Post Christmas Wrap-Up (or Un-Wrap!)

Well, it is December 28th and another Christmas has come and gone. It always amazes me how quickly Christmas can sneak up on you, and then all of a sudden we are at the start of a new year.

This Christmas was such a wonderful time for me, as I was able to finally connect with my family again, after being away for two months. Man, have I ever missed them.

I was reminded this past week just how blessed I am to have the family that I have. I was blown away by their love and generosity and willing hearts this Christmas. I don't know about you, but this year I had nothing on my Christmas list. NOTHING. I couldn't think of a single thing of what I needed/wanted this year, and because of that, I really didn't give anyone any ideas whatsoever. I figured there probably wouldn't be much under the tree for me this year, but I was 100% okay with that. There are others out there that are way more in need than I am.

Needless to say, without even having a list, my family blessed my socks off with their thoughtfulness and love. I now have a (partially) full wardrobe of beautiful maternity clothes that I would have never bought for myself (mainly because I'm cheap and maternity clothes well... aren't). I think Matt was the happiest because he won't be hearing me complain for a while that I have nothing to wear!

I have to share with you though, one of the most special gifts I received this year. It just went to show me that sometimes gifts from the heart make the most unique and special gifts.

There was a bag under the tree marked "To Mommy & Baby, From Grandma." I already had a gift waiting to be opened, so my mom (Grandma) decided to let Matt open it, explaining that I would understand the significance once I saw it. I couldn't imagine what my mom could be giving me already for the baby, but when Matt opened it, tears immediately sprung to my eyes. It was my first ever Christmas stocking. I had actually thought she had found one at a store and picked it up, because it was in such pristine condition. Then I realized it was the original and my mom had kept it in safe keeping for 24 years. She smiled at me and said, "Now you can use this as your baby's first stocking." Just the idea that my mom had kept this for so long, and then decided to hand it down to our baby blew me away. I'm so excited to be able to use this for our "Ninababy" and then have him/her be able to pass it down to their child, 20-some odd years from now.

The picture doesn't really do it justice (makes it look kind of creepy, actually), but I promise you it's the cutest! His little overalls open, so you can stuff them with loads of gifts! And if you really wanted, you could use it as a teddy bear. Hard to believe that next Christmas we'll have a 6 month old baby to spend it with!

I hope that your Christmas was filled with family, fun and food. I know mine was. And that you were reminded about the true meaning of Christmas.

I'd love to hear about what were you blessed with this Christmas season!