Santa Visit

Last week, the boys got to visit Santa when he made a stop at the Bass Pro Shop. They took a quick picture (so quick I'm not sure they are even looking at the camera!) and then had fun exploring all the Christmas activities with Poppa and Gigi. Race cars, trains, and even a reindeer carousel - so fun!

We had also planned to visit Santa at Northpark Mall with Aunt Heather, but that didn't really work out as planned. See, last year Heather and I showed up at the mall with Griff to see Santa without realizing how popular the jolly guy would be - you have to get a ticket and then come back for your "appointment" time to see him! So this year, we made a plan, determined not to be caught off guard again. We thought we'd get to the mall around 11:00am, get our ticket, eat lunch, let the boys nap and probably come back around 3-4 to see Santa. Boy were we wrong! Granted, I was running a little behind (as I usually am these days), but we got there by 11:30, and the earliest appointment we could get with St. Nick was for 7:00pm!! That's a little too late for Griff and Jasper (especially considering we would still be waiting in line for a while, then waiting to see proofs, and driving back to our house), but I guess there's always next year - plus they will have a fun little cousin to bring along by then!

"The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy!"

Psalm 126:3

5 Months Old

Yesterday Jasper turned five months old. I just can't believe how quickly he's growing up! He's become quite the little talker these days, or rather a little squeaker :) He jabbers to his toys and anyone else who will listen, with the cutest squeals, coos, gurgles, and peeps. Sometimes, I almost think he's singing :)

He's sitting up pretty well and loves to grab on to people's noses, cheeks, eyes, hair....anything on your face that he can wrap his little fingers around! Jasper is still a wonderful sleeper and seems to be quite a good eater too. He's only tried rice cereal and oatmeal so far, but he gobbles both up like a champ.

He's rolling over all the time lately and likes playing with all the dangly toys around the house. He has a truly sweet smile and disposition...sometimes I really can't believe how blessed we are to have two such amazing boys to love.

Griffin was my assistant photographer for our little photo session....is it just me or does he look a little mischievous here?

Yes, I knew it - up to no good! Big Brother decided Jasper must be getting bored with all the picture taking, so he spiced things up by taking J for a "ride" in the glider. At least one of them seems to be having fun :)

Naturally, all that smiling must have made Jasper hungry, so Griff was kind enough to offer him a little extra from his bottle - so thoughtful!

Maybe it's all the Christmas music we've been listening to lately, but I find myself tearing up in the middle of the day (or even right now) when I think about all the gifts in our lives - I just can't get over how tremendously the Lord has blessed our little family. We have the unfailing love of our Savior that sustains us in all things, we have a solid, loving marriage and friendship, we have two heart-melting, healthy sons, a beautiful home, an incredibly supportive extended family, encouraging friends who love the Lord, and the list goes on and on. Does it get any better than this?

"Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name." Psalm 63:3-4

Giving Thanks!

We had such a great time giving thanks for all the Lord's blessings in our lives this year. We spent Turkey Day at the lakehouse cooking, eating, chatting, watching football, and just enjoying ourselves. Ryan fried an AWESOME turkey, and I think the my mom, sisters and I made at least six different side dishes for eight people (side dishes are always my favorite part of the Thanksgiving feast). What a great day with the family - with Aunt Amy sending her love from Branson, MO.

Cuddling with Aunt Heather

Aunt Jen's beautiful Thankgiving centerpiece

Checking the mail with Poppa...a highlight of any trip to the lake house

Just chillin' on the couch, watching some football, preparing for a food-induced nap...not even 2 years old and already exhibiting typical male behavior on Thanksgiving!

Then we got to hang out with the Fitzhugh side of the family when they came in town for the Baylor v. Texas Tech game at Cowboys Stadium. All the "big kids" went to the game, while the boys and I stayed home and cheered our Bears on through the TV screen....to a major victory over the Red Raiders (sorry Uncle Stephen!).

Hanging out with Auntie B & Uncle Stephen's dog Raider - Griff loved him, but will only call him "Puppy" for some reason

In honor of the Thanksgiving feast everyone else got to enjoy,

Mr. Jasper got to try his first few bites of rice cereal...he seemed to like it

My sweet boys starting to play together...melts my heart!

This was such a wonderful holiday. The boys LOVED being with their family members and they were showered with love and attention. Griff has decided he's officially one of the guys now, and only wants to hang out with his granddads and uncles. But at least we still have little Jasper to flirt with the ladies, plus Baby Holman who will be here in May! Yay for a new cousin!

Sitting up and Rolling Over

Oh the milestones are rolling in these days. Mr. Jasper has decided to sit up AND roll over this week - we're so proud :) I'm a big fan of the stage when babies can sit up on their own, since they seem so happy to be able to play and look around more. However, I had no idea that rolling over could wreak such havoc on a little one's sleeping schedule. Since JR is a tummy sleeper, he's woken himself up several times lately by rolling onto his back. Kind of funny to me, but not so enjoyable for him. Oh well, more motivation for him to learn to roll the other way soon.

4 Month Check-Up

Jasper had his four month check-up today, and he's looking great! He weighed 15 pounds, 8 ounces (75%) and was 25.5 inches long (75%). He's growing like a champ and had fun with Dr. Mac, but was not happy about getting all his shots (who is, right?). Plus, the poor guy was very late for a nap, and he loves his naps! He started crying before the shots even started and stayed pretty cranky until bedtime. I think we were both glad to see the end of this day - and thankful we don't have to do that again for a few months!

Happy Birthday Ryan!

Happy Birthday to an amazing hubby and daddy. We love you!!

5 Years of Wedded Bliss

Last Friday, November 4th, marked my fifth wedding anniversary with Ryan. We've added two children to our family in those five years and learned quite a bit about loving each other and building a life together. Through job changes, financial challenges, everyday stresses, more extra pounds than either of us would like to admit, and redefining what it means to be a "family," the Lord has been hard at work teaching us how to appreciate each other and work together for His glory. I'm so looking forward to what the next year brings!

Here's a peek back at all our previous anniversary celebrations: