Handmade with Love

Recently, with the help of Mom and Sandra, I have completed Charlotte's stocking. Let me tell you, it is so hard to do meticulous activities with babies! But it is finished in time to enjoy it before Christmas and for that I am thankful. Thank you so much for your help, Mimi and Aunt Sandra! I could not have done this one with out you both. And thank you to my sweet husband for watching the kiddos while we worked diligently. Your help was most appreciated!

Snow Day

Snow! For Cade's second Christmas in a row, he has been able to play in the snow. It began snowing early this morning on our way to a dr's exam. By the time we arrived home in Spring, Ryan's surprised us by coming home early. He and Cade and Auntie Jen had so much fun playing in the snow! But it got cold very quickly. We came inside for hot cocoa in front of the fireplace :)

Tree Time!

"CHRISTMAS!" was the first exclamation from Caden's mouth when he came downstairs after his nap and found the Christmas lights out for decorating. It took some convincing for Cade to finally agree that the ornaments were not balls but he finally got on board and hung several himself :) Love, love, love this time of year!

Thankful for Travelers

Boy did we have a wonderful houseful for Thanksgiving! Nothing is more fun than hosting the holidays :) Mimi and Granddaddy drove in from CO while Uncle James arrived by plane. Cousin Lauren, Aunt Bobbye and Lloyd arrived from Dallas. Aunt Sandra and Pete came in from College Station. We were hoping to learn how to cook a turkey, though my dad has tried to teach me before. One year, Ryan and I did a turkey breast but that was only because we didn't have counsel present to teach us how to cook the real thing. This time, they ended up selecting the smoked turkey which is the easier pre-cooked option. It was delicious! I may never do anything but pre-cooked again. We had such fun and are thankful for ALL of our travelers who came many miles to share this special holiday!

Babies Coming Out of Our Ears

I am a bit behind on my blogging due to time management. But I have to comment about our fun visitors last week! Our sweet friends Lindy and Ashley came over to visit Charli Kate, Caden and myself. They brought lunch. This was so appreciated since we haven't been able to get out much while Charlotte awaits her immunizations. We had babies coming out of our ears but "everything seemed sain" (to borrow Lindy's phrase). Lindy's son, Cade and my Caden had so much fun playing together. They had little conversations about taking the "trash out" and watched the "pup-pups" play in the backyard through the window. Aren't they such cute buddies?!

Lindy, below, holding a sleepy Charli Kate. You wouldn't know it to look at her because she is so tiny but she is expecting a baby girl in April - so exciting!!! We could already see that Lindy's Cade will be such a good big brother to sweet Ella Brooke!

Ashley and little Jemma Grace, below. It was the first time that I was able to hold Jemma though we visited her in the hospital on the day she was born. When we arrived that day, she was swept away by the nurse for her first wellness exam with the pediatrician. Jemma is eight weeks old here. See the family resemblance... such beauties!

What a special visit! It really meant so much to us :) Miss and love you guys!

Beary Cute!

What was left of Charlotte's umbilical cord fell off this morning (5 weeks later!). We were thrilled to be able to give her her first bath tonight. When Caden received his first bath, Ryan recorded the event and took pictures. Meanwhile, I bathed Cade. This time, Ryan bathed Charli Kate and I recorded the event. She loved it and it was very special bonding moment for Daddy and Daughter :)

We dressed her in a super-cute bear outfit after the bath. She wouldn't leave Ryan's arms for the rest of the night!

One Month Flies By!

In this picture, Caden and Charlotte had so much fun playing together on their play mat. Cade taught Charli Kate about all of the attached toys. Such a precious pair!

Charlotte is so big, now! She weighs slightly under 10 pounds - what a good eater!!! Charli Kate smiled twice at her mama this morning (not during her sleep). Her little personality peeks through from time to time. She is an angel, so calm and sweet. She is close to sleeping through the night. For several weeks, she has only been waking once during the middle of the night. She is so perfect! We are so happy :)