Amelia's First Christmas

Eventhough Amelia cannot understand Christmas yet, there is definitely something magical about having a child at Christmastime. It was diffcult to get things done this year since I went back to work on December 1. I was wrapping gifts at the last minute and never got around to decorating the outside of the house. But nonetheless, the spirit was vibrant in our home! We had new ornaments on the tree this year for Amelia, and of course, a new stocking hung on our mantel. It was fun to visit Santa, several times, and celebrate with our families.

Helping Mommy cook

On Christmas Eve, we went to my mom and dad's for dinner and to open gifts. We had a wonderful meal with ham, cherry sauce, vegetables, pineapple casserole, sweet potato casserole, corn casserole, chocolate cake and carrot cake! Can't forget the cakes!!

Amelia got several fun gifts including an Elmo from Grandma, a Rocking Snail and Polo sweater from Uncle Ryan, a stool with her name on it, an ornament, and a Smart Trike from Gigi and Papa. The Smart Trike is a 3-in-1 stroller/bike combo. At this age, Amelia is strapped in it like a stroller. It has a sunshade overhead and a cell phone that she loved chewing on. As she grows, it will convert into a parent controlled tricycle and eventually a regular toddler tricycle. She loved going for a ride in it.

Christmas morning was nice and quiet. We took things at a slow pace, enjoyed some coffee and opened presents. My mom and dad came over for lunch and Matt fried a turkey. We were stuffed and just laid around for the afternoon!! That night, Matt's parents and niece, Maegan, came into town. They visited for a few days and took care of Amelia on the 26th so we could go to the Chung's Boxing Day party for a little while.

I am really looking forward to the years ahead. I know Christmastime will be fun and joyous with a little one in the house. I am sure Christmas morning won't be quiet ever again!

The Lodge Family finally visits!

Poor Sarah has been chomping at the bit to meet Amelia! Everytime she planned a trip to Jacksonville to meet Amelia, something happened. The first time, I cancelled, because Amelia was a having a rough few days with reflux and I couldn't bare the thought of her screaming keeping everyone up! So we rescheduled for sometime in October and RJ got sick, postponing that trip. So December came around and we were going to make it work. RJ still had a cold, but was on antibiotics and Amelia had finally received her shots, so we made it a go! Sarah was afraid Amelia would be 1 before she met her!

It was so great seeing them. Times sure have changed though with 2 little ones in the mix. We did Breakfast with Santa in the morning, pedicures in the afternoon, and laid low in the evening. Matt and Ryan fixed a feast with smoked ribs and chicken. We got both kids to bed and ate in silence! It was so nice to see them. I wish we lived closer. We are planning a trip to Sarasota in May to see them. The boys are planning this around Tarpon fishing. Imagine that!!

In all the rush of dealing with 2 babies, we forgot to take pictures until the last minute. So the pictures are a bit rough. Amelia was fussing for nap time and RJ was trying to eat breakfast, but not feeling very well! Hopefully we get better pictures in May. I mean, they are going to get married someday so we need good pictures!

Breakfast with Santa

For several years now, my girlfriends have been getting together for Breakfast with Santa. They hire a wonderful Santa and Mrs. Claus to come to the house for pictures with the kids. It is a nice way to see Santa and not have to wait in line somewhere. It has grown to many families over the years, so this year, they decided to scale it back to our immediate group of friends. It was held at Sara and Brett McKee's house this year. They have a beautiful brick fireplace and the perfect setting for pictures with Mr. & Mrs. Claus. I was so excited to get to participate this year with Amelia. Plus a bonus, The Lodge Family came to visit us, so Sarah and RJ joined Amelia and I while the daddies fished!

Amelia, of course, was too young to be scared, but there were several toddlers that were not too happy! Mr. & Mrs. Claus read books to the children and told them stories about the reindeers. The kids had a great time and it was nice to see everyone. It isn't often we can all get together anymore as everyone has very busy lives that lead us in many different directions. It is amazing how much the kids change from year to year.

I wonder what Amelia told Santa she wanted for Christmas?!?! Mommy told him she wanted diapers and formula!

RJ is not so sure about Santa

RJ is definitely not sure about Santa!

Jami and Abby

The dads were less than excited about Santa!

Pablo Bay Christmas

My parents' new neighborhood, Pablo Bay, has a Christmas party complete with Santa and a hay ride. We invited the Chungs and the Buekers to join us for the festivities. First, we met at my parents house and tried to get some pictures of the kids together. 5 kids under the age of 3...yeah right! It was still fun to try. Then we headed over to the park to see Santa. It was very crowded but I was determined to get a picture of Amelia and Santa. My mom waited in line for us while I socialized! The O'Sullivans and Batsch's were there too. It was nice to catch up and get a recent picture of the 3 babies together.

When we finally made it to the front of the line, Santa was nervous to hold such a small baby. He only let us take a few pictures, so none really came out great. Nicole was in line behind us, and Santa said he wouldn't hold anymore babies!

After finally seeing Santa, we headed to Al's pizza for dinner and a glass of wine.

Amelia and Gigi

Amelia and Papa Chip

5 kids and not 1 looking at the camera!

Amelia and Abby (someone finally looking at the camera)

Christy, me, Jami

Amelia and Santa

Our Trip to Monroe for Thanksgiving

Since I was still on maternity leave, we decided to go to Monroe for Thanksgiving and spend some quality time there. Usually our visits are too brief, but with Amelia on board now, we wanted to make sure everyone had some time with her. Plus, we weren't sure how the car ride would go, so we wanted to allot plenty of time. The ride went very smoothly. We had our normal day, gave Amelia her bath, fed her, but instead of putting her to bed, put her in her carseat and got on the road. She slept great and woke up around 10:30 for her last feeding of the night. We were just about Macon which was a good stopping point. After she ate, she went right back to sleep and we finished the drive. That first night, Amelia slept great, but Matt and I did NOT! We are not used to having Amelia in our room, and she sure makes a lot of noises while sleeping that I guess we don't hear over the monitor!

We arrived late Monday night and left Saturday. While there, we got to play with Amelia's cousins, visit Papa's green houses, go to church, have family pictures taken with the whole family, have family Christmas, take Amelia's first Christmas pictures...and of course eat turkey and all the fixin's. We had a big Thanksgiving lunch with way too much food. It was wonderful...and did not help with my weight loss goals! After lunch, everyone rested, then we headed back to Gammy's for family pictures. Matt's cousin Kirstin is a wonderful photographer. She took our picture in the field behind Gammy's house. Everyone was in some shade of brown, ivory, tan, and pops of orange! I can't wait to see the pictures. Carson wasn't feeling well and Amelia...well, she just wasn't having it, so it will be interesting to see how they turn out!

I did not do Black Friday shopping this year. Instead, I took Amelia to Kirstin's studio for her Christmas pictures. Kirstin has an absolutely adorable studio! I want one...eventhough I can't take a picture to save my life! Amelia cooperated so well, even with 2 outfit changes. I kept the clothes simple this year, it was more about the accessories! We did a onesie with her monogram and red legwarmers with white fur. They looked like Santa Pants. She had a Santa hat, candy cane bow, burgandy bow with rhinestones, and her birthday suit!! Kirstin drapped white lights across the background for one shot. That is the one in which Amelia wore her birthday suit! I can't wait to see the pictures.

While in Monroe, Matt got to hunt daily. He was so excited. One night he came home proud to have shot a doe. He told Amelia not to get attached to Bambi. We now have a freezer full of Venison.

It was great to spend the week together. Maegan was a big help with Amelia. Mollie LOVED her new cousin "Millie Mae" and wanted to help too! Carson, well he didn't like his mama holding the baby! She will grow on you Bud!

After a hard day of hunting, Uncle Matt got pampered by Mollie

Mollie excited to finally be holding "Millie Mae"!

Mollie feeding Amelia

All the yummy food!

Maegan and Amelia

Amelia's First Thanksgiving, wearing her Turkey shirt I made!

Matt introducing Amelia to Gammy

Amelia sitting in Papa's poinsettias in his green house

Amelia rocking with Mimi on the porch

The Cousins!
Mollie (3), Amelia (11 weeks), Maegan (13), Carson (16 months)

Amelia's first Thanksgiving was a great time!