Christmas Trip to Ohio

For Christmas we drove to Ohio to visit my family. Matt was so good in the car, he slept for most of the trip and when he was awake he just laughed and played.

Helping Daddy drive. (Don't worry we were at a gas station)

Jacki and Patrick were dog sitting and Matty just loved Jesse
Courtney made it in from North Carolina on Sunday, so we finally got all the grand kids together Courtney finally got to meet Matty

Matt on the ride back to St Louis, I think he has had enough

Watching tv with Daddy

Such a stud in his Blue's hat

Me and my baby

Playing with Daddy

Christmas with my Dad's family

We had my Dad's family over to my parent's house the day after Christmas to celebrate. It was so much fun, since the whole family was together. We haven't all been together in years, since some of family lives in Arizona and some in North Carolina. What a wonderful evening.

Matt helping Great Grandma open her gifts

Brian, Me, Grandma, and Matt
Aunt Jamie and Matty

Aunt Cathy and Matty (he looks extremely happy in this picture)

Brian and Jacki

All the grandkids and in-laws too (we are sitting in age order on the couch, we have this same picture however Joey was a baby in it, that was the last time all the grandkids were together)

Aunt Mimi enjoying some time with Matt, she flew in from Arizona and later that week, she became a GRANDMA. My cousin Stephanie gave birth to a little girl on January 1st.

Congrats Steph, can't wait to meet Maddy!

Christmas Morning at my parent's house

Matt was spoiled for sure. He got a ton of Christmas gifts, lots of new clothes and toys. We are very blessed to have such wonderful friends and family, thanks everyone!!

Matt opening his toys with Daddy

Such a serious little man
I can do it

Chillen with Daddy

Daddy's turn to open his presents

Christmas Morning at Grandma's

Christmas morning started at my grandparent's house for breakfast with the family. Grandpa cooked all morning and the family strolled in at different times. Then time to open gifts with everyone. Matt joined in the fun, he loved the wrapping paper.

Matty and his Aunties... they just love him

Almost time for presents Grandpa cooking breakfast

I'm ready to open



Jacki, Patrick, Jamie, and Ken

Matt knew exactly what to do

Kisses for my baby

Look what I got

This wrapping paper is great

The family on Christmas morning

Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve we went to church with the family and then spent the evening at my grandparent's house. Matt was the life of the party, at least until 9 o'clock. Then it was time to relax kid free, this year we played left, right, center and blitz as a family. It was a great evening.

Our family on Christmas Eve

Such a handsome boy

Matt with Grandma and Grandpa

Sneaking a peak at the presents with Grandpa
Sorry mom, but I just had to post this picture. Matt's face just cracks me up.

Me and my boy before bedtime

The grand kids, minus Courtney (we missed you)

A little of this and a little of that

Matt is almost five months old, I can't believe it. He is getting bigger each day, not sure how much he weighs right now. He is still in 0-3 month clothing, some 3-6 month stuff, but most of the pants just fall right off. He has rolled over a few times, so we are hoping soon that it will become a habit. Matt still loves to suck on his hands and every toy go straight to his mouth. We are definitely looking forward to our first Christmas with him, such a blessing. This time of year can be crazy and often we lose sight of the importance of Christmas, but Matt is a big reminder of how fortunate we are and truly blessed by God. Enjoy the random photos.

December is finally here, and so is the cold weather. No snow yet, but definitely cold enough for our Blue's car seat cover. Yes, I know more hockey. Matt is a Gardner, what do you expect?

A few weeks ago we got Matt's high chair out so that he could sit in it while we eat dinner. Well, he loves it, however this particular night dinner wore him out. (And he didn't even eat)

Me and Matty watching Daddy put the Christmas lights up, the house looks so good all decorated. I will have to try and take a picture.

This past Thursday was my 26th birthday, so we headed to dinner earlier in the week. We decided to eat at Red Robin, I love their BBQ chicken wrap, so yummy. While at the restaurant, Matt decided that he wanted to hold his own bottle. He has started to hold it on and off... Brian is really excited and hoping that Matt gets better at it soon.

Brian and Matt at Red Robin
Playing in his high chair, watching Mommy and Daddy make food

Brian baking, we had to make 4 batches of scotcheroos for his work cookie exchange this week

Matt helping us with the scotcheroos

"Yummy....I think I can get this in my mouth"

Getting the family Christmas Tree

Last weekend we headed to Uncle Bob and Aunt Barbara's nursery to pick out our Christmas tree. We got a really nice tree and Matt had so much fun helping us pick it out. He loves the lights on the tree, anytime we turn them on he just stares at it them. Next year though, will be a different story, touching, staring, and probably destroying. Oh well, I am going to enjoy it while it lasts.

Matt and Me at the nursery

Matt in a Christmas wreath

Brian, playing with the camera

Our family with our tree

The finished product and the presents are even wrapped