Hello out there. It has definitely been awhile since I last posted. Things are going great on our end. We enjoyed the holiday season and I must say that this Christmas was one of my best ever. Will has been on leave since Christmas Eve (he goes back to work tomorrow) so we have spent a lot of family time together. Although I have enjoyed having him home, I'm ready to get back into a regular daily routine with the boys especially since Will will be gone for training quite a bit over the next few months.
We managed to sneak in a mini session with What the Focus Photography over the holidays. I planned to send out Christmas cards but that was an epic fail. I figured I'd share some of our pictures here and just plan to send out cards during the year (maybe for Valentine's Day). Anyways, here are a few shots that we took at the Weiden Christmas Market.
I must admit, I'm pretty proud of our tree this year. Don't get me wrong, it's nothing crazy awesome but I love it. It has a really rustic feel to it which normally isn't my style, however, it just works for our house right now. I made a few of the ornaments and plan to have the boys "help" me make a few more but other than those soon to be crafted ornaments, our tree is done.
So, did you try something new with your tree this year? Or do you have a traditional tree-scape (I think I just made that word up, I like it)?
#1: Will's R&R
Will had arranged to be home for his two week break in January since my due date was January 10th but Liam decided to make his appearance three weeks early. Although the timing didn't end up being perfect, we still had so much fun with the tiny baby.
#2: Our First Family Photo Session
Even though this happened during R&R, it was definitely one of the top moments of 2011 (I also think it set a family tradition of capturing the growth and change of our family). It was our first time meeting Melissa Bradfield (our amazing photographer) and I'm so glad she has become a part of our lives by capturing Liam's first year.
#3: Our First Wedding Anniversay
Although we celebrated this special milestone thousands of miles apart, it did not make the day any less special. We have experienced a lot during our first year of marriage and although it's not always easy, we stick it out and plan on celebrating many more anniversaries.
#4: Baby Milestones
All of Liam's little milestones fit into this top of 2011. From teeth to "talking", Liam has kept our lives exciting. Here's Liam during the teething phase as well as a shot of his first baby teeth.
#5: Liam's First Halloween
Halloween was a little disappointing for me since I expected Will to be home from Iraq. I had all these ideas for costumes but when I realized he would miss Liam's first Halloween, I put everything aside and planned on staying home. Well, that changed a few days before Halloween, lol. Luckily I was able to find an adorable costume for Liam (and throw together something for me) and I'm so glad I did.
#6: The End of Operation New Dawn
The end of a deployment is always exciting. Having Will home after nine months of Skype, phone calls, letters and care packages was a blessing that we definitely do not take for granted.
#7: Liam's on the move!
Walking! Luckily, Liam waited for Daddy to be home to share in this milestone (although he had been standing on his own and taking a few steps). Walking has made our lives super crazy but so exciting at the same time.
#8: Liam's Cake Smash
To prepare for Liam's first birthday, Melissa Bradfield photographed a cake smash for us. The pictures were absolutely beautiful and we were even able to get a few family pictures as well. Liam had a blast eating the cake and we're glad we were able to capture that moment.
#9: Liam's First Birthday
This was definitely one of the biggest, most exciting events of 2011. Our little guy turned one and reminded us that life goes fast. We had a great party and celebrated his milestone in style.
#10: Our First Christmas as a Family
It was so exciting to spend Christmas together as a family. Although this is technically Liam's second Christmas, it's the first one we've celebrated. It was definitely a blessing and we're excited to spend/enjoy lots more holidays together.
Anyone recognize that "Elf" quote?! Love that movie. Anyways, Liam got to see Santa today. I thought we were going to have a meltdown but he just sat on Santa's lap. He looked up at him and then lightly touched Santa's cheek. It was all smiles and waving from there!
Liam and Santa 2011
In other news, our little man will be one in two days! We took birthday/family pictures on Sunday and are in the process of planning his birthday. This has definitely been an interesting, fun yet tiring week and it's only Wednesday! We will be back soon with lots of pictures and one year appointment stats.
It's almost time for my favorite holiday so to get in the spirit of Christmas, I decided to participate in this meme. If you decide to do it, let me know and I'll check yours out!
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot Chocolate
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Wraps them!
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? I like white lights but now that we have Liam, I'm thinking about giving colored lights a chance.
4. Do you hang mistletoe? I've never hung mistletoe but I think I may this year.
5. When do you put your decorations up? Day after Thanksgiving (or sometimes after Thanksgiving dinner)
6. What is your favorite holiday dish? Turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? Receiving our presents from my aunt in Chicago.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I never believed in Santa...I feel like I missed out though.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yes!
10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? Usually just lights, tinsel and bulbs. I really want to have a standard Christmas tree decoration as Liam gets older.
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? I love the snow until I have to go outside.
12. Can you ice skate? I've never gone. Maybe this will be the year for a trip to the rink.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Liam. He made his entrance nine days before Christmas :)
14. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Spending time with family and eating lots of food.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Usually peach cobbler.
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? My family doesn't really have any traditions. I hope to make plenty of them with Liam and Will though.
17. What tops your tree? Ribbon.
18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving?
I prefer giving gifts.
19. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum? Yum.
20. Favorite Christmas show? How the Grinch Stole Christmas
21. Saddest Christmas Song? Merry Christmas Darling - The Carpenters
22. What is your favorite Christmas song? Christmastime is Here - The New Frontiers
