Looks like Christmas

I know, I'm a looser. Every year, I get Christmas decorations up the day after Thanksgiving. Every year. Since 1995. Really. But I slacked this year (ie: Gregg and I slept in late because he isn't a good sleeper -- yes he is finally having that sleep study, and although I'm a great sleeper, thanks in part to a terrific little pill who shall remain nameless at this time, I had been up until 4 am reading the Twilight books) and so the decorations were put up last night, frantically, before friends came over for dinner.
We don't put up a tree, because we have ill-behaved pets. Don't get me wrong, we love Jazz and Lola to pieces, but (1) they fight, a LOT and (2) Lola still puts EVERYTHING in her mouth. Since almost all of our ornaments were actually a wedding present from Gregg's sister (and they are GORGEOUS delicate German ornaments), we don't like to take the risk. So, we do garland, and put the ornaments up high. I also have a little village with a tree on top of the TV (again, safety first), and we decorate outside with a wreath and garland. So, I do consider our house to be quite festive. Just sans tree.

Back to the friends who came over. Kim & Francis welcomed Maddie home 3 short months ago. We saw Maddie when she was just 2 weeks old, and the difference last night was amazing, to say the least. This girl has a personality you wouldn't believe! She smiles and laughs at you, and is OBSESSED with ceiling fans. I got the distinct pleasure of being able to wear Maddie most of the evening, so Kim & Francis could enjoy a hot meal, eaten at the same time, rather than their usual "shifts." They say practice makes perfect, so between my nieces and Maddie, I'd say I'm more than ready for Sam.