Most Memorable Christmas Yet

This Christmas was my most favorite yet. Last Christmas was very special as it was Anlon's first. But at 5 months old, he didn't quite get what all of the fuss was about. Of course, at 17 months now, he doesn't fully understand everything either. But we had so much fun with him this year.

On Christmas Eve, we had a wonderful brunch with the Johnston's. They are our Tampa family and it is always a special time with them. Anlon was tired (no morning nap) but still managed to eat very well!

That evening we enjoyed Christmas Eve service at our church. Last year he slept through most of the service. But this year he was wide awake and had a blast! He loved the music and all of the excitement. And reaching back and forth to take turns being held by Vipul and me was a lot of fun too. He got pretty sleepy towards the end, but was still so sweet.

We continued our tradition of being in our home on Christmas morning. Anlon enjoyed his presents, but honestly loved just playing around all of the wrapping paper and interacting with us. He especially enjoyed my gift from Vipul and got up close to the tv as the special video was played. And he immediately smiled and recognized himself in the drawing.

Later that morning, we left for High Springs to visit with my mom and family. Since Anlon hadn't taken his morning nap yet, he was tired and ended up sleeping for most of the trip. He didn't cry until we were almost there. It was so nice to see my family. Before enjoying a delicious lunch (my mom made so many amazing things, along with my aunt and uncle), we sang Happy Birthday to Jesus.

Anlon loved time with my mom (Nana) and had a blast playing with the other little ones.

Anlon (17 mo) and Karsten (16 mo) are exactly 1 month apart to the day. They had SO much fun together!!!

He thought it was hilarious to chase Dylan from one side of the couch to the other!

At this point he was pretty worn out!

We spent Christmas night at my mom's house and opened our presents after Anlon went to sleep. My mom put so much thought into our gift. There were 5 gifts to open and each one had a note attached.

The notes read "Working Together", "Light Entertainment", "De-Stressor", "Relaxing Morning" and "Romantic Evening". And each box contained gifts that supported these topics. For example, the "Working Together" box contained a deep-dish pizza pan, pizza spatula and recipes to try and the "Romantic Evening" box contained crystal candlestick holders and a Bern's Steakhouse gift card. She really blew us away with her thoughtful, generous gifts.

Our main gift to my mom was this canvas that we had made from a recent picture of Anlon and me.

The next day it was Anlon's turn! Nana gave him some very special gifts too. This rocking horse sings and talks, and his mouth even moves! He also got a beautiful nativity ornament made out of olive wood from Bethlehem and two very special books. Vipul was especially excited about the My Daddy and Me book.

Around this time, Anlon began doing something that he hasn't done before - flopping down on his back in the middle of playing! At first we thought he was laying down to see the pony's mouth move, but he did it later too. It was so funny!!

Aunt Linda also made him a very, very special stocking. It took her many hours to make - the detail is absolutely amazing.

He had a blast playing with my mom. Leo the lion has become his absolutely favorite stuffed animal. My mom gave it to him when he was less than a month old, but he didn't get too much attention until the last couple of weeks. Now they are inseparable. 

 We had a wonderful time with my mom. It was by far our most memorable Christmas yet.

My Christmas Present

Vipul played this short video for me before giving me my present.

My best gift ever - he drew it himself.

Multitude Monday

Monday 12/19/2011

I am thankful:

12/12
632. that Anlon is feeling better this morning after a rough weekend
633. for a cool walk that helped Anlon take a great morning nap
634. for our real Christmas tree

635. for laughter as I try to get tree sap out of Sebo's hair
636. for a lovely walk on Davis Island - what a beautiful day!
637. for the powerful message shared at our church's women's Christmas dinner and an enjoyable time with friends
638. for the fruit basket given by Vipul's patient
639. for Vipul's friendship with Richie

12/13
640. for laughter with Anlon

641. for the way Anlon pushes food that is falling out of his mouth back in with the back of his hand
642. for the new routine of taking an early morning walk and how it helps Anlon relax before his morning nap
643. for the sweet dogs we've met while walking
644. that Vipul and I still write letters to Santa with our gift requests
645. that Vipul's surgeries went so well
646. for my mom's call to see how Anlon was feeling

12/14
647. for the perspective to laugh as I tripped over several of Anlon's toys in our very over-crowded bedroom
648. for the incredibly sweet gifts Vipul's patient hand-made for Anlon

649. for Anlon's 3 hour morning nap and 1 1/2 hour afternoon nap today

650. for God showing me areas I need to change

12/15

651. that Anlon fed himself puffs so well

652. for how Whitney went above and beyond

653. for a really fun, insightful night out with Robyn

654. for Vipul doing the dishes and leaving the tree lights on for me

655. for the smell of my husband

12/16

656. for all of the new baby announcements that cover our fridge

657. that I can never thank God enough for our little boy

658. for the compassion and encouragement that Carolina provides

659. that Anlon smiles every time he hears Casting Crown's "Joy to the World"

660. that although I look forward to the day when Anlon can feed himself, I am happy to serve my son as long as he needs me to

661. for laughing so hard with Anlon I can hardly catch my breath

662. for the outpouring of love for Sandy

663. for the spirit of Christmas felt in Robyn and Dave's home

12/17

664. for the impact Sandy had on Vipul's life and so many others

666. for the most touching, Christ-focused service we've attended
667. for singing Sandy's favorite hymn I Sing a Song of the Saints of God
668. for coming home to see Anlon snuggling with Leo in Aimee's lap

669. for an afternoon skyping with Vipul's parents and my mom
670. for a fun date night with my husband

12/18
671. for the truth spoken by our pastor
672. for an enjoyable lunch with the Johnston's and how Anlon ate so well
673. for all three of us taking an afternoon nap
674. for a fun evening with the Cullum's and the Ross's
675. for a room full of little ones playing