Thanksgiving 2014

After much deliberation, prayers, and maybe a few tears we decided to stay home this year for Thanksgiving.  It was a special day to just stay home with just the  five of us.  

My friend Ashley shared a delicious punch recipe and we all loved it...so much so that we made it again for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! 

 Funny story about the mashed potatoes...We accidentally boiled them too long and they turned into glue.

    

 Our two casserole choices were broccoli and sweet potato.  We decided not to make a turkey, but grill steaks instead. 

 The boys enjoyed the meal so I'd say it was a success! 

 Palmer was insistent on using a big boy cup like Beau.  But it spilled on him every.single.time.  Let's stick with the sippy cup for a while longer! 

 Rhodes seemed to enjoy his first Thanksgiving! 

 He was 2 days shy of being one month old. 

So very much to be thankful for!  

Two Cool Dudes

Taken 11-9-14

Sacred Time

With a toddler and four year old in the house, there is not always time to just sit and gaze at precious Rhodes.  But I am so thankful I was given this sacred time early on.

I feel like the time in the hospital is sacred time because it was time for just me and Raleigh to get to know Rhodes.  We knew Beau and Palmer were being well cared for, so that wasn't a distraction.  I know that in most circumstances, you want out of the hospital as soon as possible, but I really savored the time in the hospital with Rhodes and tried to enjoy the "uninterrupted" time to love on my new son.

Once home I was given the gift of sacred time with Rhodes as well.  I will forever be thankful for the mornings that Raleigh, my mom, and Raleigh's parents got the big brothers up, fixed breakfast for them, etc. etc.  That allowed me sacred time to feed Rhodes, hold him in the peace and quiet of my bedroom and even take a shower.  Those sweet mornings snuggling a newborn will forever be a favorite memory.

Thank you Raleigh, mom, Mary and big Raleigh for making those moments possible!

It is shocking to me how quickly my sons are growing and I want to cherish this season of having a four year old, one year old, and newborn.  Never again will I have these exact ages so the memories are priceless.  The days are loud and busy and messy and I am so blessed! 

Halloween 2014

Halloween 2014 will always be extra special!  We brought baby Rhodes home from the hospital October 31st! 

Funny story...Do you see Raleigh's glasses? They were the worst glasses (and not cheap) he's ever had! They would never stay up on his face no matter how many times he had them adjusted.  They are long gone now.  

The cart is loaded and we are ready for home! 

Precious newborn face! 

Ready to head home!  Another funny story...Halloween is known as one of the worst traffic days of the year in Atlanta, so we were lucky to head home before rush hour.  

Funny story...we had totally forgotten to put in the newborn head insert.  oops! 

Little Palmer was so happy playing with the balloon from cousin Grey, but he almost immediately pulled it off the weighted string.  oops! 

Luckily, Raleigh and Nana were pretty creative and got it down with a long extension pole and some painter's tape! 

Big brother Beau is beaming with pride! 

Shortly before dark, we decided to go trick-or-treating.  Beau opted to stay home and "watch the baby."  Dressing up isn't really his thing anyway, so I think he was thrilled to have an excuse to stay home with Nana.  

Palmer on the other hand was happy to head out in his puppy costume! 

Cutest little puppy! 

 

Sweet little Rhodes for his first night at home!  Snuggled in tight in the pack and play beside our bed.  

Side note.. Beau wore the puppy costume Halloween 2012.  He was 2 years 4 months old.