Christmas 2013

It was a whirlwind, and we are officially worn out; but we had a wonderful time celebrating with family and friends over the past few weeks.

Our celebrations (because who wants to celebrate once when you can do it 4 times) began in Camden a few weeks before Christmas with Nick's extended family get together. The Baggetts and Wilders get together every year and it is always a special time.  There are 4 kiddos (Margie Grace (6), Will (3), Graham (2) and Shepherd (1)) now which makes for a crazy day.

 

The following weekend we traveled to Auburn to have an early Christmas with my family.  We haven't had children in our family for a while so Christmas' with Graham certainly liven things up!

We hurried home, unpacked and repacked in order to travel back to Camden for Christmas day.  Before we left though Santa delivered a few gifts early since he knew we probably wouldn't be able to transport everything in our car.  So we got to have our own special family time the night before we went to Camden.

Santa brought Graham a new table and chair set and lots of fun stocking stuffers.  

Nick and I decided that one of our family traditions would be to give Graham a new ornament every year to be opened on Christmas Eve.  The ornament is to be reflective of that particular year.  Nick and I will take turns writing notes explaining why we chose that years ornament.  The idea is that when he is grown he will have a box full of ornaments and notes from us that tell a shortened story of his life.

This year we gave him a lawn mower ornament.  It is reflective of the fact that he learned to walk this year, and that he pushed his Fisher Price lawn mower most everyday either around the house or in the neighborhood.  Definitely one of his most used toys!

Last, but not least, we made our way back to Camden to spend Christmas with Nick's parents and Harpy (Grahams name for Nick's sister).  It unfortunately was a quick trip (Nick had to be back at work on Thursday), but we made the most of our time.  Santa brought Graham a tent and tunnel and many other fun, new toys!

 

 

It was certainly a Christmas to remember!!!  

Happy 2nd Birthday Graham

Still trying to wrap my mind around how in the world my sweet baby can be 2.  Time is going by so fast, but we are doing the best we can to savor and enjoy each and every moment.  What a year it has been!

At the beginning of the year we thought you were never going to walk, but as with most things when YOU decided you wanted to walk...you did, and you've been running ever since. Walking makes for fun days and a tired momma.

As soon as the weather started to warm up we discovered your deep down true passion...being outside. From that first afternoon in the back yard playing in the mop bucket you were hooked!  From then on you wanted to be one place and one place only...OUTDOORS.  So our days were filled with pool time

parks

splash pads

The Zoo

and after dinner walks

By 18 months you had about 10 words (uh oh, da, ball, shoe, night night, thank you, etc.), and those were the only words you would say for the next 5 months.  At times we were concerned that you may never talk, but about a month ago (23 months) you you flipped the switch, and now you have new words everyday.

The cooler temperatures and rain have forced us to be inside much more, and in that time we uncovered a new passion...coloring.  Most everyday you go to the closet door and ask for your crayons.  The absolute best is when you get to color in a box on the deck, but most of the time we are stuck inside.  As a result you of so much coloring you now know most all of your colors and take great pride in telling us which color you are using.

You also enjoy reading and watching TV... these have been a few of your favorites over the last year.

For the last six months or so this has been our typical schedule:

7:00-7:30     Wake Up
7:30             Breakfast
11:30           Lunch
12:45-3:00   Nap
3:00             Snack
6:00             Dinner
7:30             Bath
7:45             Bed

Graham we love you more than words can express.  It brings us such joy to watch you learn and experience new things and to see your personality evolve.  I can already tell that you are a typical "first born."  You are opinionated, determined, and sometimes even a little stubborn, but your dad and I are both first borns so you come by it honestly.  But your stubbornness is tempered with sweetness and affection.  You give lots of kisses, hugs and pat me on the back most every day.  Your smile gives me joy like nothing else.

Graham, Bug, Grammy, Grahambo....we love you.  Happy Birthday!