Monday, December 29, 2008

Christmas 2008

Okay..I'm finally getting a chance to sit down and blog a little. This Christmas was special for many reasons.
  • It was Kate's First Christmas
  • Jason's brother-in-law, Jim and wife Tara joined us from New Hampshire
  • My brother Tommy was able to be with us this Christmas (he is on-call for the KC Swat every other year),
  • My grandfather was with us for the second year in a row
  • Jonathan (and even little Nicholas to a degree) finally got into the whole magic of Christmas through the birth of Christ and, of course, the visit from Santa Claus!

Time with family is never long enough and having both Jason's parents and my parents residing in the same town often makes us feel torn between one family and another..but we do the best we can.

Jim and Tara stayed at our home Tuesday night before Christmas...it was nice to have all of Jason's siblings and family join us Tuesday evening for good food, conversation, and of course, a little Guitar Hero. We spent Christmas Eve ('Christmas Steve' as Jonathan kept calling it) in Eudora, KS with Jason's extended family and then traveled to Clinton where we promptly changed the kids for bed and started in on the adult Christmas gift exchange. Christmas morning we went to Mass at Holy Rosary...I spent most of the service roaming the halls of my old school as Nick and Kate weren't so interested in being quiet in church. The kids opened their gifts after church and then preparation for a feast with all of the Miles extended family was in order. Later in the afternoon we joined the Kazmaier side for more family time and another Christmas exchange.

What a beautiful thing to be surrounded by so much family and so much tradition! Jonathan keeps asking if Santa is coming again...he wants (wait..'needs'..in his words) more presents and was quite distraught over the tree and decorations coming down today.

I'm already looking forward to next Christmas!





































Monday, December 22, 2008

COOKIES!




Can we say sugar high?
I had the best little helper ever!

Sunday, December 21, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NICK!


Nicholas is officially two today! Happy Birthday little Nickle Pickle. Although two years of age has brought out a little bit defiance in him, he still remains to be our sweet little affectionate and mellow little boy who adores his big brother, is tender towards his little sister, and loves to dance and sing.

Nicholas made his quiet and uncomplicated little entrance on December 21st, 2006. Despite his small stature, everything about him since, has been big. His emotions are big. His energy is big. His imagination is big. His heart is big. Somehow my little baby boy is now, just a little boy. The baby who once was unknown to me, hidden in my tummy and offering up only kicks and tumbles, is now the little boy who has warmed my heart and softened my soul. The baby who once needed constant comforting now comforts me with his unsolicited hugs, cuddles and kisses. He fills my whole being with joy (and sometimes a little frustration and anger too). I am still in awe of my little soulful blue-eyed boy.

There is such a mix of emotions during the hustle and bustle of each day’s routine. Yet at night when all is calm (and that happens VERY late at our house) I stare at him in his crib, I am overwhelmed with pride and awe and love for him as I am with each of my children. Nicholas continues to amaze me everyday… and even though I know something new and exciting awaits me each morning, as I stare at him in his crib, I silently say, “Don't let him grow. I like him just like that!”

He is beautiful. He is amazing. He is TWO.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Union Station and SANTA!

We got to see all sorts of trains...big one's, little one's, gigantic one's and even got to ride on one. Then we braved the cold to get on a REAL train to see Santa!!! Nick and Kate LOVED Santa....Kate was curious and Nick smiled really big and crawled in Santa's lap. Santa was kind enough to wipe little Nicholas's runny nose. Jonathan was not afraid of Santa, just didn't want to sit in his lap...of course riding the elligator and escagator was fun too.


















Thursday, December 18, 2008

No surgery today...

Looks like we are rescheduled on Jan. 15th. Kate's recent Bronchiolitis ruled out the possiblity due to the need to put he under for so long for the procedure...anesthesiology was concerned about any possible airway issues related to previous infection. We were disappointed, but her safety most certainly comes first. We just have to keep her healthy until then...which is a difficult task in winter and with two older brothers! :)

Sunday, December 14, 2008

One of those moments I wished I had my camera for...

Our church Christmas Program was today...I had nursery duty so I had to watch it broadcast on the tv in the room, but Jonathan got up on stage and blew bubbles with his Sunday School class while the older kids sang Christmas songs. It was ADORABLE...and made Jason and I misty eyed seeing him up there looking so big and not the least bit timid. We also lit the Advent Candle as a family. Jason read a prayer while I read scripture all while juggling the three kids. Thankfully, Kate didn't try to grab the mic out of my hands. They were all on their best behavior despite all three being a little under the weather. We ended our day with a drive around to see the Christmas lights...about 20 minutes in, Jonathan says, "Let's go home. I'm tired and just want to lay on the couch and watch TV". Wow.

Nick's Birthday Party


































Although Nick's birthday isn't until the 21st, we celebrated early due to Kate's scheduled surgery and recovery next weekend. He obviously wasn't feeling 100%, but he seemed to have a great time surrounded by friends and family. He LOVES his new kitchen!
I'll save a special blog message about our sweet little middle child for later in the week...what a wonderful little guy and what a blessing to have him be a part of our family and to watch him grow!