Garrin's First Christmas

Garrin has had a busy week celebrating his first Christmas. He has been wonderful during all the festivities. Unfortunately he has had a stomach bug that started on Christmas Eve. He has spent a lot of the festivities taking baths, sleeping, and snuggling in someone's arms. Despite his sickness, he has enjoyed all of the festivities!

On the afternoon of Christmas Eve, we celebrated with Nana D, Papa D, Nana Mac, and Aunt Audrey. We had chili and vegetable soup for lunch. We also enjoyed Wisconsin cheese that Uncle Bob and Aunt Brenda sent. It was delicious! Garrin got many new clothes and toys that he will be able to enjoy! It was nice to spend time together on Christmas Eve.

In the evening on Christmas Eve, we went to the Children's Christmas Eve Service at church. Nana D, Papa D, Grammy Smith, and Papa Smith met us there. Garrin wore a crown to be a wiseman during the Christmas story. There were angels, shepherds, and wisemen. As the pastor read the Christmas story, the children came forward to see the baby Jesus in the manger. The children left gifts for baby Jesus that would be donated to local shelters and food pantries. It was fun to remember the reason for Christmas as we went to church.

On Christmas morning Garrin awoke to see that Santa had arrived at his house. His stocking was filled with all kinds of new toys. Alongside his stocking was a new train. Garrin loves to watch his train go around and around. He also likes to try to catch the balls that come out the top. He loved his first train.

On Christmas afternoon it was off to Stockton, MO to see Grammy Smith, Papa Smith, Uncle Travis, and Aunt Julie. It was fun to spend time with them. We enjoyed visiting with each other and exchanging gifts. Garrin added to his library collection, played with new toys, and opened many new outfits. It was nice to get away and relax!

The festivities will continue throughout the weekend. We have many more friends and family to see during the holidays. We are so grateful for everyone that is in our lives. We are so blessed to have friends, family, and a loving God!

Garrin Visits Santa!

Garrin discovered this week that he is on Santa's nice list. Thanks to Aunt Rachelle, Garrin was able to see a video that Santa had e-mailed to him! Here is the link to the video if you would like to see what Santa had to say: http://family.go.com/santas-list/video/53121-rachelle1122/

Luckily, we saw that Santa would be at Bass Pro this week. Garrin was able to sit on Santa's lap and tell him his Christmas wishes! Good thing Santa has elves to help him out because Garrin's speech is not the easiest to interpret.

Garrin has all his Christmas shopping, wrapping, and baking done. This week we found him under the Christmas tree in his Christmas outfit. He can't wait for his first Christmas. It will be a lot of fun to celebrate the birth of Jesus with Garrin. We look forward to sharing with family!

A Few of Garrin's Firsts

Garrin has had a busy month with lots of firsts. He is changing rapidly and the time seems to go faster and faster each day. It is hard to believe that we celebrated his 8 month birthday last week. Here are some of the things that have been going on:

First Illness: We didn't make it through fall without illness. Garrin had his first high fever from an infection. Unfortunately a week later Garrin also developed bronchitis. He has been on his first antibiotic and inhaler during the Thanksgiving holiday. He is well on his way to being recovered and sleeping through the night again!

First Teeth: The tooth fairy arrived! Garrin had his first two teeth finally come through. On his 8 month birthday, we could feel the ridges of his front teeth. The next morning, they were in full view. I suppose he'll have to rewrite his Christmas list since he got his two front teeth for Thanksgiving!

First Thanksgiving: Garrin had fun at his first Thanksgiving. He decided to be a Pilgrim instead of a Native American. You can see that he enjoyed the festivities. On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, we celebrated with Uncle Travis, Aunt Julie, Papa Steve, and Grammy Jeanie. On Thursday, we enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner with Aunt Rachelle, Uncle Terry, Cousin Ashlyn, Papa D, Nana D, and Great Aunt Audrey!

First Christmas Decorating: Garrin also enjoyed the traditions of decorating for Christmas after the Thanksgiving holidays. He helped decorate the Christmas tree with some of his new ornaments. He also helped dad test the outside Christmas lights. He has been enjoying new Christmas books and getting ready for the holidays!