pre-christmas activities

Yesterday we took the girls downtown to see the Duke Energy train display and to see Santa at Macy's. The line was way long for the train, and Libby isn't really a train-enthusiast—just a big Polar Express fan—so she was satisfied to peek through the window. Then we walked across Fountain Square so Libby could watch the ice skaters on our way to Macy's. This is the third year we've taken Libby to see Santa there, and it's the same Santa every year, which we love. Plus, there's nothing for sale—you see Santa, take your own photos and get a candy cane. You can even write a letter while you wait. And we did have to wait a while this year, but Libby was very, very good in line. Lilah slept from the time we left the house until it was her turn to sit on Santa's lap, then went back in her stroller and fell asleep again. She's a super easygoing baby! As you can see from the photos, Lilah grinned away on Santa's lap and Libby told him exactly what she wanted this year: "presents." More specifically, "two presents." I suppose we should appreciate her lack of specificity for now because I'm sure it will only be a year or two before she has a list a mile long with princess this and princess that on it.

When we got home we baked cut-out cookies and plan to decorate them tonight. We'll also be partaking in our annual Christmas Eve dinner of all appetizers and snacks. We'll post cookie-decorating photos and Christmas morning photos soon. Until then, Merry Christmas to all!

lilah's 4-month stats

Lilah had her 4-month check-up today, and she's growing like crazy! She weighs 13 pounds, 13 ounces and is 25.25 inches long. That's the 75th percentile for weight and the 90th percentile for height! You can definitely tell she's chubbier and taller than Libby was at this age. Lilah has long arms too, and she's outgrowing her sleepers sooner than Libby did. Libby weighed 12 pounds, 6 ounces and was 23.25 inches long at her 4-month visit, so Lilah is a pound and a half heavier and two inches longer!

Lilah looked great and was smiling and laughing at Dr. Z the whole time. And she only cried for about 10 seconds when she got her 4 shots. She and Libby both have little colds (our new constant reality), but no fever or chest congestion. I'm hoping we can all stay relatively healthy through Christmas and New Year's this year. If so, it will be a first since Libby was born.