Mom's Visit - part 1

My mom was able to come visit and help out for ten days (Dec 5th-15th). We had a wonderful time and I'm so grateful for all of her help while she was here. She watched Nicolas while I sung in my 3 Christmas Concerts and was so great to hold Nicolas a lot at home too. She certainly had the magic touch for getting him to sleep! Lucas and Matias had a lot of fun with her too. They did lots of projects together and read books and played. She helped me get some deep cleaning done and sewing projects finished and took us out to dinner to celebrate Zeke's birthday. We were even able to bless Nicolas in church while she was here which was very special and I'm glad she was here for that, even though I wish more family could have been here too. Most of the time we just stayed at home, but we did venture out to the Aquarium and the holiday display at Macy's! Overall, it was a perfect trip! Here are lots of pictures (a few of Nicolas before she came, and then lots while she was here too).

Nicolas the "Snowman"

Matias woke up pretty tired from a nap and kept resting while watching a show --
I love his butt up in the air!

Nicolas actually really likes a binky! A first for our kids

Trip to the Aquarium - Dec 11th

there's a turtle in the picture too

in front of the "Finding Nemo" tank
** I LOVE the MobyWrap and it even doubles as a coat hanger! **

Nicolas' First Bath and Putting Up the Christmas Tree

Before I get to posting pictures from our wonderful Christmas, I have some catching up to do from December!
---

So far we think Nicolas looks and acts more like Lucas did as a baby. Staying true to that comparison, he wasn't too fond of his first bath. Lucas hated taking baths for a long time and still doesn't like them as much as Matias. Matias loved his first bath and has always loved baths (or showers). I love how cute and clean Nicolas is afterwards though, so we'll keep giving him baths! :)

We put up our Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. Lucas had seen some of his friends with their Christmas trees up already, so he was excited to put ours up. It was fun to put on Christmas music while the boys put up the tree and I put up the rest of the decorations around the house.

Lucas put on his gloves to protect him from the 'poky stuff'

Matias had fun helping too - especially since we bought some "Cars" ornaments last year that he couldn't stop playing with

Nicolas peacefully slept while all of this was going on

the boys playing with the Christmas Train Set

Lucas was excited about the Snowman and he wanted a picture with it and his 2 favorite bears

The First Week at Home with Nicolas

trying to get in a nap while Nicolas was sleeping

Matias often asks to "hold it - Niconas!" that's how he pronounces Nicolas

Nicolas usually naps during the day in his swing

Lucas and Matias love to bring him toys and blankets and stuffed animals to make sure he isn't bored

Matias helping burp Nicolas

almost a smile!

ready to fight - even in his sleep

silly Lucas dressing up and dancing

1 week old!