Christmas Pictures 2013

We took Christmas pictures with our wonderful photographer, Shelley Kruse with Little Bird Photography, about a month ago. I was waiting on our Christmas cards to be sent out before posting the pictures on here. 

This year's pictures are much different than last year's with just the dogs. Click here for last year's post.

 I thought we were just going to take a few family pictures and that would be it, but Shelley had other ideas for some gorgeous pictures.

 I cherish these daddy and son pictures

  And a few pictures of just us with Eli

 

 And just one with Mommy

Shelley insisted that Chris and I take a picture together because she said that once people have babies they forget to take pictures as a couple.

We are very pleased with our pictures and turned them into a collage on a canvas to be hung in our house. 

Now to find the perfect spot...

Eli's Newborn Pictures

 Eli had his newborn pictures taken when he was 11 days old. He is now 7 weeks old and looking back I miss this little peanut.

 Shelley Kruse with Little Bird Photography took Eli's pictures.

 Shelley's niche is with baby photography. She is so creative and was so patient with us and Eli.

He did not want to keep his arms down so Shelley swaddled him, but you can see his little hand trying to break through.

 Eli is covered in Chris' baby blanket

 And my favorite picture, but also the most stressful. It took so long for us to get Eli to cooperate for this. Shelley worked her magic and got this angelic shot.

Eli's Baptism

I'm a little behind on this one. Forgive me!

Eli was baptized on November 10 at St. John Catholic Church and officiated by Father Antonio. We chose Shelby and Brianna as Eli's godparents. Marley was baptized on the same day and we were chosen as her godparents.

You can see in the background of the pictures that there were several families having their children baptized, too.

 During the ceremony, the godparents were asked to hold the godchild.

 Marley being baptized with holy water

 Eli being baptized with holy water (He slept through the whole thing!)

 Just after the holy water

 Eli getting chrism oil put on his head (It smelled so good on him!)

 All of us with Father Antonio

 Still sleeping through it all

 All of us with my grandad

 Us with my mom and dad

 Our little family picture

 And my favorite picture of the day...

My mom wanted a picture of all of her grandbabies with her and my dad. As you can see, that idea did not work. The babies did not cooperate and mom did not get her beloved picture. The looks on their faces are priceless.

I'm so happy that Eli is baptized and is beginning his journey as a follower of Christ. I want to teach him all about our Savior and how we can be like him to others. I want to teach him prayers and pray with him. So much to share with this little guy.

Thanksgiving Week 2013

It was a crazy Thanksgiving week. We started out with my sister and Marley spending the night the Friday night before. My sis had to go to the airport for a bit so we took care of Marley while she was gone. Marley was drawn to the TV so we set her up on the boppy like this and she was content. I love to see her little chubby arms hanging over.

Eli has been working on his tummy time. I got a picture of him holding his head up for a bit and enjoying his activity mat. He's growing up so quick!!

On Tuesday, my sis, mom, and I got together to make kolaches. Bri and I had only made them once at our baking class and we were a little rusty. They turned out better than expected, but we have a few kinks to work out for the next time. 

While we were making kolaches, my dad and brother were on baby patrol. I caught Eli napping with my dad in the recliner. I love this picture of them two.

On Wednesday, I made spice cake whoopie pies for the festivities the next day. They turned out so delicious. Chris says that the spice cake whoopie pies are his favorite.

Thanksgiving Day morning, we went to Mass as a family. It was so nice to give thanks for the two greatest gifts I have been given. 

Our little turkey was all dressed up for the day. Chris took an awkward picture of him, but we were rushed getting ready for church.

But I did get this one with my little turkey.

 My niece wanted to play with Eli. She thought he was her baby doll to take care of.

Chris and Brianna went to Target to get in line for an iPad that evening, so the rest stayed back to watch the babies. Marley was glued to the football game sitting on Papi's lap.

 

 I hope everyone had a thankful and happy Thanksgiving. Looking forward to this Advent season and preparing my heart for the coming of Christ.

Smorgasbord #10

I have been a little quiet lately, but this house has been anything but. Eli is nestling in so sweetly in our lives and we love to spend any amount of time with him. He is our little peanut and keeps me busy during the day feeding, changing, cuddling, and more cuddling.

Now for the Smorgasbord:

I saw these at the store and thought I would give them a try. They are delicious and have that great sweet and salty flavor. The peppermint and the pretzel combination is divine. They didn't last long in my house and I have moved on to a second bag.

I was getting ready one morning and watched Doris slowly inch her way on the bed and snuggle up to Eli. She is our Nana and just wants to take care of him.

And then we have Mr. Bates. I was trying to get Eli to do some tummy time and Mr. Bates wanted to help. As you can see Eli is crying and Mr. Bates is sniffing all over him. This didn't last too long. Mr. Bates is a great brother, but he gets too close and I have to tell him to back off frequently.

It was mohawk day on Wednesday. Eli has so much hair and I love to play with it and make cute hairstyles.

These two had a play date on Wednesday. I love that this picture looks like Marley is holding the camera taking a selfie (or ussie if you watched Live with Kelly and Michael this week) with Eli.

They had a lot of fun hanging out and getting to know each other a bit more.

And now....DUN DUN DUUUUNNN!!!

Downton Abbey Season 4 came in this week!! The season just ended in the UK, but will not air until January in the US. I can't wait to watch this and catch up with my favorite show!!

Lastly, I have been working on my annual Christmas cds that I give out to my family and friends. I finished them up today and ready to spread Christmas cheer!

I hope everyone has a great weekend and stays warm with this arctic weather upon us in Texas!

Eli's First Few Days

Once the message went out that Eli was here, visitors came in one after the other to meet him.

My two best friends from high school came to visit. It was so nice to see them at this special time in my life.

My sis, BIL, and Marley were eagerly waiting to meet their new nephew and cousin.

I was so happy to get this picture with my sister and our babies. I also love how Marley is smiling in this picture.

My little brother came to visit, too.

My older brother, SIL, nephew, and niece came the next night to visit. My niece and nephew were so excited to meet their newest cousin.

Although they weren't that excited by this point

My parents also came to visit and were thrilled to meet their newest grandson.

This goes down as one of my favorite pictures. I love the way that Chris is looking at Eli. I fall more in love with my husband each time he holds and embraces Eli. My heart continues to grow with love for my child and husband.

This was Eli's going home outfit. It was a little big on him, but it looked so cute on his little body.

And finally, this picture. My sister took this and sent it to me. I love how angelic and peaceful he looks in this picture. He is absolutely perfect and looks like he is in the deepest sleep. I want to remember my baby this way and will come back to this picture when my nerves are stretched and my day has gone wrong.

Here's to more snuggle times with my sweet baby boy!