Knochel Christmas

This was an extra special Christmas with my family because all of the siblings and their families/spouses were able to be there for the first time! Molly and Ryan were in town for several days from New York and we all enjoyed having some quality time with them. We started our celebrations on Christmas Eve with a late lunch at Gramma and Grampas and many from my Dad's side of the family. Alot of my cousins were there, and it's always nice to spend time with them and my granparents, aunts and uncles.

Next we all headed to Pop and Moe's house so the kids could get some wiggles out before church. Levi, Joel, Nora and Asher performed "Oh What a Special Night" for us and it was adorable! After their show we all went to the candlelight Christmas Eve service at my parents church. Joel and Asher had fun hanging out in the nursery for the majority of the service and made an adorable baby Jesus in the manger that they were both VERY proud of. Joel might have yelled "Look at my baby Jesus!!!" when my Dad brought him in just before the candles were lit. It was a beautiful service, and I think we all enjoyed taking out some time to ponder what God did for us when he sent his son down to be with us as a human and grow into the man who would sacrifice his life for all of us. The lesson was good and the music, wonderful. I was especially touched snuggling Nathan while he slept through most of the service and looking down the pew to see my whole family (minus Dustin who had the flu! Bummer!) worshiping together. I am one blessed girl!

 

On Christmas day the boys surprised us by sleeping until 7:15am, what a treat! All their gifts were set out and ready and they were so excited to see all the fun new things they received. The favorites were the "boxing robots" they got in their stockings, Levi's lego table and Joel's kitchen. Nate also gave us a treat by sleeping until about 8:15am which allowed us to enjoy watching the older boys and help them play with their new toys. Philip and the boys tried out the new suction dart guns and robots while I made pigs n' a blanket and cranberry orange muffins, then we all enjoyed a yummy breakfast together.

 

After breakfast we loaded the car and made our way to Pop and Moe's house. Moe had made her usual delicious meal and we all filled ourselves to the brim with the yummy turkey, ham and sides. After the meal we shared gifts. Levi was super excited about his "real kee-tar" from Pop and Moe (he's been asking for one since before last Christmas) and Joel was thrilled with all of the great gifts they got. After gifts we enjoyed dessert and then took the kids to the park. What else would you do on Christmas, but feed a nutria? The kids loved watching the overgrown rats run around and swim in the creek. Unfortunately, Joel slipped on the bank and fell in getting quite muddy and wet. He did not enjoy his long cold walk home! When we got back to the house the boys hopped in a warm bath and changed into their pjs. Left overs were set out and we all snacked while watching Elf and relaxing. It was a great day!

we were super successful at getting a picture of all the cousins ;)

 

The Saturday after Christmas we had one last festive day before Molly and Ryan left town. We all enjoyed dinner at Celebration followed by a chilly, but fun night walking around the Dallas Arboretum and looking at their 12 days of Christmas displays. I can't wait until Molly and Ryan move here in the summer and we can all get together more often! Merry Christmas and a Happy 2015 to everyone!

Ryan had these 3 pulling him along all night!

The WHOLE family! :)

Boyer Christmas

We celebrated Christmas with Philip's side of the family on the Sunday before Christmas. It was a great day and we all had a nice time sharing a tasty BBQ meal, watching the kids open gifts and play. Nathan was very popular and got lots of snuggles, especially from his cousin Kynlee and Nana D. We shared quite the dessert spread with several home made treats from Aunt Tamara as well as a lovely cake Levi and Joel helped me make.  After we all were filled to the brim, some of the adults napped while the cousins had a blast playing with their new toys and taking a swim in the hot tub. Papa and Nana D had a photographer there to get some candids as well as family pictures. I will update this post with some of those pictures once I get them. For now here are a few cell phone pictures of our fun day!

Levi and Joel's 'Tree Cake'

"Dear Santa, My Brother Did It!"

2 months with Nathan

Our sweet Nathan (aka Nate, Natey, Nater, Nath, Natey Matey...) is 2 months old! He is such a happy little guy, and we all love him so much! This month he has learned alot and is starting to leave his newborn phase behind (tear). Having three kids has been an adjustment, but Nathan has made it easier on us. Honestly, moving and starting school for Levi and Joel have been harder adjustments than adding Nate to the family.

He recently had his 2 month check up and was diagnosed with reflux. I wasn't surprised, he spits up ounces at a time, gags when layed flat, makes random pained cries and expressions after feeds, can be heard gurgling then swallowing, and has had a lovely regression in sleeping and is up often at night. I knew these were all symptoms of infant reflux. Since his weight gain slowed down quite a bit we have started him on a very low dose of Zantac to help with the reflux. Hopefully this will decrease his pain and he will be able to tolerate larger feeds. He did grow 2 inches in length, so the doctor wasn't overly concerned about his slow down in weight gain.  Otherwise, he is doing great and meeting his milestones. 

New Skills:
-Smiles
-Coos responsively (Levi and Joel love this)
-Rolls from his tummy to back
-Lifts his head, neck and shoulders during tummy time
-Holds his head up well
-Hits toys on his bouncer and play mat

Stats:
24 inches long (86%)
11 pounds,  9 ounces (26%)

 

rolling action shot

 

 

Despite his reflux Nathan is a very calm, easy going baby. He plays happily on his play mat, rides in the ergo (outgrew the sling) and tolerates his dad's crazy tricks. He loves lights, fans and music/being sung to. Nate is a perfect addition to our family, watching him grow and learn while interacting with his brothers is a joy!

December Happenings

We have had a fun, busy and exhausting month! Thank goodness there is a camera on my phone, otherwise I'd have hardly any pictures of all the fun. 

Here is our month in pictures.

lots of snuggling this sweet baby

Joel was precious singing at his Christmas program at school

Pop and Moe were able to come watch!

...and this was the best family picture we could manage afterwards.

I stole some snuggles and naps with my favorite baby while brothers were at school

Levi blew lots of kisses and gave me lots of I love you signs at school drop off

Nathan mastered the art of smiling. SO CUTE!

He also discovered his love for the play mat...

but not if  you leave him on there for too long. (he makes the cutest frowns!)

I bought Levi and Joel their own tree and they had fun setting it up

Moe came for a visit and we had a picnic and fed the ducks. Such a nice afternoon!

lots of early morning snuggles for this little love

Levi & Joel found a lizard in the playroom...

and put him into shock by passing him around. poor guy!

we visited a petting zoo at a local church's Christmas Festival

Joel was really good at holding the chickens.

Levi and Nathan having a Christmas moment :)

seriously?!

finally got the tree up and decorated 10 days before Christmas

Joel played chef and helped me make rice krispie treats for Levi's party

I was able to volunteer in Levi's class for the first time and had a blast helping!