The Graduate

This past Thursday, my younger sister, Meredith, graduated from nursing school. She has worked so hard for the past two years and we are so proud of her. She will start working at Dallas Children's Hospital in January and we know she is going to make a wonderful pediatric nurse. Congratulations, Aunt MerMer!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Last year, Eden was only a few weeks old during the holidays, so we did very minimal Christmas decorating. I was sleep deprived and knee deep in breast milk and poopy diapers, so it was a miracle that I was even able to put up a small tree and our stockings.

I think that is why I was so excited about decorating this season. I even started a little bit early this year so that I would be able to enjoy it as long as possible. Here are just a few things that you might see around our house this year.

The Tree

Our tree fit perfectly in the corner by the fireplace in our new house. It's nice and snug so the kids can't get behind it and make it topple over. I have been very surprised at how well they both have done with the tree this year and have only caught them touching the ornaments a few times.

Here are my 3 favorite ornaments: Parker and Eden's "Baby's 1st Christmas" ornaments and the ornament we made the year we lost Katelyn. Since we don't have a picture of her we put a picture of her footprints instead. These 3 ornaments are the first ones to go on the tree when I am decorating, and the last ones to come down.

The mantle

This year, the mantle holds my nutcracker collection. I started it several years ago and have enjoyed adding one or two new ones each season. One of my favorites is Buckingham Palace guard nutcracker because it reminds me of our trip to London several summers ago.

The stockings

I usually hang the stockings on the mantle but I was very worried that Eden might pull one of the heavy metal stocking holders on top of her head so I had to come up with a new plan this year. I decided to put them on the windowsill instead. I actually think I really like them there and may put them there again next year.

The Nativity

I love my Willow Tree Nativity scene. I put it on the table between our couches and I have enjoyed talking about it with Parker this year. He can pretty consistently name Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus, but gets confused with everyone else. Yesterday when I pointed to the Three Wise Men and asked him who they were, he said "The Wise Guys"!! (Close, sweet boy, close!)

I hope that you have had as much fun decorating your house this year as I have. I am taking the time to enjoy it every day, because as much as I love it, I know that I will probably be very ready to take it all down once Christmas rolls around.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

About a week ago, Cory's parents surprised the kids with a Santa Dog that sings "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" and a couple other songs. They have had more fun playing with the dog and dancing to the tunes. You can find them interacting with it several times a day. Even Eden has learned how to push his paw to make him sing without needing any help from us. I know the kids will enjoy it for many years to come. Thanks so much, Grandma and Papa, for such a fun early Christmas gift!

Would Someone Get This Kid a Glass of Water?

Jingle Bells

We have finally found a way to keep track of Eden (a.k.a The Ninja)!

Parker came home from Sunday School this morning with this bell. Of course, Eden was curious about it and wanted to wear it just like him. After she had it on for a few minutes, Cory and I realized that we knew exactly where she was in the house with the bell around her neck. We've let her wear it the rest of the day and, so far, have cut down on our mess clean up by at least 50%!!

Christmas Parade

Tonight was the annual Cleburne Christmas parade. The eye clinic always has a float in the parade, so we bundled up and headed out to support them. The weather was quite cold, but with our hats, new gloves, and some Starbucks hot chocolate, we stayed pretty warm.

Parker was very excited about the "prade" and he talked about it all afternoon. His favorite parts were the horses and the candy. By the end, he was shivering and said, "Let's go get in the car."


We had a fun time, despite the chilly weather. Maybe next year Parker will be big enough to ride on the float with Cory.

First Year Stats

Eden went for her 1 year check-up this week. Here are her latest stats:

Weight: 21.3 pounds (50th percentile)

Height: 30 3/4 inches (95th percentile)

As you can see from her numbers, she is long and lean.

We also went for her one year pictures this afternoon. She did well but did not give us very many smiles. Apparently, from what my mom told me, I was the same way when I was a baby. No tears, but no smiles either. That's ok...I still think she is pretty darn cute!!