So, it's Christmas Eve morning...I have no presents wrapped, and still could do some shopping, but what's done is done. I do not want to go back out...I want to stay inside with family, have a present wrapping party and relax!

Grandma and Grandpa flew in yesterday from Maryland, we are all happy they are here!! Caydree loves them SO much, and Grandma always takes lots of pictures, so get ready?!

No special plans this year, just trying to stay healthy for Calder's lip surgery Jan. 12

We went to our pediatrician on Tuesday to get our medical clearance, and check his weight. He did gain 13 ounces, but he dropped a little bit more on the growth chart. He was at the 5th percentile, and now he is only at the 3rd. Shane and I were both small as babies, and young children, and Caydree was/is too...but this is a bigger deal for him. If he didn't have to have surgery I wouldn't even be talking about it!! There is a good chance he will have some new struggles with feeding after the lip surgery, so we need him to weigh as MUCH as possible, in case he loses a bit. Since he gained 13 oz in about 2 weeks on the 22 calorie diet, we bumped him up to the 24 calorie diet, and I'm hoping that he will gain 21 ounces in the next couple of weeks. Maybe a lofty goal, but I'd love for him to weigh 11 1/2 pounds for surgery!

Will keep you posted, and be adding some more Christmas pics soon!

Calder's 1st Christmas photo shoot

So, I'm not a great photographer, and I don't have a fancy camera,
but I LOVE these pictures of my sweet boy!!!
I guess maybe it helps that he is so darn cute?!

To me, he looks a lot like Caydree did in this one!

Caught him just before the big smile....

Love the crazy hair...no this was not after the Santa hat came off!! Too long for a mohawk, and mommy didn't want the big boy part/comb-over!

"Are we almost done mommy? I'm gettin' tired..."
Did I mention that he loves to chew on his fist? Poor thing, I don't know what he's going to do when he has to have arm restraints on after surgery... :(


OK, I'll add a couple of big sister too...although she was supposed to be resting
during our photo shoot...she talked to herself, read books, and put on her princess jewelry for almost 2 hours instead! These shots were from last weekend.

Here she is in front of "her" trees. She gets to decorate them with her special ornaments. She is wearing her "fancy" dress that Grandma sent her!

I think my friend Deanne said it best, and I hope she doesn't mind if I quote her,
"What time is it? Whatever time Caydree wants it to be!" Dang she is a sassy pants!
Don't know where she got that...


Stand by for more pictures and holiday news!

Daddy and Calder watching the ARMY/NAVY game...love this picture!

Mr. Smiley just hanging out in the Boppy

"I see you mama..."

Christmas outfit #1

Mommy has trouble with pictures sometimes...

Caydree and her friends at Bailey's "princess" birthday party

Happy Thanksgiving!

Did the pilgrims make faces like this?

my cute turkey hat

I LOVE these two...can't really say much more!

The latest...

Well, it's been a crazy, hectic couple of weeks for me, getting back into the routine of school! I won't claim to be doing a good job, but there is only one week left before our winter break, so I think I can make it!

Calder is doing well...we had our 2 month check, and he dropped from the 27th percentile in weight down to below the 5th, so we are on a 22 calorie diet...adding 1/2 teaspoon of formula to every 3 ounces of milk. Hard to believe that it will really make that much of a difference, but I guess it does?! We go back to check weight again on Dec. 22, and will hopefully get our medical clearance for his upcoming lip surgery. We got our date, it will be Jan. 12. I have read, researched, and talked to others about the whole surgery experience, and I still feel like there are so many unknowns...I'm not a wreck about it yet, but give me time...

It IS the best thing for him, and he will not remember this part, but obviously harder for us as parents to have to go through. I just love him so much exactly the way he is, it will be an adjustment. The surgery is my first day back to school after our break, so I will be taking at least one week off...maybe 2, we'll see how things go. I think my biggest fear is the recovery process. We've finally hit our groove, and I feel like we've been doing so well!! This is just going to start that whole process over again. We'll see, maybe it won't be as bad as I'm thinking...I can certainly hope!!

Well, it's extremely early on a Sat. night, and since everyone else is in bed, I think I'll go too! Hope to have a good news update soon!!