So this year we are doing the homemade thing for Christmas. Several years ago Troy and I went this route and it has pretty much stuck with us since. I get crafty around the holidays and we aren't really into breaking the bank so it makes sense for us. Last year we went away from the homemade thing because we thought Annie wouldn't enjoy it. We bought her traditional toys and wrapped them and you know, it was a little overwhelming for her. Getting one new thing to play with keeps her pretty busy and it seemed rushed to urge her to open something else when all she wanted to do was play with what she just opened. This year during her birthday we got three toys and spread them out over the day. She had a hay day with each toy and was able to really enjoy them. So, with all those lessons learned we decided that even Annie can handle a homemade Christmas. I started off by picking up a VERY affordable used doll cradle off Craigslist. I cleaned it up and painted her name on it along with some butterflies and stamped shapes, then added bows to the corners. Then I sewed up a pillow, mattress, and blanket for it, and let me tell you, it's so cute! She is going to LOVE putting her dollies to sleep in it. What do you think? Perfect for a 3 year old little girl?

So I have been working all last week on the cradle, and today I was surfing around on the web and got the idea to make some cute easy animal/dolls for her. I don't quite know how to explain them, so I'll just post some photos.

I had so much fun making these little guys. They were easy, no pattern, and just silly.

I still have a few more ideas for things to make Annie, and luckly I still have a month left. It's nice to sit around a sew things and think about just how big she has grown recently. Her speech has really taken off so I'm starting to see a small glimpse into her world. Just because she was slow to talk doesn't mean she was slow to remember and it's been neat to hear her talking about things that happened in the past.

The holidays are a natural time for reflection and family. I am lucky to have such a great family, and even more lucky that I have the clarity to sit back and enjoy them.