Sunday, December 26, 2010

Christmas 2010

Well Christmas has come and gone, but it has left me a present at least, swollen feet. This Christmas was hard for me being 33 weeks pregnant and running all over the country, but it was one of the best.

Chris and I began celebrating Christmas last weekend. We went to Lepanto to celebrate the holidays with my family. Chris calls it the, "The Triple Crown of Christmas" because we spend one day with just my parents then the others with my grandparents for a grand total of 3 parties. I forgot my big new camera and my old point and shoot camera just broke so I have no pictures (I am so mad).

Maddox racked up on gifts. He got clothes from my parents, Red Rider BB gun from my brother and a Andy doll from my grandmother. I got stuff to take to the hospital with me when I deliver like a couple of nice night gowns, house shoes and a robe. Chris got a new robe, clothes and house shoes.

After we completed the "Triple Crown Christmas" it was time to go back to work. After work Chris and I spent our nights doing laundry, cleaning house and cooking. My in-laws and our best friends Wes and Autumn were coming over Friday for dinner so the house had to be spotless. Here are a couple of pictures of my house all decorated for the season.

Our Christmas tree.


My mantel all decked out.

Some of the Christmas cards we received.


Friday night was a blast. I made homemade apple cider and it was awesome if I do say so myself. Chris cooked prime rib and I did green bean bundles, amazing potatoes (that is really the name of them) and Caesar salad. For dessert I made a peanut butter pie (my favorite).
It was so nice visiting with everyone. After Cindy and Chester left, we exchanged presents with Wes and Autumn. I got a purse from Autumn and Chris got a flask and BB gun (isn't funny that Chris and Maddox got the same gift) from Wes.
While Chris and I were cleaning up from the party, we decided it would be fun to exchange our gifts. Chris is really hard to buy for. When he wants something he usually just goes out and buys it. We also had a $50 dollar spending limit on each other this year ( We have a baby to prepare for). So, I asked myself what does Chris always say he wants but would never buy? This is what I came up with:
A wireless charging pad.


He loved it and immediately took it out of the box and started playing with it. Then he realized I went over my budget and got mad. He stomped around and then went and got me my present and this is what he got me:
My Keurig coffee/tea maker.
I have been wanting one of these all year but I have been pregnant (no caffeine) but being the amazing husband Chris is he bought me decaf coffee and tea. I am so excited and yes Chris went over his budget too so I didn't feel to bad.
The next morning we woke up to my favorite Christmas movie, A Christmas Story. We gave our dogs their Christmas presents and started getting ready to go to Cindy and Chester's house to celebrate the holidays with Christopher's family.
Chris giving Dixie and Chloe their big Christmas bones.
Look how much they enjoyed them.

After we got dressed we headed over to Cindy and Chester's. They always have a big family gathering for Christmas with food and a friendly game of Dirty Santa. But, before everyone got there we exchanged gifts. I got a new camera bag and wallet from Cindy and Chester and a camera strap slip cover from Jessi and Jacob. Chris got a hand drill and clothes from his parents and two ASTATE paintings from Jessi and Jacob.
Christmas Tree
Chris and I. I am 33 weeks pregnant. My face looks so big.

Jacob and Jessi

After the Leonard family gift exchange, the rest of the family started showing up. It was so nice visiting with everyone.
Chris playing with Addison's tunnel.
Harrison and Abby playing in the tunnel.


Presents for Dirty Santa

I am sad to see the holidays go. We had a great Christmas and have been blessed in so many ways this year. We have a great family and the best blessing of all has been Maddox. I know next year will be even better because we will have our little man to share the holidays with.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Little Rock Baby Shower

This weekend I had my first baby shower for Maddox. It was in Little Rock and my mother-in-law, sister-in-law and aunt-in-law (is this a word) threw it for me. I was a little concerned because I am not from Little Rock and have not accumulated many friends but Maddox ended up having a great turnout.

The decorations were fantastic along with the food. Maddox also racked up and got a lot of nice gifts.

This is the banner that my wonderful sister-in-law, Jessi made to celebrate Maddox.

The food menu consisted of quiche, fruit, miniature cupcakes, punch and chicken salad sandwiches.



The diaper cake.

Me at 30 weeks.


The canvas that Jessi made. It is so cute.


He got a lot of cute clothes.


Maddox's High Chair.


My Vera Bradley diaper bag that my best friend Autumn got me.
The amazing blanket Jessi made.


This is a personalized cross that Maddox's Aunt Lynn gave him.


It was nice to have friends and family together to celebrate the upcoming birth of Maddox. I am so thankful that so many people came and showered Maddox with so many gifts. He is already so loved and spoiled.