Christmas

Ellie and Patrick, you had quite the Christmas! I am pretty sure it was even better for Mommy and Daddy just watching you. We called Mommom and Poppy when we heard Elise waking up. We wanted to Skype them so they could join us for Christmas morning. They got to watch Ellie run out and see all the presents Santa left. Ellie, you were so excited to see your car and kitchen. You opened all of Mommom and Poppy's presents while they were on the computer and could watch. You loved all the things you opened from them. I think your favorite was the dolly. Patrick, we let you sleep in. I think you were exhausted from the night before. When you woke up, Ellie helped you open your presents. You made out like a bandit too.
I was happy with you Ellie because you started playing with your presents and you could care less that there was more under the tree. Uncle Mike came over for a while and later in the day Grandma and Papa came over and spent some time with us. We stayed in our pjs most of the day and just enjoyed being together.
Ellie, before Christmas when we would listen to Christmas Carols in the car and a slow song (ie. Silent Night) came on you would say it was a pretty song. I would tell you it was a song about Baby Jesus and talk to you about how Christmas is His birthday. Now, whenever you hear a slow song on the radio you tell me it is about Baby Jesus.
As we geared up for the excitement of Christmas, you still talked about Halloween a lot. Some days you wanted it to be Halloween time and said "No Christmas." I am pretty sure you are a big fan of Christmas now!

Christmas Eve

On Christmas eve we always have our big family get together. This year it was at Papa and Grandma's house. Papa had the house decked out. It was so fun and festive. They had delicous food and we all really had a fun time. Aunt Betty and Mike joined in on the festivities as well as Uncle Mike's parents, Linda and Darrel. Grandma and Papa had some surprises in store for you kiddos. In the play room they had a color me playhouse set up and in the backyard there was a motorized car you could ride around in. You guys were having a blast!
It was complete chaos when all the cousins opened their presents. Fun chaos. You had some help opening from the neighbor kids as well.  Ellie, you received some sassy pink cowgirl boots, playdough, Barnes and Noble giftcard, and a trunk filled with princess dresses. You put on the boots and the Cinderella dress right away and insisted on wearing them the rest of the night. You would NOT take them off even when we got home and tried to put warm pjs on. We decided that we didn't want to put up a fight. Of course, in the middle of the night you woke up freezing your hiney off but you still wouldn't take off the princess dress. Thankfully you did let me put some socks and leggings on under your dress and you fell back asleep. Patrick you recieved a book, socks, washcloths and bath toy, and your name in painted letters from Auntie Angie, and your Christmas stocking that Grandma. You were both wiped out at the end of the night. You were ready to go home and sleep so Santa could come.

  

  

Sleepovers

Auntie Angie and the kids came over for a sleepover last week. It was a little hectic for us to have all 5 of you kiddos together but it was quite exciting for you Elise. Grandma came over for a while too. We got you all dressed up in warm clothes to go outside and look at the Christmas lights around the neighborhood. We didn't realize it was pouring down rain. So, we just let you run around and play in the rain a bit. Then you came in for a warm bath. You guys had hot chocolate and kettle corn and watched Charlie Brown's Christmas. You were having so much fun with your cousins that when it came time to go to sleep you just weren't having it. Mia was trying to sleep in the big girl bed and you were in the crib but you kept your cousin up way too late. Grandma tried laying in there with you to calm you down....then Auntie Angie layed in there ... but you kept wanting to party with everyone. I had to come and get you so Mia could sleep. I took you to our room and you finally fell asleep at 11:15! 

A few days later we had another sleepover with Mia, Cannon and Chloe. We thought it would be better if we just put Mia to sleep in your room and you in the PackNPlay in our room. But, you got VERY VERY upset when we finished reading stories and took you out of your room. It took a while for you to calm down but you eventually fell asleep. We decided that you were much to young to be able to handle the excitement of Mia sleeping over. Maybe we will try again when you are a little older! When everyone woke up in the morning we took a walk to the neighborhood park. You and Mia loved hanging out with your big cousins.

 

Gingerbread Houses

Ellie, you sure do love making gingerbread houses! Chloe came over one night and you made a big one with her. We also had a playdate with a few of your little buddies and Mia and Mikey and we made little gingerbread houses with them. It was so much fun. The excitement of it all really gets you going and you get a little crazy. 

Santa & Sparky

Elise and Patrick,
You had an exciting weekend. You had your 2nd visit with Santa Claus and also went to Grandma's work party and got to see Sparky. Ellie, when you saw Sparky you said "Gooo Devils."  You asked Santa for a pink present and a candy cane. Patrick, you liked Sparky. You were crying but once Sparky got a hold of you...you stopped immediately!

Stinchfield Family Photos

Bethany met the whole Stinchfield side of the family over at the research park for a big photo shoot.  Here are some of the pictures.

2 Months

Happy 2 months to you Patrick! Oh boy, you gave us a rough month. We used to giggle at the perma-scowl that was on your face but now I know you were just completely uncomfortable. How sad! I took you to the doctor and she suggested for me to stop eating dairy and it has made the BIGGEST difference in you! You are a whole new happy baby... and this last week...maybe even an easy baby! You are sleeping, eating, chilling, playing, cooing, smiling and even chuckling a little bit. The only time you scowl now is at Elise when she is about to squeeze you to death or fall an you when you are playing. You still give Mr. Star most of your smiles and chuckles but I love it when I can make you smile by rubbing your cheeks or brushing your lips. When you are in the bathtub you like to sneak further and further down trying to drink the warm water...yuck. You are sleeping in your own crib in your own room now! You have blessed us with long sleep times at night...sometimes 7-8 hours. =)