Best Christmas in Awhile

I am in the process of printing my blog (from blurb.com--if you have any better suggestions, let me know!) since sadly it's the only journaling I've done since we've been married. 

While going through it and making sure that all posts were print worthy (not many!), I realized a pattern.  I mostly posted about opinions/silly stuff/money and worry issues and not enough recap/life events.

So--I've got to do better!  I was grateful to see what has been on my mind the last three years (better than nothing), and to realize that I can do better and focus on higher things!  It was a very worthy activity for the first of the year.

Hence--let's talk about Christmas, even though it was a few weeks ago.  Or, rather I'll write and you read?

It was the best Christmas we've had in awhile.  As many of you know, my brother passed away two years ago right before Christmas so this time of year is a hard time for my family.  On top of that, my dad was out of work, so that was also a stress/downer.

However, I decided to bless Carter on Christmas.  For those of you not familiar with the LDS faith and the tradition of giving them a name and a blessing you can read this info (Sorry--couldn't find a better statement about the procedure and I only have so much time before the babe wakes!)

He's our holiday baby!  Born on Thanksgiving and blessed on Christmas.  I was nervous about doing it with him so small still and RSV season, but I thought it'd be wonderful to kill two birds with one stone and have our Grandparents here for Christmas and for his blessing.  Both sets of my Grandparents live in St. George during the winter which is about a 3.5 hour drive, so that way they wouldn't have to make the drive twice during the winter.

Of course, about 1.2 minutes after sitting down in the chapel, a little snotty nosed kid leans over the front pew and sneezes in Carter's direction.  I about chucked a hymnal at him while simultaneously peeing my pants.  I was like 'Just great! Watch him get sick and it's all my fault for wanting to do this so soon!'  Thankfully he's been fine--but he hasn't been back to church since!

Unfortunately, only my Grandma and Grandpa Egbert were able to make it to his blessing.  It is a wonderful experience to see your husband, a worthy priesthood holder, take your baby in his arms and exercise his priesthood.  It was a tearful and humbling occasion for sure!

 We dressed him in a little suit, because I think the tradition of putting babies in all white is BORING and dull.  Sorry.  But it's true.  Unless it's little girls and they can have these flowy dresses, white on little boys is bleh.

He was sooo good.  We took his binky up to make sure he wouldn't cry and he spit it out and was just content to sit there.  He was a champ!  Unfortunately, said binky went on the floor.  And bless some sisters heart, but she retrieved it only to pop it back in my sons mouth.  I shivered with disgust and said a quick prayer that she wiped it off before she did that.  Thoughts of microbials and germs washed over me and I wished she hadn't done that, but I know she was trying to be helpful.  (Yes, I'm THAT paranoid mother).  We had my dad, Claudy and my Grandpa Egbert in the circle.  Four generations of great men! I'd like to think my brother, and part of Carter's namesake was there as well watching over us.  Afterwards, there's a tradition of holding the baby up for the congregation to see.  I thought it was sweet, because Claudy let my father do it.  Carter was wide eyed and just gave his beautiful eyes to the audience.  You could hear a huge "aw".  While that happens with every baby--I'd like to think mine was more audible! :) 

His uncle Tyrone and cousin Parker were also able to attend and watch which we really appreciated.

I REALLY enjoyed going to church on Christmas and wish we would do it every year!  I'm seriously tempted to start attending Catholic mass on Christmas Eve.  It's wonderful to sing hymns and worship on the Savior's birthday.  It just made the day for me.  It was nice to get dressed up and turn our thoughts to the real reason instead of lounging in my pjs all day.

We only stayed for a few hymns and then left since we didn't want people touching or breathing on him cuz he's THAT irresistible.  While my church believes in having clean hands and a pure heart--I doubt the validity of the clean hands part during cold season! Of course he totally messed his pants a few minutes after taking him home, so just about everyone undressed while we were busy cleaning him up and feeding him.  He even managed to get it on his shoes.  Being a true St. Germain (Claudys birth last name) he wore sneakers with his suit.  Claudy and his brother are what you would call sneaker heads and collect copious amounts of sneakers.  Claudy was upset, and I'm sure as soon as Carter is old enough Claudy will be showing him how to take better care of his kicks! :) I was a little sad because I wanted us all dressed up for our pics, but that's OK.  As you'll see sprinkled throughout the post, we still obviously took pics and didn't let that stop everyone from having a turn with Carter for pics.  His fancy suit and good looks made up for everyone else :) And of course, the only family pic of us 3 was blurry.  Bummer!

We then opened up stockings from my parents.  I know my parents may have felt bad that we didn't have a ton to open this year, but it was seriously such a treat to have my family together and to have Carter blessed that day.  That was my gift.  I could have cared less!

Growing up we were blessed to always have Christmas with both sets of Grandparents.  Since my parents moved from Idaho about 8 years ago we haven't had that since.  Christmas with 4-5 people just isn't the same as with your extended family!  It was too much/too hard to drive to see each other I guess.  So, having my Grandparents there on Christmas was super special.  Especially because they were crying and ooh-ing and aw-ing over Carter like crazy.  It was such a special time to share that with them.  Carter is so loved! PS--sorry I'm saying special every other word--there's just not a better way to describe it :)

We had a nice Christmas dinner in which Claudy's adopted brother Tyrone was able to come to.  That was also a very nice addition that we haven't had before.  While we live in Utah with Tyrone, we hardly see each other due to our schedules.  It was great to have Claudy's side of the family participate in a holiday with us!  Since he only has two adopted brothers out here, and the rest of his family is on the East coast, I always feel bad that he doesn't get to spend the holidays with his side.

Afterwards, his other brother, Craig and his wife came and saw Carter as well and it was great to visit with them. Forgot to get pics with them :(

That's what the holidays are about!  It's not the ribbons and bows--but seeing those we love.  The day was so full and great.  Seeing so many people and spending time with our family made it such a special day.

Afterwards, me and Claudy stayed four extra days past Christmas.  It was so great to spend extra time with my parents, and be able to nap/have help with Carter.  Claudy actually works about 15 minutes from my parents house, and he picked up some extra early shifts, so it was nice that he didn't have as far of a commute from their house as well.

 My Grandma Sargent came down a few days later and got to see Carter for the first time as well.  It was nice to see her and spend time with her as well.  That completed seeing both sides of my family (for the most part) and hopefully we can see the Lavins this spring!

I was a little sad when it was time to come back to our apartment because it had just been so nice and relaxing.  

I am grateful for such a nice holiday, full of family, love...and the great food didn't hurt either :)  Guess I should stop eating like I'm pregnant!

I know the holidays will only get better as Carter gets older and understands it.  He already had the most presents--and he was just a month old :)  I look forward to many more spectacular holidays.