Final Thoughts For 2009

*Ok everyone, I warn you that this may be a bit sappy:)

Well, this is my final post of the year as we are packing up to visit family in NH for Christmas. Last night I was watching a special about decorating the White House for Christmas. The theme was Reflect, Renew, Rejoice. I liked that, and will use it to organize my final thoughts.

Reflect

This past April my friends and family helped celebrate Lucas' upcoming arrival with a shower. I remember feeling so excited looking at all of the gifts for my baby, but also looking at all of the faces of people who were sharing my anticipation for this new little one.

In May my mother-in-law joined us to celebrate Mother's Day with a wonderful brunch!

In June my friends threw me a shower here in Virginia.

And in July I met my son for the first time.

Renew

In this new year I renew my commitment to my wonderful husband, who brings so much joy to my life. He works hard so that I can stay at home and be with our son each day, and when he gets home he finds energy to help out with whatever I need, never forgetting to give me and Lucas a kiss as soon as he walks in the door.

Rejoice

There is so much to rejoice about this year! We have an ever-growing group of family and friends that have enriched our lives in 2009 and will continue to in 2010! Most of all, I rejoice in the new family that Steve and I have created through our love for each other and God.

Happy New Year Everyone!

Let it Snow!

We received close to 20 inches of snow over the weekend. It was one of the worst snow storms the region has ever had! We didn't mind, especially being from the north where we grew up with weather like this.

Lucas and mommy standing in our front walk that daddy so nicely cleared for us.

Um, I'm not sure about this stuff mom! It's cold!

Come on Lucas! Let's help daddy shovel all this snow!

Lunch Time Visit

My friend Mary and her son Marcus came over for a visit last week. Mary brought a delicious pumpkin mousse and some adorable ornaments for our tree. She made the ornaments herself with Jolly Rancher candies. How crafty! :)

"Look at my toy sun, Marcus!"

"So Lucas, what do you think about this "Santa" guy?"

The boys are less than a month apart!

Carriage Park Holiday Party

Here are some pictures from our neighborhood party. My camera ran out of batteries right at the beginning so I missed some good shots!

Lucas played with his links. Love the sweater:)

Watching neighborhood friends Gabe, Jack and Kelsey!

Matt and Olivia are having fun coloring!

Mommy Group Christmas Party

Last week I hosted a holiday party at our house for all of the mommy and kids in my mommy group. We had a gift exchange for the little ones and a "White Elephant" for the mommies. Fun was had by all!

Lucas and mommy both wore reindeer shirts :)

The babies loved the wrapping paper and ribbon!

I had a picture frame ornament for each child.

Happy 5 Months Lucas!

Lucas is now 5 months old. This past month he began eating rice cereal. Initially, we tried it at night. But, he sleeps so well during the night (8:00 pm - 7:00 am) that I thought it would be better to have it in the morning so that he could take a longer nap during the day. It worked! He has been taking a one hour nap in the morning and a two hour nap in the late afternoon. This month he has been really grasping and holding toys, working on holding himself up, and creeping forward towards toys and water bottles. He is also laughing and making more noises. (sometimes even a screech!) He is a very happy baby. We sure are blessed!

Christmas With Grandma and Grandpa Parlato

This past weekend my parents came into town to celebrate both my birthday and an early Christmas with us. We had a lot of fun!

Steve took me to a restaurant called 1789 in Georgetown. It was a nice night out!

Grandma and Grandpa got a digital frame so that they can have lots of pictures of Lucas displayed!

Lucas gets rings...

and clothes...

and a puppy toy...

but what he really likes best is the ribbon!!!

Trimming the Tree

Being that it is our first year with baby, we decided to invest in a tree. Today was the perfect day to decorate, as it was also our first snow fall of the season! The holidays seem so much more magical this year!

Daddy putting together the tree

Lucas and Mommy hang ornaments

The Willow Tree nativity that my mom started for me

The final product

Our first Christmas together as a family!

My little angel

The greatest gift I could receive

The First Rice Cereal

Lucas had his first feeding of rice cereal the other day. I can't say that much of it made it into his mouth! Lucas has some rice cereal each day after his morning nap and second feeding. He then goes directly to the bathtub!

Lucas awaits his cereal

Here it comes!

Yum!

A little unsure...

This is strange mom!

I did it!

The after shot

Lucas' First Thanksgiving

For Thanksgiving we went to the Parlato's house (Julie's parents) in Rochester, NY. Lucas enjoyed meeting family and playing with his cousins!

Lucas and cousin Phoebe

Lucas and cousin Nicole

Lucas and cousin Nancy

Lucas, Grandma and Great Aunt Paula

Lucas and Mr. Turkey :)

Lucas and Daddy

Lucas with Mommy