Oh Christmas Tree

We put out our Christmas Decor early this year, 

and definitely on the smaller level than most years.

We have big plans for late December then Mike deploys in early January,

 so we don't want Christmas Decor getting in the way :)

Big brother and big sister are so in love with their little Santa 

And they decided to share the duty of putting up the Star this year! 

Our Baby Smarty Pants learned this week that if you get it in your hand

 then you can get it in your mouth :)

After decorating the tree we made gingerbread houses... 

This was our 1st year trying the pre-made kits... GROSS!

So we had a redo and made them the right way lol :)

Then we watched a movie while having Coco and Cookies :)

And little man took a nap on daddy :)

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

I love the Christmas season, and the giving spirit that it brings out in people. 

Despite all the worldly meaning that has been pumped into this holiday we like doing the fun Christmas traditions while teaching our kids their real meanings, and that Jesus's Birthday is the reason we get to have all the fun!

Today we took our Baby Elf to meet Santa, because well I can't resist the cuteness!

Even though our older babies have been told that Santa is just part of the fun, and St. Nick (though real) pasted away a long time ago they still wanted to talk to Santa :) 

 It honestly made my heart happy to see that they are still so good at make believe :)

Then we let the kids Ice Skate at the Village for a few hours!

And I got some quite time to just talk to my man ;)

 And our little Elf took his afternoon nap 

**Jenna's new goal... photobomb all my pictures :)

 The kids are getting to be really great at Ice Skating!

Now My older babies are making Christmas Snacks, and Daddy is making our Baby Elf Laugh :)

Little Bronco a year later

Last fall I posted this picture on my blog post

Future Bronco.  

We were not even pregnant yet when Mike surprised me with this outfit for James! Now a year latter he has officially grown out of it, and is wearing it for the last time today! 

I love watching Mike love on our son, and couldn't not share these pictures of our growing dream come true!

James with daddy and James holding his baby ;)

Thankful!

Happy Thanksgiving from our Baby Turkey :)

 Every year I have Jenna do a craft on Thanksgiving showing all the things that she is thankful for. Partly so she can look back and see as she gets older what things have changed from year to year, but mostly to drive home the meaning of the holiday! This year when we were deciding what her craft would be she asked if we could do something to make everyone in the family part of her craft, so she is making a book of what our family is thankful for :)

Here is some of the pictures for her book! 

 Sadly we didn't have Kade man with us this year, but we are having Thanksgiving with Mike's family on  Sunday and he gets to come! Other then missing him more then I usually do it was such a wonderful day. All of my siblings were there, and we spent the day just enjoying each other and spoiling the babies!! We had lots of  yummy food, family games, and of course football!

Cuddling with Daddy watching the Parade before breakfast!

Uncle Joshy and the boys who love him!

Jenna doing crafts with her Auntie Grace and Hope

 Baby James and his Auntie Eva

 Mike and I have a debate about the best part of Thanksgiving food... I vote my sister Stevie's Pumpkin pie Cheesecake, but he says its my mom's sweet potatoes! But we agree that it has been a fantastic year, and we are so blessed! One year ago we were still praying daily for me to get pregnant (though I was last Thanksgiving we didn't know yet), and now we have a sweet baby boy! We are now debt free (other than our home), our kids are healthy and happy, he has a job he loves, and I get to stay home with this little guy!!

Thing 3 is 3 months old!

 Look at our little chunk in his old man outfit! It really doesn't take much to make my day!

He is sitting up on his own now as long as there is something behind him!

 And holds his head up to look around no problem!
It really is bitter sweet watching him grow!


Height/Weight: He doesn't have another appointment until next month, so no update here. I promise he is heavier though :)

Routine: Our routine is about the same most days! He gets to spend an hour on week day mornings with Grandma April or Grandma Sue, so that mommy can go work out. Then we go home and he eats and naps while I get stuff done. Then we spend time playing before picking up sister from school. He plays with sister while I make dinner. Then daddy hogs his attention all evening before bed :)

Sleeping: He is napping while driving, and then one solid few hour nap during the day. At night he gets up around 3 to eat then wakes up with me in the am. I made the mistake of reading a horrible SIDS article, and felt like I needed to get up to check on him hourly for awhile... that was terrible! He does prefer falling asleep with me to anyone else, and likes sleeping in my bed (easy access to his food I am sure), but I am trying to have him at least start each night in his bed. 

Eating/Feeding: Our growing little man is eating more these days, but seems to do it faster! I pump on the way to dropping Jenna off at school every morning 10 oz, and he eats that while I am at the gym. Then I pump on the way home 10 oz and it gets through till nap. Then he eats again for 20 mins before picking Jenna up, and when we gets home. Before bed for 20, and once in the middle of the night for 10 mins. 

He will let anyone bottle feed him now, so sister and brother do it whenever they can! 

Sizes: He is officially in 3-6 months clothing, and it wont last long! 

He is still in size 1 diapers.

Milestones: He has learned that it is much easier to self sooth by forcing one's fist in their mouth rather than crying for a pacifier :)

And he has learned to grab what is in front of him! 

Thanks to the toy bar Auntie Stevie got him :) 

He learned sister will lay and talk to him anytime  

And daddy is his favorite person to play with!

This smiley boy makes everything about this wonderful life better! On a daily basis Mike says "he was such a good idea babe" :) 

It is hard to believe that just a year ago he was a prayer, and now his sweet laugh makes my day!