Merry Christmas!

This will probably be the last post till after the New Year because we're going to Montana for the holidays. Des' first Christmas, although I think that he is blissfully unaware of the stresses surrounding him as far as Christmas shopping, traveling, holiday calories, etc. =)

Marc and I went to the Elementary Christmas program this week and I have to say it makes me anxious to see what kind of little man Des will turn out to be- some VERY cute kids, so sincere too. Even in front of a crowd most of them were just doing what they were told to do instead of seeking attention, it was refreshing to see that many good kids all at once. Des loved the lights and the music although we had to exit a touch early as it ended up being too much for him in the end.

A couple of new friends threw a baby shower this last weekend as well. They went all out (see the cookies below) and I was very flattered that they thought of us. Des slept dutifully through the party so that he could be oohed and awed appropriately. He also dropped his 11pm feeding the last two nights, I have my fingers crossed that this is a permanent decision on his part. =)

I got all but one Christmas gift wrapped today and I'm crossing my fingers that the kitties don't pull the bows off! I hope you're shopping and wrapping is going well, may God bless you with an understanding of the season as you go forth in all the business.

One of many smiles... he even laughs now...

These are the cookies, one of many treats that the girls slaved over, very yummy!

Outfit courtesy of Uncle Jared, the pants are still way to big but the socks and shirt fit alright.

Hangin' with Dad, we're keeping up the habit of reading novels out loud on the weekends instead of watching TV.

Another week has come and gone, last Friday I was convinced it was Wednesday, I 'spose the days running together is a side effect of being a stay at home mom. We had a laid back week, read the Hobbit together and watched a movie - otherwise just maintained status quo. We got to hear a missionary give her story at church this Sunday, was very interesting and challenging, makes you re-evaluate what you're doing with your life when you hear of others giving every minute to service.

We also got our Christmas list finalized and Des and I be doing all the shopping (hopefully) this week in Montana. Des has been handing out the smiles a lot more regularly and also has a sort of laugh that you can get out of him if you're silly enough. He has been doing better at night although I am still up every three hours usually. I'm dreaming of a sleepy Christmas, just like the ones I used to know.... =)

Hanging out, reading the Hobbit together, while keeping a watchful eye for wildlife.

Cool duds. We've starting taking pictures everyday because we have such cute outfits that nobody gets to see except the cats and me.

Monte found the packing that we brought some Christmas presents home in - LOVED it! He chased his tail amongst the trash for a good hour or more.

First things first, surgery went well and Des, other than having one very sleepy day, doesn't seem to have been scathed by his experience one bit. The huge blessing is that I knew the surgeon, anesthesiologists, nurse, aid, etc that took care of him during his ordeal which was a huge comfort, I think I would have dealt much differently had it all been strangers. All the folks that were there when I worked there remembered me and it was a great distraction during the dreaded last minutes before he was taken to have everyone coming and saying hi. =)

On a lighter note: we got to have our first date baby-less. Des was so sleepy on friday night after his surgery that we seized the opportunity and went to dinner just the two of us while Grandma and Grandpa revisited the "take care of a baby" scene, rather than just cuddle the grandkid scene. =)

We had more snow and the town's Christmas lights are up but I still can't believe that the holidays are just around the corner! Hope that you're shopping is going well! Here's some pics:

Out on our first date, only took me 45 minutes to leave! =)

Des watching our herd of deer.

Pre-surgery with toasty warm blankets, and yes, our baby is becoming a pacifier addict which strikes fear in my heart when I think of having to wean it later but we are saving a load of money on tylenol... =)