Life With Brynne: A November to Remember

I finally have the baby of my dreams and now it is my turn to share all the "baby's first" traditions, events, and milestones. I have never been more excited for the holiday season! As a first time mom, I am taking every opportunity to enjoy this journey and fill it with as many fun memories as I can. This year will be my most special year yet!

 Flannel and my fave Crown Vintage Boots

We started off our holiday season with a trip to The Grove in Glenview, IL. This is a beautiful property with a pond, nature center, and houses packed with crafts, gifts, and treats. Parking is free and there is a $5 admission... Strollers don't fit in the houses, so you will have to carry your babes if you make the journey... So worth it! I am pretty sure this will now be a new tradition! We had lunch in the cute little cafe area, took some pictures by the pond and took a stroll through the nature center. Finally we hit up the house that was full of snacks and treats... And the best part- SAMPLES! Yum! We have already been back for a second visit for a smaller free craft fair! This runs until Dec.23rd and is only one house rather than multiple.

During this visit I bought a few unique gifts for others and bought some really cool cloth alphabet blocks for my gal. There were so many cute things here! I wanted everything I saw! Tons of adorable holiday decor, if you are into that kind of thing... And if you know my family... We are. Every year we can't wait for my mom to decorate her house. Literally looks like Christmas threw up in her kitchen and we freakin' love  it! We are always super excited about her taking out all of her Christmas mugs. We used to fight over these mugs as children. Now I see the grandkids are following suit! There is nothing better than the holidays at my mom's house!

As previously stated in "The Magic Wishing Stones" post, we once again packed up and headed downtown for our magical lunch by the Walnut Room Tree. I woke up that morning and couldn't wait to dress up my little girl. Tears of joy streaming down my face as I put on her perfect holiday dress. How I have been waiting for this! How I yearned for this day! I envisioned it. I dreamt it. I lived it and I was perfect. Brynne had her first lunch by the tree and her first visit with Santa. Truly a beautiful memorable day. 

  

On Thanksgiving morning, I sprung up out of bed so excited to greet my girl smiling in her crib! She is seriously always smiling. I left her in her Christmas pjs and packed her up to head to my moms for our annual thanksgiving parade hot chocolate and sticky buns. I think I smiled the entire ride there... When did I become such a cheeseball?!?!?! Soon after arriving my sister and her 3 little chickadees showed up still in Jammies and eager to drink some hot cocoa and watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. It was the perfect start to Brynne's first holiday. 

Cutest jammies ever

Next we headed over to Brandon's family's house for a nice Thanksgiving brunch. It was such a nice low key and enjoyable morning. This was the first time Brynne fell asleep on my chest in almost 2 months. I sobbed and I think my heart was glowing throw my shirt. She was so sweet, snuggled up against my chest with her mouth wide open, just like the old days. It was the best part of my day. 

Mustard Mock Cutout Sweater

To end our first holiday, we packed back up and headed back to my parents for dinner. It was a lot of running around, but it was such a perfect day. Good food, wonderful family, and just overall a special occasion. 

To end our crazy holiday season kickoff, we went shopping for Black Friday. I know, I know, why would you take your baby shopping on Black Friday? Because this little girl didn't make a peep! She laughed, smiled, and shopped til she napped, right there in Bapi's (grandpa) arms! It wasn't bad at all, not to mention, mama picked up some nice deals! 

Finally one last big Thankgiving feast at Brandon's family's with aunts, uncles, cousins, and great grandma!

This has been the best kick off to the holiday season I have ever had and I can't wait for all the fun December has in store for us!