1o months!

James turned 10 months last week while we were away in Huntsville for our winter break. I have lots to document from this past month.

James loves the library . . . 

 . . . and reading to the dogs!

He is one loved little boy who always have someone to play with. 

James got his first cold ever - starting with a croup cough on Dec 11th and mixed with fevers, crying, whining, broken sleep and lots of runny noses, it was a very exhausting 2 full weeks of sickness. It was hard seeing him so sad and uncomfortable. This was the first time in James' life where we've seen him really sad.

It sure was sweet to watch him sleeping peacefully at night. Nothing better than a sleeping babe!

This was his last month in his car seat.

James being sick pretty much consumed my month of December. I had to simplify a lot of other things in my life because he mostly just wanted to be held and snuggle. December is a hard month to slow down and simplify life, but we did it and I tried my very hardest to enjoy my sweet babe who needed me. I was sad not to make the calendars I usually make for our families, and all the goodies we usually bake and deliver to friends, but we figured out easier different things that worked out just fine.

James is truly a treasure to our family and I know a very special spirit. One morning while Calvin was playing games on the computer and James was sitting in the bumbo on top of the counter, I ran down the hall to grab something from my bathroom. In those few brief moments, James wriggled his way out of the bumbo and fell face down onto our tiled floor. I heard the thump and came running. He was crying his soft little cry and was able to be comforted within seconds! It was amazing - no scratch, bump, scar - nothing!  I know that James was being watched over that morning and I am so grateful for those angels in my life.

A few things from this month:
* He grew top 2 fang teeth
* He started sitting up from laying down. It was so cute to come into his room in the morning and after naps to see him sitting up with his cute little head peaking out over the crib bumper.
* He started to crawl around Dec 17th - very slow and steady.

* He is super easy to make laugh and has the BEST laugh!

* First Christmas

* First trip to Utah. He loves gnawing on apples.

* First time in snow

Even though I brought James' 10 month sticker to Utah, I took him outside when we got back home to snap a few more pics in our regular monthly spot!

He's still our quiet baby who we love so very very much!!

Christmas 2017

It was a good Christmas this year. 

SO much excitement this Sunday morning!

A fun first Christmas with all 4 kids!!

Here's Madi's wish list to Santa . . . 

And Santa's letter back . . .

Madi got her violin finger tuner and music stand, as well as ear plugs that she'd asked for, with a journal/planner that she was excited about. She also got a set of acrylic paints and canvases from Spencer and I (want), a couple of new long sleeve shirts (wear), a series of Shakespeare books (read), and underwear (a need she wasn't super thrilled about).   

Santa brought Elle a gymnastics mat for all her flips that she's constantly doing as well as a knitting kit that ended up being a huge hit with her and Madi (more pictures of all the knitting later). She also got a brush from Santa (so no more fighting with Madi over brushing hair) as well as all her favorite treats and bubble gum. From Daddy and Mommy she got clothes (need) the Harry Potter series (read), a rainbow watch (want), socks (wear and a major need)! 

A letter Calvin wrote to Santa later at school after he'd already written his first Santa letter:

Santa brought Calvin a cool "kids watch" as well as his first ever pedal bike! 

Cal also got a remote control car from Spencer and I.

Sweet baby James got some big boy binkies and his first tooth brush and paste. 

We did presents pretty quick this year. We finished everything before needing to get ready for 11am church. 

The Calhouns had our family this year and the boys were super stoked about their new Hess truck.

The girls got some cool "tear it up" American Girl activity books from Calhouns!

I loved watching James interested in all the little things. 

Our landlords (Laura and Charlie) got the girls this fun game. 

They gave Cal some cool dinosaurs . . . 

And James a new little toy! They are always so sweet to think of us!

These are the moments I will always treasure! 

It was such a treat having Gram and Papa with us. They spoiled the kids with all sorts of gifts. The girls got tons of new stuff for their American Girl dolls (gymnastics and swimming outfits 

and nail polish for Julie, and a bonnet with nail polish for Caroline) as well as Usborne books for everyone. The girls also got earrings Papa bought them in Hawaii. 

Cal is thrilled about his new "take along" knight castle!

After opening stockings, we had breakfast of all the new favorite cereals. 

After church I could hardly wait to go on a bike ride with James. 

I had told Spence I didn't want a bike but it really is SUPER sweet and I am SO excited to go on so family bike rides! 

It only took Cal 5 minutes to get the hang of his new bike. 

He is our youngest rider yet (the girls both learned at 6)!!

Needless to say, we were all crazy excited about Cal's newest accomplishment!!

The knitting began that night! Gram is such a wonderful, patient teacher. 

I was grateful for this special, one-on-one time Elle got with Gram to learn how to knit. 

Madi also listened in and then went out the next morning to buy herself some yarn and knitting needles to join in on the knitting party.

Papa gave the girls these head lamps for them to read their new books in bed. 

It was a great Christmas well spent with those we love!