Christmas 2013

My responsible little guy remembered to move his candy cane on our Christmas countdown every day on his own.  He was pretty pumped when we made it to the 24th!

Side note: Mommy was smart & bought C's jammies 2 sizes too big, so he was able to sport them for 2 Christmases.  Score!

While both of the boys were sound asleep, Santa visited...

Super heroes, legos & Sponge Bob were big hits this year!

While Noah didn't really need much this year, he still got a few goodies for being so well behaved.

Connor was so very excited to see what Santa brought.  Noah was oblivious.

Connor was thrilled by everything.  

"A Sponge Bob boo-boo buddy!"

"BATMAN bandaids!!!!!"

"Smurf soap!!"

Big brother asked if he could get a picture hugging his baby brother.  It was so sweet, as he wanted to share the excitement with Noah.

Me & my boys...and a little baby drool on my sleeve...

Noah was overjoyed with his Santa pile.

"Woo. Hoo."

Next year should be a little more exciting for him :)

Family timer photo success!

Where Connor played most of the morning...

These Super Hero Little People were among Peewee's favorites from Santa.

After gifts and a mini nap from Noah, we packed up kids (still in their jammies), and headed to Nana & Papa's for breakfast.  As we loaded in the car, Connor noted his tummy didn't feel good.  I sat in the backseat sandwiched between my boys in the backseat.  Connor was resting his head on my shoulder (so not like him), while Noah rested his head on my hand.  I was worried C's health might be going downhill from there.

When we unloaded at Nana & Papa's, the cousins hung together while we sat for breakfast.  

Just as I got a plate of hot food, Noah decided to squawk for his breakfast.  My sweet Connor just curled up on the couch with a blanket and pillow.

Matt & I did shifts with Noah, so we could both eat breakfast.  After eating, I tried to give my Connor some Mama attention as it was apparent he didn't feel good.  He mustered up some energy to sit up and get ready for presents.  Nana kept him company on the couch, while I walked Noah to sleep.

Once I got Noah down for his nap (took about 30 minutes to get him down for a nap, all for about a 20 minute nap), I joined the fam for present time!

(I know its blurry, but this was a special moment when Papa opened the gift Connor picked out for Papa all on his own at his school's Christmas store).

He chose a Snowman ornament for Papa... 

And a colorful owl keychain for his Nana...

He was so proud and excited to have them open their gifts.  He has such a sweet little heart.

Just as we were enjoying present time, Mr. Noah decided to wake & join the fun.

That's when Christmas took a little turn for the yuck.

C was still lounging on the couch, not showing any of his regular Christmas gusto, when Uncle Craig quietly asked C if he thought he might have some energy saved for one last present outside.  C looked up... and vomited all over Nana's couch.  It was one of those slow motion moments where you watch it happen and you just can't get there fast enough.  My poor boy.  

It was within minutes before C spotted him new trampoline outside & went to check it out.  The sweet little guy wanted to jump on it so bad.  He tried it out a few times then looked up at me and said, "This jumping hurts my head a lot."  I suggested we take a break from the trampoline, so C opted to go play fetch with Bobo.  He wanted to be himself so much, but that darn sickness was getting in the way.

C napped for a bit before we headed to Grandma Lori's for supper.  I was hesitant to take C not feeling well, but we tried it knowing we may need to abort at anytime.  I set C up in the guest room and let him sleep.  Noah, on the other hand, was so tired, but he wouldn't sleep for more than 10 minutes at a time.  Between the two boys, I was pretty whooped.

C wanted to play with Austin so bad, so he gathered all his energy & headed out to play.  He did great through gifts and even snacked on a few crackers and apple slices.

He was pumped to get a life sized Darth Vader.

While I absolutely hate that of all days for C to get a 24 hour bug, it had to be Christmas.  He still managed to have a great day & Noah did great for his 1st Christmas (minus the whole not napping thing).

Thank you all the celebrated with us, spent time with my poor boy despite his germs, and generously contributed to our Christmas goodies.

Merry Merry Christmas!

Our "Christmas Eve"

Our annual family Christmas Eve gathering came a few days before Christmas Eve this year.  We had a fun filled day ahead of us.

We started the day out at the Skatium for Taylor's ice skating birthday party.  It was Connor's 1st adventure on the ice & I was super grateful Matt went out there with him, so I didn't have to! 

 I was envisioning back to when I was younger & ice skating on my birthday.  My little sister was trying to keep up with my brother & fell chin first on the ice--sending her to the hospital.  I don't have much memory of that day, but we did manage to capture it on video!

So very glad no one got injured!  We'll consider the trip a success!

*It took a good 10 minutes to get Connor's ice skates laced up and pretty sure he was on the ice for a total of 10 minutes before calling it a day!*

After a good time at the party, we packed up & headed to Pete & Jill's house for our "Christmas Eve."

We're surrounded by baby boys...and next year we'll have 2 more!!

My little smiley loves his Nana already!

My bro, sis-in-law, along with Baby A & Baby B :)

Such handsome babies :)

Nana & her boys

Our little Nugget found his hand recently.  I love when he self-soothes :) Yessssss

The hostess this year, Aunt Jill.

Although I did a lot of nursing or walking Noah to sleep by the soothing sounds of a vacuum app on my phone, we still enjoyed a yummy dinner & gift exchange.  Connor helped conduct the gift exchange this year :).

Another fun year with family...

Best Christmas Show Ever

Could he be any more handsome?!

All dressed & ready for his Christmas program at school.  I'm not sure which one of us was more excited :)

I prayed Noah would be good & Thank you Jesus-- he slept through the whole show!

My tall guy will probably forever remain in the back row.  He was smiley. He waved to me, Matt, Nana & Papa. He sang loud & proud. He rocked it.

I was beyond proud.

He never missed a beat with his bell!

The beautiful stage (my spider boy was in all black sitting in front of the Christmas tree on the far left).

The dark stage wasn't too camera friendly, but I still enjoy blurry smiles :)

Big big thank yous to Matt & Nana who captured pictures & video for me while I had my hands full bouncing a baby in my lap to keep him asleep.

Enjoy a snippet of the cutest 5 year old ever!!!!

(He was a spider along with his best bud, Coen)

We were so proud of our Connor!!

Odds & ends

Between my good camera & my phone, I have cute pictures saved all over.

Here are a few I just came across :)

Just a few of my favorite guys...

Here's Noah's concerned face.

Pretty sure he was just uncomfortable sitting so close to a Gator fan ;)

My sweet boys.  Not sure why my Connor looks like he's 13 years old here...

He needs to cut it out immediately!

Sweet smiles from my happy babe!

(He resembles a little of Connor at this age in this picture.  Connor's cheeks were just a lot bigger!)

Noah at 2 1/2 months

Connor @ 3 months

 

Snuggle time early in the morning before school.

And this is the bright-eyed smile I get after a feeding :)

LOVE this face :)

After the longest week ever...

We survived the sickness of last week.  Thank goodness we got that out of the way before Christmas festivities.

Things have been looking up lately!

Friday was boy night & Matt took C to a hockey game.  

Just as I was put Noah to bed and had big plans for putting my feet up, I heard from Matt that C was getting pretty bored at the hockey game & that they'd be home soon.

Before they got home, they squeezed in a few snow ball fights in the parking lot with the hockey rink 'snow.'

Although this week has still had its fun challenges, like a strong-willed 5 year old that likes to tell me, "No", and a sweet 2 month old that takes longer to get to sleep than the time he actually stays asleep.  Attitude and cat naps may be the death of me, but at least we're healthy this week!

I'm just trying to grasp onto smiles like these to help me survive these days...

As we drove to school this morning with a grumpy Connor and screaming Noah, ..."it's the happ-happiest season of all..." came up on my Pandora Radio.  I just laughed inside & was reminded of God's sense of humor. Ha Ha Ha.