The "official" countdown to Christmas (for me) began last weekend.  Having my birthday exactly 2 weeks before Christmas means that all of our Christmas activity really begins on my birthday.  I hung our stockings over the fireplace (I always wanted to do that when I was a little girl, but my mom's house didn't have a fireplace.)  I dusted off the mantle decorations, since they had been out since Thanksgiving.  I strung lights along the bushes outside (and discovered that two strands don't work anymore ><.)  And last, but not least, my husband put up our tree.  I had been hoping for a real tree this year, but things just didn't work out.  Luckily our artificial tree is in good condition, so it still looks great.  Next year, though, I'm determined to get a freshly cut tree!

Ellie has been doing surprisingly well with the tree.  When she first noticed it there was lots of sniffing and an attempted nibble or two, but now she mostly ignores it.  I did have to take the tree skirt up, though, as she thought the sparkly pom-poms around the edges were meant for her amusement.  Sadly, Ellie has already sacrificed one pom-pom, presumably to send a message to the other pom-poms about what will happen if they start to get out of line.  Now the skirt is only down when taking pictures or when guests stop by.

Who, me?  Impossible!  Just look at my innocent face.

Yuki has been doing well on the medication for his hypothyroidism.  He has had his levels checked once since starting and they had to lower his dosage.  He had lost 3 pounds in 4 weeks and his thyroid levels were quite high.  He hasn't been losing any more weight since the dosage change, though, and he has quite a bit of his old energy back.  He has no problem initiating play time with Ellie and enjoys being a ball-hog during fetch.  :)  Best of all, though, is that his fur is growing back!  The back of his neck is no longer bare, you can't see the skin on his legs and his belly is even starting to grow hair again.  Oh, and no more eye stains!  The Veterinarian even thinks his nose might change back to black again.

Look, Mom, no more stains!  And I'm thin and furry again!

I did a mini photo shoot with the two of them today and have determined there's just no way to get them both in focus in the same shot.  If one is sitting still and posing nicely, then the other is wiggling or tracking a fly or just plain fidgety.  Ellie is usually the culprit, which is expected since she's just a puppy, but even Yuki sometimes lets his attention wander.  I don't really mind, though, since it was still fun getting the two of them to cuddle up next to each other.  :)

The best shot I could find with them sitting.  Ellie is slightly out of focus, though, since she can't sit still for long.  ;)

I look forward to getting some ornaments made for the two of them after Christmas is done.  I had hoped to get the ornaments made in time for Christmas, but the sculptor was suddenly swamped with orders and has had to stop taking new ones until the current batch is finished.  I can't wait to get them done, though!

Ellie is finally in focus, but now Yuki was wiggly.  Still cute, though!

Yuki has seen what's in his stocking already (thanks to the baby, who pulled it off of the table as I was stuffing Ellie's) and he goes nuts whenever he sees it.  I'm determined to make him wait until Christmas morning!  I did let them each have one present early, though.  They're both sporting new collars (you can see them a little in the picture above) and I love them.  Ellie's is a red collar with a pink argyle pattern on it and Yuki's is brown with a turquoise argyle pattern.  I got them from this seller on Etsy if anyone is interested.  She has lots of Holiday collars, too!

Our family hopes that you all enjoy the holidays this year.  Enjoy those who are still here and fondly remember those who are no longer with us.  Most of all, have fun and be safe!

Looking cute is hard work.  Time for a nap.