Christmas in California

So, quick update on me. I officially go into isolation today. I've spent the last couple days in the hospital running tests and then preparing the apartment for my isolation. Isolating oneself while living in a teeny tiny 1 bedroom apartment in New York is no easy task. I bought all new cheap sheets that I am just going to toss afterwards and the room is stocked with water and gatorade and sour candy.I'm ready to go!

I miss Izzie a lot. Her absence is really really felt - the apartment is so quiet without her. I now realize how much your life revolves around a baby..without her, Al and I have so much free time! We'll try to take advantage of that after I'm out of my isolation by going out on dates, but we can't wait for Izzie to come back!

Christmas in California was so great. After 5 years of Albert and I dating/married, this is only our second Christmas together. Our first Christmas with each other was also shared with our first Christmas with Izzie. I remember last year's Christmas vividly - I was worried sick about Izzie not eating and I was such a mess because breastfeeding was not going well. Look at how far we've come in one year!

For Christmas Eve, we had dinner at Albert's aunt and uncle's house. We had a ton of delicious food and this is when I really started to realize what a great high chair baby Izzie is. You just put her in her chair and give her some waffles or cheerios and she is happy as a clam! I hope this lasts forever! Here is a picture of the family including Al's grandparents. That is 4 generations of family right there!


A picture of the whole extended family, including Izzie:


Dimsum! I like that Izzie is checking out Al's mom:


Unfortunately, our Fremont trip coincided with the peak of Izzie's stranger anxiety. In an attempt for her to get close to the family we would all get into a circle and play often.


Christmas morning brunch:


Opening presents. Izzie got so many fun ones!


Izzie and Albert's dad's birthdays are 1 week apart, so the day before we left we celebrated both.


Our week was so short in California, and I always feel this tug of nostalgia when I go back. I always say "New York girl for life, but California girl at heart", but whenever I do go back to California it makes me want to move back! We don't have any planned trips back yet, but we hope we'll go back soon!