Christmas 2012

As expected, this month has been a whirlwind of parties, family visiting, eating, drinking, and oh yes taking care of Nicholas too.

I have always loved Christmas, but with the recent tragedy in Newtown I appreciate it even more. I’ve never been a big gift person, and always try to be so thankful for the little things, like food on the table, a warm home, a wonderful husband, and now our healthy and beautiful son Nicholas. I still look at him and say “you know we made you, right?” After so many families lost their children two weeks ago, I cannot tell you how many times I have hugged Nicholas and cried for them, and for these awful things that happen in the world. I know we all say it, but you really need to be thankful every.single.day., and try to not get so wrapped up in the small stuff.

Now, onto much happier things.

My parents visited for a few days the week before Christmas. Here are some pics of that:

My mom and I usually make a gingerbread house but the one I bought was junky, there were only little candy balls in it (pictured) and nothing else! So my mom had brought cookies to decorate and we did that instead.

Helping Grammy open her lap top, a gift from my brother's and I


The Friday before Christmas I got to see Brooke and John and it was so great! We went out to dinner and then for drinks, but Nick and I didn’t stay too late since who knows what time the little guy would wake up. I didn’t get any pics because the place we went to was pretty dark.

On Sunday December 23rd we got together with Nick’s family at Auntie Marlene’s house and had a great time. It was nice to see Auntie Karen who lost her son in October – you could see the sadness in her eyes but she had a smile on her face and I know (at least I hope) being around family helped. That side of the family is close knit, loud, crazy, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Here are some pics of that:

Dan and Quinton

Resting on Papou

Nick, his Dad and Nicholas

Nicholas and all of Nick's cousin's children - we took a "great grandchildren" pic for Nana and Papa (Nick's mom's parents) as they are at their home in Florida

Nick and I :) My shirt is from a company called Clevotine which can be found on Etsy. 50% of the proceeds benefit a Boston Terrier Rescue League

Nick's cousin Bobby and their daughter Addison who just celebrated her first birthday

Skypeing with Nana and Papa, Nick's mom's parents

Teddy napping on Mama Kingsley

Auntie the Penguin

Playing

Christmas Eve was a wonderfully lazy day. I actually don’t have any idea what we did, and I’m ok with that. I do remember making cookies for Santa (which I promptly ate):

Christmas morning Nicholas got up and we helped him open all of his presents and just relaxed. Then we went to Nick’s parents house after and had a great time. Tami is an amazing cook and as always, it was great to be with family. She bought Nicholas so many things and just plain spoiled us all rotten. Here are some pics:

Hanging with Papou

Even Dexter got presents

Yay!

Hi Sponge Bob! (One of his favorites)

Me and the Babe

Erik and Joe visited after Christmas through New Year's day and we had a great time. They bought Nicholas so many wonderful toys, I think we need a whole 'nother bedroom just to fit them:

Nicholas really loves Bella, my brother's dachsund, he followed her around and laughed constantly whenever he saw her.

I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday season filled with family, friends, fun, and laughter.



xoxo