Christmas Part I

We didn't cram Christmas into one weekend this year--we get to enjoy it three weekends in a row!  The weekend before Christmas we celebrated with Jason's parents (they decided they needed to go to Iowa's bowl game & bolted for AZ the day after Christmas).  Christmas day we went to Jason's Grandparents & New Year's Day my family is coming to our house to celebrate.  We didn't have to travel this year, which was SPECTACULAR!!  I wonder if I can talk my family into coming to my house EVERY year?!

 Griff & Channy got these adorable aprons, chef hats & oven mitts from cousin O.  How cute!  If you want your very own, you can contact this talented gal.

Griff got some new paints. I think he's gonna be a lefty. (and a fantastic artist)

Christmas Eve we left out some cookies for Santa.  Griff left a note for Santa reminding him that he really wanted a train for Christmas--oh,and to enjoy the cookies & milk.

Christmas morning Griff was inspecting the plate & was so excited that Santa ate some of the cookies. 

He then ran to the living room to check out the loot.  (oh, do you see that old TV in the background? it is getting replaced very soon---a new TV is my Xmas present!)

Channy didn't care about her presents--but she sure was excited about the tootsie rolls that Santa left for Jason & me.

all those toys & she goes back to the darn tootsie rolls--next year Santa, lots & lots of tootsie rolls!

Griff patiently waited for Daddy to set up the train.

The living room floor was covered with plastic dishes & food. 

Christmas = big mess, but very happy kids!

We ventured to Jason's Grandma & Grandpa Y's house for lunch & more presents.

The little cousins got these fancy rockers for Christmas. 

They are so fun to watch.  Happy birthday O---he turned 1 the day after Christmas.

I love this picture.  Both babies getting some lovin' as Keith looks on. 

 Katie & Drew with the little ones--they entertained the kiddos all afternoon--it was great!

 And I'll leave you with a little musical number from Griff.  This was the most annoying present of 2010 (thus far--cuz we haven't opened my families presents yet).  I give you the microphone

(thank you little papa & nana b.) 

 baby, this one goes out to you

Blame it on Baby Jesus

True story:  tonight at Christmas Eve church service, Griff had some trouble controlling his bodily functions.  He passed gas rather loudly--Jason immediately asked Griffin if he did it expecting him to at least say "excuse me"...but nope, Griff simply replied "it was Baby Jesus."

Nice.

Sorry Baby Jesus. 

White Christmas

 We decided that today would be a perfect day to take the kids out sledding. 

Griff was excited.

 Channy, not so much. 

(maybe it was because i couldn't find her pretty girly hat & a cute scarf to match.  she had to wear her brothers old stuff) 

Channy decided it was much safer to watch from the sidelines. 

 Griff was having a blast....

until he got snow in that annoying spot between where your coat sleeve ends & the mittens begin. You know what I'm talking about--once you get snow shoved in there, it is all over. 

Our family wishes you

Joy, Peace & Love

Merry Christmas!





Painful

 I had high hopes today of taking Channing for her 1 year well-child visit, getting 1 year pictures done, visiting Santa, and doing a little shopping at Target.  I realized last night that getting all that accomplished (and for it to go smoothly) was going to take a miracle and perhaps a fifth of vodka.  I cancelled the photo shoot & figured at least Channy could handle her 1 year shots (doped up on tylenol) and a quick sit on The Big Guy's lap.  Well, we got through the shots, but the Santa experience was not pretty. 

Griff was awesome & with a bribe of a large Sprite & cookie, this kid had no problem sitting next to Santa. 

 There was NO way Griff was going to sit on his lap---not even for all the Thomas The Trains in the world.

Channy was a hot mess.  She really isn't a fan of strange men---and men with facial hair really freak her out.  Needless to say we did not get a "good" picture.  In fact, I didn't get a single picture of just my kids on Santa's lap (whole purpose of the trip).  O was fantastic & sat quietly.  I think he was majorly annoyed by Channy--ruining his first Santa experience and all.

Poor Santa, I wonder how many screaming kids he has to deal with a day.  I did notice a few cups & "water" bottles next to his chair.....hmmm, wonder what he is really drinking?  Santa, I am not judging.  You do what you gotta do to get through the season.  I also wonder how Mrs. Claus keeps Santa healthy.  His immune system has to be impeccable to handle all those snotty kids.  Yuck, makes me want to go wash my hands.

 Santa & Griff had a good talk about all the trains Griff wants for Christmas.  We were walking away & Griff said to me "Santa is going to bring me a train."  Indeed, Santa is going to bring him a train.

Poor Channy--what a trooper.  We made it through the Dr. appointment, battled Santa & then spent a little time in Target.  She was a happy camper once we got home & she could roam around the house & play with her toys.  I had to peel 6 bandaids off her at bath time.  5 for shots & 1 for a blood draw. 

Here are her 1 year stats:

Height: 29 3/4 inches (80%)

Weight: 20 lb 10.8oz (50%)

Head Circumference: 18 1/8 inches (75%)

One healthy little gal

The Santa thing didn't really work out, but who cares.  I'm the moron that thought it was possible after my little sweetie had 6 needles poked into her. 

Lesson learned.

 

Memories

 A year ago today this precious girl entered our lives. 

After we figured out what she would eat, that Prevacid is a life changing drug, and that it is OK to let your kid sleep in a moving swing, bouncy seat, or infant carrier all night long (for about 6 months)---it was smooth sailing.  

 

 

 

  She's a bit of a stinker & has a lot of attitude, but I wouldn't have it any other way.  We are so lucky to have this pretty girl.  Happy birthday Channy Bear!  We love you so much!