Mattie's 3rd Christmas in Heaven

Dear Mattie,

Today, you would be exactly two and a half years old.  It has become a bit of a tradition that I write you this Christmas letter on your half year birthday which falls just five days after Christmas.  Christmas is always one of our favorite times of year as a family, and I know that you would love it as much as your brothers do.  You would run out on Christmas morning to see what Santa had brought you.  I can't help but think about what you would ask for from Santa for Christmas or what cute outfits you would wear in our family pictures.  I can only imagine what an adorable little toddler/preschooler you would be and how much you would make us all laugh as you would terrorize your brothers and get into their toys.  I am sure you and Brody would have both loved his favorite Christmas present, a little playhouse/restaurant.  I know you would have loved playing with your new baby brother this Christmas as he has been crawling around.  I bet you would have helped him open his presents too because you are a wonderful big sister.  I would have loved seeing your little pile of girl presents around the tree on Christmas morning and seeing your face light up as you ran with your brothers towards the tree and the presents.  I am sure you would have some specific requests for presents this year, and I hate that I don't know what you would have liked.  Would you like Disney's Frozen characters and dress up clothes like most little girls these days?  I bet you would like Doc McStuffins and Princess Sofia like your big brother Brody.  Ha!  I know you would definitely be more into Christmas this year.  I do hope you enjoyed watching over all of us again this year as we celebrated with your new little brother.  I am sure you enjoyed quite a celebration in heaven too.  We did not forget you, our precious little angel, and we never will.  You will always be missed.  Here are some of the ways we remembered and honored you this Christmas:

We took a Christmas wreath to decorate your special place.

And our Christmas decorations wouldn't be complete without your little tree.

The little handmade stocking Brody and I made last year on our little stair banister banner. 

Brewster reminded us all to draw pictures or write letters to you to fill your stocking. 

Brody did a beautiful job writing and drawing pictures for you. 

Evan drew a beautiful picture of an angel for our favorite little angel. 

Daddy wrote such a beautiful letter to you.  He loves you so!

We decided to prepare our Operation Christmas Child gift in honor of you for another little girl about your age.  

We all picked out some little gifts we thought you would like, including headbands and hairbows, socks, gloves, a little hair comb set, a toothbrush, some books, and a puzzle.  We also included one of your special bunnies that we hope another little girl will get to enjoy.  

We wrote a note telling that little girl about you. 

Your Christmas Wardrobe:

A little red dress would have been essential.  You would have looked so cute and stylish in a sweater dress and some leggings and ballet flats. 

Or this one with a little tulle skirt. 

I like this classic little black dress. 

And this little silver, sparkly dress with a tulle skirt. 

Maybe a little Santa dress for fun pictures with your brothers and to sit on Santa's lap. 

A cute little shirt. 

And some Christmas pajamas. 

These would be cute with the little matching tutu. 

And this little elf set would have matched your brothers' Santa, elf, and reindeer ones.  You and Brody would have been the perfect little elf duo. 

Some gifts for you:

I am sure you would love dressing up like a princess, and you would probably like Princess Sofia. 

You may like your very own Elsa and Anna dolls from Frozen.  All little girls these days seem to. 

And a Princess Sofia tiara.

Or maybe an Elsa dress. 

You would likely watch Doc McStuffins with your brother Brody and may want your own doctor costume. 

Your big brother Brody had a Scout puppy that talked to him, and I am sure you may like his girl pal, Violet. 

Or a stuffed Princess Sofia doll. 

Your brothers all love their Lego sets, and you would likely want your own. 

Or a Doc McStuffins one. 

I hope you enjoyed your Christmas in heaven, and I hope you enjoyed watching our celebrations too.  We can't wait to celebrate together as a complete family one day.  Until then, we will go on remembering you and including you as best we can.  We love you, baby girl!  Merry Christmas!

Love,
Your Mommy