Christmas, Blessing and one month update...

Wow...where does the time go? I can't believe Solomon is one month old. I decided I don't like having a baby in December. I don't feel like I get to enjoy the "newborn" stage as much with all the Holiday distractions!

Christmas was great. I love starting our own traditions as a family and continuing old ones we grew up with. On Christmas Eve we drove around looking at all the Christmas lights. Max kept looking for Santa's sleigh in the sky and got excited every time we drove by a house with a deer in the front yard. It is so much fun having a child old enough to learn about Santa and watch their reactions opening presents on Christmas morning. Max even sang Happy Birthday to Jesus a couple times throughout the day. (and week after) We had my parents here, so my mom cooked up a yummy homemade turkey dinner. (with her amazing stuffing...it really melts in your mouth...it is not all sticky and pasty like most stuffings....my mouth is watering just thinking about it!!) We enjoyed our day as a family and were excited to see Grandma and Grandpa Novak too.

(Max and Daddy playing with one of their favorite presents)

On the 28th Solomon was blessed. I am so grateful that our boys have a worthy father to give them blessings. Peter gave Solomon a wonderful blessing. I am sad that I did no take more pictures. I will have to put him in his outfit and get some before he gets too big.

(I gave Solomon his first haircut before his blessing...basically chopped of the mullet)

Solomon is getting so fun. He smiled at me for the first time on Sunday. (other than gas smiles) This was a "real" smile. His umbilical cord FINALLY fell off today! It took a month and I was going crazy giving him "sponge" baths. I can't wait to give him a real bath tomorrow. He has been doing pretty good at night. He normally has one good stretch (about 4 hours) but at least he goes back to sleep after each feeding. He does have a period in the evening that he gets a little fussy, but it is not too bad.

My sister Erika was able to sneak away for a few days to visit while her wonderful husband stayed home with their kids. He surprised her with a ticket. (Really I consider it more of a gift to me!) Max loved her silly side and had SO much fun playing with her. Thanks so much Brady! We had a great time visiting and shopping!! :) Although her trip was not long enough, I will take any time I can with my sisters!



My parents went home today. It was so sad to see them off at the airport. I am so blessed to have such wonderful parents. They are so helpful when they come and will do anything for us. It was wonderful having them here. Max is going to be so sad not having Grandma and Papa around anymore. They definitely spoiled him!!