Christmas Tag

Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper. I recycle gift bags when they’re given to me, but there’s something about ripping off your wrapping paper Christmas morning that makes it so much more fun!

Real Tree or Artificial? Real for sure!! Love the smell, and don’t mind the needles enough for me to get an artificial.

When do you put up the tree? Whenever we get it – there’s not a set date or time.

When do you take the tree down? We usually wait until after New Year’s Day. Or until it’s so dead we can’t stand it anymore.

Do you like eggnog? LOVE IT!! Have to dilute it though, otherwise too rich – either with milk or Sprite.

Favorite gift received as a child? Either I have a horrible memory, or else I was a spoiled little brat who was never “impressed” enough for it to last. I DO remember a great Christmas in high school. ALL of my Christmas money was stolen at school and I was devastated that I couldn’t buy gifts for any of my friends. The doorbell rang one night and there was an envelope on the steps that said “To: Jodi, Love: Your friends” – in it was $100 in $5’s and $10’s. They had taken up a ‘collection’ since they knew how upset I was – which was extra special since I was just turning around and buying all of them gifts! I never found out who was in charge of it or who all donated, but I will never forget how good of friends I had/have!

Hardest person to buy for? Nearly everyone, but mostly Neil. He never wants ANYTHING!

Easiest person to buy for? This year, probably Avery ‘cause she’s too young to care and we already know what she needs. Plus I’m realizing how easy it is to spoil your child!

Do you have a nativity scene? I think a couple of them – currently don’t have enough room to put up all of our knickknacks. Hopefully we’ll get some end tables or something soon.

Mail or e mail Christmas cards? Mail – that is if I ever get them out!!

Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I have an aunt who tends to buy her gifts at the DI – I don’t remember any one specifically, just that they’re kind of crazy.

Favorite Christmas movie? I love Elf! The Muppets Christmas Carol is awesome too! Never seen The Christmas Story (I know, I know – I’m weird). I also love Rudolph and the animated Grinch…those will never get boring!

When do you start shopping for Christmas? Usually the week before! I actually had a few things bought the first week of December this year – I was so proud of myself!!

Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? White elephants are the BEST when recycled.

Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? I love a good cup of my mom’s homemade wassail! Also toffee, fudge, caramel popcorn, and lots of other little treats.

Lights on the tree? Multi-colored. I like either, but Neil insists on color.

Favorite Christmas song? Not very popular, but “I Wonder as I Wander”

Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home this year. And our travel consists of driving to our parents house about 15-20 miles away, so it’s not very far!

Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Who DOESN’T know them?

Angel on the tree top, or star? Still haven’t ever bought a tree topper – plan to this year when I can find time to check out Hobby Lobby or Tai Pan Trading.

Open presents Christmas eve or morning? One on Christmas Eve, the rest on Christmas. Neil and I get each other hoodies instead of PJ’s – that’s the Christmas Eve gift.

Most annoying thing about this time of year? Driving in the snow! And though crowds and lines are annoying to be in, it’s still kind of thrilling to be in all the hustle & bustle – I’m probably alone in thinking that though.

Most favorite thing about the season? What isn’t there to love? I really couldn’t come up with just one thing! Lights, carols, happiness everywhere, snow, the nativity story, friends and family – I love it all!! (Except DRIVING in the snow – blech!)

Favorite ornament, theme, or color? I have a little ornament that I got when I was like 2 or 3 of a little bear in a bathtub – it’s porcelain. For some reason it’s always been my favorite.

Favorite food for Christmas dinner? I love ham. And my mom’s homemade rolls!!!

What do you want for Christmas this year? To be honest, I'm having a hard time thinking of things. I need some new clothes. All the things I really want are pretty big purchases….couches, an office desk, a flat screen for above the mantle, a piano!! Someday those will all come true…I hope!

I tag EVERYONE!!

8 Weeks

(Smiling for Mom - she usually smiles big when we DON'T have the camera out.)

Avery had her 8 week checkup today! I can't believe the time has passed SO fast! The doctor said that everything looks great and that she actually seems to be ahead of the game when it comes to her strength. He said that she can stand really well, and that she keeps her head up and balanced very well also. We've always noticed how strong her neck is. Even in the hospital she was holding her head up a lot - the nurses even commented on it. The doctor also said that she's following things very steady - not a lot of jerking movements. We're just proud of her no matter what, but it's fun to think she's learning fast! :)

(Sitting up like a big girl - with a little help)

I never posted her 2 week checkup stats, so here they are along with today's for comparison.

2 week:
Height: 20 1/2" (82%)
Weight: 8 lbs 8 oz (85%)
Head Size: 36 cm (75%)

8 week:
Height: 22" (37 %)
Weight: 10 lbs 6 oz (42 %)
Head Size: 38 cm (32%)

Apparently, I had a large baby, but she's shrinking....or rather not growing at a "normal" pace. I'm not worried one bit though - we love her just the way she is! She loves tummy time and always kicks her feet to try to move forward (I swear she'll be crawling in no time!) She's smiling more and more every day and she's more and more happy (if that's possible)! She is SUCH a good baby and we just adore her!

(Some tummy time on the Boppy)

(Doesn't it look so relaxing? She's so content!)

Thanksgiving

(Our little family at dinner)

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving this year! I spent the morning relaxing and getting myself and Avery ready for the day. Neil went with his brother and some friends to play their annual Turkey Bowl football game. We started the festivities at Neil's mom's house. We were missing Lindsey & Ed (we really missed you guys!!) but the rest of Neil's family was there. Neil's mom, Grace, made these cute name tags that each had a different quote about gratitude, and a different question we had to answer. My question was "Name something you're grateful for about the way you were raised." Neil's question was "Name someone who has been an example to you of gratitude." It was a very fun activity that really helped us all reflect on the things in our lives that we are grateful for. His extended family came over later for dessert and we all sat and enjoyed each others' company. Later in the evening, we went to my parents' condo up in Midway. We enjoyed more dessert and played games with the fam. We ended up staying up VERY late! It was a wonderful day filled with food, family, and fun!! It was a great beginning to my favorite time of year!

(The loves of my life!)

To keep with the spirit of gratitude, I would have to say that one of the things I'm most grateful this year is my own little family! Avery has brought so much joy to our lives!! I love being a mother and soak in every minute of it! I'm sure I'm spoiling her rotten, but I snuggle her pretty much all day! I love to rest my cheek on the top of her head and breathe in her "new baby" smell. I also love to watch Neil with her. He is the most wonderful father and it's so obvious how much he absolutely adores her! I must say, though I wouldn't have thought it possible, our love for each other has grown ten fold!! It's amazing, the depth of my love for him. I am so thankful for the blessings I've been given, and for the family I have to share my life with!