Christmas Day

We had another early rise to start Christmas Day! James was so excited to check out all of the loot from Santa that he got up at 4:00! It was so nice to be in our home on Christmas. It was nice to be able to relax and leisurely open gifts together.

Checking out all of the goodies from Santa.

Opening gifts

 

Initially we weren't sure about the new chair from Santa. However, it didn't take long to start some toddler shenanigans!



 

 

Peek-a-boo, I see you!

First of many stories in his char.

After an early morning of presents and breakfast, we got ready to head to Grandma and Grandpa's to have our family Christmas. Someone was looking all cute in his Christmas outfit. I should also note that this outfit was purchased for cousin Jack from mommy and daddy when he was about the same age. Swoon!

 

Looking all handsome!

"What mom, I'm being safe."

Family Christmas photo- 2016







I knew we were in for a long day when someone did this as I took a selfie. Not tired at all, are you son?



We enjoyed a nice brunch at Grandma and Grandpa's before we started opening presents. I got zero pictures of James opening presents as I was just trying my best to keep him out of everything in sight that would possible harm him. Can you say toddler tornado?! The cutest part was when James just decided to go post up on cousin Jordan's lap. Just precious!



Hugs!

"Hey, are you looking at me?"

"Mind if I just lay on you and take a nap?"

 After a few hours of presents and family time we headed back home. This was the view within minutes of leaving Grandma and Grandpa's. Tired baby!

I should also mention- Jordan made gift for John and I. Pretty darn cute that he made his Aunt Mallory this coffee mug decorated with, "Aunt Mallory is the Prettiest". :)

 

 Enjoying a bedtime feeding and rocking to close out Christmas 2016. What a blessed Christmas it was with our little family. :)

Christmas Eve

Ok, prepare yourself for "holiday blog post overload" over here. I'm clearly behind on posting about the holidays so here goes.

Christmas was pretty low key at our house. We kicked off Christmas Eve with an early start to the day. Four a.m. to be exact! Clearly someone was NOT tired (yeah right, look at those eyes).

The activity of choice upon awaking on Christmas Eve.

Given James' typical nap schedule, we hosted Christmas Eve at our house this year with Grandmommy and Uncle Mikey. James was rather helpful in being everyone's present opening assistant.

Christmas Eve family picture. Obviously momma is a little tired, check out those dark eyes! 

 

Extra love for Grandmommy. :)

 

Proud mom with her boys.

 

We attempted at several group shots. Albeit a little blurry, we got everyone in one frame and all with smiles. Not too shabby for a selfie!

 

James took a good afternoon nap while us adults indulged in a little wine and board game activity. James awoke from nap to open his Christmas jammies and new sheep lovey.

 

James and mommy in Christmas jammies pre-bedtime.

 

Excited for Santa.

While James was sound asleep, mommy and daddy took the opportunity to exchange Christmas gifts as we knew Christmas morning we would both be engrossed in James activities. This year we the 4 categories: 1) Something you want, 2) Something you need, 3) Something to wear, 4) Something to read. I was pretty pumped when I opened my "read" to find the Thug Kitchen cookbook. 

After a few rounds of games and drinks we played "Santa" and headed off to bed. This was quite the peaceful sight as we headed upstairs. I'll admit, I really enjoyed our front living room this holiday season. It turned out so cozy, just as we had envisioned. 

 

 Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight!

'Tis the season to be busy!

A busy few weeks have  passed at our house. Here is a quick re-cap....

James and I spent a few days at home, just playing and being silly. This. Boy. Is. BUSY.

New shenanigans in the block tub.

Up to no good!

"This is how it works, right mom?"

We have really enjoyed our front room this holiday season  now that we have it furnished. This room turned out exactly how we had envisioned the day we looked at our house. Here I got to enjoy a quiet afternoon as James napped, while I leisurely sipped my latte. Bliss!

 

My boys...love this!

 James has really been laying on the kisses thick lately. Don't let this picture fool you. He is quick to offer a slobbery, open mouthed kiss upon demand and it's totally precious. Makes this momma's heart total mush!

James had a f/u doctor's appointment with Dr. D to re-check his cough. He had a good report (although as I type this his cough has returned....sigh.). He was equally pleased to learn that he is finally big enough to enjoy the big toy house in the dr's office waiting room. 

The Master

 

And yet another belated post.... (I'm so far behind!)

John completed his Master's program through K-State on December 14th! What an accomplishment for him! As hard as times have been for our family while he's been working on his degree, we are so proud of him! He has spent many nights studying and working on projects since January of 2011. I cannot even begin to imagine how he got the job done between juggling working full time, being married to such an awesome person ;), and welcoming James into our family (which he had to take 2 classes the semester James was born).

Congrats, babe! We are beyond proud of you and this new accomplishment. Cheers to the many successes that lie ahead! We love you!

Meeting Santa





Yet another belated post!

James got to meet 'Ole St. Nick the first weekend in December. This was his first year meeting the jolly old man in red. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.... :)

November Ends, December Begins

Thanksgiving (and really November in general) came and went in the blink of an eye at our house. It was also much different than we had anticipated. Thanks to some pink eye and bronchiolitis diagnosis for James, Turkey Day was spent in the comfort of our own home. We were (and are) thankful for Grandmommy who brought the entire Thanksgiving feast to our house that we were supposed to have at her house. With James being on breathing treatments about every 4 hours, we just couldn't venture far from home. And poor guy was ready for bed at 5pm Thanksgiving night and didn't even partake in the feast. Luckily, he is MUCH better now and lets hope that he stays healthy for Christmas!




We had also planned to surprise Grammy and Grandad with a visit north over Thanksgiving weekend. John took Friday off and we thought we would have the extra long weekend to make the trip north. But, we decided it would probably be best to stay put with James not feeling 100%. Although we missed seeing family, we did enjoy the long weekend at home, just being kind of lazy and doing our own thing. We decorated for Christmas, cleaned, mommy organized the basement, hung outdoor lights, etc. Definitely a productive weekend!




James is busy and on the move. He LOVES the Christmas tree and seeing all of the lights, often commenting "ooooooh" when he sees the Christmas tree. It will definitely be fun to experience Christmas through his eyes this year.




We are anxiously awaiting the holidays and our schedules are crazy. John has another travel trip for work coming up, he's in the final days of his Master's program, we have several holiday parties to attend, and then the holidays with our families. A busy, but fun time ahead!




Some of the fun highlights via pictures for the last few weeks.

Pre-Thanksgiving bday party fun with the Widmer boys.

Birthday party full of boys!

Sweet boys!

Friendsgiving with the ladies, Penny and Savannah!

Friendsgiving!

Friendsgiving mom style...babies and wine! :)

Darn bronchiolitis!!

5pm bedtime on Thanksgiving.

Playtime with Daddy.

Christmas décor.

Fascinated with the tree.

Fun with daddy!

Definitely the BEST GIFT EVER!

Our first try at outdoor Christmas lights.

Play date with Austin!

Fun in the car seat box.

Snack in the car seat box.