The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. ~Burton Hillis

This year we started the holiday driving to Houston on Christmas Eve and had a very special Christmas celebration with Great Grandma, Grandma Mike, Aunt Kim, Uncle Jeff, Cooper, Jackson, and Brady. We of course were missing one special person though, Uncle Chip. Holidays are tough while Uncle Chip is away over seas. We are thankful he is safe in Korea and he will be home with all of us next Christmas. Lexi enjoyed playing with her cousins, opening presents, and really enjoyed playing with wrapping and tissue paper! She stayed up late and had a blast! Christmas in Houston is always quick, but every year it gets tucked away as a wonderful and delightful memory.

Although our time together as an immediate family was short as well, Jason, Alexi, and I had a very special Christmas

together. On Christmas day we drove back to

Dallas and had our own family Christmas. While we were in Houston Santa came down our chimney with a kitchen for Alexi! After Lexi played with it for awhile the three of us went out to eat and after Lexi went to bed Jason and I snuggled up on the couch with a big soft blanket and watched a movie. Even though half of our Christmas was spent in the car, it was perfect because the three of us were together.

On Sunday, the 27th the three of us celebrated Christmas again with Mimi, Paw Paw, Aunt Sarah, Uncle Daniel, and Kristi. We all shared some laughs, good food, and exchanged gifts. Lexi once again loved the tissue paper and all of her new toys. Lexi missed her bedtime this Christmas too, but she did great!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Lexi did it again...

Alexi lit up my world once again today. To be honest, Lexi lights up my world every single second I am with her or thinking about her. This evening we were playing on the floor and I put my arms out wide and my legs in a V and Lexi "ran" to me with open arms while she was squealing and gave me a bear hug! She is precious, sweet, and makes me the happiest mom in the world. Alexi's hugs and kisses melt my heart.

Ok Santa, maybe some soap for these stinky feet!

Santa, all I need for Christmas is a pack of size 5 diapers...

I know the video is long, but I took the video to document part of Lexi's day. My friend, Ginny asked me today what we usually do during the day. Most things are routine like, eating, napping, and bathing, but Lexi comes up with new games and creative ideas all the time. I am fascinated by her ability to play on her own and her imagination. She played, "Organize the diapers" for about 30 minutes today. It made sense to her. She enjoyed it and I enjoyed watching her. I absolutely love my job. It may sound silly, but watching the diaper game today once again made me realize how rewarding my job is...every single day. To Jason, thank you for your hard work which makes it possible for me to be home with Alexi. It is a dream come true to have her and to have you. I am a one lucky mom and wife.

I am also happy to report we are truly making progress with the transition to a sippy cup. She was quite attached to one this evening and she learned from her friend, Caleb last night how to hold the cup and tilt her head back. I put the same sippy cup filled with water in her crib tonight. My hope is she will continue to grow an attachment to the cup and not want to leave home without it!

All Aboard!

Over the weekend Lexi and I drove to Rusk, Texas to spend the weekend with Aunt Kim, Uncle Jeff, Cousins Cooper, Jackson, Brady, Grandma Mike, and Great Grandma. We "camped" in a cabin with Grandma Mike and Great Grandma. On Saturday night we road on the Polar Express train all the way to the North Pole! Lexi was fascinated (and had her jaw dropped most of the time) with the train, all the Christmas lights, the dancing Chefs on board and of course Santa Claus! Her reactions were priceless. We had a wonderful time with the family and can't wait to see them again in a couple of weeks for Christmas! Lexi and I really missed Jason and will find a way to be able to go on the Polar Express with him next year.

Lexi's Big Day!

Lexi took her first steps today and I got them on video!

She walked and I cried. She is getting so big. I am loving every single minute of being Alexi's mom. The baby time maybe ending, but we have so much to look forward to.

I am sitting here watching her video's from today over and over again. I can't wait to see her walk again tomorrow. Tears come to my eyes just thinking about her walking around holding our hands. She will be 13 months in just a few days. Next thing we'll know she'll be off to kindergarten.

Finally an update!

Ok, that was a long time without the internet. Here is the latest Walsh news:

1. We moved to McKinney.

2. We unpacked.

3. We had family over for Thanksgiving. Great Grandma, Grandma Mike, Cousins Andrea, Caleb, and Joshua all came from Houston to celebrate with us. Mimi, Paw Paw, Uncle Daniel and Kristi, and Great Aunt Roseann also all joined us. We had a wonderful time, but sadly I did not take pictures. Really? I know...I am still kicking myself.

4. We received the pictures from Lexi's first birthday. I am so thankful we chose to get a photographer. It was the perfect gift to our sweet girl. I will put together an album for her to cherish when she is older.

5. Lexi saw her first snow. It was beautiful. The flakes were huge. It really makes me excited about Christmas.

Here are a few pics from the party. Most of our families were able to make and Lexi's little friends joined in on the fun as well. We met at our house, paraded down to the park for lunch and cake and then walked back to the house for presents. It was a blast!