Had Ourselves a Merry Little Christmas!

We had a Merry Little Christmas,... and hope you did too! Here's a run-down of our Christmas:

First, we went to Effingham and Neoga, Illinois to visit Dustin's mom's family. We hung out, ate great food, and caught up with great people. Plus, they all got to meet Graham! Here are some pictures from that fun time:






We did the Dirty Santa game. At first, I stole a 2-tier dessert tray. I thought it'd be nice to have for baby/bridal showers I help throw in the future. But that was stolen from me, so next I stole a cake pop/donut hole maker. Again, I think I'll use this for future shower/birthday treats. It comes with recipes, so that helps!

Graham got a Sesame Street Grover doll (apparently Dustin had a Sheriff Grover that he loved as a kid), a blanket and some outfits.

That night, right after the Dirty Santa game and saying our goodbyes, we drove to Springfield, Illinois to see Dustin's step-sisters and their families. Here are some pictures from that adventure:






The last picture is Grandpa/Great-grandpa Tony with the grandkids. Graham is the little one on the left. Isn't he cute?! (They all are!). Graham got lots of clothes and toys! He really hit the jackpot this Christmas!

After spending lots of fun time with family, we got home. Though I had a lot of fun, it was tiring and it's good to be home and get Graham back in the environment/schedule he's used to. We also got to finish up a craft we started before we left. Thanks to a great friend, Jessica, we got to make Christmas ornaments with Graham's footprint and hand print. Unfortunately, the hand print was pretty difficult to do, because Graham likes to keep his hand in a little fist and moving around a lot, but we did our best! Here are pictures of the ornaments we made:



I can't forget to show you Graham's cute Christmas outfits! Here they are:


This one (above) says "HO HO HO" and has Santa on the feet.


This outfit says "Santa's First Stocking Stuffer"


This outfit says "My First Christmas" under the "Mommy's Lil Elf" bib. : )

This final picture is not a Christmas one, but I love it, so I had to share it anyway...


Ha! Now I just need to get him a strong man outfit!

Family, Fun & Holidays

We've been pretty busy lately, so I have quite a bit to fill you in on!

We took Graham's newborn pictures; here are some of my faves:










We also sent out Graham's birth announcement. Here's what it looked like:


Graham finally met his cousins, Maggie, Marin and Emmy. They loved him and he loved them. I can't wait to see how their relationship develops as he grows and can play with them! Here are some pictures of them:



Then, we all went to a birthday party for Marin. There was yummy food and we got to see a lot of family. It was a blast! Some more of Graham's family got to meet him too. Here's a family picture we took at the party:


Graham has been smiling more and more everyday. In fact, one day I woke up and leaned over to look in the bassinet and there he was smiling the biggest smile at me. Wow, what a wonderful way to wake up! Here are some pictures of his beautiful smiles (haven't been able to catch the BIG smile yet, mostly just the tail end of them):





Graham also had his first picture taken with Santa! We're getting the professional one later this week; this is one we took with our personal camera:


Santa told us what a gift he was and wanted to hang onto him even though there was a line of other little ones. Of course, we knew he was special, but it's always nice hearing it from others. ; )

One Month (Already?!)

Graham is one month old today. Wow, that flew by! We've settled into somewhat of a routine now. He is absolutely the best baby we could ask for. Sure, some days/nights are better than others, but what parents/babies don't deal with that? We are so very blessed by this boy and can't wait to see each milestone as they come while treasuring each moment with him as they happen. Some pictures/memories from the past month:

One day old in the hospital

After his first bath

At his first doctor's appointment

His first Razorback game

His first swing ride

His first holiday to celebrate (Thanksgiving!)

His first tummy time

His favorite sleeping position (with his hand/hands by his face)

His first family photo

His first stuffed animal

And last but not least...


His 1-month picture!

Life is Short...

I'm old enough to know that life is short; in fact, it can be very short. Recent events have highlighted this fact even more to me. With the recent deaths of two very young people who are friends of my friends, I have been made all too aware of this fact.

So how do you let this fact change or affect you? It seems like it can change the way you view things you previously thought were "problems" and worries in your life. These things do not seem so very serious and important now. It also makes you that much more aware of the many blessings in your life. These are all things that we know... it's just that sometimes we get so caught up in the daily grind of living that we lose track of it somewhere and need a reminder.

As if I needed any more of a reminder, I opened the Bible in the midst of all these events and this is what I saw: "Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”" - James 4:13-15 (NIV).

So not only can your views on problems and blessings in your life change, but your views on how you are living your life can also be transformed. I ask myself if I'm living how I would want to have lived if I died tomorrow? If I'm appreciating every moment I'm given on this earth and making the most of all of them? If I'm showing Christ's love to every person I come in contact with? What are my priorities and are they really in the right order? I don't know about you, but I can certainly make changes and improvements in all of these areas.

I am continuing to send up my prayers for the friends and family of the two young people who recently passed away. I hope that you will join me.

My Halloween Baby

Graham David Weber certainly has a mind of his own. First, he turned breech at 36 weeks. Then, he decided to decrease his movement... all this so he could meet the world on Halloween! Some of his birth information:

Baby's Name: Graham David Weber
Date of Birth: 10/31/11
Baby's Weight: 6lb 5oz
Baby's Height: 19 1/2 in

Now, for the best part... pictures! ; )

Graham's first picture with mom!


First family picture!


Our sign on our hospital door. We got a ton of compliments on it. Thanks, Jessica!


We were overwhelmed by the flowers, sweet gifts, and well wishes. Thank you so much everyone! We are so very thankful for your love and support!


Getting ready to go home in his monkey outfit! Such a sweetie! We are over the moon happy and in love with our baby boy! We look forward to seeing how he changes as he grows up. Thank you for all your prayers, well wishes, love, and support!