Let it Snow!!!

We finally took some pictures out in the snow--props to Wes for taking them, and props to grandma for the adorable snowsuit. And mostly, props to Jake for being so so cute! I love his little chinese eyes!

Celebration

Today is a great day.  Since he was about 4 months old, Jake began a long and painful teething process.  As of a few days ago, he has 6 whole teeth, four on top, two on the bottom. During this time, he woke up 2 to 3 times a night, and on the days leading to each tooth, we pretty much had all night parties together and sleepovers on the floor.  Jake is so adorable and we love him very much, so this is in no way a complaint on my part--I know its all just a part of being parents.  But anyways--I caved to a lot of the co-sleeping these last few months.  However, a couple weeks ago I decided enough was enough, and we needed to get him sleeping a little longer at night, and the sleepovers needed to end.  Wesley and I prayerfully began a sleep-training routine involving a lot of rocking and reassuring on our part, and some tears on Jake's part.  The first few days it seemed like Jake would be both scarred for life and unable to get to sleep on his own.  But we saw small improvements with each night that went by.  I am happy to report that the last three nights Jake has gone to bed with little protest and slept a 7 hour stretch on his own!!!  For Jake--a child who has done this maybe 4 times in his entire life--this is an epic step.  Today I woke up with a great sense of well-being.  I'm not sure if this progress is because of our rigorous sleep-training, or maybe Jake is just finally feeling relief from his mean little teeth.  Probably a combination of the two.  But in any case, I see two options.  option A--hold off on my celebrations because who knows how long this will last.  option B--go ahead and feel joy in our success.  Maybe our luck will end and I will have to get up 5 times tonight.  But for now, I am rested and happy.  I might as well soak it in!... So I chose option B.  Today is truly a great day.  

Christmas!

Christmas.  What can I say? It was fabulous.  I knew that it would be a good one--the first with our little son Jacob.  But then, it ended up being truly memorable.  We found a great deal on some flights to Virginia, and my good husband agreed to jump on board with me and surprise my mom on Christmas Eve.  We stayed for 10 days--and they were so wonderful!!!  if you want to see my moms shocked reaction to find us standing in her kitchen right in time for Christmas dinner, you can find it on my sister sydney's blog.  I have about a hundred pictures I wish I could share with all of you from the holidays, but that would be insane. Also, I doubt you really want to look at that many.  But I will post up some of them, with little blurbs underneath.  I hope you like them!

Jake was so excited for the trip to Virginia! Well, at least if he knew thats what was happening, I'm sure this would've been his exact reaction.

Helping us pack.  Or chewing on the suitcases..

"Come on mom, let's go let's go!"

Since we flew out on Christmas Eve, Jake got to open his presents on the 23rd.  I think he was mostly excited about the wrapping paper. 

At my parent's house, Christmas Eve-- Brats & Sauerkraut- mmmboy.

Jake was so excited to hang out with Grandma and Grandpa!  He loved all the attention, and seemed to remember them from thanksgiving still, which was cool. I'm sure all the web-chats helped too :)

We did New Years Eve tepanyaki-style again, and it was sooo good. Wes and I are thinking about continuing the tradition every year!

A trip to Fredericksburg wouldn't be complete without an afternoon downtown. I love that place!

In front of Eileens Bakery--the most fabulous pastry shop on the East coast, in my opinion. 

I love how my mom propped up our box of pastries for the picture.

maybe next year Jake will enjoy the pastries too?

One day we went to Williamsburg.  It was so much fun!  Everything was so Christmasy, and there are a few streets with all original homes and buildings from the Colonial times. Also it was like 60 degrees--very refreshing after the 15 degrees we were doing in Utah.

It was so wonderful being able to spend 10 full days with Wesley.  He has been working a lot and it was just great for Jake and I to see so much of him over Christmas.  

These were not very comfortable-- This would have been a sucky punishment for sure.

Jake loves playing this game with his dad.  An awesome shot by Sydney.

The trip came to an end of course, and now I am just trying to get back to the old routine.  I've been thinking a lot about all the things I have to be thankful for.  It's just amazing how much can happen in one year. Just one year ago, I was growing a belly, and we had just chosen a name for our soon to be son.  Now little Jacob is about 18 pounds, has 6 teeth, and is getting very close to walking.  We are truly grateful for how much we have been blessed this year.  I'm starting to forget what life was like before I was a mom.  And you know what? thats alright, because with all the challenges of motherhood, the rewards have been incredible.  I am so lucky to have such a sweet little boy and such a supportive husband.  I love them both very much.  I'm sure this New Year will bring with it many new trials and surprises, but I'm not worried--With wonderful family and friends, and the gospel in my home, I know that I will be blessed with all the love and support that I need.  Happy New Year everyone!