SWAG!

Matt's many years of hard work as an actor paid off big time this past weekend when we got on the guest list for the celebrity gifting event for the Golden Globes. It was called the Baby Boom Boom Room and it was held at the Century Plaza Hotel where two whole floors offered suite after suite of high end, free baby merchandise. Matt had a friend who got us on the list and we were so grateful. We got baby clothes, toys, diaper bags, bath and body products, books, CDS, even a "Naughty Spot" rug for when Helena gets older. I'm thinking about sending Max, our dog, to that spot even as I type. It really was such a unique opportunity to see what some of these celebrities get for FREE. It's so unfair! However, we plan to keep our karma intact by re-gifting many of the fabulous items to family and friends with little ones. Here are some pictures of our haul and Aunt Kristi doing a little "shopping" of her own later in the evening.

Helena enjoyed a playdate with her friend Evan Kershaw and his mom, Jenni. Evan is quite the charmer and I believe Helena is in love!

Christmas tree at Mom and Dad's house....

Snowed in!!!! We finally got the snow we had been hoping for a few days after Christmas.....

Back at the house for the party.....

More christening pictures....

The precious christening gown worn by many members of the Samson family....

Helena was christened on December 27th at Immaculate Conception church on the UD campus. This church has special significance to our family because it is the church where my parents were married. The christening was so special because we had many dear loved ones and friends with us. On a smaller scale, it reminded me of our wedding and how rare it is to have so many loved ones in the same place at the same time. It was a great day for family. Matt's parents made the trip all the way from New Jersey and brought the precious christening gown that dates back to the 1800s. Almost all the members of Wayne's (Matt's dad) family had worn the gown at their christening, including Matt. It was such an honor for us to be a part of this Samson family tradition. We were so touched that so many friends and family members made the effort to be there. Mom and Dad threw a wonderful party at the house afterwards and a good time was had by all!

Matt's parents arrive on the 26th for the christening!

Christmas morning over at Molly and Ana's...the pictures are few and far between because I was quarantined to the basement with a terrible cold. It worked though....Helena never got sick! Notice my festive surgical mask to keep my germs away from the little ones. : ) I'm really not a germaphobe....Jan made me wear the mask at all times!

More Christmas Eve.....

More Christmas Eve pictures. Ana refused to wear pants, but very much enjoyed her talking, barking dog and hanging out under the Christmas tree.