Caroline's First Christmas

Caroline's first Christmas was a blast even though she didn't quite get it this year. I was so so excited to experience Caroline's first Christmas with her that I had a hard time sleeping on Christmas Eve and woke up before she did on Christmas morning. Unforunately, we didn't get any pics of Caroline waking up in her crib on Christmas but it's all on video. Here are some pics of our fun day.

Stocking time

She LOVES this slinky...thanks for giving Santa the idea, Laura and Christina!
My mom came over first thing in the morning on Christmas to watch Caroline open her presents. Here's the little miss snuggling with Kalo in the middle of all the madness i.e. present opening.
Since Caroline has been such a good little girl throughout her long life of 8 months, Santa brought her lots of toys, clothes, and books. Also, being the only grandchild on both sides has its perks :-) We are constantly blessed by the love and generosity of our families. Despite all of the fun gifts, the only thing Caroline was interested in doing was climbing on the big boxes. We couldn't believe it...she just pulled up on those things and hiked herself up there.

Here she is clapping for herself after getting up on one of the boxes...she was so proud of her accomplishment!
More climbing

Sitting in one of her presents

Grammie gave Caroline two Madame Alexander dolls...this little one that she can play with and...

...a bigger one (in the box) that she can't play with for awhile. Smart Grammie! Caroline likes to pull her doll's hair and "eat" her dolls at the moment so this was a good idea. Disclaimer: please excuse my glasses, no makeup, etc... I wasn't able to "hide" in this pic.

Uncle Marcus and Caroline

After opening gifts and eating a yummy breakfast, we went over to my mom's to open more presents and have Christmas dinner later in the day. Unfortunately, I don't have too many pics from our time at my mom's house. I think I was tired of taking pictures by this time. We were also in a bit of a hurry to catch a movie.

The Krauss boys being silly: Grandpa, Marcus, and Matt

The extended Krauss family

It was great getting to celebrate Jesus' birth with both sides of our families. Caroline's first Christmas was very special because of it. I can't wait until next year when we can start more traditions with her and she might have a little more understanding about everything. Matt and I hope and pray that in the midst of the presents, visit from Santa, and traditions, Caroline will have a love for Christmas because of the relationship she has with Jesus Christ, her Savior!! We hope all of you had a blessed Christmas this year.