Christmas Day

My brother is a proud uncle. :)

I was going through my blog drafts and realized that I completely forgot to post this draft about Christmas Day!! How lame am I?? My mom must have been wondering why on earth I only blogged about our celebration with my in-law's and not them. Ooops! Well, better late then never.

My brother David and his wife Jenny.

Ems needed a new CD player for her room. She has a personalized lullaby CD that she listens to every time she goes to sleep so needless to say, this CD player she has had since her first Christmas needed to be replaced. I found a CD player that is also a portable karaoke machine with plug in's for an iPod. It's so much fun and Emersyn LOVES singing into a microphone. She's a natural, what can I say? :)

Emersyn got her brother a present....a sea horse "glow worm". He loves it! Now that I think about it, I totally forgot to get a present from Everett for Emersyn. Oops, ha ha!

My parents are kind of tough to shop for. A big reason for that is that they travel here and we don't want to get them anything bulky or heavy to have to haul home. This year I thought of the perfect gift for my dad....a classic moose mug from our family's favorite Christmas movie "Christmas Vacation". Look at how surprised he is when he opened it! I was so happy to capture this look on my camera. :)

My dad drank egg nog out of it just like Chevy Chase did in the movie. Then he drank out of if rot the rest of the night, even filled it up with sparkling grape cider for when we did communion before dinner.

This Santa suit was totally cheesy and I LOVED it!!! How adorable is he??

Ems in her jammies from Mimi and slippers from Nana!

Happy birthday Jesus pumpkin pie!!

Mimi and Everett.

We had prime rib for dinner and it was a wonderful day!

4 Months

"Hello there handsome..."

Everett David, you are 4 months old already! How did that happen?

I took you to the dr. today for your 4 month visit and it was our first visit just the two of us. We've always had your sister with us and usually one other person too, either Nana or Mimi. I enjoyed our little *date* to the dr's office.

(Don't judge Mommy's roots....I have a hair appointment on the calendar this month!!)

Upon arriving at the office we got checked in and escorted back to a room where I got you naked and ready for your big 4 month scale reveal. I was sure you were around 16 or 17 pounds at least. I was wrong! 15lbs, 12 oz (52nd percentile). The nurse weighed you twice because she thought you looked bigger too! You are exactly one pound bigger then your sister was at this age! You are 26.5 inches long (97th percentile) , also exactly one inch longer then Emersyn! You are my long and lean boy. The dr. took a good look at you and determined a couple things. For one, you are ADORABLE but I knew that already. Secondly, your eczema has flared up pretty badly and mama is so sorry about this. I feel like it is partially my fault but not because of anything I did knowingly. Dr. Smart says I need to lube you up twice a day and she also gave us a prescription for some medicine that worked really well on Emersyn. I also went a bought you a thicker lotion cream that should help as well. Thirdly, you have cradle cap still pretty bad. :( The cradle cap has affected your ears a bit and they are very dry and cracked. You tend to pull at them at times and the dr. said this is probably because they itch. You are such a good natured baby, I would have never known anything was bothering you. Behind one of your ears got really dry and cracked and is now infected so I have to apply an antibacterial cream.

Seriously, could you be any cuter?!!?

You have been blessed with amazing health so I can't complain too much about this eczema/dry skin. Emersyn had it really bad and now doesn't have it at all. This is encouraging!

Okay, enough boring dr. talk! Let's get to more fun things, shall we? You are my darling boy and sweetest little buddy. Your smiles and giggles bring me such intense joy that I can hardly stand it. I am so honored to be your mama.

During your 4th month of life we enjoyed many fun activities. We went on many many Starbucks dates, some with just mommy and daddy, some with sister too, and lots with Mimi and Grandpa. They have this magical card that is golden and has Grandpa's name on it. When you hand it to the cashier, all the beverages are paid for instantly and it's just wonderful!!

You loved hanging out with Grandpa while they were here for two weeks. You two had some man to man time reading about the car of the year in this Motor Trend magazine.

You are such a sweet and chill baby.

Last Sunday we took you to your first sporting event, a Portland Trailblazers game! We debated taking you or not but decided it would be fun and easier to coordinate with your eating schedule. I was nervous at first but you did amazing. You didn't make a peep! I couldn't resist buying you a shirt at Fred Meyer before the game. It's a size 12 months though so you can wear it all season. :)

Many of our friends warned us that it would be super loud at the game and that you would need ear plugs of some sort. I improvised with my hands instead.

My hands must have worked pretty well because before we knew it, you had passed out! It was so cute!!!

You just adore your sister. Every day when we put her down for a nap, I try to snap a quick picture of you two to send to Daddy at work. You guys just love cuddling.

You are a drooling machine these days!

This is a picture of you looking at your sister. Oftentimes when I take your picture I'll ask Emersyn to help me get you to smile. It always works!

You have started wearing 9 months clothing, mainly for the length. You are officially too big for the 1/2 diapers at Costco so you are in size 2 or 2/3. You are a great eater, though sometimes I run out of food for you. You'll be getting some rice cereal soon so coat your tummy and also give you more iron.

You are just my precious little man and I think God every day for you! I can't believe how quickly you are growing up. I love you forever and ever.

Love, Mama

What I learned in 2011

I was thinking through some of the life lessons that I learned last year while pondering goals for the new year and these are my thoughts....

* I remember that I was so so worried about transitioning from a working mama to staying home. While I was working, I treasured my days off and made the most out of play dates while keeping my house clean for the most part. I always admired how nice and neat Emersyn played but it turns out, we were just never home long enough to make that big of a mess. Now that I've been a stay at home mama for a year, and spent a lot of the early part of 2011 at home due to me have NO energy and morning all day sickness, I have come to realize that three year olds are capable of making a mess and making it real quick. And you know what? It's just a season. My house is far less put together then it was when I was working and for that I am grateful. It's messy because we are here more, praise the Lord. I used to be really unhappy whenever the house was messy and I took out a lot of my rage on my poor husband but I've learned to let things go and enjoy my family more. For that I am happy.

*I learned that nagging is pointless. I used to get really irate and controlling when it came to things I wanted Brett to do around the house and I just decided to not be that way anymore. It's obviously a simple concept but not easy to do sometimes. Now that the home and our kids are *my job*, I try to make Brett feel appreciated at the end of the day and have gotten better about the nagging. You attract more bees with honey, isn't that what they say?

*I learned that having another baby wasn't as big of a deal as I thought in some ways, but then a bigger deal in others. For instance, during the last few weeks of my pregnancy with Everett, I kind of felt like a chapter of our family was closing. Brett, Ems and I were the three amigos and now we were going to have this other kid with us all the time, ha! It was a strange concept I know. I didn't truly get to bond with Everett until he was born because I think it almost felt disloyal to Emersyn in a way? I'm not sure. But anyways, when Everett was born it was instantly adoration at first sight and he has only enhanced our lives and not taken away from it in any way, just like when Emersyn was born. So in that way, adding him to our family wasn't as big of a deal that I thought it might have been. However, I had no idea how crazy busy it was to have two kids. I mean, of course I knew that I was having another baby which would obviously require more attention but wow, I didn't expect Emersyn to be so challenging in addition to the the challenge of a newborn. I expected sleepless nights but I didn't anticipate the crazy whiny age that three is. I am getting better at finding my balance but there were weeks and weeks when I would feel like all I was doing was wiping bums, changing diapers, feeding, nursing, cleaning up, and then repeat. Two kids is far busier then I expected and in that way, was more of a big deal then I anticipated.

*I learned that there is no such thing as a perfect friendship and that people will come and go in your life. Friendships have seasons sometimes and rather then dwelling and obsessing, I've learn to let things go and just accept the friends that the Lord has placed in my life. I read a book recently that said "start being the kind of friend you want to be and stop thinking about how you let your friends down." (The 10 Habits of Happy Mothers by Meg Meeker). I was so encouraged by that. I can't tell you how many nights I lay awake at night thinking about things that I might have done or not done to let a friend down. I should have texted this friend, I should have written this friend a card, that friend would have appreciated dinner, etc. I have had people in my life tell me that I am selfish and not good enough and that messes with your head. I don't believe those lies anymore though. I AM good enough. There is always room for improvement but friendship isn't something where you worry about not doing enough or saying the wrong thing. It shouldn't be HARD. There are friends in my life that never seem to have time for me due to their lives and schedules and that is okay, they'll come around eventually and in the meantime, I'll love them from afar and still send an encouraging word their way every so often. We're all at different milestones in our journeys through life and it's so much more worthwhile to cheer each other on and learn to be patient with one another.

*I'm less uptight about holidays. I think I've had to let a lot of things go now that I'm a mama to two and having picture perfect holidays is no longer a priority. I used to get upset at thrown together holidays that lacked the perfect table centerpiece and place settings. I've come to realize that hosting and entertaining is a talent and has a lot do with our individual temperaments. Being expressive, I love to make everything fun and decorative. Not everyone is that way and that's is okay. I had a much better holiday season but letting the little things go and just enjoying being with family. Having 4 adults, two children, a cat and a dog that sleeps in a large bed with multiple blankets in my living room made for a somewhat chaotic holiday but it was okay. Memories were still made and they were wonderful.

*I learned that it's not worth it to compete with other moms. Instead of getting jealous and bitter at mom's that plan these ah-mazing birthday parties complete with handmade crafts, I compliment them and admire them instead. I learned that when I realize my value as a mama, I don't have to try so hard to earn my husband and kid's admiration. My kids and husband don't care if I make them a cake from scratch, from a box or buy it pre-made at a store...they just want to sit down and eat it with me. I could run around frantically cleaning when my husband gets home from work while he takes care of the kids but he would much rather we sit and read stories as a family. I'm learning to live more in the moment and worry less about the presentation.

*I learned that I am only able to pour into my kids what I let God pour into me. If I'm not seeking the Lord each day for patience and understanding, I will lose my mind by the time Brett gets home. I am STILL trying to conquer this awful bad habit of not getting up early enough...hopefully that I will be what I learn in 2012.

*I learned that I truly love blogging and sitting down to write meaningful posts. Sometimes I'll write things without thinking and then re-read them and think, "wow...I really needed to hear that". It's like a way of getting a message through to myself.

*I learned that good parenting doesn't equal perfect children. Bummer!!!!!

*I learned that a handmade less then perfect nursery for Everett was so much more fulfilling to create then Emersyn's picture perfect store bought one. Yes, her nursery was darling but the hand made touches that came together in Everett's nursery are just SO fun!!!!

*I learned that the unexpected can be the greatest blessing ever.

*I learned that marriage and dates are something to be continually worked on and that having kids makes finding time to connect and just be Brett and Patti, husband and wife near impossible at times. Thus, the importance of dates.

*I learned that you actually can buy too many Groupons, LivingSocial deals, etc. Ooops! :) I blame late night nursing...I can't tell you how many times Brett woke up to me buying something on Groupon at 4am...it's like he sensed the transaction going through!

*I learned that ironing provides the same satisfaction that vacuuming used to. Guess what? Vacuuming no longer brings me the thrill it once did. I think it's because our carpet needs to be replaced so badly and so when I vacuum, it doesn't transform the room the way it once did. Steam mopping however.....don't get me started!

*I learned that finding the positive in situations with Emersyn works SO much better then the negative. Example: "Emersyn Grace, pick up these toys right now!!!!" doensn't work nearly as well as "Ems, you are such a smart girl...if anyone can pick all these toys up and put them away correctly, I know it's YOU!!!!". She really digs the words of affirmation, as does her mother. Maybe Brett should try this tactic with me regarding chores.....

2011 was an incredible life changing year and I'm so excited and looking forward to all that 2012 will bring!!

Christmas Morning

On Christmas morning we headed over to the Jensen's to celebrate and have breakfast.

I wanted the kids to have matching pajama's this year but I had already bought Emersyn 5 or 6 pairs of Christmas jammies on mega clearance last year and I just couldn't justify buying her another pair just for the sake of matching. Everett wore Emersyn's first Christmas jammies, although they fit him much more snug then they did her!

Everett and Uncle Brock, Brett's older brother.

New TOMS, yippee!!!!

First dress up clothes from Auntie Brianna!

It was a great morning. Unfortunately Emersyn's cousins were with their moms so we didn't get to see them and exchange gifts until New Years.

Christmas Eve

We have been able to find a good balance with family during the holidays. On Christmas Eve we go to church, then to our dear family friend's house for a dinner and party with my family. Christmas morning we spend with Brett's family and then Christmas afternoon and evening we spend with my parents and my brother and his wife. Then because we spend so much time with my parents for the holiday since they come for two weeks and stay at our house, we always do a New Year's Day brunch with Brett's family at our house and I make quiche, one of my favorite things to eat!

Christmas Eve was spent going to breakfast in the morning and then running errands with my mom and Everett while the men and the Ems watched football. Then we headed to church in the evening.

I bought this outfit at the Hannan Anderson outlet when Ems was 4 months old for $10 ($5 each for the tights and the skirt) and I thought she would wear it the following Christmas. Well, it just this year finally fit! I thought she looked like a Christmas princess.

The Christmas Eve service at church is always so special. They do a story time for the kids, advent reading, sing Christmas carols and then my favorite part....a candlelight time. A little girl sings "Silent Night" and comes into the sanctuary with one candle and then she lights our Pastor's candle and then he goes and lights other people's and then we all light each other's candles. Emersyn wanted her own this year and she was so careful and proud to be holding it by herself. I could feel the people around us nervously watching her and I was too, ha ha. I was totally ready to stomp out a fire on the ground if she dropped it. :)

After the service, we headed over to the Meichtry's house for food and fun! Emersyn got to hang out with her buddy Ian, who she has repeatedly expressed interest in marrying. They are adorable together.

Erica finally got to meet Everett! He was still in my tummy at her wedding this past summer, though he made his arrival less then two weeks after her big day.

Santa always makes an appearance on Christmas Eve!! Last year Ems cried and was NOT into it! This year she was hesitant but way more into it.

Everett was pretty chill although he must have been pretty excited to lose his shoe at some point in the evening.

After the party we headed home to put out treats for Santa! Ems was SO excited!

Sampling Santa's milk to make sure it tasted good.

A healthy snack for Santa, just in case he starts to feel icky from all the cookies!

A Starbucks VIA packet in case he needs a caffeine boost. We also put a homemade sugar cookie on the plate.

And here's how the tree looked with all the goodies underneath! I love my tree and love wrapping presents.

Everett's Dedication

December 18th was a very special day for our family! Everett was dedicated at our church along with two other babies.

Our Senior Pastor's wife does such a good job doing the baby dedications. She firmly believes that the names you choose for your children can shape who they are and who they become. Everytime we say our child's name, we are speaking the meaning of their name over them. Whenever I say Everett David, I am declaring that he is strong, brave and beloved. I just love his name and love it even more so once I knew the meaning.

These were the verses that Linda picked out for Everett:

Everett: Strong and Brave

Psalm: 27:14 (NKJV)

Wait on the Lord; be of courage, and He shall strengthen your heart.

David: Beloved One

Deuteronomy 33:12 (KJV)

The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him....the Lord shall cover Him all day long.

I love these verses and want to write them onto a canvas in his room.

After the dedication, Emersyn's preschool choir sang us a couple songs and it was darling. I didn't get any pictures but we did get a video. She looked darling and did a great job. She sang all the words and LOVED being on the stage.

To celebrate our special day, we went out to lunch after church with my parents, Brett's parents, Brett's brother and his daughter. We went to The Old Spaghetti Factory, a family favorite.

Emersyn's face in this picture cracks me up....she's so so expressive these days. :)