Happy New Year!

I'm not one to usually get very excited about New Years. However, this year is different. I usually get a little sad after the holidays because there isn't anything to look forward to anymore. But THIS year, I have everything to look forward to. I know that many of Barrett's firsts are going to come over the next several months.

Even tonight ~ Barrett had his first laugh! Well, his first laugh while he was awake. This kid cracks himself up in his sleep! You have to wonder what he could possibly be dreaming about. His little laughter is the sweetest sound I've ever heard.

This is how we started the day: Cheering on the Fightin' Texas Aggies. Whoop!

Then it was time to change sports ... the Stars played their annual New Year's Eve game tonight.

Poor little guy was exhausted! All that laughing probably tired him out :)

(Although it gave Mommy and Daddy a second wind!)

Barrett's First Christmas!

I LOOOOVE Christmas Day. And my family celebrates BIG! Well ... we have lots of fun anyway.

This Christmas was special though ~ Barrett's first Christmas ever. He even made it through his first Christmas Eve church service, well kind of. Matt and I had to make a couple of trips to the lobby with him, but he did pretty well! (Evenings are a little rough for us because he is so overstimulated!) We spent Christmas Eve and Christmas morning with the Barrett family in College Station, and ended the Christmas fun with the Wilsons last night.

One thing that made me pause and think while we were opening present was just how much our little boy is loved. He is so lucky to be surrounded by so many aunts, uncles, grandparents, and extended family that love him so much. Both sides of his family adore him, and they ALL love to spoil him. Below are some of my favorites from our first Christmas as a family.

As I was putting him to sleep once we got home from our Christmas adventures, and he was sleeping on my shoulder facing me, I was captured by the peacefulness of his little face. I never want to forget what it feels like to hold my little one in my arms as he's sleeping and snuggling with me. I love him SO MUCH! He is a precious gift that God has chosen me to take care of ~ and I can't imagine my life without him.

2 Months and Christmas

We made it to two months! He's starting taking naps in his crib ... which has completely changed my life!

We met his new friend yesterday, Caroline Besancon, and she is so tiny compared to Barrett! Somebody made the comment about how easy it is to forget how tiny they are when they are born, and I replied "Wow! That was only two months ago!" He has already grown up so much!! A few weeks ago I couldn't wait for time to speed up. And now I really need for it to slow down!

We also had his 2 month check up yesterday. He is a healthy, happy baby boy. We had to wait for a really long time because of a mix up, and he just laid on the table and kicked and cooed until we saw the doctor. He likes the noise the paper on the examination table makes.

The doctor was impressed with how well Barrett can hold his head up when on his tummy. Apparently he can hold his head as steady as a 3-5 month old. (Proud moment for Mommy!) He's 23 inches long (75th %). 11 pounds 9 ounces (60th %).

The worst part of the doctor's visit: The shots! But my little man handled them like a champ! Matt couldn't come with me, so my sweet mother-in-law volunteered to be there for some emotional support. (And I only cried a LITTLE!)

The best part of the doctor's visit: When Barrett smiled at the doctor after examining inside the diaper. Nana and I (as well as the doctor) laughed at his reaction.

At two months I don't want to forget: how exciting it is when Barrett smiles at us, how the buries his head in my shoulder or chest when he gets really tired (like some of my family members do when they don't want to get out of bed), and how when I look in Barrett's eyes I feel like I am looking into myself. I love my little man. So much!

We are filled with the Christmas spirit this season! Barrett loves getting dressed in his Christmas outfits. Ok ~ I love dressing him up in his Christmas outfits. I'm not real sure how he feels about it. But I'm having fun!