Mark and I are seriously trying to restrain ourselves from buying too many gifts for Babes this year. We are trying to remember it's her first Christmas, at this point it's more for our sakes than anything. Instead we're trying to create fun family traditions that we can continue as she gets older, because she won't remember her gifts after a few days or weeks. For instance, we're doing a Christmas Book Advent Countdown and we've decided that going forward to get her a book no matter what each Christmas (this year it's "Stand Back!" Said the Elephant "I'm Going to Sneeze!" (my husband's favorite as a kid) and The Day the Crayons Came Home because we loved The Day the Crayons Quit).

But that isn't stopping us from spoiling her a little bit!

1. Merry Christmas Ya Filthy Animal onesie because why not?
2. Baby Banana Bendable Training Toothbrush. Teething is in full swing at our house and this is a favorite. She loves this teether!
3. Jiggle Bell rattle because it is Christmas after all. 
4. Personalized Lost My Name book. A little man in my life may or may not be getting this year and I can hardly wait (so do NOT order it little man's mom)! I got one for my goddaughter and she was in total awe that the book had her name it in!
5. Fisher-Price Little People A Christmas Story. My parents got this for Livia and it is adorable. It is something we will be bringing out every Christmas for years to come to teach Livia about the real reason for the season. 

Mark and I are at a loss of what to get each other this year, so we decided to do one gift that we both would like. I think any of the options below would make an awesome gift for any couple.

1. Our Q&A a Day. A three year journal to complete together as a couple. Cute way to start a new conversation together every day. 
2. Date Night In by Ashley Rodriguez. Sweethearts, spouses, and parents Ashley and Gabe Rodriguez found themselves deep into marriage and child-rearing when they realized they were spending most of their evenings staring at their computers. Determined not to let their relationship deteriorate into that of "roommates with children," they institute a weekly date night: they sauté, roast, mix and dice and spend time reconnecting over simple but thoughtful dishes. With Babes it's getting harder and harder to go 'out' for dates, Date Night In would solve that problem I think.
3. Sheet Music Canvas with your first song printed on it. I envision ours hanging over our bed.
4. An ornament. Mark and I started the tradition of getting ourselves an ornament together for Christmas each year. It usually represents something we did together or and exciting event that happened to us. This year we got a 'First Year as Mommy & Daddy' ornament. 

Happy Happy Joy Joy its Friday! Ever since I became the unemployed paralegal all of my days have slowly slipped into Fridays, but I still love the idea of Fridays because I don't feel like I need to be doing something or be somewhere. Christmas is in full swing at our house! The trees are up (a 'grown up' tree and a 'family' tree with all the family ornaments), the Christmas Book Advent Countdown has begun, and plans have been made to go see Santa and do a Christmas Cookie Swap. This weekend we're off to my husband's alma mater to watch a hockey game (he is SO EXCITED) and Babes is having a sleepover with NanaPapa. Happy Adventuring!

So web love for you to enjoy:

One Day Young looks like a collection of beautiful portraits of women right after they've given birth. This interview with the photographer was empowering; "I don’t think one person said, ‘Believe in yourself.’.....I don’t mean to suggest it’s a breeze and everything will be over in an hour. But childbirth is okay for some people and it might be okay for you. And even if it’s really hard, you’re still going to be okay with the proper support."

The first thing 30 women said after giving birth. (The first thing I said was 'Are you sure?' after my husband said 'It's a girl!' and he double checked! Still makes us laugh!)

Life is too short, order the fries.

So so true. I plan on writing one of these letters to Livia explaining her empty baby book.

Holiday Movie Playlist via How Sweet It Is. It is the PERFECT movie playlist for this holiday season. We will be cuddling up on the couch watching all of them...more than once...

p.s. the 2015 Foodie Holiday Gift Guide if you missed it

{photo via This is Glamorous}

In the world of Clark Griswald....Clark: Drum roll, please... Drum roll. Ellen: Oh, oh, uh... Family: Dee dee, blub, blub, brrr....

Introducing the 2015 Holiday Gift Guide! Just a few things for everyone from your brother-in-law you love to hate to your new little babes celebrating her first Christmas. Enjoy!

1. Gift Subscription to Try the World. A gourmet box from a new country every two months. Every box is filled with 7 to 8 gourmet items selected by an expert chef. 
2. Drink Stack Wine. Offers the only snap apart, ready-to-drink, single-serve package of wine.
3. Holiday Silicone Pancake Molds. Start a new Christmas morning tradition. 
4. DIY Mozzarella & Ricotta Cheese Kit. Because why not?!
5. Freeze Wine Tumblers. Never have to drink warm wine again. Just pop in the freezer, pour and enjoy perfectly chilled wine.