Oh, Christmas Tree. Oh, Christmas Tree...

This is my first Christmas putting up a real tree. I mean real in the sense of big and not table top sized, not real as in made of actual pine. I cant deal with pine needles in my carpet. Shaun made the wonderful decision to get a prelit tree from Lowes. Best invention ever! When I lived at home I was, to say the least, rather demanding about the tree. I have even been called a Christmas tree Nazi (thanks mom). I was adamant that her tree be done only in shades of gold and only in store bought decorations.

This year I relaxed. I realized that in a few years I will have all of Gage's homemade ornaments to hang, so I chilled out. Shaun has a HUGE box of Christmas ornaments he has saved over the years so our tree is very full, very mismatched, and very beautiful.


I think the newest family member, Mr. Gage, is about to have the most decorations on the tree.
Here is one we found for him while he was still in the belly. We wrote his name and birthday on the bottom of the little shoes.



This one is from his Uncle Tim and Aunt Erica. I think they got it before he was born as well.



Me and Shaun found this one at Kohls while we were Christmas shopping. G for Gage and also Gingerbread. How fitting :)


This is his ornament from his Uncle David and Aunt April. She gave it to use Thanksgiving evening and promised to get Gage a new ornament for the tree each year.


And here is the most important ornament in Daddy's eyes. This one was originally Shaun's but has been passed down from father to son. Because Gage is only allowed to like the Miami Dolphins. No exceptions.


Now this sad little ornament isnt technically one of Gage's but I couldn't leave him out. My good friend Laura over at http://www.ihaveafewnamesbutmostlyimmommy.blogspot.com/ did a post about her worst favorite ornament and I'm copying, LOL. Meet Cookie Monster, or at least I think that's who he was about 15 years ago. We aren't sure who made him, maybe Shauns mom or his aunt, but the poor little guy has seen better days. I couldn't ban him from the tree just becasue he is unraveling, now could I?

So here he is, hanging out towards the back of the tree. I guess the Christmas tree Nazi in me wont give up quite so easily.