Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas, and were blessed to have some of my family stay with us. Joey, Crystal, Tim, and my parents all came in Christmas Eve and celebrated Christmas day with us. It was a lot of fun with the kids, although Martin didn't understand it and Grace slept the whole morning! We did share a priceless moment when Martin saw his blow up Bozo and ran in fear to safety. My bothers got a good laugh!! His favorite toy has been a Thomas the Train book from Grandma and Grandpa! Thank you!!!

Kids with Santa

I took the kids to see Santa a few weeks ago (it has been a hectic time of year). They did well--no smiles, but no crying children either!

So much news...

Since my last post, so much has happened. Eric's dear great Aunt Mia passed after a battle with spinal injuries from a fall, surgery to repair her spine, heart disease, and eventually infections her body could not fight off. We will miss her dearly. On a lighter note, my brother Chris got engaged to his girlfriend Sam this week. We are excited about welcoming two new sister-in-laws to the family next year. (Sorry no pics--can't figure out how to move them from the website yet).

A lttle girl

Well, my dear friend Julia and her husband Patrick welcomed their first child, a little baby girl named Caroline Elizabeth into the world December 3rd. She is a little darling and I am looking forward to meeting her this January.

Smiles

Well, I finally have some pictures of my little darling smiling. She coos and smiles all the time now! I am enjoying every minute I have with her.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

We had a wonderful holiday with my sister and her family and my parents at Lake Hartwell. We enjoyed a marshmallow roast and s'more making Wed night followed by beautiful weather and a fun day outdoors on Thursday. My mom, with the help of my niece, Brianna, made a wonderful meal with some "delicious apple pie" (to quote Brianna). We are truly blessed and have so much to be thankful for--2 beautiful healthy children, 2 jobs, a house, families that love and support us....the list goes on and on!! Thanksgiving is truly a time to thank God for his many blessings!

Dad had retired!

We celebrated my dad's retirement this weekend with a party at Maggiano's. It was so special to have all 5 of the kids there to celebrate with mom and dad. Dad was very surprised, which was so deserving after all those years at GM. Grace slept though most of the party, but did wake up long enough to see everyone.

It never stops amazing me how quickly children grow. Martin is getting so big with such a strong personality!! Grace continues to grow and is holding her head up well. I am still trying to catch a smile on camera!

Well, being back to work has been hard. I love my job, but leaving my children for the day is tough. Grace continues to grow rapidly!! She is smiling (I can't catch it on camera yet though), cooing, and wiggling all over. Her hair is still as wild as ever, but getting lighter!

It is so scary being a parent sometimes. About 8 hours after his flu shot this year Martin developed a small rash. By morning, he was covered! We are now in the process of determining what he may be allergic to. Thank God it was not serious. As you can see, he didn't seem to mind it as much as Eric and I.

Although we suffered a loss to OSU, we enjoyed visiting MSU and seeing our friends. It is wonderful to see everyone's family growing (Martin was napping and so was absent from the group picture).

We recently got back from MI where we had a wonderful visit with family and friends. We were blessed to see Eric's Grandma (88 years old if you can believe it!). Nichole, mt sister-in-law also celebrated her 30th birthday and recently moved into her first condo!

We visited a pumpkin patch with Grandma and my in-laws, which also included a petting zoo and large play area. Martin enjoyed the ground tire mulch more then anything!

My sister and her family stayed for the weekend after attending the baptism. We were blessed to have lots of time to spend with them, and Martin was able to play with his cousins, aunt, and uncle.

Grace was baptised at St. Olivers on Sept 27th. Her godmother, Julia, could not be here due to her own pregnancy, so my mom stood in. It was wonderful to have my family here (my parents, in-laws, sister and her family, Tim and Lauren, and Joey with his fiancee Crystal).

My dad is Grace's godfather. He was able to make the trip from St. Louis down to GA to be here for the baptism.

Sue was in for a week to help me. Jon came in for the weekend of the baptism. It was so wonderful to have my in-laws here to help. Martin loves seeing them!

Eric with our children. It still sound odd to have it plural. I am so blessed to have a wonderful husband!! We are doing well, sleeping when we can, and enjoying all the moments our children are sharing with us. Eric is working still, but planning on being home for some time in Oct for our trip to MI and then some down time at the house.

My mother-in-law is staying with us for a week now. It is so nice to have more help after my mom leaving a few days ago. Martin loves all the attention!!

Some of my dear friends at work, Leslie, Pat, and Jane, sent me my first edible arrangement! I have been talking about these for months (maybe longer!!), and it was such a sweet surprise! My family at work has been so wonderful, from helping me work while pregnant to the shower to the visits in the hospital and the wonderful gifts! I am truly blessed to work at Brookwood Animal Hospital!!

My bother Chris came to visit.

Our sweet little angel. She is doing remarkably well--sleeping well, eating great!! She is very alert and takes in everything when she is awake!

Martin is the proud big brother. He is still unsure about who this little person is who has moved into his house.

Daddy and his girl

Mommy taking a nap with Grace









Look at all my hair!! It is dark brown now, but likely will be lightening up soon.