Christmas 2015

Isn't it funny how much shorter my blog posts have become since having Henry? I rarely find enough time to sit down and type out my thoughts and experiences. This Christmas was magical. Being able to share the most wonderful time of the year with our new babe made it all the more wonderful. 

We headed to Spokane for almost the entirety of the break and it was a much needed escape from Rexburg. We ate so many yummy treats, I'm pretty sure I gained back every pound I had lost since Henry's birth, and then some. My mom definitely did not disappoint in the yummy department. We did some shopping, played lots of games (aggravation anyone?), went sledding, saw a movie, celebrated my birthday, visited my extended family on both sides, received and gave lots of great gifts, but mostly we just enjoyed some down time with my family in my childhood home.

Henry loved opening presents (he was anxious to rip the wrapping paper off so that he could eat it). This little boy was spoiled, in a good way, with the sweetest and cutest gifts a 4 1/2 month old could receive. Kirby and I could say the same about our own gifts!

Christmas morning, after gifts, we packed ourselves back up for a quick trip to the tricities. That night we had some delicious Petersen family traditional Christmas food (Mexican, cabbage salsa, multiple cakes and cheeses, the usual). We completed the gift exchange, ornament exchange, and peppermint pig. This year Kirby's favorite memory (to be shared with the family when it is your turn to hit the pig) was the sweetest, all about watching how strong I am and all that mushy gushy sweet stuff that I love so much. 

The next morning, we had a brunch party with the Wiberg family. I seriously am such a lucky girl to have so many great people in my family, and to have the chance to see them all. We had even more yummy food, goofed around with the cousins...snap chat is a family fav these days, and got even more thoughtful presents for ourselves and Henry.

Needless to say, when it was time to head back home to Rexburg it was hard to leave the comfort and ease of my parents house. I love them so much! Thank you for a marvelous Christmas!

My decorating partner.

Our house all decorated for an empty Christmas.

Christmas Morning

At the Petersen party

The Peppermint pig in the flesh!

My dad got this for Christmas...and this is what happened when I left Hen with them.

Dad filling out the Christmas Cards.

I have never seen so much baking in my life!

Sledding

24th BIRTHDAY

Having a birthday two days before Christmas can be kind of a downer. But I love the knowledge that I will always be surrounded by my loved ones on my birthday! This year, honestly was the best birthday I can remember having in a while.

Kirby had plans to go to a special private premier screening of Star Wars, but the showing was in Utah the day before we were to drive to Washington for the break...but he was set on going. He changed his plans last minute in order to stay home and help me get ready for the trip AND so that he could go to the show with me, because he knew how much it meant to me. Star Wars in 3D was our very first date, and I loved the idea of being able to relive such a special night.

On my birthday my parents kept Henry home with them while Kirby and I were able to explore downtown and go to the movie! Then, back at my parents, I was given the most incredible assortment of gifts. I know I took a picture of them, but can't seem to find it. Among the gifts were Season 1 and 2 of Pushing Daisies, a bottle of Diet Coke, a bunch of adorable goodies from Anthropologie, the comfiest clothes, and a new pair of black and white Nikes from Kirby! Seriously, couldn't have been more perfect. 

On top of the time alone with my husband, and the best gifts, my mom had slaved away on making my favorite treats, including breakfast casserole and cherry tarts! I was in heaven.

I sure am one lucky girl, and can't wait to spend the rest of my birthdays with the family that I love so much.

Henry - 4 months

Our little bugger is growing so quickly, in every way possible.

His personality becomes more and more pronounced with each passing day.

He is literally at the top of the charts in height.

His thigh rolls are getting deeper and deeper and more and more yummy.

He is just blooming before our eyes and it is so exciting, and heart breaking at the same time.

He is still sleeping in a bassinet in our room (I am too much of a baby to move him into his nursery quite yet.) and loves to be swaddled.

He is still living off of his mamma's milk and nothing else.

He is such a snuggly, lovey little boy and I will never get tired of holding him all day!

He is learning how to blow spit bubbles, and is just discovering his own feet.

He coos and gagas about everything, sometimes I will wake up in the morning to the sound of him talking so sweetly to himself.

While he is still sleeping all night, the 10-12 sleeping habbit has turned into a more average 8 hours, but when he wakes up and I still want sleep (I just need to get in bed when he does, but that's mine and Kirby's only alone time!) I just rock his little bassinet for a bit and he normally will fall right back asleep.

He is not afraid of strangers at all, and will snuggle and smile for anyone who shows him love and attention...but obviously prefers his mamma and daddy.

He is so very interested in anything that I hold...especially if it is something he sees me eating.

He will stick anything he can fit into his mouth right on in, but his favorite thing to chew/slobber on is one of my fingers.

Why all the drooling and slobbering? Well, he is teething. This whole time we figured it was getting one tooth in on the top...but doc says it's the two on the bottom (shows what first parents know eh?)

He loves his play mat, his mamaroo, and when his mamma dances and sings silly (which is more often than not)

He is in each and ever prayer that I say, dream that I have, and decision that I make.

I love him and that is worth everything to me!

Christmas Pictures 2015

My sweet sweet friend, Ella, who was terribly sick, stood out in the freezing snow to capture these pictures in time for me to print and mail out Christmas cards. I couldn't have been happier with the way our little shoot turned out!