Christmas 2009

After five long days in WI, we are finally back home in MN. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE being in Wisconsin for Christmas. If I didn't, we wouldn't travel there every year. However, traveling six hours to have nine separate Christmas celebrations in a five day span is a bit exhausting. (Yes, you read correctly; we had NINE different Christmas celebrations. And that number doesn't even include the other non-Christmas visits either!) Plus, I don't even want to admit how much we spent on gas driving back and forth to all of these celebrations. Okay, I am done complaining. On to the wonderful highlights of Christmas!

• Meeting Cousin Ava for the first time
• Watching Griffin ride his horse, otherwise known as Uncle Brad
  
• Our big breakfast feast with Papa Bill
• Griffin painting with Cousin Samuel
• Watching Grayson celebrate his FIRST CHRISTMAS
• Griffin wrestling with Scott, Hopper, and Keaton
• Grayson eating Breakfast potatoes at the Shorts---I swear he ate half of mine
  
• Griffin playing with his new horse and two wolves
• Breakfast at Papa Tom's---if only I had been smart like Kelsey...she made an awesome breakfast sandwich
  
• Griffin getting excited about his new cowboy hat
• My favorite meal---Grilled Cheese and Beef Tendorloin
• Griffin playing with his new tools---he thinks he can now fix or build anything
• Both boys behaving despite being sick

Overall, it was a very Merry Christmas! Now on to more recuperating!

Can I still call him my baby?

My youngest son, my littlest man, my baby, is already 9+ months old! I can hardly believe that in less than three months, Grayson Andrew will be a year old. While I try my best to wish for time to stand still so that I can cherish his "babyness," it isn't quite working. As I pack away more and more clothes that no longer fit, I am reminded that his childhood will always move quickly; the only thing I can do is try to slow down myself and take the time to live in each moment.

On Christmas Eve morning, Grayson had his nine month check-up. Weighing 18lbs. 2 oz. and being 28 inches tall, he still remains smaller than most his age. However, developmentally, he is about two months ahead of where Griffin was at his age. In true second sibling fashion, he is trying to keep up with his brother! This little man also has way more chompers than most do at his age! Currently, he is sporting eight teeth! The good news is that because he has so many teeth, he is able to eat more finger foods! In the area of talking, he can say mama and dada, and I swear when he says "nana" he means no. Being able to pull himself up on anything presents more challenges for Brandon and me. Gates are at both the top and the bottom of the stairs, and more childproofing is happening every day now that he can also open drawers and cabinets.

He currently loves his play table and walker/rider from Grandma Laurie. He is also good at independent play. I can be in the kitchen or doing some coloring with Griffin for a good chunk of time while Grayson occupies himself with his toys. All he needs is a smile from one of us every now and then, and he is content! Yes, I do know how lucky I am:)

Enjoy the pictures of my favorite nine month old little boy!

It doesn't seem quite fair...

That my littlest man has an ear infection in BOTH EARS! Here's to praying for a quick Christmas recovery!

Getting Ready for Christmas:)

Since Griffin is finally at the age to start really enjoying Christmas Traditions and activities, we decided to visit the Holidazzle and Macy's display for the first time ever!!! While I wasn't "wowed" by either display, I thoroughly enjoyed myself because Griffin had so much fun! Christmas really is so much better when you have kids of your own:)

Unfortunately, by night's end, Grayson came down with a nasty cough and fever. It seemed to come out of nowhere. Not much sleep was had in our house, so here is to praying that our littlest man gets better to enjoy his VERY FIRST CHRISTMAS!!!

On Wednesday, we will have our own Christmas Celebrations at our house and will be attending SLP for Christmas Service. I am excited for Griffin to be a part of Kid-O-Deo Christmas for the first time. Bright and early Thursday morning, we will be braving the snow and heading to Milwaukee. Merry CHRISTmas everyone!

I don't believe it...can it be true?

Is my baby really nine months old today?

Christmas Card Pictures 2009

(Taken By Emily Steffen)