'Tis the Season... to Be Busy
I was so excited to be home this year for the holidays. A year ago today, we were still in Michigan awaiting discharge from the hospital. A winter storm threatened our return trip home, and we feared we would miss celebrating with our older children. We eventually arrived home late Christmas evening, and though the holiday was miraculous and joyful in so many ways, it was certainly far from "traditional." And so this year, I was eager to do all those wonderful "Christmas" things that seem such a crucial part of every December. And in all our "busy"-ness to get everything just right for the "perfect" holiday, I'm afraid we often overlooked the real meaning of the HOLYday.
So Friday night, after wrapping gifts, tying bows, and addressing Christmas cards, the family sat down to watch "The Nativity Story."
The movie is a beautiful depiction of our most beloved Bible story. We were reminded of the sacrifices that our Holy Mother and dear Saint Joseph made to help bring our Savior into the world. We recall the story of St. John the Baptist's birth, the journey of the Wise Men from the East, and the innocent lives lost to the jealousy of an evil King Herod. Our boys sat glued to the television, asking question after question, anticipating the excitement of an already familiar plot, and pondering the beauty and significance of that very first Christmas. This time with my family (albeit in front of a TV,) was a welcome "break" from all the secular preparations of an overly commercialized time of year.
Fortunately the family has been healthy and hoping to stay that way for the holiday. The boys have a lingering cough from a cold that held on for weeks, but are otherwise full of energy and excitement. Zachy visited his pediatrician last week for his 12-month checkup, and weighed in at a mere 18 lb. 15 oz. He is currently in just the 3rd percentile for weight and the 9th for height, but still he is growing and developing normally and his doctor was very happy with how well he is doing. Last night he received his second Synagis vaccination, which is proving to be a traumatizing event each month. As soon as Zachy saw the nurse start to clean and fill the syringes, he began to cry and try to break out of my arms. I'm afraid the ordeal will only get more dramatic before his respite this spring.
As promised, we leave you with a few pictures of Zachy's big birthday celebration and some shots of our other little blessings this exciting time of year:
Here's a video of Zachy with his buddy Brodie, who is just one month younger than him. For a minute, Zachary is happy to share his birthday toy. But he soon changes his mind!
Finally, it's MY TURN for a piece of cake!
Joseph making crafts in "Santa's Workshop" at school
David...playing with Bionicles on slabs of ice, barefoot...in a coat
Zachy wants out there, too!
Sammmy's testing out his John Deere Christmas lights
When it's cold outside, David and Joseph stay cozy warm in their fort--at the foot of our stairs!
Alex enjoys a little online shopping--for himself!
Zachy found something interesting in the cupboard...
Joseph is exhausted after all his Christmas shopping!
Uncle Michael and Aunt Lisa help Zachy open his very first Christmas present this year!
The bigger boys enjoyed playing with their presents at a family party over the weekend
David became an instant celebrity at school when he took his geckos for show-and-tell!
So Friday night, after wrapping gifts, tying bows, and addressing Christmas cards, the family sat down to watch "The Nativity Story."
The movie is a beautiful depiction of our most beloved Bible story. We were reminded of the sacrifices that our Holy Mother and dear Saint Joseph made to help bring our Savior into the world. We recall the story of St. John the Baptist's birth, the journey of the Wise Men from the East, and the innocent lives lost to the jealousy of an evil King Herod. Our boys sat glued to the television, asking question after question, anticipating the excitement of an already familiar plot, and pondering the beauty and significance of that very first Christmas. This time with my family (albeit in front of a TV,) was a welcome "break" from all the secular preparations of an overly commercialized time of year.
Fortunately the family has been healthy and hoping to stay that way for the holiday. The boys have a lingering cough from a cold that held on for weeks, but are otherwise full of energy and excitement. Zachy visited his pediatrician last week for his 12-month checkup, and weighed in at a mere 18 lb. 15 oz. He is currently in just the 3rd percentile for weight and the 9th for height, but still he is growing and developing normally and his doctor was very happy with how well he is doing. Last night he received his second Synagis vaccination, which is proving to be a traumatizing event each month. As soon as Zachy saw the nurse start to clean and fill the syringes, he began to cry and try to break out of my arms. I'm afraid the ordeal will only get more dramatic before his respite this spring.
As promised, we leave you with a few pictures of Zachy's big birthday celebration and some shots of our other little blessings this exciting time of year:
Here's a video of Zachy with his buddy Brodie, who is just one month younger than him. For a minute, Zachary is happy to share his birthday toy. But he soon changes his mind!
Finally, it's MY TURN for a piece of cake!
Joseph making crafts in "Santa's Workshop" at school
David...playing with Bionicles on slabs of ice, barefoot...in a coat
Zachy wants out there, too!
Sammmy's testing out his John Deere Christmas lights
When it's cold outside, David and Joseph stay cozy warm in their fort--at the foot of our stairs!
Alex enjoys a little online shopping--for himself!
Zachy found something interesting in the cupboard...
Joseph is exhausted after all his Christmas shopping!
Uncle Michael and Aunt Lisa help Zachy open his very first Christmas present this year!
The bigger boys enjoyed playing with their presents at a family party over the weekend
David became an instant celebrity at school when he took his geckos for show-and-tell!
Awwww.....great pictures and stories, as always!!! We LOVED your Christmas letter and picture! We hope you have a very blessed Christmas! Take care and God bless!
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