Christmas Activities, Part 2

I realize Christmas is now over, and I haven't finished publishing our pre-Christmas activities. I know, I know. Trust me, I really don't have any time. I now have wireless and can check FB and email, etc... while I'm strapped to the chair feeding Hayden (every two hours still), but I can't work on my blog from my Nook. Naps are short (not to mention the 3 year old who thinks Hayden's naps are her Mommy playtime), and nights are shorter. SO...here you go.

Christmas Eve baking with Aunt Jess

Fresh cookies for Santa Claus

Holiday dance Open House - ballet portion

tap portion (sad to say, with all the love in my heart, but there isn't a whole lot of natural talent there. She loves it though!)

loved her treat and certificate

making Hayden's tag for her present to him (I had to "dot" the letters so she could trace them perfectly for her "precious baby")

Making a gingerbread house at school

special Mommy & Hannah time at school

The finished product - which made it home only to fall on the floor (with Hannah's help) and break into a bunch of pieces that attracted every single dog hair in the house! It was cute while it lasted though :)

Christmas Activities, Part 1

I am going to post our Christmas activities in a picture journal. Instead of typing a paragraph, please read the photo captions. This is just the first part, as I only have a short time on the computer, more will come later. Merry Christmas!

Waiting to see Santa at the Irmo Branch Library. Hannah and I made cookies that day and she wanted to take some to give to Santa.

Santa read a story before visiting with the boys and girls. This is a free event and a wonderful way to help some shy children warm up to Santa. It's the only way Hannah saw Santa last year, as she was terrified. The story helped ease her into it. This year she was a crazy person she was so excited to sit on his lap.

Amelia was less than thrilled with her visit.

 

Trying to get a picture of all three grand kids for Nana's Christmas card. It was a quite a challenge. This was the best shot we could get.

In front of our finished Christmas tree. Hayden looks thrilled, doesn't he?

When do I get to open these things? Hayden amusing himself while Hannah and I put the finishing touches on the tree.

Hayden liked the lights and sparkles of the Christmas tree.

Snap was hanging on the cabinet, so we had to make our cookies right in front of him. Hannah was super careful not to touch him though. The next day he was on top of the cookie jar, so apparently he liked what he saw!

Our candy cane cookies turned out great. It was a very fun project for me and Hannah to do together.

Standing proud in front of "her" tree. Hannah worked for hours to put up the tree. She helped assembly the whole thing and put on every ornament that she could reach. The ones she couldn't do, she unwrapped so I could do. I have never seen her so dedicated to something, or her attention span last so long.

Putting the star on the top with Daddy - she did it, he's just straightening it up.

So excited to get started.

Snowman pancakes at Mrs. Sharon's house.

Fun with friends!

making more treats

Every present under the tree (except the ones for herself and some for Hayden) was wrapped with Hannah's help. She used her own scissors to cut the paper and put on every piece of tape. She has really loved getting ready for Christmas this year.

She is even really good about not telling anyone what is in the gift. She'll show people which presents are for them, but is careful to say that she can't say what it is because presents are a surprise.

Waiting for the Lexington Christmas parade to begin. Not a terrible picture considering I took it with my big camera in my outstretched arm!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Most silliest guy

For days after we see Uncle Jeff, Hannah talks about how he is "the most silliest guy". Last night she was listing the silly people in her life, and Uncle Jeff was at the very top of the list. It always warms my heart when he says "Hello beautiful!" the first time he sees Hannah on a visit. She beams when he says it, and looks so forward to those words. In anticipation of the words on Sunday she said "that's my most favorite part." I'm sure Hayden will grow up with a special Uncle Jeff relationship too. We love you Uncle Jeff and are always happy to see you in town!

4 months old

I realize we are a week late on this post, but the doctor wanted to delay his shots until the whole flu thing was better. I knew I wouldn't be "on top of things" enough to do two posts, so I just waited. Here are his pictures that were actually taken on his 4th month birthday.

• weights 12.3 pounds, 1st%
• head circumference is also in the 1st%
• is 24.5 inches long, 8th%
• eats every 2 hours during the day, occasionally going 3 in the middle of the day
• will now be getting formula at night before bed and then again when he wakes up to eat
• will not put himself to sleep, and "cries it out" for well over 2 hours, so we are waiting until he's a little bigger to try again (drs advice)
• he constantly has his hands in his mouth, or whatever else is around
• reaches for things he wants (especially if he wants them in his mouth!)
• smiles a lot, especially for his sister
• squeals
• babbles constantly, and loudly
• rolls over from front to back, but hasn't made any motion to go the other way
• finally can ride in the car seat without screaming (at least 80% of the time)
• loves to stand up (with support of course)
• adores his sister, and the dog
• sleeps around 30-45 minutes a day
• is general in a good mood all day, despite lack of sleep
• gets up multiple times a night (although only eats around 2:45)
• wears a size 1 diaper still
• wears 0-3 months clothes, and some 3 month clothes
• likes to be held, doesn't much like to be put down
• his hairs is getting kind of fuzzy, so hopefully it's on the way!
• likes to hear books and listen to Mommy and Hannah sing

The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

The Good: We were so thrilled to have our great friends visit us the weekend before Thanksgiving. Hannah had been counting the days until her beloved Madeline came to stay. All went well, at first. The girls did remarkably well having a sleepover (although never one really stayed in the sleeping bag the whole night, we kept having to cover them up with blankets) and loved having each other around 24/7. The daddies got to go cheer on USC while Heather and I hung out with the kids. Sunday was another fun day of church, lunch at Moes, and then Youth Group and Circle for me and the Connors. The Bad: While at circle, Heather got a text from Adam that Hannah had a fever. Apparently, all of a sudden she got a headache and laid down on the couch and didn't move. Justin took her temp and it was 103. Madeline moved out of Hannah's room for the night and we all kept our fingers crossed. It was so sad to see them leave us on Monday morning. Hannah was feeling pretty rotten though, and I don't think it really "hit" her that Maddie was leaving. It hit me though! And then two days later something else hit. The Ugly: Everyone got the flu. Hayden, Justin and I got sick and then it ran through all of the Connors too. I can't tell you how terrible I feel that their Thanksgiving plans in NC were ruined due to the flu. There is no telling where it came from, as it seems to be hitting everyone right about now, and our Pediatrician said it has already been a terrible flu season. But, it really doesn't matter. I feel awful for them. If you are their family, and you're reading this post, I am so very sorry. The flu is no joke for a 3 month old, especially when both of his parents have it too. Very thankfully, we had some help from our families. I'm not sure how I would have ever gotten better without their willingness to help us out.

3, 3, 33

This is a little late, as Hayden is now 4 months old (post to come soon, I promise), but I still wanted to post our 3, 3, 33 picture. Hayden is 3 months, Hannah is 3 years, and I am 33. Poor Justin didn't fit into the equation this time :)

Wordless Wednesday