Merry Christmas to All!!

Hello All! MERRY CHRISTMAS!

We had such a nice day today celebrating at Grandma and Pop-pop's with Aunt Jessica.
Nicholas, while he has some grasp of Christmas, is not completely aware of what's going on so we got to sleep in past 7am!
Addison is still catching on to the concept of ripping wrapping paper.
All in all it was a really nice day, completely relaxed. Full of lots of fun and family, could not have been better! The kids enjoyed themselves and Addison even had her very first taste of Grandma (and Nicholas') homemade ravioli!
We spent last night with Pat's family and then headed to grandma and pop-pop's to sleep and wait for Santa. We woke up to the gifts of a VERY generous Santa!
After a great day, we headed home where we found out that Santa had stopped, too! He left Nicholas a basketball hoop and a couple of other presents- quite the lucky boy!
We hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday and enjoys these next few days of festivities and family and fun leading up to the New Year!
Here are a couple of cute shots that I loved, but there's a slide show if you want to see all of the pics of the day!

Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas everyone! We hope you had a wonderful day full of family and friends and lots of love and peace!

We had a very nice day today but first here's a sampling of last night.
We headed to Pat's Dad's house for some yummy dinner and family time.
Addison had a great time exploring the presents and Aunt Liz's dog, Sam.
Nicholas had fun running around and playing with Aunt Liz and grandpa.
It was a wonderful way to start off the Christmas celebration of the past two days!

Is this one mine?

Me and my Daddy

Grandpa and Nicholas playing memory

"Inspecting" Sam

Petting Sam

I'm Ready for Santa!

McGeary Christmas...A Little Late

These pictures have been delayed because I didn't have my digital camera with me when we all went to my parents to celebrate with all the McGearys. Unfortunately, I had to use a disposable camera which means the pictures are not so great and there are not that many of them! I'm a little disappointed but there are a few cute ones and I'm sure we'll make up for it between tonight and tomorrow!

Santa Spectacular and a Few Surprises!

We got to see Santa today! But first, when I turned on the camera to upload the pictures I found some pictures from earlier in the week when we were home with a snowday! Pat took Nicholas outside to play in the snow while I was napping, I think, and they made his very first snowman. Granted it's a bit small but I think it looks just perfect!!

As for our Santa adventure it was quite a surprising one! We went down to grandma and pop-pop's so that grandma could come along to see Santa with us. We set out for the Short Hills Mall because, to be quite frank, I thought they would have the best looking Santa. Apparently, they did but he was out feeding his reindeer by the time we got there. I was not in the mood to wait in the already too long line so we hit a few stores and then headed to Madison. In case you didn't know, Santa has a house in Madison. He lives there this time of year. It's quite quaint. So, anyway, we headed to Santa's house and thankfully, he was there- awaiting our arrival! I was anticipating crying and screaming from two kids who would probably be afraid of the big man. But as you can see from the pictures, they are far from afraid! Nicholas went right up to Santa and told him what he would like for Christmas. Addie was quite comfortable on the big man's knee and even tried to take a tug on his beard! I was quite happy with whole experience and we didn't have to pay a nickel for any pictures or packages or cds or anything! I took the pictures, as many as I wanted, and we got to sit and chat with Santa. It was surprisingly perfect. I'm never taking them back to the mall again!

"I would like Elmo and Little Einstein's for Christmas, Santa!"

The aftermath of the whole day...Nicholas passed out with delicious candy cane "residue" all over his precious little face!!

Christmas Photos

I figured I'd share these with everyone. I know a lot of you got at least one of these poses in your Christmas Card this year but I just love them so much that I couldn't help myself!!
We had them done at Kiddie Kandids and I just cannot say enough good things about them and their service! Wonderful photographer, easy service, fast and great photos!!
Definitely check them out!

Check back later, we're heading out to see Santa tomorrow before he takes off for the big night!

Houston, We Have Lift Off

It's been a quite awhile since I've posted! We've been quite busy what with getting ready for Christmas and getting over everyone being sick. It's been a hectic week and a half! In that time our little peanut has accomplished something...she's standing in her crib. This all started last week at grandma's house when she pulled herself up to kneeling in her crib. Then today I went to get her up from her nap and sat her up in the crib and she pulled herself right up to standing! SCARY! I can't believe we've come this far! So, we've reached another milestone...standing/lowering her crib mattress for the first time. Very exciting! A great early Christmas present! (Too bad I didn't have a camera!)

We hope that each of you enjoy your holiday over these next few days. Know that you and yours will be in our hearts and thoughts as we celebrate and rejoice on Christmas day!

Weekend Pictures

I didn't have the chance to take any pictures this weekend, except last night, but my friend Heather did. She took a bunch of pictures of the kids on Saturday night and sent them over to me. A few of them were pretty cute! Just had to share....

The End of the Weekend

We've had a busy weekend- well sort of. Friday night was spent cleaning and getting ready for Saturday. Plus, the kids, and Mommy, were pretty worn out from bad colds and ear infections. Saturday was spent at the supermarket and cooking and getting ready for a bunch of Mommy's friends to come over for a party. Nicholas and Addison had a great time being spoiled by everyone and getting to play and run around. Hopefully, we'll have some pictures of that soon! Then today, Mommy went out to meet with her cousin Kelly and her friend Niki for breakfast and then did a little Christmas shopping. And we can't forget cleaning up after last night!

It's now just after 4:30pm and I looked up from grading papers and realized it was silent except for the TV. Addison was asleep after her bottle. And Nicholas did something he really has never done before- he laid down and fell asleep without even being asked or told. He is currently sleeping in our Ikea chair- not very comfortable. I can't imagine why he chose there to sleep when there is PLENTY of couch to sleep on but it's so cute I couldn't resist taking a picture!

Getting In the Spirit at Grandma and Pop-pop's!

We spent the evening at grandma and pop-pop's tonight getting ready for Christmas.
Nicholas is helping to get the tree out of the box and ready for lighting! Pop-pop and Nicholas hanging out on the couch as grandma and aunt Jessica lit up the tree!

Nicholas and Aunt Jessica

Nicholas helped to put up the tree and put the lights on.

He also was given the very special job of putting the angel on the top of the tree. This was my job for a very long time and I have a feeling it will be passed on to both kids in due time!

Snowfall

As I mentioned, we woke up to snow this morning! YAY! Although, it would be wonderful if that snow would continue into tomorrow...or some ice. See those things make it difficult for buses to drive which makes it difficult for school to open! A snow day would be much appreciated by all teachers! :)

Nicholas and I decided to take advantage of the snowfall and Addison napping. We bundled up and headed out into the weather! It really wasn't too bad...actually not bad at all...kind of nice! The snow was falling really nicely, very powdery, perfect! Nicholas really enjoyed himself. Hopefully, once daddy gets home from work we can venture back out with the peanut and get some more pictures!!

Making a Snowball

My Little Snow Bunny

Catching Some Flakes

First EVER Snow Angel!!

My Snow Bunny, Again!

Carrying on the Tradition

We woke up to this.....
This morning! I decided that this abundance of snow was an excellent opportunity to really introduce Addison to solids. Up until now, she's been eating stage two foods such as sweet potatoes, chicken, fruits, etc. all pureed. We'll also give her the heel of Italian bread to gnaw on as well as bagels. She LOVES food! Seriously loves it!
Today, I decided to continue the tradition that my family has carried on for years. I prepared some Pastina and mixed it with some butter and squash for Addison's first solid solid food experience. Every baby in my family, on my mom's side, has been given pastina when they were first learning to eat. Nicholas and Addison are, of course, no exception!


Addie was questionable about it at first but enjoyed it and left some for lunch! She finished off her breakfast with some apple and vanilla with cereal and of course yogurt mixed with cereal. I told you she can eat!!

Waving Bye Bye- her latest skill- to all of that food she consumed!