New Year's Eve

Four years ago on New Year's Eve we were in Paris and Paul got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.  How life has changed in four short years.  So what are we doing to celebrate this year?  A crazy party?  Loud music and dancing?  Nope, we're taking pictures of our smiling boy.  Couldn't think of anything else I'd rather be doing than spending it with my family.

Our first family Christmas

It was very important to me that we establish our family Christmas traditions right away with Jack, which meant that we stayed at home ALL DAY!  No running around to different family members houses to see everyone in one day.  Don't get me wrong I love seeing family but I don't enjoy trying to see everyone in multiple houses within 12 hours...with a newborn.  Our door was open to anyone who wanted to come see us but we were going to stay home and you know what?  It was GREAT!  We had a relaxing morning, took a walk to the park, and opened stockings and gifts.  Then Paul's mom and sister came over and spent the rest of the day at our place.  My mom and Norm stopped by and we finished the evening by putting Jack to bed and had a nice glass of wine.  Perfect Christmas!

Christmas #3

Christmas eve afternoon/evening was the Ratliff family Christmas (my mom's side of the family).  All the aunts, uncles, grandkids and great grandkids were in town and actually in the same room - it was great!

 Jack got to have some quality YaYa time

Christmas #2

Christmas eve morning was Christmas with the Edlers - Brooksie, Dana and Maddie.  We made the 4 block trek over to Dana's and had a yummy breakfast of cinnamon rolls and quiche.  Merry Edler Christmas !

 

Giggles!

Ok, it's not the best video because Jack is quiet and I'm WAY loud and it's after his official first giggle but here it is, we have a giggle!   I know, it's a teeny tiny little noise but I swear to you it was a full-on giggle before I got the camera out. 



This kid is awesome, he thinks a box and packing peanuts are great toys!

Christmas #1

Christmas #1 with Dave, Beth and Dylan.

Jack opened lots of UK gifts - bottles, shirts, pajamas - I think Beth and Grammie are trying to brainwash him already! 

Leavenworth

Our annual trip to Leavenworth to see the tree lighting was a success!  Jack was a fabulous baby and we were able to hit all the places we love - King Ludwig's for lunch, the cookie shop for dessert, the Kris Kringle store for an ornament and the roasted chestnut stand right before the tree lighting.  Maybe we went more for the food than the lights, haha! 

We have a roller!

 December 2, 2011 Jack rolled over for the first time and I turned the camera on just in time to catch the momentous occasion!  Paul was working from home that day so he got to see him do it too.  We are very proud parents :-)