared at the illuminated sight. Then the siren screamed. So did Olivia. Santa's helpers gave Livi a cute stuffed whale and gave us each a candy cane and a sweet memory. It was no Bedford Santa but it was still very cool despite our crying little one. Thank you Tarpon Springs firefighters.

Olivia Meet Santa, He's the Dude in Red

Livi looking cute and patiently waiting in line.

Ohhh her new shoes.

Sitting while Santa takes his dinner break.

Finally. Olivia, meet Santa. You're gonna like him!

For Olivia's 9-month birthday we dressed up our baby girl in her adorable plaid Christmas dress, matching beret, tights and new patent-leather shoes and ventured out to International Plaza in Tampa to introduce her to a very special, magical man: Santa Claus. On this wet Saturday evening, with my parents in tow, we headed to the line we already knew would be long. Unfortunately, we were right and even had to sit through Santa's 30-minute break. But it was worth every minute.

As we slithered through the line, Baby O checked out her knew shoes and kicked them off. And then kicked them off again. Fortunately, though, when it was time for the big introductions, she was in full Christmas attire.

Daddy plopped Livi on jolly ol' Saint Nick's lap and she immediately turned and stared at the bearded dude in red. She didn't look scared. She simply studied. And he just studied her, too. Then, she turned around, clearly remembering Mommy and Daddy but couldn't seem to see us right away. Then came the tears but quickly we called her name and she looked around and spotted us. The result is a half-smile, half-cry picture. We love it.

Counting Our Blessings On Olivia's First Thanksgiving

Even with a runny nose, Olivia still smiled on her first Thanksgiving.

Sharing a moment with Uncle Richie.

Getting a little post-Thanksgiving dinner push from Uncle Rich.

Flying high with a couple of clowns.

Loving the slide.

All bundled up during a walk around Spring Bayou.

Dear Olivia,

On this Thanksgiving and for all those that follow we were and are thankful for the day you were born and each day that you bring us more joy than we could have imagined. We waited so long for you, Baby Girl, that it still seems like such a miracle you are here. We are truly blessed and give thanks for you each day. You have been such a wonderful baby and you are growing up so fast it takes our breath away. But the way you are flourishing also leaves us breathless. You are so smart and vibrant and seem to love life so much. You wake up each day with a smile on that sweet little face of yours and it is rare that there is any other expression on it, except perhaps for grand curiousity. Your giggles are contagious and are better than music blasting in our house. There is no better sound. You are a very funny baby girl. There is no doubt that you love to laugh and make others laugh, too. Even at this young age - nearly nine months - you understand what it is to laugh and to share it with others. We have no doubt you know exactly what you're doing to get a reaction. You have a strong personality that is all your own and it is beautiful. You are a true gift to all who know you but most of all you are the best gift ever given to us. And yes, you are the gift that keeps on giving. We love you more each day. Even when we think we couldn't possibly love you anymore, you grab us by our hearts and lift our spirits even more.

Loving you more than words could ever express,

Mommy and Daddy