Santa Baby

On Monday, November 28, the boys & I met Mamaw at the mall. She wanted an idea for Daddy, and I suggested that we let the boys tell Santa what they'd like for Christmas while we were there. I didn't realize how many people had off work and school for the first day of hunting! The mall was a madhouse, but the lines for Santa weren't terribly long. The boys were excited!

This year, they had a different type of set-up. Rather than lots of decor around, they had little stations in lines with games to play. There was one where you could 'color' Christmas ornaments on the screen, and this memory game where each time you got a match correct, a piece of a puzzle was revealed. The boys had fun. The girl in line behind us commented how well the boys take turns with each other. :)

I asked Mom to take a picture of us waiting. While my head is cut off, I thought Ryan grabbing Joshua's hair was so cute! He's a grabby little Schnook these days!

I took a couple of Mamaw & Ry-guy too.

Soon it was our turn to sit with Santa. Caleb told him he wants a helicopter (check!).

Joshua told Santa how he wants a Francesco car (from the Cars 2 movie). (Check!)

The boys smiled for their picture. Ryan was SO interested in Santa's beard, though.

 

He may end up on Santa's naughty list if he tries to yank on facial hair. I'm sure that must hurt - I scooped him off Santa's lap since he doesn't know better. Santa seemed nice enough.

He gave each kiddo a coloring book that's cute. Then, Mamaw treated us to Auntie Anne's cinnamon sugar pretzel sticks and lemonade (thanks, Mom!). It was a fun trip. After we had our snack, we headed to the car while Mamaw continued her shopping.

Dear Santa, I've been so good, God gave me the last name "GOOD!" ;-)

Trash or Treasure?

Joshua is so sharp, and his wit lately has been cracking me up. Sometimes, though, it's the innocence in what he says that makes it truly funny. There is a house near my sister's that has a TON of those big, ugly and mismatched "snow globe" type lawn decorations that require fans to inflate. They also have lots of plastic-y decorations and everything is sort of just strewn about in their front yard. It's all decked-out when it's lit up, but it's still a little tacky. When we went by the house, he asked, "Hey, are they having a yard sale?" I couldn't help but laugh!

Away in a Manger

This morning the boys & I worked on a craft for Christmas with the manger scene. First, we read the story once again from the Bible. Then they helped me glue on these pieces and answered the questions of the story I asked them. Here is how they turned out! Read both boys' responses, posted below.

Joshua's Away in a Manger (Luke 2:8-12, 16)

 “And there were _SHEPHERDS__ living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An ANGEL of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were __SCARED______. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find _A BABY______wrapped in cloths and lying in a ____MANGER________.” “So they hurried off and found __MARY ___and _JOSEPH_____, and the baby __JESUS_________, who was lying in the manger.”

Caleb's Away in a Manger (Luke 2:8-12, 16)

 “And there were WHO? SHEPHERDS? living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An _GOD_of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were _SCARED_. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find _PRESENTS wrapped in cloths and lying in a __DARK ROOM_.” “So they hurried off and found MAMA and SHAWN GOOD, and the baby RYAN JOSIAH, who was lying in the manger.”

Happy 6-month birthday, Ryan Josiah!

 

How can it be that my youngest is already six months old? He is growing so big everyday! This past week, he started sitting up on his own unassisted. We still build a "pillow fort" around him because on occasion as he's going for a toy, he will fall toward it without putting out his hands. But, he is strong! He is the earliest of my boys to sit up on his own. I loved his expression in these first two pictures.

Ryan has two teeth - both on the bottom. The second one came in the Monday after Thanksgiving (11/28). His gums are extraordinarily swollen on the bottom right side where a third tooth is trying to push through. Nothing so far from the top, though!

Ryan is very interested in toys these days - anything that lights up or makes sounds intrigues him. He also loves my Itzbeen where I keep track of sleeping and eating patterns. Silly goose! That's Mommy's toy!

My little Schnook is in 12-month clothing already! I have one pair of 9-month jeans that are fitting him well, but all his shirts are 12-months. I put 12-month jammies on him for the first time last night, and Shawn was shocked to see him in Joshua's PJs. He has gotten SO big! And we remember his big brother wearing these. Such sweet memories. :)

Since the beginning of December, Ryan has started eating solid foods. We've been trying since four months, and he's been highly upset by us even trying. But, he's eaten squash and applesauce so far and enjoyed both. He also took a bottle from Shawn on Tuesday night for the first time in months. I knew he'd be hungry that day, and I'm glad the feeding went okay. Ryan & Daddy are buddies. So long as Daddy keeps walking Ryan around, he's content!

Ryan LOVES the exersaucer. And, Shawn & I joke that every time he's in there, he not only takes a load off but gets a load out (if you get what I'm saying). And due to how he's sitting, it goes up his back and into his armpits. Crazy little baby! He's turned me into the poop smith (a character from Home Star Runner). But, he's always happy when it happens. He loves to play and look around and chew on toys. We dug a bin of baby toys out of the attic, and while some were ready for the trash can (why didn't we do that before storing them, I wonder?), some we were able to clean up, replace the batteries, and let the Schnookie have. He's been enjoying them!

 I'm curious to know what my little man weighs now - I have a doctor's appointment for him next week and I should find out! Look at all those rolls in the picture below. I LOVE baby chubs! Such sweetness!

 Ryan loves the bath tub. He doesn't fuss or cry when we put water on him or wash his hair (not that he has any hair but more peach fuzz). He's such a sweet little thing! He's rarely fussy for me. But, he's also not a big cuddle bug. I rock him at night, but he'd rather be facing out so he can look around. And there's no question that he sees well - THANK YOU GOD! He will grin at us from across the room.

Everything goes into his mouth these days. The photographer gave him a wash cloth, and it went right in! He gnaws to help his teeth and because that's part of his learning at this age - babies use all five senses to learn about the world, and taste is one of those along with touch.

I love to rock Ryan to sleep at night. I don't always get the opportunity, but nights that he falls asleep on me are heaven. So many times during the day, I have to put him down and need my hands free (actually I could even use another hand or two!). But, I know I'll miss this stage when it's passed. I want to soak in times that I can hold him. I love to be able to linger with him.

He smiles at most people and is very friendly. He ADORES his big brothers and laughs at them constantly. They are super sweet to him as well. :) :) :) He doesn't cry when I drop him off at church or his Study & Share room at this point. Overall, I'd say he's generally easygoing. When he's upset, he usually finds his thumb and calms right down. Oh, how I love those thumbs! I'm hoping he outgrows it on his own, but they are priceless for a baby.

Tubby pictures are a favorite of mine at this age. So sweet! So innocent! Chubby little fingers and toes... At this time of the year, I think of Mary & Jesus as a baby. How amazing it must have been to watch a Savior being born and growing. And yet, to hear that her own heart would be pierced; I can't imagine losing any of my children. What a gift of salvation that I must truly be thankful for! And how I want to teach my kids to grow up and give thanks as well! What an honor it is to serve these three boys as their mama! Ryan means "little king" and I hope that he'll always give respect to and live his life for our real King.

Ryan is a talker. He gabs away and I often think I'm hearing "Mama" when he's really upset. It is the cutest sound!

Typically he sleeps through the night, but we've had many nights (like last night) where I think his teeth are bothering him. I rarely feed him overnight, but I did twice last night and he ate. I'm trying to remind myself that these are final precious moments I'll have with him in the middle of the night. I won't be sleepless forever. And I'll miss cuddling with a sleepy little Schnook some day.

This will be Ryan's first Christmas this year. I doubt he'll even remember it, but as I hear songs about "So this is Christmas, and what have you done? Another year over, a new one just begun..." I think "You know what I've done? I've given birth and seen another miracle of God bring another little life into our family this year." I think that's quite an accomplishment for one year.

Here's Ry-guy with his stocking. Love those baby toes and hands! And his big blue eyes as he's looking at a toy! One of my favorite facial expressions of his is actually below. It's so him! Those little lips!

My little man has been quite the drool-baby lately, but I know that's a sign of another tooth. He's doing SO well! I'm blessed by him being healthy and happy! He eats well, he sleeps well, he plays well, he's sitting well... he's truly a joy to us. And while babies are a ton of work, they also had a level of precious sweetness to a home that's not really describable with words.

Daddy said the picture above reminded him of George Costanza from Seinfeld in his photo shoot. It cracked me up! By the time our boys are old enough to know who that is, I'm sure they'll be like 'who?' But, the comment was funny to me.

Happy 6-month birthday, Ry-guy! You've come along way from your newborn stage, and I look forward to celebrating each new milestone with you along the way!

Yes, Ryan, It's Real

Walking in a Dutch Winter Wonderland

The Saturday after Thanksgiving was another beautiful day. So we asked our friends if they would like to go to Dutch Wonderland with us, and they said yes. Here are the two older boys and Isabella next to the Dutch Wonderland characters. One is Duke the Dinosaur and the others are a knight and princess.

Our first ride was the train as a family. I didn't take many pictures that day, but I know Lisa took a bunch. I'm still waiting to get them back from her, though. So, mine will have to do!

The next ride we did was the "Turnpike" where Lisa offered to watch Ryan (so sweet!) while I road with Joshua, Shawn road with Caleb, and Chris road with Isabella on a car. Thereafter, the kiddos went on the panda bear "bumble bees." Caleb decided not to go on since he wouldn't have his own seat, but he didn't seem upset. He enjoys spending time with Daddy!

Isabella went on a frog hopper that scared her (our two boys didn't like the ride before because they thought it was too scary) and then they all road on the other frog toy which they enjoyed much more. It ribbits as they go around. They did this one several times, as I recall. While the place was busy, it certainly wasn't packed!

They also went on the "wonder whip" and the boys each took their own car while a little girl insisted on going with Isabella because they both liked pink. When they went to ride again, the girl climbed in with her again. Neither one seemed to mind.

They also road on these little airplanes, and Caleb wanted his own plane once again. Since there wasn't a line, we said that was fine. They road this ride a couple times, too.

We decided to take a couple family pictures. I didn't realize that they didn't have our camera for ours, but here are the Grube's. Lisa is also expecting their second child, due in April. Below are the kiddos, growling like bears.

It was starting to get dark out as the men took the kiddos down the fun slide. Joshua road by himself while Caleb went with Shawn and Chris went with Isabella. Lisa & I both waited with Ryan since it's suggested that prego people not go on, and I wanted to try and give my little Schnook a bottle. Ryan would have NONE of it. He was hungry, but he's also gotten a bit stubborn.

We took a few family pictures with the lights as a back drop. It was starting to get a little more chilly out, so I bundled Ryan and we made the boys put on their coats. Caleb was not thrilled at having to wear his and kept taking it off. He doesn't seem to even notice the cold!

Lisa & I took Isabella & Caleb on the merry-go-round while the men waited with Ryan. Joshua doesn't love the merry-go-round, so he stayed behind as well. Then Isabella said she wanted to ride the "turtle" so we walked down to the turtle whirl. This was Joshua's favorite of the night, he said. Daddy went with the older boys while I stayed behind with Ryan. Lisa suggested we go get some fries with vinegar to split. YUM! So, while they waited in the long line for that ride, we munched. It was GREAT!

Caleb looked absolutely terrified on the turtle whirl. He told Shawn (and me afterward) that his tummy did NOT feel good on that one. It does spin the kids around like crazy. Poor little guy!

All the kids were hungry and we had ridden most everything, so we decided to leave earlier than it closed. They suggested eating at the local YP, and we said yes. We had a coupon from Aunt Missy, so we got 50% off a pizza. It was yummy! Ryan still wouldn't eat from the bottle, so I took him into the bathrooms there and fed him. He was a happy camper then! It had been a fun evening with friends.

We loved seeing all the lights and how they're set to music. The kids loved the rides! We all loved hanging out. What a great start to the season! Thank you, God, for the beautiful weather!!!

This Old House Sure is Looking Good!

The last weekend of November was absolutely gorgeous in Lancaster County! It was in the 60s during the day and sunny. We decorated the entire house for Christmas. I LOVE the bows & greens on our windows and fence - Shawn helped put everything up and I'm tickled every time I see it. While we didn't get around to putting up Christmas lights, I'm happy with how this looks.

The weather was so lovely that the following Monday morning, the boys & I raked the front yard and put the leaves into containers to take to the dump. They did a GREAT job helping Mommy pick up the piles of leaves. :) Daddy was proud.

On Saturday, the boys helped me decorate the Christmas tree that Daddy put together. I LOVE how excited Caleb got over the tree. He was literally shaking with excitement as he told us "I LOVE it!" Then he'd say "Daddy, come look at the tree, it's SO pretty!" Typically it's Joshua who goes wild over activities, but this year I would say it was Caleb who was the most in awe at the experience.

Joshua enjoyed getting to help more this year. And with being taller, he could reach more places to hang ornaments as well. The boys tend to want to put them all together in one spot, so I would make suggestions of where to hang things. They highly enjoyed getting to decorate the tree and take turns hanging their ornaments. Some of the "homemade" things went toward the back of the tree, depending on their shape as we took them out of the box. But, I love each and every ornament. So many have been gifts and are special to me!

The boys have asked us to just sit and look at the tree each night. They sing a song they've made up and ask us to follow them: "I love the Christmas tree..." they sing. We laugh. I tried to teach them the real song "O Christmas Tree" but they insist that we sing their made-up version instead. We're okay with that! We all sit on the floor and look up at the tall tree. Shawn & I agreed that their excitement over the tree is one of our absolute favorite memories from the weekend. Caleb's sheer joy at the "pretty lights" is just sweetness! How blessed I am to experience the magic of Christmas through a child's eyes!

I've been teaching the boys about the birth of Jesus. The truly amazing part of the season is that Jesus came to earth as a baby - GOD as a human. He came to save us from the things we do wrong. Only God Himself can make us better and forgive us! What an amazing, priceless gift! We're celebrating Jesus' birthday!!!

Here's our little snow family - thanks, Mamaw for the gift!

And here are our stockings hung by the fireplace with care. We had to rearrange this year to add Ryan into the mix. Shawn's is on the far left, mine is on the far right, and the three boys are in the middle in birth order. Ryan's stocking has a train on it - another gift from Mamaw (thanks so much!). I love how they look.

Here's the finished Christmas tree. Each time I think of it, I think of Caleb begging us to look at it one last time. It makes me pause and thank God for my precious children. Then I pause a moment longer, to thank God for His precious Son as well...