Christmas

Will post up some Christmas pics later on but overall it has been a wonderful holiday.

With the birth of Mr Man and recovery from that surgery/hip problems I didn't do much for holiday decor this year. We got the (pre-lit) tree up but I didn't put any decorations on it. I did hang the stockings on the fireplace though - that should count for something. Right?

Next year I assume I wont be having major abdominal surgery nor a newborn during the Christmas holiday so I'll be quite a bit more festive.

My mom flew in on the evening of the 22nd and we took Mr Man and went Christmas shopping all day on the 23rd, cooked dinner on the 24th and went over to Sam's mom's today. It was so good to spend time with family.

Sam got me the Wii I was wanting so badly and Dad/Lulu got me a netbook which I was wanting badly also. The only thing that could have been better than that was a Burberry tote haha! No but seriously, what a wonderful day and family made it all the sweeter.

Sam and I were so happy to have Mr Man and start our little family this year. We're so blessed.

Thanksgiving with Mr Man

For our first Thanksgiving with Mr Man we went over to Sam's brother's house. What a blessing it was to not have to cook this year. :)

My dad, stepmom, stepbrother and grandfather came with us. Here's the four generations pic we took:In addition to his brother's family, there was Sam's mom and his sister's family. That meant 10 kiddos including Mr Man. What a large group, but it was a really great time. We're very grateful to them for hosting all of us.

Thanksgiving also meant the end to my post-birth helpers. Serious sad face here. Both my mom and stepmom (Lulu) were great and I'm not sure how we would have gotten through the first 3 weeks with Mr Man without their help. They cooked, they cleaned, they shopped, they lifted things for me and did pretty much everything around the house. Both of them pretty much kept us all alive and well for those first few weeks. I'm so incredibly grateful for them and the advice and lessons in parenting they gave Sam and I. I swear Lulu is the baby whisperer. Truly, she's amazing.

To mom and Lulu - I love you both. Sam and I are grateful for you both and the love and kindness you give.