Our Favorite Things

It was so nice to take a couple weeks at Christmas and escape all my normal routines. Although I still had two boys to care for we were around family, lots of snow and just had time to relax together. I didn't blog (as you noticed) but wanted to catch everyone up. Blogging will resume as normal over the next couple of days!

Below are lots of pictures from the numerous Christmas parties we had...but here are some of our favorites.

Samuel falling into the Christmas tree at Nana's. Yes I grabbed the camera before rescuing him! The picture was worth it!

Samuel loves his new fire truck!

Liam loves his new blanket.

Naps with Uncle Mike are always good.

Samuel and Lauryn. Lauryn is only three months older than Samuel. I am sure they will be great friends when we move back to Michigan.

Kaden and Liam. Kaden is only seven weeks older than Liam. I am sure these two will cause plenty of trouble together!

Snow

Not only does Michigan mean the holidays with family, it also means snow! Oh did we have fun!

Liam and I watched from inside!

Christmas Morning

This was the first year that Samuel was really excited about Santa. He talked about making cookies and Santa coming to leave him presents. He was very specific with Santa about what both he and Liam would like. Santa was a bit frantic getting it all right but in the end all was perfect.

Checking the cookies Christmas morning...they are gone.

Liam chair with his stocking and his new "t-t". He had to have a blue one just like Samuel's (according to Samuel).

Samuel's chair with his stocking and his new fire truck.

Yeah for Santa!

Christmas with Nana and Papa

On Christmas day we were with Nana and Papa. We had a total of three Christmas parties while there. Here are a few select pictures.

The boys in their Christmas jammies.

Liam attempting to wake up Christmas morning to open his gifts.

Nana and her painting (designed by Samuel of course.)

Me and my favorite two Christmas presents.

Liam getting a bit side tracked with reading his new Clifford book.

Christmas with Grandma and Grandpa

The Saturday before Christmas we spent time with Grandpa and Grandma. I had just gotten my new camera and was so excited to catch the first Christmas. We had great pictures...the key word being had. Sunday they mistakenly got erased. Very sad . So when we went back to visit Grandpa and Grandma again we captured a few.

Christmas with Gram

The Sunday before Christmas we celebrated with Gram, Aunt Kate, Uncle Dave and cousin Addison. Here are a few pictures from the day.

Liam checking out his new bear.

Gram opening the painting Samuel made for her.

Liam loved watching me open his gifts. He even grabbed the paper every now and then.

One of Samuel's favorite gifts...a Mack truck!

The cousins...Addison, Liam and Samuel

Gram and Liam

Something to Smile About...

Today I really need something to smile about...

A week or so ago Jessi came over and took these pictures for us!
Thanks!

Liam talks

Happy Birthday Aunt Angie

Today is Aunt Angie's birthday! She is getting really old!

Hope you have a great day!

Samuel Sings

I love you a bushel and a peck
a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck
a hug around the neck and a barrel and a heep
a barrel and a heep and I'm talkin' in my sleep
about you
about who
about you

Happy Birthday Uncle Mike

Today is Uncle Mike's 19th birthday!! It is so hard to believe my baby brother is 19!! Time flies!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Four Months

Little Man...

Four months already. It feels like just a few days ago you turned three months old. I heard a phrase the other day..."days crawl...weeks walk...months run...years fly." I can't believe how true this feels. In the day to day I sometimes wonder if we will make it through, but when I think of you being four months old I feel like the time has rushed by. Can't you just stay little longer?

You are such an amazing baby. You have always been so calm and easy going. You are happy with life as long as your belly is full and you have had a good nap. I am often having to set you down to help Samuel with something. It is amazing how easily you cope. You generally watch and often even smile at me. I wondered what life would be like having two boys. I never imagined it would be so busy and often times feeling so chaotic. Yet I wouldn't trade any of it.

You are starting to discover you hands and are amazed at what they can do. You are reaching out to grab things and are fascinated when they end up in your hands. We are constantly watching you as you are learning quickly how to put things in your mouth. So far you prefer large objects but soon enough we will have to make sure all Samuel's little toys are out of your reach!

You still sleep pretty well. You prefer to be next to mom and dad but are able to sleep on your own. You are wonderful to wake up to in the morning. We generally find you wiggling around and trying to get out of the swaddling job we put you in at night. When you see us your face lights up and you are filled with joy. You often squeal with delight and turn your face away from us like you are bashful. It is adorable. You quickly return your gaze to us and are thrilled when we reach in and pick you up. I hope you always start each day with a squeal of delight!

As I think about what it has been like to be a mother I am amazed that I can actually do it. It is by far the hardest job I have ever done and ever hope to do. The hours are tedious, the tasks often messy, the pay minimal and the vacation time non-existent. Yet I would fill out the resume all over again because of the smiles, the giggles, the cuddles and the unconditional love.

Love you-
Mommy

Thanksgiving

This year for Thanksgiving we traveled to my sister and brother-in-laws in Minneapolis. My parents and brother also joined us so the house was full. We had a great four days and enjoyed seeing everyone. We also ate great food and even enjoyed a few good game nights. Here are a few pictures of our time.

The Turkey!

Hanging out...

A Settlers of Catan game...I think I won!

The grandsons...

Aunt Angie and Liam

Dinner out...Yummy!

Zeus...the other grandson!

Samuel and Nana coloring Diego!

Samuel teaching Uncle Mike how to play the guitar.