The season for giving

'tis the season for giving, as you all know, and Steve and I have been very grateful this season. We have truly been blessed by our family, friends, and even perfect strangers.

It all started last week, the day before Christmas Eve we went out to the grocery store to pick up a few odds and ends that we were missing from the kitchen. It was late and almost Barret's bedtime so he wasn't in the smiliest of moods, but cheery none the less. After we made our rounds through the store and ended at the check out we waited in line for what seemed like years. I was getting ready to complain and suggest that we switch check lanes and then an older woman came up behind us, where she immediately began talking with Steve and unloading her cart on the conveyor belt. She was extremely friendly and couldn't stop commenting on how cute Barret was. Asking us all about our Christmas, were we ready, was Santa coming, were we going to see family, etc.... Steve replied to the Santa question by saying that he was going to be bringing a lot of books this year and she stated that he might be bringing a lot more.
When it was finally our turn to check out, I handed the man my Kroger card and the woman said, just add their groceries to my bill, and they can leave with their things. It was one of those awkward moments that we weren't sure what to say other than "Thank you very much" and didn't know what to do.
Last month our small group topic was about giving and receiving graciously. So we just accepted it. It was truly a wonderful gift and so gracious of her. As Steve and I piled everything into the car we just kind of looked at each other in silence. I finally said, "well, she told us Santa might come and bring more...." with a smirk, because clearly God shows up in all places, all sizes, and all people. Thank you to that woman for purchasing our groceries, we were truly blessed.

After receiving free groceries, I just kept thinking, well nothing can top that... until Sunday. At church on Sunday we received an anonymous envelope with no explanation other than Merry Christmas and God Bless. So to whoever you are we are grateful for you and the love that you have poured out on us. Your gift, your love, and your amazing love for others and commitment to following what the Lord has asked of you is overabundant and we are very thankful for that.

There are so many things to be thankful for and Steve and I could not be more grateful for all of the people in our lives.

Merry Christmas 2010!!!

Well, it is officially Christmas and Barret has made out very well! Books, puzzles, toothbrushes, toys, and wrapping paper are strewn across the living room floor and are slowly making their way throughout the house. The kitchen table is covered with the remains of what was a delicious Christmas breakfast and we are thoroughly enjoying our wonderful Christmas as a family of three! I loved watching Barret engage with us as he opened his presents and carefully handed someone the wrapping paper. I loved watching him grab at the presents under the tree or from our hands and look at it with wonder and trying to figure out just what in the world we were doing. I loved his excitement for the day, even though he really had no clue what the day really was and that it was special not because of the presents, but because it was Christmas and we were all together, relaxing and enjoying each others presence. I LOVED IT!

Needless to say, with an early riser on our hands all of this was done by 8:30am so we skyped Grandma Boehm and Uncle Jason to wish them a Merry Christmas! Barret thinks skyping is the weirdest thing, I'm sure. People talking to him that he knows, and knows they love him, but he can't touch them. And then there is the computer mouse that he so intently plays with and pushes the buttons, making the screen pop in and out and hitting the mute button, making our video disappear, and making all sorts of weird screens pop up. We just go with it....

after a looonnngg chat with the Boehms and a phone call with the Gaffney's Daddy decided we should go up and hang out in Bradford for the day. So we quickly packed ourselves up, got Barret in the car and headed up to see the Boehm's. It was a surprise for all of us and was thoroughly enjoyed.

Barret napped on the way up while Mama and Daddy enjoyed the Christmas music and the beautiful landscapes covered in snow. When we arrived at Grandma and Grandpa's we grabbed all of our things and knocked on the door. Uncle Jason opened it with a very confused face. Grandma was excited and everyone was happy :) On this visit Barret found Scooters water bowl and was very insistent that everything needed to be dipped in the water, making for very wet hands and feet. The day consisted of games, food, comfort, and an excursion in the snow. We made quite the original snowman in the front yard for Barret, that I might say looked just like Frosty! He had the summer sausage eyes, a celery nose, and M&M mouth, he was truly a sight to see.

As we fended off Scooter to make the face last more than just a few minutes, we watched as Barret sat and enjoyed his first icicle. The boy likes everything! When Uncle Jason took the icicle to make an arm for our snowman Barret was so upset he cried... What can I say, not only do we have a summer water baby, but we have a winter snow boy too :)

We came inside to warm up and take a nap, which for Barret, was a nice and short 45 minutes....NOT long enough for anyone!!! But he was happy as could be and more talkative than ever. We got ready for dinner and then Grandpa got home from work, where we surprised him as well :)

All in all, it was the greatest First Christmas ever. Relaxing and with nothing to worry about!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

Here are a few pictures from our Christmas eve too!

We had a relaxing day filled with playing in the snow, having Italian beef for dinner, and heading to church. We finished the day off with opening up our PJ's from Grandma and Grandpa Gaffney and heading to bed.

Only 3 days away!

In case you didn't know, Christmas is only three days away! I am so excited to spend our first Christmas as a three instead of a two. Barret is loving all of the presents that are piled under the tree, and has really done a great job leaving them alone.

On Sunday we went up to Grandma and Grandpa Boehm's house and celebrated Christmas with them. It was a lot of fun! Barret made out with some sweat gifts and he LOVES them. Uncle Jason even got him a pair of Air Jordan's, that he wears everywhere.

Mama and Daddy are both now officially on Christmas Vacation so we are soaking in all of the Christmas. Tomorrow we are planning to play in the snow and possibly build a snowman :) I can't wait. We also have to put together our Gingerbread house, that is actually a train this year, and finish wrapping up the presents.

Here are a few pictures to wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Winter is wonderful

Barret has officially slept through the night without waking up 4 times in the past week!!!! YAY!!! This sleeping is just confirming Mama and Daddy's ever wondering of getting a full nights sleep really is true, and there is light at the end of the tunnel!

Barret is also becoming quite the eater, he loves to feed himself, which makes it a bit more difficult since he doesn't have the whole spoon thing down, but he loves pasta, tuna mac, bananas, oranges, and any bread substance. He really does do a great job feeding himself meals, and the past few nights dinners have consisted of NO baby food! He is getting so BIG!

I think the whole eating thing has come together better since he now has more than two teeth, his fifth tooth is working its way in on the top, and he is getting such a funny smile with those cute little pearly whites. I love it.

For Mama's birthday we ventured out in the cold to buy our Christmas tree! We weren't sure just how Barret would react to it, but it turns out, he LOVES it. At the shop he was a little timid when it came to touching the tree, but once we got it home, he couldn't stay away. He would stand there and laugh at it, like it was telling some sort of joke or something, and then run away. The next morning, when it was completely decorated, Barret went straight for it, taking off the jingle bells from the bottom of the tree and running around the living room just shaking them and making silly noises. He loves the tree, and is doing better about whacking it with his toys, or trying to take off other ornaments. One day last week I came home with a couple presents, already wrapped, and place them on the floor. He immediately went for the bag and pulled out the tissue paper, displaying a pretty neat present for the little guy, and tried to pull out what was inside. We now know that he will have no problem opening his presents on Christmas morning (as long as they are in bags).

Barret has officially been exposed to all things Christmas, with the abundance of Christmas cookies we have in our house, the snow, the lights, the tree, the music playing in the back ground all day long, and the warm snuggles before bed.

This weekend we hope to go sledding or even build a snowman! I can't wait.

This past Tuesday Uncle Jason came home from Florida! It was the first time we got to see him, other than on skype, since August, so we were very excited for him to come home. We went to Peoria and met him at the airport, then got to go out to dinner with the family! It was so great to see him!

It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

.....everywhere you go! Christmas trees, lights, sleigh bells, ornaments, cookies, and even SNOW! It is all coming together this time of year to make our little man's first Christmas so special. We have officially decorated the house and are waiting to put the Christmas tree up until after Mama's birthday, per tradition.

Thursday night Daddy hung the lights on our tree outside. We took Barret out to see them and he didn't seem too interested. You know how he was completely in LOVE with the pumpkins and just couldn't seem to get enough of them?! Not so much with the Christmas lights, I think he was more confused than anything.

Last night we had our first 'official' snow and now the streets, trees, and cars are covered. It is beautiful! Daddy took Barret out this morning to buy a shovel and look for snow pants and boots for the little guy, but only came home with a shovel. Seems the rest of Bloomington got out before us to snatch them all up! Good thing we have boxes and boxes of clothes that people have so generously given us. So as we scrounged through them to look for that snowsuit Mama knew we had, we stumbled upon a pair of snow boots Mama forgot she bought at a garage sale. The snowsuit and boots are both a bit big!

Barret is very curious about the snow and loves to look out the window. I just know he is wondering what happened to all the colors outside...why is everything white?

And speaking of white, look what Mama and Daddy made while Barret took his nap this morning!
These are possibly one of Mama's all time favorite things to make. More Christmas cookies to come next weekend though, these were just a taste, something to tide me over until the real baking can begin!

According to the checkout lady at the store, we are supposed to get up to 8 inches of snow this weekend! How exciting :) And you know what? It's still snowing!

This afternoon we went on a little snow adventure! You better believe it! The snow was so deep and the air so cold we couldn't stay out too long, but Barret did an excellent job. All dressed in an outfit that's too big and boots three sizes too big made it very difficult for him to walk around in it, but he managed to get around anyway. He really seemed interested in the snow and still wasn't quite sure what to do with it or even why it was here. He spent most of the time just sitting in the snow and observing with that face that wasn't a smile and at the same time wasn't an upset or angry one either. I think of the dozens of pictures I took there were only two with real smiles. After a little while Barret got a bit used to the snow and the weird feeling of being uncomfortable and started to crawl around. I kept waiting for that face plant into the snow but it never happened, thank goodness.

Daddy shoveled a little while we were out and Barret just loved following him around. He was so funny just teetering and tottering all puffy like in his snowsuit and too big boots. Mama held his hand the whole time to make sure he didn't slip and fall.

Barret even got to make his first snow angel, which turned out absolutely perfect, if I might say.

Daddy even gave Barret his first taste of snow! He loved it, and couldn't stop eating. Such a funny little guy.

After about forty-five minutes in the snow we came in to get snuggly and warm. Barret enjoyed his first hot cocoa experience thanks to Daddy. Needless to say there was no leaving that sippy cup behind, he gulped it down in minutes and was ready to dive into Mama's mug.

I loved his rosy cheeks and his cute little red button nose. He was the cutest little snowsuit monster I ever did see!

We spent the rest of the afternoon just playing around and enjoying the Christmas season. The room filled with Christmas music and we gazed out the windows at the huge snowflakes falling from the clouds.

The day ended with pipping hot grilled cheese sandwiches and chicken noodle soup. Then it was off to bed, where Barret snuggled up in his fuzzy jammies and elephant blanket and just looked so cuddly and cute in his crib.

Mama and Daddy ended the day enjoying the company of Paul and Yvonne, playing games and watching 'Elf'.

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!

Enjoy your snowy day tomorrow! Grandma and Grandpa Boehm are coming down tomorrow to celebrate Mama's birthday!

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving has come and gone and Barret thoroughly enjoyed his share of turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie.

He was stuffed to the core and just had such a great time with family.

We spent Thanksgiving day at Aunt B's with the rest of the Votaw clan. Uncle Paul and Aunt Marcia were there, even Trent and Baylee came for the festivities. Aunt B, Uncle David, David, and Sam of course were excellent hosts and did a phenomenal job making Barret's first Thanksgiving so much fun! Of course Grandma and Grandpa Boehm were there and Great Grandma Votaw too. Barret received so much love on Thanksgiving, I'm sure he was truly thankful to be a part of our family :)
Friday we spent the day at Grandma and Grandpa Gaffneys where we enjoyed leftovers and the boys watched endless hours of football. Mama and Tete Chelsey got up crazy early and went shopping! Of course, Mama couldn't hold out of all of the presents she got for Barret, so he now has a 140 piece mega blocks box set that he loves to play with! Grandma had to work on Friday too, so we didn't get to see her until later. Don't worry though, Barret received lots and lots of Grandma love.

Thanksgiving also brought on Barret's first real booboo. While taking a bath at Aunt B's he slipped and scraped his underarm on the shower door stopper, leaving him with quite the cut. There were many tears, and Mama didn't even notice the cut until after he was all dried and diapered. Not too much blood was shed, and he managed to survive Aunt Marcia's booboo treatment.

Saturday and Sunday we spent at home relaxing and just enjoying our time together. Barret has surprised us with another bottom tooth too, making him not so much the happy camper we would prefer, but we love him all the same.

Pictures will be up soon!

Tomorrow brings the first day of December. Do you know what that means? SNOW! CHRISTMAS! COOKIES! MAMA'S BIRTHDAY! SNOWMEN! SLEDDING! TREES! DECORATIONS!

Happy last day of November :)

Baby Gaffney

Well, if you guessed a girl for Baby Gaffney number two (like I did) you would be dead wrong.

Yes, it is another little Baby Boy!!! Making yet another tough decision for Mama and Daddy. Mama, was so sure it was a girl, we had our name all picked out and ready to go....back to the drawing board we go.

We are very excited, don't get me wrong, this baby will complete 2/5 of our basketball team...that's what Grandpa Boehm said :)

It is crazy to think we will be a family of four already, we had only just been a family of two for a short while before becoming three, and now in almost three short years we will be becoming a family of four! So crazy.

But this baby is going to bring us so much more joy, excitement, and laughter, and as scared and nervous as we are, we couldn't be more excited. Barret is going to be the best BIG brother and he is going to have so much love for his little brother! I can't wait to see them together. However, he seems to not really like him all that much right now. At the doctor, when the woman was doing the ultra sound, I think he thought she was hurting Mama because he just cried and cried and was so unhappy.

Here is a picture of Baby Boy #2

On the left you can see he has big feet just like Barret, and on the right he is staring at us.

Want to know something really super cool about Barret???? He can now walk and clap at the same time! And he LOVES the trash can and the toilet! He sure is keeping us on our toes, and last night we went out and bought two more baby gates to try and keep him out of the bathroom and the office (where all of his mischievous behaviors happen).

Here is a video of his super cool walking skills!