Christmas 2012

Once again, we had a very busy Christmas. We started out going to visit my family in Red Oak on Christmas Eve. We got there early so that we could ensure a pretty good nap to keep a certain little one in a good mood through the chaos. We met Gram for lunch at McDonald's once we got in town.

 

Dad was brave and climbed all the way and went down the slide!

After lunch we went to Gram's house for a nap. Once naptime was over we got a visit from Nanny and Grandpa. And unfortunately, I didn't even think to get a picture while they were there. Soon after they left it was time for our Christmas Party. There was a great turn out. Ethan had a great time playing with his cousins. He doesn't often have children that age to play with that are boys. He followed Colton around everywhere. And Colton was sweet enough to share his cars and not get too mad when he had a hard time getting them back.

 

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Hanging with cousins, Aunt Carissa, and Gram

After presents were done and all of the cookies were eaten it was time to go. Little man was up way past his bedtime. And he sneaked enough sugar from people to give him a sugar rush.   His Pop was no help in the matter.  He made it almost the entire hour home before he fell asleep.

Our little family on Christmas Eve

 

On Christmas Day, little man caught up on his sleep from his late night by sleeping in an extra hour while Dad went to church. When he did finally decide to grace us, he woke up to see the presents that Santa brought him. He got a new Radio Flyer 4-in-1 tricycle and a new Dump Truck. And of course there were many presents under the tree from Mom and Dad

 

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Checking out of all our loot.

After we opened all of our presents at the house, we went over to Uncle Chris', Aunt Diana's, and Emma's house for Christmas with the Flynn family.  Aunt Diana and Grandma Flynn made a great meal for us consisting of ham, sweet potato casserole, brussel sprouts, and green beans. 

After lunch, some of us were pretty tired.  The little ones made sure to go pick on Uncle Mike while he was trying to sleep.  And, we really enjoyed the view of our first White Christmas!  

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 We had a lot of fun spending time with family.  Thank you Chris and Diana for hosting.

 

 

 

Emma playing cars with Grandma

Kisses for grandma

Grandpa showing the grandkids the snow

The best shot of them together.

Some mom love

Once we got home that night Ethan finally decided to play with his new toys.  He loves the new 4-in-1 tricycle the Santa brought him.  It will be great come spring.  Until then, he can push it around the house. 

 

Trying out the new trike

He also decided that Gil was pretty cool.  He really enjoys taking his hands to make him clap.  And he enjoys his new Bubble Guppies book that was in his stocking. 

Ethan and his friend, Gil.

This book is very interesting

Dad reading some Bubble Guppies

We hope all of you had a fantastic and blessed Christmas. 


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Merry Christmas Eve Eve

Waking up with a sore throat this morning, I didn't have high hopes of a fun day.  But, thanks to Robert for letting me take actual Nyquil last night and getting up with Ethan this morning.  This was a big help to sleep it off.  Great husband award for the day!

While waiting for Martin to come over for dinner, we had a little fun with Ethan in efforts to get that perfect Christmas tree shot.  Congratulations to those parents that are able to do this.  It is no small feat!  My trick to getting what I did?  I was browsing the Nick Jr. website, as all adults do.  And what do I find?  Bubble Guppies ornaments that I can print out on cardstock, cut out, and go to town.  I was worried he may not be interested in them.  Man was I wrong.  Ethan had a great time playing with these.  His face lit up when he saw them!  He recognized immediately, Gil, Nonny, BubblePuppy, and the gang.  We played for thirty minutes or more placing them on the tree and taking them back off. 

This precious face!

 

So proud of himself

Yes, Dad, I will take another to add

This looks like a good spot

 

This gives me an inclination he is going to love what Santa has in-store for him.  Christmas this year is definitely more interesting.  A lot busier.  And a lot more fun!  I love watching him discover the fun things to do around this time of year!

And this is just from a night or two ago.  He really doesn't sit still.

Happy half birthday, Ethan!

Wednesday marked Ethan's half birthday.  He is now 18 months, closer to two than one.  Ugh!  His personality is really starting to shine.  He is sweet, affectionate and generous yet, strong willed and stubborn.  He is definitely my little cuddle bug.  Whether sitting and watching a Christmas movie or just having some milk, he likes to just in my lap or snuggle into my side to get relaxed and comfy. 

Just a little goldfish while at our Christmas card photo session

 

Cuddling with his Texas Ranger pillow pet

These are the only types of pictures he lets me take lately.  You take what you can get

Relaxing while making a call

While I wouldn't consider him shy, he does have to warm up to most people he meets.  Even at playgroup some days he will hang on my leg for just a minute until he starts to recognize all of the familiar faces.  But, once he is comfortable he is all fun and games.  He loves to give his friends hugs and sometimes even a few kisses. 

Kisses for mom!

We had his 18 month check-up on Wednesday too.  Weighing in at 26 lbs 6 oz, he only gained 3 ounces since his 15 month appointment.  He is 33 inches tall, which is a 2 inch jump.  He is definitely started to shoot up and slim down. 

 

Meals these days pretty much consist of muffins or a cereal bar for breakfast with a banana.  Sometimes he will eat eggs or a pancake.  He has chicken with some sort of fruit or veggie for lunch and dinner or a PBJ.  And of course applesauce or yogurt for snacks.  Sometimes I feed it to him.  Other times he wants to do it, which is of course messy and takes forever.  He is very particular about what he eats these days.  Things that he loved just a few weeks ago are now considered poison.  It is amazing how quickly those things change.

 

He really enjoys "reading" these days.  At night when I finish a book he will hold up his little pointer finger to indicate one more and giggle when I say "One more?"  His other favorite toys right now are trucks and cars!  He has really started enjoying lining them all up and then pushing them around the house.  I guess when we move we should consider less carpet.  He has also recently taken a little more interest in the character every child loves, Elmo.  But, he can't seem to take the place of his Bubble Guppies.  Santa may have a few Bubble Guppies related items in his stocking next week.
And to say he is into everything is an understatement!

Checking the expiration dates in the fridge

 

We have also been working on all things Christmas this month.  He can point out any Christmas tree, tell you where Santa is, elves, Ms. Claus, and of course "Ru" (his term for Rudolf).  He can point out almost anything we ask him.  However, he is taking his time on saying the actual words.  He has a few of his favorites like Bye and Ru that he will say consistently.  Everything else we are lucky to get the one time.  I am told he can say truck.  I have yet to hear it.  I guess we will just have to believe Grandma and Grandpa Flynn.   

He is growing up too fast!!