Another One

Yes, it's been another wonderful weekend in December here at the Walker house. God is so good to bring joy into our lives, and after our ordeal with a sick baby almost three months ago, I am committed to stop ignoring the little things God blesses us with so abundantly. Here are just a few of the "little things" I love and am so thankful for today:

1. The Christmas decor is complete after we finally got our wreaths out on the windows last night.

2. Reese is in the process of learning how to sleep better.

3. We had our first FEW snowflakes overnight.

4. Church was another wonderful time this morning when Wes got to listen to the Gospel, and I discussed raising children with other moms in the Mother's Room.

5. I've discovered how to bring one of my favorite restaurants home with me after purchasing sun-dried tomato turkey breast, pesto, sourdough bread, and several different kinds of cheeses. Needless to say, our grill pan has just stayed on top of the stove for the last few days to make Hammontree's come to us anytime we want.

6. Wes decided to do his work at home this afternoon instead of going up to his office, so he took out a card table and set up shop right here in the living room next to the fire with Emmett at his feet.

7. Several of my dearest friends became moms right around the same time I did, and we just share advice and encourage one another constantly.

8. Reese smiles EVERY time I sing "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes" and absolutely lights up the room at any of my renditions of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."

9. The lights on the Christmas tree put Reese in awe, and those big, bright eyes bring tears to my own when she just stares at the different ornaments and everything else around her.

10. God gives me a positive attitude to overlook the frustrations and concerns about being a mom. Again, after what we went through in September, I'm very hesitant to complain about anything. That doesn't mean I don't get frustrated, confused, or just down right TIRED, and many of you know I am not afraid to voice my concerns or lack of knowledge about babies and sleep, but I try to just thank God for a healthy baby every day. He didn't promise this would be easy or even that I would have a healthy baby, so I am thankful...even for that pitiful cry that is coming through the monitor 25 minutes into this little girl's nap. :)

I don't remember a December calendar this empty in a very long time. We have a kiddo Christmas party tomorrow which will require a post of its own, and we will be traveling some in another week or so, but that's about it. Ahhhh...

So, onto some pictures from this weekend...

A few of the smaller Christmas decorations that I absolutely LOVE. My favorite addition this year? My mom sent a book from my first Christmas along with a pair of the cutest felt Christmas shoes in the mail this week. Wes and I have both read Baby's Christmas to Reese, and I can't help but stare at the writing on the inside front cover that says "Kate 1984."

Surrounding a beautiful portrait of Mopsy before she even became a mommy are some real greenery, a moss star, pieces of antique silver, old mercury ornaments, and some clean white candles. This isn't the greatest picture, but you get the idea.

Ever since I can remember, my part in decorating our house for Christmas was setting up my angels. I received one each year, and I would place them very strategically in the formal living room accompanied by some green fabric and fake snow before mom took a picture of me in my Christmas dress next to MY angels. Now most of them live with us, and I take them out each year and place them in their new December home.

In the middle of undressing from our bundled up trip to church this morning, Reese needed a break. She had a furry hat and a warm blanket covering her on top of her peacoat, dress, leggings, socks, and shoes. She is definitely more likely to suffer from heat issues than frostbite.

Ahhh...I can move my arms again!

This afternoon's activities...Reese on her favorite play mat staring at either her dog or the tree, Emmett at Wes' feet, and Wes at work on the card table. This picture was taken almost 2 hours ago, and the only thing that's moved is Reese...into her swaddle blanket and into her crib for a nap.