first christmas

We had a great Christmas. We were blessed to be able to spend time with both families. Even though Ryan was sick (grocery store runs for 7-up and juice) and Mason was a little fussy and plugged up (grocery store runs for prune juice) we enjoyed our holiday. But, it's good to be back home:)
Mason impressed us all with his little drummer boy ability and entertained himself at Grampa's and Grammie's with a paper plate and measuring spoon. He even helped open a few presents. He is loving all his new toys!
At Papa's house we whipped out the Christmas costumes. He was a good sport while we all laughed and took pictures. He provided more than enough entertainment.
It was so wonderful to celebrate his first Christmas with friends and family. During all the visiting, opening presents, playing games, and laughing, it's important to remember that Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

May you have a wonderful and blessed New Year!

wordless wednesday

splish splash

Mason loves his baths! It didn't start out that way. He used to cry during the whole thing. Now, if he's crying and you put him in the tub, he actually stops. He's been getting baths a lot more frequently since he started eating more foods. If you can call it eating...I guess most of the food makes it into his mouth.

He recently figured out how to splash in the bathtub. Now that he can sit up by himself, he loves to reach for his toys and splash the water with his hands. If I hold him on his back he kicks his legs in the water. All of this splashing is followed by lots of giggles.

Bathtime has changed from carefully holding this tiny baby in his tiny tub in the sink to full-blown fun in the big tub! And of course it must be followed up by a few pictures in his adorable bathrobe.

One of his first baths.Um, mom and dad, don't you think I'm getting a little big for this thing?

Check out my cute robe and my rubber duckie!

I hope you are all enjoying this holiday season, and taking some time to slow down and enjoy time with family. Take time to ponder all the wonderful blessings God has put in your life.

wordless wednesday

6 months

Dear Mason,
You have been such a blessing during this trying month. In the midst of sadness, you bring pure, innocent joy. It amazes me that you do not know pain or sin yet in your prescious life. We have watched you grow in so many ways and it's hard to believe you are half a year old.

We have spent a lot of time with family this month and you are loving every minute of being loved on! You are such a people person.

You love going for walks and being outside. And you are already borrowing daddy's clothes!At six months, Mason, you:

~still drool like crazy

~can roll over both ways

~can sit by yourself, leaning forward on your hands to support you

~love to be held upside-down, and be tossed in the air~talk to us all day long

~sleep through the night

~love your spinach

~love when Java licks your hands and feet

~always fall asleep in the car

~love to touch faces and pull on beards (especially daddy's)

~love to sleep on your side

~really like to play in your exersaucer

~get excited when we walk into the room

~love to be around people, especially family

We love you so much, Mason and look forward to the next 6 months. You're going to learn so much.

xoxox,

daddy & mommy

I love you, dad

I've been thinking about this post for the last week and I really just feel like I need to write it before I can move on and post about something happy. My dad passed away last Saturday, after a battle with cancer. I feel like I have a big hole in my life, where my dad used to be. It doesn't even seem real, and I don't even know what to write. Except that God is good. Even in tragedy, He is good. I am thankful that my dad is no longer suffering. I am thankful that since everything happened so quickly at the end, and I couldn't be with my dad, that I was already together with my mom, sister, and the rest of our family. What a support to gather with them in prayer. I am thankful that I took Mason to visit him a few weeks ago. And I am thankful that God is unchanging in a world that is constantly changing. He is my Rock and my Comforter. I miss you dad.