Christmas Time!

Time to get caught up again. Especially before this little one arrives!

To start, Nolan is now just shy of 19 mo old and is all boy! He keeps me running, which is good, but at the same time loves to cuddle and has really started to do a lot of pretend play. He can pretty much get any message he wants across to us (not always an unfamiliar listener), and does not forget a new word! It amazes us! He is truly his father's son in terms of his sense of humor and social side. I'm so thankful for this! Yesterday we drove past the Starbucks I usually stop at and he said, "Mom- coffee?" :)

These are several weeks old but we took a picture of his first major crash. He split his lip when he fell playing soccer with daddio. It looked pretty nasty.

Nolan loves to be naked or just run around in his diaper. He really puffs his chest up and seems proud. :) He loves Miloh so much- as you can tell!

They had a bunch of fun community Christmas events this year that we could participate in. We went to this event at his pediatricians building with his friend Aleah. I wasn't sure what he would think of Santa, but he ran up in line without me and jumped right onto his lap. He didn't have a whole lot of smiles, but certainly didn't seem bothered by the hairy fella.

I love this picture b/c he makes this little inquisitive face quite often.

They had the kids take off their shoes when they came and then left a candy treat in them for when they returned. Fun!

Nolan loves to be like his daddy

A few weekends ago we set up the baby's bed for our room. Nolan wanted to help. He's really started to grasp that someone else is coming soon and is going to be sleeping in his bed. He's made it through 2 nights in his new big boy bed and LOVES it! (pictures to come soon)

He also LOVES hide and seek right now. He's a pretty easy find, but he doesn't care! This is his favorite spot right now.

We also went and visited the Santa on our downtown square. Again, not super happy, but not upset. It appears they are having a very serious conversation!

Jon snapped this of us one night before bed. We love story time with him and he really likes to hear the Bible stories.

Aunt Katie and Uncle Shane sent Nolan the sweetest hat and book for Christmas. Katie crocheted this herself! Pretty darn cute! Nolan loves it!

My parents arrived for all the Christmas festivities on the 22nd- just in time to catch a Colts game with Jon in the business suite. It was such a treat for all- and they actually won! Izabel and Nolan and I had a "fun" night at Chick-fil-A and watched a movie. It was great!

The next day we headed to Southern Indiana to celebrate with grandparents, aunt and Uncle and cousins. They spoiled Nolan rotten and he sincerely LOVED every gift he got!! We found out just how fun Christmas morning would be!

A new Elmo guitar to go with his Rockn Elmo

He loves this hat and gloves set too. He's in to getting dressed.

And the cool new 4-wheeler! A big hit!

Giving Gaga hugs

And Great Grandpa too!

On Christmas Eve we made all of our meals for the next day and the kids had time to just play together. Here is proof that Miloh is still played with- when Izabel is here anyway!

Cousins being cousins!

Our Christmas Eve service was so great! I love Christmas Eve- I feel like I can really focus on Christ's birth and it's power on Christmas Eve- and I just love the atmosphere.

And one with the baby bump

My parents and Izzy

That evening we ate a delicious dinner with Jon's parents and brother and the kiddos opened the Christmas jammies.

Then we were all together on Christmas day. We again stayed in our pjs and had such a great day!

All the goods...

Nolan and Izabel's new fish Dorothy

Jon took time to put together a really neat slide show with pictures for the kids (and all of us) that went with Luke 2. It was a great way to start the day. Here's some of the crew listening.

Coming down for the big reveal

Izzy got a keyboard to keep at our house so she can show us the songs she's learning in piano.

Nolan's new art table- which he LOVES!

And his new shopping cart- which we use daily!

Izabel got a Leap Pad and LOVED it!

Nolan's new sled- see pics below!

So sweet!

New snow boots! :) He had to put them right on!

And Rodee

A new book from Uncle Ry

Izabel got one of those dogs that looks real- pretty cute

This just captures a small part of the day- Nolan was so overwhelmed we actually had to take a break from opening. How blessed we are!

The day after Christmas we did a little shopping with Christmas money and then went bowling per Izabel's request. It was great! Nolan had a good experience and was clapping after every ball- no matter what happened!

Izabel's a pro after all her practice on the Wii

So beautiful!

Nolan and his Grandma- we didn't get Papa in there!

Me and my internal bowling ball- 34 weeks

My parents left the next day. It was so hard to see them go as it was all so quick! We always have so much fun when they are here. My mom and Izabel plan to return after the baby is born. I know we will need their help!!

Nolan enjoying his gifts!

Our first snow- he loved it and did not want to come in!

Jon, Nolan and the neighbor girl built a great snowman.

Nolan also got some good time in with Uncle Ry, who he loves dearly!

The week between Christmas and New Years was pretty relaxed. We got to catch up with some friends who had time off. It was great! Stella, Aiden, Hailey and Nolan- all getting so big!

Our dear friends Erich and Maureen Kirsch were in town from Denver visiting family. We had a couple opportunities to go and spend time with them and meet their sweet sweet baby girl Audrey. They are such a sweet family! We also spent New Years Eve with them. We all retired early, but it was still a great night!

Nolan made a buddy!

Nolan had another hair cut last week and just continues to grow more and more handsome in our eyes!

This was his face after helping make a pudding dessert the other night. He love his sweets like his mama!

Finally- this little baby has been on our minds a lot lately! I don't really know what we think we're having but I think I tend to lean toward girl and Jon toward a boy. Our bags are packed, lists are made, carseat is in and plans are made! Now we just sit back and wait!

36 weeks