Mainly due to the fact that facebook is readily accessible from my phone, thereby automatically in the lead of mediums updated.
However, after talking with friends, family, and the wonderful folks I've met thanks to 2 rambunctious boys. I have decided to return to blogging.
I am hoping this is an outlet for me to share our wonderfully imperfect little life. I'd like to share our trials and little victories as a young family, easy crafts and lessons to do at home, fun/affordable places to brave with 2 toddlers in the DFW, and perhaps our kitchen discoveries.
I can't promise that I'll update regularly. But I can promise my blog won't be perfect. I am a fan of pinterest and blogs I visit for ideas for the boys and I think, wow, look how neat and orderly. Yeah...that's not me. When you visit you will find a typo and/or grammatical error (sorry Mr. Christenberry *high school teacher* no time to proofread) and my photos won't be nicely photo shopped with proper lighting. However, through my imperfection, I hope to provide an honest account of my life as a stay at home mom, from a woman who never thought she would be.
*Just setting the mood of my blog* While attempting to write my comeback entry, Jack has deleted my completed draft. Cooper has added flair, and by flair I mean the letter "y" typed an inordinate amount of times. And my husband, Ryan, has decided now is a good time to discuss buying a new car...wait...WHAT!?
It proves that no matter how organized and prepared you are, you are ultimately at the mercy of your toddler :-).
The weeks leading up to Christmas, both Ry and I came down with a nasty cold. Thankfully, it was staggered, first Ry (I'm thinking he started this whole mess), then myself, and finally the munchkin. Unfortunately, Cooper's turn started the day before Christmas Eve.
Despite being under the weather, Coop was a sport. He was social at Christmas Eve. He cuddled with pretty much everyone. Even Peepaw. This was surprising considering when we go over to Gigi and Papa C's, he tends to glue himself to his Papa.
We had fun a Christmas Eve, despite contractions, Cooper's cold, and well...being a walking whale.
Christmas day seemed like a marathon.
I woke up at 4 a.m. and could not go back to sleep. I decided to start cooking and cleaning. Yep...this is Cassie talking. After baking 2 dishes and an appetizer, I hopped in the shower and dressed for the day. When all was said and done, it was 8:30 a.m. Cooper and Ryan were still sleeping soundly so I thought I'd join for a little catnap, with the impression that Coop would wake me up soon. I woke up again at 9:45 a.m. and realized that Coop did not play his role as alarm clock. I went ahead and nudged Ryan (not a morning person) to get Coop up and commence the Christmas morning festivities. Though the morning did not go like I planned- temper tantrums, runny noses, and 2 boys who refused to fully wake up- it was great to spend time as a family.
After stockings and a few presents, we moved on to Christmas meal #1 at Gigi and Papa C's. Compared to the night before, it was laid back. Coop was a little fussy but again he held up pretty well. It was the first Clair Christmas without Granpere and Casey was at his mom's, so there was a bit of a void but it was nice to fall back on our traditional stockings and presents in numerical age order :-).
Around 2:30 it was time to move on to meal #2 (when you are pregnant, events seemed to be segmented by meals :-)). We went over to mom and dad's. Mom prepared a turkey and ham, while Jaime and I provided the sides and appetizers. Man o man was there too much food. All very tasty! Good job ladies :-).
Coop had fun with Bri and Easton. Seeing him "talk" and play with his cousins made it very apparent that he's ready for a brother/playmate. Also, seeing Ry entertaining all the kid's, cemented that he is ready for more. I still have to pinch myself when it comes to my husband. Don't get me wrong, he's not perfect...he's grouchy in the morning, you have repeat yourself often, and he doesn't understand schedules...but he is the best father/partner. I wouldn't trade him for anything!
All in all, it was a wonderful Christmas. We are so blessed that dad is up and pretty much back in the saddle. Both mom and dad are great grandparents, Coop is pretty darn lucky. It was also fun to visit with Brant and Jamie and see our kid's interact. The only thing missing was Dylan. Hopefully, we will see him next year.
The day ended with an exhausted Coop and equally tuckered Mommy and Daddy but it was well worth it.
I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe Christmas!
Below are video's and picture's documenting the fun:
Christmas Eve 2011
Cuddles with Peepaw
Cuddles with Ty
"Which present is mine?"
Hanging with Hayley.
Cookies...it must be a special occasion.
Sisters
Handsome Couple :-)
Talking with Alex and Tara.
Cousins
Cousins :-)
Andrea and Mikey cheesin'
My other child :-)
Opening presents.
The gift of Archie.
Coop and Papa C with their drinks :-)
Ry's new messenger bag from his parents. He loves it!
