December 2013

The holiday season always flies by in a flash. Such a busy, consuming time of year. Thankfully, we made a lot of fun family memories and upheld our family traditions.

Each year my college girlfriends and I get together for a Christmas party and ornament exchange.

So begins the saga of Avery obsessing over the Princess Palace.

She even drew a picture of the Princess Palace to make sure we knew what she wanted. This was not originally on her Christmas list but she was certain Santa was coming through for her. (Santa had some bargain-hunting to do).

Avery performed in her preschool Christmas program, and dressed up as a Christmas gift. Her favorite song was "10 Little Angels (in the band)" where she got to play Christmas bells. After practicing every day at home hamming it up, she scowled during her performance and seemed completely annoyed by the boys in her class that were screaming the words. At least mommy humored her and let her wear "sparkles" - aka sparkly makeup we bought for Halloween.

A special treat - Nana and Papa came up for the performance!

This year we went to a Polar Express event with friends. Avery made up a note for Santa.

Meeting the big guy.

I helped with Avery's Christmas class party this year.

Found the perfect tree at Home Depot!

Christmas Eve service at church

No one was pleased during our first couple takes of photos on Christmas Eve.

That's better!

Christmas morning! Avery got the Princess Palace!

Our great family present was an ice cream maker - yum!

Remembering Lucy on the special day. On Christmas Eve I lost it, knowing that the holidays would be a lot different with a little two-year-old running around.

Austin's first trip over to "Lucy's stone." Avery drew her a picture and we took flowers to her special place of rest.

This was a very special Christmas and time to remember all the many blessings in our lives. Having Austin here made for all the more fun. Watching him discover new sights and sounds as he took it all in was so sweet. Avery loved the entire season, and although Christmas gift-giving was certainly the highlight for her, she also enjoyed learning about Jesus and the significance of him being born on this earth. This year I'm striving to carry the meaning of Christmas love and hope throughout the year. It's not always easy to keep it forefront in our lives, but I'm going to try!

Austin is 5 months old!

Say hello to our little 5 month old!

It has taken almost 5 months for Austin to come to terms with the bottle.  It's been a challenge, but we've been doing our homework and bottle-training!

This month Austin did some back-tracking on sleep. Little man went from sleeping nice long stretches to more like 4-6 hour stretches. This was due in part to a cold that he got before Christmas that developed into an ear infection. That sent him into a tailspin pattern of waking up one or two times in the night and acting like it was imperative that he eat. We still seem to be doing this. I don't mind the extra cuddles and all, but I'm tired. Sleep training shall begin soon.

Austin can now support himself briefly in a tripod seated position. He is very proud of himself!

He gets excited about discovering new toys, sights and sounds.

Austin JUST rolled from his tummy to his back this month. He is liking tummy time more and more.

I do not think Austin's ego will be hurting any time soon. The number one phrase he tends to hear each day from his big sis Avery is: "Austin, you're the cutest boy in the whole world!!!!"

Austin continues to be like to be held, and he has done very well in the Ergo carrier. It's been great for both of us!

He is pretty friendly and will smile at people when they smile and speak sweetly to him. He prefers to be in the safety of my or Jeff's arms when meeting new people. He also will smile at people then immediately play coy and bury his face in my shoulder. So endearing and precious.

Austin love been read to! He sits quietly sometimes and other times he likes to talk during books. Either way, he grabs them, tastes them and tries to turn the pages already.

Have I mentioned that baby giggles are simply the best?! Austin is giggling and when he starts going at it, it's contagious. We can't help it - we all start giggling. It's just so darn stinkin' cute.

Austin is already over 16 pounds and is maintaining right in the 50th percentile range. He seems eager to eat solids so we will start trying over the next couple weeks.