Holidays 2012!

Here are some pictures of my 2012 holiday season:

A visit to see Baby A!



And Baby L was there too.

It is hard to see here but this house near mine was CRAZY decorated!

The Christmas Tree made of books at our local library.  I love it.

Violet's Christmas gift from my Mom: Chloe Kitty.

She really loves Violet. 

My cat Owen FINALLY came home to live with me.

The three of us: notice Chloe behind me!

Violet's "big gift" from me this year: her big girl dollhouse.

I made these magnets for her.  They feature her favorite characters.

I made a Violet-Magnet too.  It is my personal favorite.

My big brother and his granddaughter Kira. 

Christmas Eve: playing with toys from Grampy+Grammy before bed.

Christmas Morning: waiting with Levi for Grammy to wake up.

I snapped a moving shot of her opening her most favorite gift.

Post present opening: wearing a cute new dress and blue sparkle shoes.

SO cute!!

K, Levi and S.  Photo by J.

At home after Christmas: playing with Play Doh from Auntie J.

Yup it finally snowed here! And it was a good one too.  We made a Snow Kitty!

New Year's Eve party at the library. 

Bubbles on her fingers! Dontcha just love her Hello Kitty headband?!

She decorated and then put a wish inside this paper bag.

Oh Hello!  This is me saying goodbye to 2012 and hello to 2013!

I was totally dreading the holidays this year.

When you are in a single parent situation it can be a really rough time of year. Negotiating time with my girl was really really bad. It was so bad that at times I just wanted to sleep the Christmas holiday away. I believe the stress, loneliness and exaggerated expectations of the holidays put a lot of folks in a state, including myself. I knew well in advance that it would be difficult for me, so I planned things for Violet in anticipation of this. I purchased many thoughtful and unique gifts months ahead. AND I was actually able to spend Christmas Eve with her after much uncertainty! We woke up together that morning. THAT was the best part of my Christmas, hands down.

Time with my family (sisters + mom) made it feel much better too. I wholeheartedly thank my Mom this year for really helping me through the bad parts.