Week 32 - Christmas!

Baby's First Christmas was a wonderful occasion for our family. Hayden was so amazing as he ripped into the presents (and then tried to eat the paper), looked at the gift inside, and thanked the person who gave it to him (ok, I'm exaggerating about that last part)! But still, much more than I expected a 7 month old baby would do. His attention span was remarkable and even though he had 3 days straight of shifted schedules and overstimulating parties, he was a trooper. Hardly ever was fussy and he even slept soundly in his Porta-Crib at my dad's house on Christmas Eve! He was thoroughly spoiled with lots of toys, books, supplies, and adorable clothes. We have such a generous and thoughtful family!

His outfit says "Best Christmas Ever" (Thank you Auntie Rachel... it was true!)

Christmas Morning with Daddy

It looks like he's super happy to be getting this bottle drying rack, but really that's his "I'm pooping" face! (However, I AM happy about the bottle drying rack!)

With his cousin Jude

This is the main gift from "Santa". It's an activity table all about food (his favorite topic!). He can actually stand for a couple seconds and play on it. We can also remove the legs so he can play with it on the floor until he is standing better.

Hayden with his Great Aunt Teri and his new Twilight Turtle (it projects the constellations onto the ceiling of his room. He LOVES it!)

Having a son now gives the Christmas Story so much more meaning. I am just in awe of how Mary must have felt to be the mother of Jesus, and how incredible it is that God sent his Son to Earth to live and be among us. I cringe sometimes when I hear the cliche: "remember the reason for the season" but this year at our Christmas Eve church service, the celebration of Jesus's birth really touched my heart.

I know Hayden won't remember this Christmas, but I will for the rest of my life. What an amazing gift he is! Phil and I are so blessed.