Happy Christmas

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas.  The four of us spent the holiday together at home.  It's nice though, because we got to chit chat with my family in Hawaii via Skype and we also got to have a mini-holiday with Grandmere and my brother-in-law, Brent, and his kids in West Virginia.  We took a 14 hour road trip there at the beginning of the week.  It was nice, though we wish we could have stayed longer.  My mother-in-law will be spending the New Year's with us and bringing gifts for the kids along with her...that'll make our 3rd Christmas!  Hehe.  Who could be so lucky.  : )

Rieley, Taytum and I all got to experience our first blizzard the day after Christmas, too!  It was pretty cool, but it didn't stop me from going After-Christmas shopping.  Even in the 40-60 mph winds and crazy snow falling in all different directions.  It was quite the adventure. 

Anyway...here are some pics from our trip to Boston with my family.  Haven't uploaded the Christmas pics yet.  I know, I know.  I'm a little behind, but I always catch up!  ; ) 

Enjoy and a Happy, Prosperous New Year to all (or any of) my readers!
Stephanie & 'Ohana

Taytum's 1st Thanksgiving.

Meeting Grandpa & Grandma for the 1st time and having his 1st bottle.  Rieley was Grandpa's helper with the lights.

Downtown Groton - National Submarine Memorial for WWII

On the street in front of a pasta shop & Fort Griswold.

Our roadtrip to Boston, Mass.  America runs on Dunkin'.

Passing Providence, RI.  Taytum at 1 month old.  Rieley being her typical diva self in the hotel room.

Bunker Hill Monument where American and British soldiers fought on 6/17/1775. This was the first major battle of the American Revolution. Unfortunately, Americans lost.

The beginning (or end depending on what POV you take) of the 2.5mi Freedom Trail along which many historic sites and monuments stand.  The bridge adjacent to the TD Garden where the Boston Celtics play.

A theater in Downtown Boston. I love Cathedrals - this one was in Little Italy. And of course, Fenway Park.

The river running through Mystic, CT.  My favorite town in Connecticut so far.  The top is freezing over.

Mom and Rieley playing in the snow on my parents' last night here.  Rieley caught several snowflakes in her hair and they both tried to catch some on their tongues.  Two little children having fun!

Ants In My Pants

Alright...you'd think that I would have created a post sooner than this considering that I've been home with baby, but as you would expect, I have been extremely exhausted with the middle of the night feedings and such.  Little man makes 4 weeks old tomorrow.  I cannot believe how quickly time has gone by since he's arrived.  Babies grow so quickly and bring so much joy to the world.  Baby Taytum is already beginning to outgrow his bassinet and we've already had to set aside those newborn clothes people have given us.  Those cheeks have filled in and the rolls are beginning to emerge.  My parents are here visiting from Hawaii now and no...they didn't bring the warmth with them...in fact we're expecting snow tonight and tomorrow and they are looking forward to it - it will be my mom's first real experience with the white powdery substance.  My mom is also famous for trying new things with baby...she's already tried her first hand at giving Taytum a bottle.  He took to it quite well.  We will also be taking Bubby on his very first road trip 2 hours away to Boston, Mass to visit Daddy who is there for a training course his new position sent him to.  This is his first time away from the Baby ever and away from Rieley and me in months.  So we're all looking forward to meeting him out there.  But before that, I am so very excited to head to the mall to try to finish some Christmas shopping tomorrow after being stuck in this house for 4 weeks. 

On another note, the holiday season is officially here.  Thanksgiving is over and I'm proud to say that I don't think I gained too much weight.  Funny thing, though...our turkey was bigger than little man.  And thank goodness for that because I wouldn't have wanted to push out a 15lb bird.  As of Black Friday, we picked up a Christmas tree and decorated it.  The weather has dropped pretty significantly.  And the lights are on outside.  Most of the gifts have been shopped for and Christmas cards have been ordered.  Most of all, I'm looking forward to our first Christmas as a family of four.  Will post pictures of the holiday festivities very soon.  Just wanted to touch base in case you thought I fell off the face of the Earth. 

Take great care and Happy Holidays!!
Stephanie