And a Partridge in a Pear Tree

Happy Epiphany! It's the 12th day of Christmas! And to celebrate, as well as express my gratitude for the wonderful Christmas season it has been, here's a top 12 list of awesome things from our holiday...

12. Chicken Foot

This Dominoes game seems to be mandatory at gatherings of James' family. It's a variation on Mexican Train and the way my in-laws play it, there is a lot of drinking, a lot of playing the Chicken Dance polka song on someone's cell phone, and the occasional deep philosophical discussion.

11. Our First Date (Since Calvin's Arrival)

James and I went on our actual first date over 8 years ago to dinner at a Thai restaurant and then to see Spider Man 2 at the theater near my parents' house. So it seems fitting that our first date post-baby was to the same theater, this time to watch The Hobbit. We knew Calvin was in good hands with my parents, so it was great to spend time just the two of us! I wish they didn't live so far away because I know they'd love to babysit more often. My mom was practically shoving us out the door to get to spend some quality time with Calvin!

10. Holiday Lights at Atlanta Botanical Gardens

So gorgeous!! We went with my parents.

9. Santa Babies

Two of my very dear friends in Georgia both had babies this December! I felt so lucky to meet both their brand new boys while I was in town. The babes are beautiful, and I'm so proud of their mamas! Congrats again, my dear friends!

8. The "Baby's First Christmas" Outfit

This is outfit is from my first Christmas almost (but not quite!) 30 years ago! My brother also wore it 8 years after me. I didn't think it would fit Calvin because he is so teeny for his age, but apart from the legs being a bit long, it actually fit fine and he looked totally adorable, if you ask me!

7. Calvin's Christmas Presents

Lots of new toys for our little tot! Made packing for the flight home a little more difficult, but luckily stuffies are lightweight ;) Thanks to our fam and friends for all Calvin's (and James' and my) awesome gifts!

6. Calvin the Dog Lover

One of James' brothers and his family brought their little dog, Georgia, with them to James' parents' house. I wasn't sure how Calvin would react to her, but I never imagined he would love her so much! It was totally adorable. I know sometimes in his pictures it's hard to tell if Calvin is laughing or crying, but trust me, in this pic he is squealing with excitement :)

5. Snow Flurries

It was nothing like the Great Snowcation of 2010, but we did get some flurries up in the North GA mountains, so Calvin got to see his first snowflakes.

4. Baby New Year

James insisted on waking Calvin up to ring in the new year. I am a little sad that his birth year is over, but I am excited about what 2013 will bring for our family!

3. James and Calvin's Matching Pajamas

James is always talking about how Calvin has such awesome pajamas, so for Christmas I got him a matching pair!

2. Family All Around

It was such a blessing to get to see so much of our east coast family for Christmas. We spent time at both of our parents' houses and got to see all our siblings, plus most of their spouses and all our 14 nieces and nephews! We also got to visit my grandparents and spend some time with my uncle and his son plus our cousins from Florida whom we hardly ever get to see!

1. The Big Reveal

Getting to see our families and some of our friends in person also gave us the perfect opportunity to share some very big news. I made Calvin this onesie with a very special message to help us drop the bomb tell everyone...

How's your vision? Did you get the message? ;)