Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Christmastime is most definitely my favorite time of the year. Each year I eagerly anticipate all of the sights, sounds, and smells this special season brings. If it were up to me, December might never end! Our neighborhood is adorned with sparkling lights, blow-up Christmas figures, and nativity scenes. I enjoy taking the longer route home in order to soak in as much Christmas spirit as possible. Even if I've had a crummy day, the scenery makes me bright and cheery!

This year in particular has been especially wonderful for me. Isaac is old enough now to somewhat understand the reason we celebrate Christmas. As we drive throughout our neighborhood and look at the nativity scenes, he tells me about the characters in the Christmas story. He knows that baby Jesus was born as our savior, that He died on the cross to take away our sins. This year he learned that Mary rode a donkey into Bethlehem as Joseph walked at her side. He understands the wise men wear robes, (not jammies!) and the shepherds carry staffs to help them walk their long journey.

As I look ahead to our future as a family, my hope is for Isaac to cherish and treasure Christ above all else: above himself, family, friends, and even presents. This year we implemented a new Christmas morning tradition, which I hope lasts throughout our child-rearing years. Before opening any gifts, we read the Christmas accounts as told in both Matthew and Luke. We talk about the stories and think about what each character/person had to go through in God's perfect, providential plan of redemption. As Isaac grows into maturity, I look forward to his thoughts and questions about this part of Scripture. Hopefully, it will be a long time before he asks us what an "espoused wife" is!

As Christmas winds down, we wish you a blessed year with your family. May the Lord continue revealing Himself to you in new, profound ways. As you ring in the new year, remember to thank God for his perfect son, the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Here are some highlights of our Christmas:

Playing with some new presents with Grandma and Grandpa

Gammy gave Isaac a new helicopter. He likes spinning the propeller.

This is "Whac-A-Mole" - hysterical! The premise of the game is to thump all the moles on their heads. They laugh and say, "Miss me" whenever you don't hit them!

Here is Isaac's cheesy Christmas smile.

This is the best photo of the three of us. How pathetic that we couldn't do better! At least no one is melting down!

Grandma Bobby gave Isaac two super cute rhyming puzzle books. Here he is opening them at her house.

Look at his cute little fist propping up his head!

Matt is so good with our boy. He is a wonderful father. These are two of the best gifts I've ever received! Thank you, Jesus!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Reminiscing

I was going through some pictures last night and stumbled upon these photos of Isaac. Despite all the ups and downs and twists and turns that characterized Isaac's first year of life, I would do it all over again. He brought us much joy and continues to do so. For those of you who weren't with us during this year, these are for you! (These don't include the very early months b/c those pics are on an external hard drive.)

Matt's Grandma Loyce and Aunt Lynne in Myrtle Beach

Beach bum

This is my friend, Sarah (Amanda's twin sister) and me. She is holding her niece, Liliana. This was Memorial Day weekend 2008 while we were still in Bedford. I miss you Sarah, Amanda, and Liliana!

Isaac was about to take a nap while we were lounging at the beach.

Matt was getting him to crack up and bury himself in our covers. I'll never forget this moment!

My mom bought Isaac this toy, and he loved it. He was actually playing with it this morning - two years later!

I was changing his diaper one day and he became completely infatuated with his toes!

We were on our way out to hit the streets of Quebec.

Exersaucer time!

At dinner in Quebec

Sleepy boy couldn't wait until we got home!

Jesse, Jenny, and Natalia were in our Bible study. Isaac and Natalia had many a play date during our time in Bedford!

Strolling along the Charles River one morning. Oh, how I miss New England scenery. It is fantastic!

Matt took me to see the Boston Ballet for my birthday. We tried getting a family picture when we got home. I don't think Isaac was the least bit interested!

I thought this was a cute face to showcase!

Daddy and Isaac on our way to church service one morning. The couple I nannied for gave Isaac this outfit. It was adorable! Conway family, we miss you!

I didn't take the red eye out yet, but I couldn't stand to not show you this face full of love and chub!

Daddy liked to let Isaac air out after bathtime!

Isaac loved the beach. We hope to go back to visit Matt's family sometime this spring!

Kisses!

One of my favorite girls in the whole wide world. Leoni was our neighbor and loved to come play with Isaac. She is just too precious for words.

Who can resist soft baby skin?

Ahhhh... he's so sweet holding his bottle!

Matt absolutely loved these jammies. He didn't want me to ever retire them. Babies do grow, so inevitably I had to!

Setting out for a stroll through Lexington. Pete's Coffee, how I miss you dearly!

My two loves

Isaac's first taste of rice cereal. He was one hungry boy!

Tonight I leave you with the cutest grin I've ever seen!

I hope you enjoyed this snapshot of Isaac's first year of life!