It's beginning to look a lot like...

When we were getting out the Christmas decorations today, we were excited to hang FIVE stockings for Santa to fill this year. 

Yes, the tummy is growing and we're getting more and more excited to welcome a new little one into our family.  From the beginning, we've had a feeling that it was a little girl.  Although we've always said, "It might be a boy..." we've been planning otherwise.  Isaac has taken it upon himself to tell everyone about "Baby Sophie" who is growing in mommy's tummy.  This week was the big moment of truth.  And guess what? 

Suprise!  We're getting another one of these!

 

We are thrilled to have another little rascal in our home, but are absolutely at a loss for boy names.  Any suggestions are quite welcome:)

Once the stockings were hung, Abby took over the role of telling the story behind each one of our "special ornaments".  Each Christmas, we have the tradition of hunting for the perfect ornament that represents something special that happened that year.  From our first Christmas in Costa Rica on our honeymoon, to now - we've added ten ornaments to our tree.  Looking forward to adding more and more!

Ben and I were impressed with Abby's ability to explain the meaning behind each ornament.  She remembered them amazingly well from last year!  (It may be a while before Isaac is ready to take on this challenge - not the greatest listener, he was more into stripping down into his skivvies and jumping off the couch.)

Abby and Isaac carefully added each special ornament to the tree.

And, as tradition goes - the star is always the last decoration to be added.  The littlest Lowry gets the honor of finishing the masterpiece...

...with a little help.

Not to leave anyone out, Abby removed the star and replaced it herself.

We took a quick break from decorating to work on a little window art in the kitchen.

Then we busted out the traditional Matching Christmas Jammies!

And to finish off the day?  We snuggled up on the cocuch and read Christmas stories for bedtime...a ritual we will continue each night until the big one.

Here's to holiday traditions and memories in the making!

Happy Holidays!