Christmas 2009

This was our first family Christmas at home. We had an unusual but happy Christmas Eve. Dylan and I started off the day making Christmas cookies for Santa. He enjoyed eating the dough and using the cookie cutters. Steven's dad and Stephanie joined us for church and dinner. We were late to church - no surprise - but a nice woman offered us seats since we both were holding little ones. The boys looked so handsome and were so well behaved. When we came home from church the power was out at our house and we could not heat us dinner, etc. for awhile. We lit candles and Dylan was running around with a flashlight saying that he could see in the dark. About an hour later the lights came on and we had a nice dinner and Christmas celebration with Lee and Stephanie. Dylan was of course so excited about finally getting to open presents and he loved the tractor they gave him. After we put the kids to bed Steven and I enjoyed playing Santa Claus for the 1st time and putting out the kids gifts for Christmas morning.

About 2am I was feeding Levi and heard a lot of sirens and it sounded as if a firetruck may have even been on our street. Steven was sleeping with Dylan so I went and looked our front and saw nothing and then out back and could see smoke and flames behind our house (at least a block over). I went and woke Steven up and he went to see what was going on. The fire was 2 blocks over - and later found out was arson. Scary and eventful Christmas monring.

Levi slept through most of Christmas morning but Dylan was so happy and excited. He loved opening presents and seeing what Santa had left for him and he really liked emptying out his stocking. We also made hot biscuits for breakfast - his favorite. It was so nice to be at home and I took at 2 hour nap with Dylan - merry Christmas to me. My parents joined us for dinner that evening and we had another lovely Christmas celebration. It was so nice to be at home and enjoy our two little ones.

Another favorite memory of mine this Christmas season was getting to enjoy Christmas cookies and peppermint ice cream with Dylan. These have always been my favorites and it was special to get to share it with him. We ate them for snacks most days and he would be just as excited about it as me and still asks for pink ice cream and christmas tree cookies.

If we make it through December

We are actually having a good December but I always think of my uncle Bubba when I think of December/Christmas. We use to karaoke to that song every year and it was always a good time!

This December we have been at home getting ready for Christmas. Dylan is super excited and tries to open his presents every day. He also loves to read his Little People Christmas book which he was also obsessed with last year. This year he pretty much has it memorized and can read it to me. Levi is getting bigger and more animated everyday. He smiles and coos a lot and overall seems to be a very happy baby. He especially loves bath time and kicks and tries to swim in the baby water. I am pretty amazed by this for a 3 month old. Steven and I have also made it out a few night by ourselves. We saw Jack Ingram, Bruce and Kelly Christmas show and went to the WGA Christmas party. It is always nice to have some adult, married time with my husband. We often laugh about how we can not even talk to each other at our house because Dylan is always talking! We are looking forward to staying home this Christmas and enjoying our boys!

Dylan also had his first spend the night away from home. Steven was gone Saturday night and Dylan spent the night with my parents. He did very good for his first spend the night and it made my night a lot easier. My mom in very good at comforting him so I think that helped a lot. It is funny how the only people he wants to put him to sleep are me and my mom. I am so proud of him for being such a big boy.

Steven bought a video recorder and I have been taking videos of Levi smiling and Dylan reading , playing, etc. so once I learn how to download them I will now have videos on my blog! Stay tuned. Below are some of our December pictures.