Cohen's First Christmas with the Graftons

I know, I know.  I'm behind on posts.  But at least I'm blogging this week ;-)

We spent Christmas with the Grafton family this year.  It was a special time because it wasn't just Cohen's first, but also his cousin Finley's first Christmas!

We went out to eat at a Fuzzy's Taco shop (yummmy!) and Cohen thought he would look cute in Fin-Fin's hat.  I love his onesie here as well.  It reads, "The Elf made me do it!"

I apologize in advance for the onslaught of pictures.  I couldn't get Blogger to put them in order, but you kinda get the point.  I included this one lest you think our little Angel was perfect all the time...

I DONT WANNA OPEN MY PRESENTS!!!!!!!

This was a first for us.  He fell asleep by the fire on his stomach.  This is the same kid that screams after about 2 minutes of tummy time.  Maybe the holidays just wore his butt out!

Opening gifts on Christmas morning.  Excuse the no-makeup-no-sleep-momma look...

Merry Christmas! If his smile doesn't just make you melt, well, then I guess you aren't his parents.  This season has always been my favorite, but having it to celebrate with our very own small family cell was spectacular.  We had lots of gift opening and smiles that day.  I think I could spend hours just staring at my kid.  Did you ever think that Mary just stared at Jesus on that first Christmas?  When all the hoopla and celebration was going on with the shepherds that she just observed from afar?  I'm beginning to think she just couldn't take her eyes off Him....just like I couldn't take mine off Cohen this year.

My sister-in-law and I must have similar tastes.  Both our children had the same outfit on that evening from Carters.  We stopped for a bit to have a photo shoot with the cousins dressed alike.  Finley liked her green bow and Cohen just liked the flashing lights from his toys.  I think Finley and Cohen have some similar features- definitely both Grafton kiddos!

Cohen and his Poppy resting after a busy Christmas morning. Don't you just love the Santa-face-on-the-baby-butt appliqué?

Cohen says Merry Christmas everyone.  Next year I'll be into everything.....

Cohen's First Christmas - Havlik Style

On Friday, December 21st, we headed out early from work on the first leg of our Christmas journey.  Tulsa was the first stop on the list ;-)

I think Santa Claus always goes a little crazy at my mom's house.  We exchanged family gifts this night because Audrey and Dallas had to work the next day.  We all take turns opening gifts, and most have clues.  Its the best way for all of us to enjoy the time.  Plus, its a little less crazy than everyone going at it at once.

Mom got her Cohen time in for the weekend.  In fact, when we first drove up that night she bypassed us parents and beelined it for the baby.  Go figure ;-)  We are getting used to being second class dogs now!

Me and my daddy ;-)  Excuse the double chin and horrible hairstyle...

My sister, Laura, and her husband, Drew, opening gifts.  I think they got more Orange OSU stuff than any of us!

My other sister, Audrey, and her piles of presents.  Can you say spoiled.....?!?

Our baby Bella.  She was having a blast eating treats from her stocking!

Me, Mom and Audrey listening to people read clues.  We all try to guess what it could be.  I will say dad's Santa did a good job of clue-making. Many of them I couldn't guess before I opened!

Cohen had just started learning to laugh.  When we got him to laugh, it was a really big deal, and we hadn't really caught any laughs on camera.  Audrey's dog, Billie, was apparently hallarious...and Cohen laughed the entire night at her.  It was super fun!

Our Ollie baby!

Merry Christmas!!

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8

EIGHT years!

Happy Anniversary to the best husband ever. Seriously.  I'm sorry ladies, but I think I got the best catch :-)

Just a short 8 years ago, we were celebrating New Year's Eve with our closest friends and family in Tulsa. I thnk we can say that our 'rehearsal dinner' was just as much fun as our 'wedding day.'

Patrick, in these eight years, I love:
- you ;-)
- our son
- your faith and how you are the pray-er for our family.
- your sense of humor.  You always have something to lighten the mood.
- your emotions.  You make up for my lack there-of and its perfect.  I even love when you cry.
- your lack of inhibition.  You push me to experience things I never would do on my own.
- the way you clean our house, especially during my pregnancy and since Cohen's arrival.
- the way you love our families.
- the way you take car of our fur-babies.

This year we celebrated a lot, cried a lot, and grew as a couple more than I though possible.  I can't wait to see what this next year brings.  Happy 8th anniversary to my best friend, my soul-mate, my husband.  I love you.

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