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| Gabe's 1st Thanksgiving |
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| Gabe's 1st Christmas |
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| Picking out a Christmas tree |
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| Worn out from Christmas fun |
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| Posing by our tree after getting home from church on Christmas Eve |
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| Before the STC Christmas Party |
Merry Christmas Eve! Can you believe Christmas is here? This has by far been the fastest year of my life! This time last year I was pregnant on Christmas and here we are a year later with Gabriel just turning 8 months old on the first day of winter, Dec. 21st. Chase is definitely an independent 3 year old this year, whereas this time last year he was still somewhat of a baby himself. Both boys have had an exciting past month meeting new milestones and gearing up for the holidays as this is Gabe’s 1st Christmas and Chase’s 4th.
I’m especially excited for Chase this year as this is the first time he really understands Christmas. We have tried to stress the true meaning of Christmas (Jesus is the reason for the season), but I have to admit it’s been fun using Santa as bribery for him to behave. Both boys got to see Santa in early December. This was the first year Chase didn’t cry or have a puzzled look on his face. In fact, he actually ran up to Santa’s lap with excitement and told him all about wanting Spiderman and a fire truck for Christmas. Gabe didn’t cry either, which was relieving after waiting in line for about an hour to see Santa at Bass Pro Shop. “Santa” called our house about a week before Christmas to remind Chase to be good since Chase has been a little on the testy side that week (thanks, Papa Breeden!). We’ve been watching Christmas movies, wrapping presents, and baking cookies all month, so I’d say we’re ready for the big day. Last but not least, Chase has been pretty good these past few days thanks to “Santa’s” gentle reminder.
Gabriel’s bottom front two teeth finally broke through; the first one surfacing the week of Thanksgiving and the second one just a couple weeks ago. I’m sure there are more right behind the first two since he’s been a Christmas goat gnawing on every thing in sight and drooling profusely. Between the teething and suffering from a cold, Gabe has had a few fussy nights and days, but he’s pushing through. He’s also crawling now; well, it’s more of a military crawl, but he’s on the move for sure! He still has a hearty appetite when it comes to his stage 2 baby foods and formula and he even tried mashed potatoes over Thanksgiving. For Christmas, he’ll be ecstatic to get a hold of wrapping paper and most likely try to eat that too.
As for Tim and I, we’ve been busy wrapping up the work year and juggling the kids, family, and friends. Thankfully, I get a week off from work along with Chase being out of school until January 2nd to catch somewhat of a break (although there is never really a true break with Chase and Gabe around—don’t take that derogatively). Chase concluded the year with a Christmas program at Faith Outreach Education Center where he got to sing several Christmas songs with his class. His teachers enjoy having him in school and had good remarks to share about him (sigh of relief for parents to hear). Tim and I were able to break free one night to go to his Christmas party for STC. We went to the Christmas Eve service at church with Tim’s parents and sat with “Pam Pam” (my mom) and Grandma Anderson while we were there. It was a service to lift our spirits after having a somewhat of a rough day with the kids being fussy. Christmas Day will be spent with my family, and the 26th with Tim’s; with that said, we’ll have had three days of Christmas fun by the time it’s all said and done! Unfortunately, Tim doesn’t get as much time off from work for the holidays as I do, but we’re going to try to make the most of the days off we have together. And, for that matter, we’re going to try to make the best of every circumstance and every day that God gives us as we conclude another year and enjoy another Christmas together. May Jesus be the true reason behind your Christmas season and carry you into the New Year with His abounding love and grace.
