Reflecting on Christmas

Our Christmas was a very special time with family while watching Brooks begin to enjoy the traditions of the holiday.  Being a mom makes this time of year feel very different.  I have a hard time even explaining the change of heart, but I know that my focus has taken a giant swing toward someone other than myself.  And not to say that I am usually all about myself, but this year felt like there was not even a second to think about my needs.  This really got me thinking about what the season is all about...

Imagine being a young woman, pregnant and out of wedlock.  At a time when a lack of understanding from people is an understatement.  Now imagine having no clean, warm place to bring this tiny baby into the world.  This sweet blessing that God has trusted you for the job.  The Savior is coming, and you are the sole provider, how much stress do you think Mary was under?  We worry about our presents being bought and wrapped, extravagant meals being prepared, special festivities, and where we will spend our holiday.   All of these things pale in comparison to Mary's mighty job.  But she continued to trust God and his plan for her.  She followed his will, through all the trials she encountered.  In the end, Mary delivered our Lord- and continued to care for him in her sinless life.  SINLESS!  Now I don't know about you, but considering all she went through, remaining without sin is absolutely amazing! 

So as I look back on the last year (and all my sins), I want to remember Mary's special role in the Christmas story.  She is certainly a role model for me as a mother.  As we all begin to chose our New Year's resolutions, maybe we could start with reflecting on Mary's trust in the Lord, her ability to blindly follow his will, and her sinless parenting.  

If you got this far- here are some Christmas pictures for your enjoyment :)

 

We'll see you guys in 2013!!

My Big 1 Year Old!

My adorable 1 year old!

Brooks had quite the celebration for his first birthday!  He was so blessed by all the friends and family that came to wish him a Happy Birthday.  Thank you all for being a part of his first year and helping us make it through!  He loves all his fun new toys and cute clothes! Here are just a few snapshots from his day:

My little toddler has become quite that... toddling everywhere!  He is at the fun stage when he doesn't know what he wants... to be held, to get down, to be held, to get down.  He eats ALMOST anything we put in front of him and is beginning to get comfortable with his sippy cup.

Daddy has been having a blast at home with him for a few weeks, and he is quite the teacher!  Brooks has learned how to clap, get off the couch backwards, and climb stairs.  Not to mention the sweet little bond that grows closer each day between the two of them. 

Brooks had his 1 year appointment today and his stats are:

- 22 pounds 4 ounces (65%)

- 29.5 inches tall (35%)

- 18.25 inches around his head (59%)

The doctor was very happy with his breathing, and he is off his treatments now (fingers crossed we don't have to start again).  With daddy keeping him home he has been much healthier!

We went to visit Santa twice this year, and unfortunately Brooks was not a fan of either!! The pictures are pretty cute though :)

I'll be busy making his 1st year album over the next few weeks and can't wait to see how it turns out!

Eleven Months Already?

The countdown is officially on until Brooks' first birthday!  Here are his 11 month pics.  It was increasingly hard to get him to sit still for pictures, all he wanted to do was play with the elephant!

 

 

As you can imagine, Brooks is into everything now that he is walking.  I noticed that as his walking has gotten better, all of his motor coordination seems to be improving.  He started getting the hang of bending his hand to wave this week.  He is known as the "salsa dancer" at school because he walks with his right arm in the air and his left arm in front of him.  Each step he takes looks like a little dance!

Brooks has both his bottom front teeth, and now the top two have broken through!  He has been a champ with teething so far!!

Brooks got his tubes on Thursday and so far, so good (knock on wood).  He did very well and made all the nurses fall in love with him (like father, like son).  It may be the placebo effect for me, but I think his verbal skills have improved since he got his tubes.  The surgeon did say there was a lot of fluid behind his ear drum.

 

My very happy boy!!  It's 7:30AM, he's not had anything to eat or drink since the night before, he's taking a breathing treatment, about to have surgery- and STILL smiling!

We put up the Christmas tree yesterday and it was one of my favorite moments to watch him revel in its glory.  He laughed at it, he stared at it, and touched it.  That was a very fun mommy moment for me.  We are going to let him get all of his touching out of the way before we put on the ornaments.  Don't worry- everyone has warned me to put the nice ornaments up high!  I can't wait to share pictures from this Christmas!

Since he was born right before Christmas last year, this Thanksgiving will be his last "first" holiday (if that makes sense).  I can't believe we have already been through a whole year of "firsts."  I am busy planning the celebration of his whole first year- think sock monkeys!



Just a few best friends/ college roommates with all their baby boys!

Just sporting my Chuck T's while I support the Dawgs!


  
I am enjoying my week off with him and already looking forward to the two weeks off at Christmas.  He continues to be such a joy in my life and amazes me everyday.  Thank you Lord for a wonderful blessing!