Christmas

Well, Christmas was a blast! I know that Kate had absolutely no idea what was going on but she enjoyed all the attention she got! And she totally racked up in the present department! I mean how many other almost 5 month old babies have their own laptop and cell phone? Playschool of course, but she has to start sometime! Why not early? And I know her grandparents had a ton of fun too. It was certainly a special Christmas for us. Our first Christmas with our little girl. It will always be one of my top memories looking back!

While the festivities and presents are exciting, I cannot wait to teach her about the true meaning of Christmas. To bring a child up to know Jesus is an amazing thing! To raise a child is one thing, but to raise a child that knows our Lord is a treasure in its own!

While this Christmas season draws to an end, we look forward to 2010! 2009 was such a special year for us that it's a little bittersweet to say goodbye - it is the year that we received our enormous blessing of Kate - but we have so much to look forward to! A year of so many more firsts! I can't wait!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve at Grammy & Pops


Kate in mommy's stocking. Since mommy was born on Christmas Day, she came home in a stocking!


MERRY CHRISTMAS!


Wanna Christmas kiss?


Christmas Day at Nonnie & PawPaw's house


Cool! Presents! This is sooo exciting!


Getting the hang of it!

Today is Christmas Eve Eve

I am so excited! Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday (not to mention that it's my birthday too!) and I am so excited to be sharing this holiday with Kate. I know she has no inkling of an idea of what is about to happen but we do Christmas BIG! Lots of family time, food, and did I mention the presents? She has a ton and those are the ones from mommy and daddy and Santa!



Today was a special day. We spent part of the morning visiting with Becky and picking up a present for Kate that M had dropped off for her. It was a beautiful Baby's 1st Christmas ornament and a teddy bear. She also wrote Kate a letter, which I think is so wonderful that Kate will have when she grows up.

This Christmas our Sunday School class sponsored a family of 7 children whose parents are incarcerated and they are living with a grandma. We had so much fun shopping for them and wrapping their presents this week. Today was the day that we gave the family the gifts. Two family members arranged pickup of the gifts today and I know the kids will be super excited when they open their gifts! Merry Christmas "E" family! I look forward to teaching Kate about the important lessons of giving.

Tomorrow we will spend the day with Grammy & Pops (Jennifer's parents) and Uncle Ryan and Kristy. Christmas day, we will be with Nonnie & PawPaw (Chris' parents) and Uncle Drew and Aunt Sondra. I can't wait to share pictures of KATE'S FIRST CHRISTMAS!

A visit to Santa

The Junior League held our annual Holiday House Children's Event and Kate had her first meeting with Santa! And she did GREAT!

Kate meeting Santa

a cute little girl:



This is the picture that we are using as a Christmas card this year.

Sad day

Today, Chris and I went to the funeral of baby girl Gracie Lynne Thomas. She was just not ready to come into the world. It was a beautiful service and my heart aches for Jennifer and Mark and their family. I cannot imagine their grief right now. When I got home, all I could do was hug and kiss Kate. Life is so fragile. It's hard to understand why this happened but I know God has a plan for the Thomas family. Their (almost) 3 year old son Jonathan had some medical medical issues when he was born and they trusted in our God then as I know they will now. They will be in our thoughts and prayers in the days, months, and years ahead.

Cereal is Cool!

Kate had her 4 month pediatrician check up on Wednesday. Dr said she was doing great! Already 13 pounds and 10.25 ounces and 24.25 inches long. But the most exciting thing was he encouraged spoon feeding her cereal! YIPPPPEEE!!



Yes, it's messy! Yes, it gets everywhere! But who cares - she loves it! She sits in her Bumbo and we knock out the cereal in no time! The pediatrician said it was ok to add a taste of baby food for flavor. Green peas is was!