Christmas

This Christmas might just be the most magical one yet.

Conner's first, and Jackson's 4th. With each passing year, Jackson's improved comprehension of the holiday means even more magic. And adding a sweet new baby to the mix meant extra cuddles and simple gifts. Magic, I tell you.

This year, Jackson struggled with the idea of getting anywhere near Santa. That jolly fellow might be delivering presents to our, home, but he can do so without Jackson sitting on his lap. Or talking to him. Although Jackson gave it his best effort, he just couldn't do the Santa thing. And that's quite alright. Instead, we sent a letter to the big guy. The letter made very clear Jackson's two requests this year: a jack-in-the-box, and a remote control robot.

And Santa delivered.

Christmas morning, Jackson found me in the wee morning hours feeding Conner in his rocking chair. Daddy soon joined us (along with thing 1 and 2), and we all made our way downstairs to find the Santa had munched on his cookies and drank his milk, and the reindeer snacked on the carrots left outside.

We then opened stockings and gifts, and Jackson was digging the whole thing. He was extra helpful this Christmas, and offered to 'help' open Conner's gifts.

The much-anticipated jack-in-the-box was the show-stopper this year, and today - days later - continues to get plenty of use. Every time the dragon pops out of the box, he squeals. And it's amazing, because it's so simple. (Clearly, we deprived him of the whole experience as a baby or toddler?)

The rest of the day was filled with Christmas movies, snuggles, eating, and playing.

What a very good day. What a very good life this is.

Conner: Meet Grandma and Grandpa

Chuck and Karen came to visit for a week - offering up their company and a whole lot of help. Their timing could not have been better, just as Tyler and I were hitting a wall of exhaustion, their arms were put to very good use. Conner and Jackson were spoiled for an entire week, with Conner being held nearly constantly, and Jackson's giggles seeming to be nonstop.

Being that their visit fell during the first week of December, we ushered in the season with tree-cutting, light-hanging, feast-making, and cookie-baking bliss.

Conner: 2 Months

Conner,

We're beginning to figure you out, which is making everyone happier. We've gotten you on reflux meds and probiotics, which is helping a ton. You seem to be feeling much better, and are much happier between feedings, offering up smiles and coos and melting our hearts.

Your personality is beginning to shine, and so far you like the following:

-Being held

-Being worn

-Being cuddled

-Bing bounced up and down

-Eating

You do not like:

-Being still

-Being in a swing

-Being on the floor

-Being anywhere but on someone

To summarize, as long as you are not hungry, you are being held, and whoever is holding you is moving - you are one happy baby. I remind myself to soak up the cuddles, as I know this phase won't last long.

Sleep is hit or miss (we joke that every other night is good, and the alternating nights seem to be terrible). You go to bed between 7 and 8, and sleep anywhere from 3 to 5 hours. Then you're up every 2-3 hours after that (on a 'good' night). The other nights you seem to be up every 1.5 hours to eat (and sometimes more often in between). The good news is that you go right to sleep at bed time, and usually go right back to bed after each feeding. 

We're falling into a new normal, and spend our days and nights soaking up your sweet cuddles. Jackson is still a bit weary of you, but he's nothing but sweet and cautious when he's near you. He's even held you a few times for the camera, and is less nervous about it each time!

Here's a photo roundup of the last month: