Christmas 2015

Aaron and I both had some time off around Christmas (5 days for me... 9 for him [lucky!]). We went up to Wichita for a few days to celebrate with his family, and celebrated with my family on our return. Aaron's extended family came in for a quick trip at the beginning of our time in Kansas, which was fun. I was so glad to get Christmas off even though I was on wards... that time off was my best gift!

Mailing her letter to Santa

It was the year of the onesie, I think!

All dressed up for Christmas Eve mass!

Lots of fun with Aaron's cousins. 

Julia slept on a crib mattere

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The "Amazing Audrey" putting on a magic show! The sword in the stone!

We went back over to the church on Christmas to take some family photos with John's nice camera.

Julia got to be up close and personal with the nativity. I will treasure these photos of her contemplating the Christ child forever. What a beautiful memory.

Love how "Join" was joining the family :-)

Opening presents at Papa Gary and Gee Terri's house when we got back home.

Putting together some legos from Gee Mary with Gee Terri.

Enjoying our new gift - a game! Never gets old :-)

November 2015

In November 2015, Aaron was on teaching service so he had long hours and his typical 12 days on, 2 days off pattern. I was Child Abuse Pediatrics, so I had a much lighter schedule with shorter days and more weekends off. It was a sobering and sad month, in some ways, learning more about the ways children can be abused or neglected, but it was also inspiring to see the pediatricians and their multidisciplinary team working together to advocate for children. Aaron had to work Thanksgiving, but I was off, which was appreciated.

Sleeping beauty with her fairy door.

Julia's Star of the Week poster we made together. After its brief trip to school, it was hung proudly on the wall by her bed for the next year or so. I love this glimpse at Julia at this age. Her favorite food was sushi, her favorite fruits were strawberries, blueberries, grapes, and pears, her favorite dessert was ice cream, her favorite TV show was Sofia the First, her favorite toy was Barbie, and her favorite movie was Wreck It Ralph. 

Goofers in animal footies. 

I bought Julia this flannel shirt at Walmart for Cowboy day at school. Such a cutie.

I was blessed to celebrate the upcoming nuptials of my dear college roomie, Rebecca!

My awesome little sisters visited me while I was on a 24 hour shift at the hospital. They seriously made my night! I'll always remember that.

Call room antics :-)

It makes me tear up to see this. Isn't it wonderful how beautiful we are in the eyes of our children? So sweet.

At this age, one of Julia's dearest career aspirations was to become a postman. She got her chance to practice one day when a package was erroneously delivered to us. We put the package in a purse, and I let her carry it to the rightful owner's house. Julia was thrilled and carried her mail proudly!

November hot chocolate mustache.

The older kids at Julia's school put on the Sound of Music. We took Julia to see it one evening and she loved it!

With dear friends on their wedding day!

Julia befriended the nieces and nephews of the bride, especially the little gentleman to her right. They became pretty smitten with each other ;-)

We enjoyed catching up with our dear college friend, Brent, who was in for the wedding, and meeting his girlfriend (now fiancee!) Erin. 

An early birthday present from the mall, as we made preparations for Julia's upcoming party!

Cuddly Thanksgiving morning at home, watching the parade.

My big kitchen helper.

I made the turkey for my family's Thanksgiving dinner and it turned out nicely!

One of only three (3!) photos I took at my parents' house on Thanksgiving. Although it's blurry, it does capture how cute these two were dressing up together that day. I love MC's sneakers and Julia's boots, too.

We saw "The Good Dinosaur" together. Aunt and niece in matching raincoats :-)