thought i might as well get caught up all at once here :)
december started out a wee bit rough with some sort of mystery post partum infection but after a visit to emerg, one to the doctor, and a myriad of tests with no definitive results, i ended up on some antibiotics and life improved drastically :) 103 degrees for three days with a new baby and a three year old wasn't particularly pleasant!
in addition to spending time getting to know the new guy, making sure the little lady was also feeling extra special and visiting with friends and family, we also had a belated celebration for miss lila's third birthday, a small party to celebrate cole's arrival and enjoyed a quiet christmas at home, just the four of us.
we kept things fairly simple all around -- lila had a small party one morning with a few special friends, and then after a quick redecorate, we had a casual open house for cole later that same day. at li's party we made snowglobes with the kiddos and decorated snowflake cookies before opening presents and eating snowball cake. the kids had fun, the snacks were tasty and there were no major meltdowns. can't ask for much more than that at a three year old party ;)
sharing christmas with a three year old really reminds you of how magical the holidays really can be. we set out cookies and milk for santa, along with carrots and reindeer snacks for rudolph and friends and lila was so excited to wake up to find only remnants of the snack on christmas morning. we all slept in late, li had an absolute blast opening up gifts (hers and everyone else's), cole was in a great mood, mark and i made our first turkey dinner, and we just enjoyed snuggling and playing together all day. all in all, we couldn't have asked for a more perfect holiday.
we headed to bc for a few days after christmas to celebrate with mark's family and got to see some old friends as well, which is always awesome. the kiddos did pretty well on the eight hour drive, cole turned a month old, and we finally got the chance to enjoy some winter weather for a few days. it's been so mild and snow free in edmonton up until this past week, that it was a treat to actually have a white christmas -- even if it was a few days late ;)
december marked the end of one personal project, and the beginning of another. i wrapped up a year in the life of miss lila and have begun documenting our adventures as a family of four, along with sharing some other bits and pieces, over in pinksugarland. please feel free to stop by anytime :) (and if you want to see a bit more of our winter decor -- pop on over right now!)
what an incredible year -- can't wait to see what 2012 has in store :)
xox, andrea
when's your garage sale? i'll take it all.
Posted by: Evan | January 23, 2012 at 11:16 PM
(i feel so creepy/stalkerish that i am always on the computer when you have a new post and am the first one to comment ;)) love seeing all your holiday pics. the picture of lila in her winter coat is so gorgeous, and you are looking great too mama.
Posted by: meghan | January 23, 2012 at 11:25 PM
so adorable! may i ask where you found those cute jars for the snow globes? also would love to see you do a tour of your house, it is very inspiring and looks very modern!
congrats on the new little one and glad you feel better. nothing worse than being sick when there are kiddos to take care of!
Posted by: kimi | January 24, 2012 at 07:51 AM
My heavens, could your house, photography, and decorating abilities be any more perfect! Absolutely gorgeous. I was looking at the picture of your husband sleeping after Christmas on the couch with the baby and thinking, "that should not look so picturesque!" lol Really love your style, all around.
Posted by: Ashlie | January 24, 2012 at 08:26 AM
As always I love your decor and your photos! You have a beautiful family and I hope everyone is doing well <3
Posted by: April Nienhuis | January 24, 2012 at 09:35 AM
Girl, you amaze me. The pictures-- they're so crisp and clean but so dreamy, all at the same time. Lila's childhood always looks like the stuff dreams are made of.
If you ever do a workshop, or one on one photography whatevers, let me know-- I'd move heaven and earth to get in on that.
Posted by: Mandi | January 24, 2012 at 09:09 PM
So awesome! Love all of the fun decor for the month of December. Your family is beautiful, i am sure you are quite proud of all of them! Great way to capture the month!
Posted by: Kristen | January 25, 2012 at 02:13 PM
oh andrea! you are such an inspiration!! i love it all and am looking forward to another year of inspiration and awesomeness from you (and your little fam over in pinksugarland).
Posted by: carla | January 25, 2012 at 10:21 PM
Seriously in love with all your decorating and how you did it with a newborn I have no idea - you are gifted girl!
Posted by: Debbie Mayes | January 26, 2012 at 10:17 AM
You are seriously so awesome, and your family is beautiful. <3
Posted by: alicia | January 27, 2012 at 03:32 PM
I just discovered your blog and am lovestruck. You pictures are absolutely beautiful and inspiring. Your sense of style is perfect. Being also a mom of a 3 year old and a young baby, I cannot understand how you find the time to be so perfect!
I will be a frequent follower from now on for sure.
Posted by: Anie | February 02, 2012 at 08:16 AM
Beautiful Post!! full of lots of inspiration!!! LOVE!
Posted by: Sara | February 05, 2012 at 06:04 PM