Christmas

I want to remember December of 2012. Chaos, frenzy, but so much joy.
The kids had fun setting up their manger scene throughout December; this was the boys' version. That is a screwdriver head the baby Jesus is sitting on. And, naturally Mary & Joseph would hang out on the tops of the trees.

 We drove to Gresham on the 14th. Nana/Mom was such a huge help, making me believe that I could wrangle 4 kids under the age of 6 without going nuts in the process. Jack & Bryant spent a good 45 minutes staring at the "cuckoo bird," waiting for it to chime. Do you know how rare it is to get 2 three year olds to sit still for 10 minutes? Let alone 45. They scooted the stools over themselves.

 Stuart was sad for some reason and Aubrey asked him if he wanted to read a book. I don't think she could see the book but she very helpfully sat and "read" to him while he sat on her lap.

 Stuart celebrated his 2nd birthday with a Mickey Mouse party with the cousins. He cried when we sang Happy Birthday, but he enjoyed the frosting on his "muff" (cupcake) and LOVED his balloon that Nana & Papa got for him.

 Caley, my closest friend through high school, graciously drove out with her 2 little ones and while Bryant & Aubrey spent the day with Aunt Annie, Noah & Levi, Stuart & Emmett had their very own playtime with Cole & Bennett.

Bennett (3 months) and Emmett (a couple of weeks)

 Cole (2 in October) & Stuart

 My absolute favorite Christmas present of this year.

 This was Christmas Eve morning at the Petersen house. Can anyone say noisy? But such a happy noise.

 "Mom, must you take more pictures of me?"

 And then on Christmas day we celebrated with the Anderson side. Grace, Ella & Molly were here from North Carolina so that added such a fun element to the festivities. Here was a rare sit down moment of everyone playing Bingo. Except Emmett.

 He is just so cute.

 The 5 1/2, 6, and 5 year olds.

 "I like playing with Jack. He's my dude," says Bryant.

 My wonderfully beautiful daughter.

 Sweet sleeping baby.

 To finish up our shenanigans we went sledding with the Andersons. Here is John, and what John looked like about 28 years ago.

 Bryant, melter of his Mommy's heart.

 Grace manning the front, Aubs in the back. Friends for life.

 The entire Anderson family

 Silly kids with their Uncle Geoff.

 Do they get any cuter than this? Nope, pretty sure not.

We had a not-so-quiet Christmas, fun filled and loved on lots, and now we are home, celebrating the coming New Year and waiting in expectant hope for what God has in His plan for 2013.

Stuart Graham

Stuart-boy, you are 2 today. I'm not sure how that happened but it did. We have so enjoyed watching you come into your own as you stand up next to Aubrey & Bryant.

You are a studier of people, a studier of things. You relish any time spent on Mommy or Daddy's lap reading books, or time on the floor working on puzzles and playing with trucks. You love "Mit Mouse," and saying, "Watch. Me!" as you barrel through the house. Bryant is a fun big brother to copy when he is playing Spiderman, but more than watching you follow after your big brother we enjoy watching you be YOU. Our inquisitive, thoughtful, hug-loving, softer-spoken, wonderful son.

We pray you will grow to understand how big your God is, and how big His love for you is. And that you will follow hard after Him.

 We are so in love with you, Stu-Bear. Happy birthday, strong man.

I Think They're Related

We can't quite pin our Emmett-boy to favoring one look or another. All we can say is he definitely belongs in our family. What do you think?

Aubrey

 Bryant

 Stuart

 Emmett

What Do We Do When John Has A Day Off?

The kids are going to have withdrawals when Daddy goes back to work next week. Naturally, instead of just going for a walk in the woods with the kids John took ropes and carabiners and rigged up a massive swing. After tying a harness onto the kids he launches them out over the water. The thrill is massive.

 Bryant is not happy unless John does a sort of under-dog type big swing for him. He seriously makes it all the way to the bridge you can sort of see in the background and back.

 I would just like to mention, in case it has been forgotten, that this little boy will not turn 2 for another 2 weeks. Am I in trouble?

 It's no surprise our pink princess of a girl loves the outdoors, and the rope swing.

 In quieter moments the oldest brother adores holding the youngest brother.

 And my very stylish children love eating apples and cheese on toothpicks, courtesy of Nana.

These Firsts with Four

It feels so good to be home. It feels so strange to be home with four. A good strange but strange nonetheless. I feel the need to pinch myself every time I look at this sweet face.

 And I feel the need to pinch myself every time I see something like this happening. The kids are doing amazing with the new baby. Aubrey is very much my helper with Emmett. She holds him because she wants to but also when Mommy needs to run do something else. She is such a sweet-hearted little but growing up girl. Bryant is my most infatuated; he wants to hold Emmett any chance he gets and he said to me last night, "I never get tired of holding baby Emmett." This morning he ran and got his special blanket to share with Emmett because it seemed that he needed it.

Emmett is completely un-phased by the activity and noise around him. Actually, in most cases it seems that is what keeps him calm. We keep telling the kids that he is used to hearing their voices so that makes him feel safe.

 Oh, Stuart. He has been doing so incredibly well with the new baby. Today it seems reality is sinking in and he has needed much more snuggle time than usual with Mommy and Daddy. He wants to see Emmett's toes, hands, eyes, and anything else that Emmett may allow him to look at/poke at. This picture cracks me up because Stuart does not typically cooperate or go along with a picture taking opportunity. This morning I was taking pictures of Emmett and he came up wanting to see. I asked if he wanted me to take his picture: "YEAH!" And this is the money shot. How are you almost 2, Mister Man?

 Nana is here and I am quite sure I'd be sinking right now without her help. Papa came over for the day yesterday and provided some much needed fun and diversion. John gets the week off work and he has been so incredibly helpful in providing normal for the older boys especially. Life always looks much better when you can go on a hike with Daddy or work outside with him. Or build forts in your room and read hunting books. :) I am so to-my-core tired but also to-my-core filled to the brim knowing my life is blessed. Thank you, Lord, for the miracle that is my family. My parents, my husband, my precious bundles. The provision of fellowship and helping hands. And also the little hands and feet and voices that fill my days.

Emmett Craig Anderson

Emmett Craig Anderson was born yesterday, Dec. 1st, at 11:29am. 7 lb 10 oz, 21 in. of complete and utter goodness.

 Your brothers and sister are crazy about you. So crazy in love with their new baby brother.

 You have deep blue eyes and a full head of brown hair. If I do say so myself, you are one darn cute caboose.

 Daddy and his 4th miracle.

Emmett, your name means, "truth," a quality that we pray you strive for and uphold in your life. Your middle name is after Papa Anderson, and it means, "rock." We pray you will stand on the Rock of Truth as you grow to understand His immeasurable love for you, and that you will be a rock in standing up for truth in an increasingly gray world.

We are so incredibly thrilled to welcome you into our crazy bunch. You look very much like all of your siblings and very much like your very own little person all at the same time.

We love you and are thanking God for our 4th wonder of this world, our 3rd son. You are a miracle, Emmett-boy. Happy birthday.