Very, Very Merry

I left off a few days ago, I think. If only I could type one-handed, this blog would be constantly updated. I suppose I could type one-handed, but it's so inefficient it practically kills me. 

Well, here are a couple pictures of Baby Graham from our day at Babymoon for the post-partum party. He slept almost the entire time, until it was our turn for pictures, then he decided he was hungry. Stinker. In the end, we spent 4 1/2 hours at the Inn. We talked to the other new moms (and dads) in the group for a long time, had our individual meetings to discuss breastfeeding, and, of course, the pictures. The place is so stocked with snacks and goodies, it's so difficult to leave. Then, since Graham takes forever and a day to nurse, we hung out until he was good and full for our drive home. We were out so long that we were able to pick up Gavin at Dawn's and introduce her to G2. It was a good day. Especially considering that I didn't venture far from home for the following few days.

Where are my dentures?

Playing in the baby equipment again.

Sweet Christmas boy.

Christmas Eve dinner was held at our house. Don't be impressed with me pulling together a dinner with a 9-day-old baby. Since I love doing Christmas Eve at our house, my parents helped out and cooked and carved a turkey and brought it over with all the fixins. I just did a corn casserole and pumpkin pies. The cousins played and do what little boys do, and it was a really nice family time.

Our basketball team of boys.

Afterward, my parents hung out for a little while, and Dylan and G had too much fun with a string of lights. G's obsession with his gingerbread house, or "ginger house" as he calls it, has not died. We decorated the ginger house with lights...and then we decorated Dylan and Gavin. Dylan always comes up with creative and impromptu fun. It was so awesome.

Love this sweet face.

Getting more alert.

Opening just one gift with cousins.

Later that night, we were surprised with Christmas carolers!

On Christmas morning, both boys decided to take an extra long snooze, so D and I got up and got our pancakes on the griddle. Dylan remarked that this is the last time we will be the first ones awake on Christmas morning for about 15 years. So true. Gavin was excited for Christmas this year, but I think he'll really get it next year and wake us up at 5am, like we all remember doing as kids.

My happy guy. Love him.

It appears as though Santa indeed was here and had a bite of cookie.

Opening stockings.

PAW Patrol decals from Dawn. He's stoked!

Golf clubs. Following in his dad's footsteps.

The hit of Christmas...a Bruder "steamroller."

My two boys. Hoping for a better picture with them when I'm not so puffy and pajama clad.

As long as the udders stayed close by, this guy was happy all morning.

Dylan's turn for presents.

Wheelbarrow from Nonna and Papa, for the guy who loves to push and pull things...and redistribute gravel.

Building his new car with Papa.

We didn't get around to buying this guy anything for Christmas, but my parents and his Oregon family stepped in for us.

This beanbag was intended as a photo prop, but it has become G2's favorite place to nap.

Nonna brought lots of gifts!

After gift opening, we got our monkey bread in the oven and walked across the street for more gifts with cousins. Dylan said, "Two weeks ago, I would have never imagined Christmas going this smoothly." Same here. We snacked and played, and a couple hours later we headed back to FaceTime with the Millers for even more gifts. It was so awesome. We are thinking of putting away some of the toys to take out later as if they were brand new. All the stuff is so awesome, but so overwhelming! Gavin should stay sufficiently entertained for a long time.

After FaceTime, it was back across the street for dinner and cookies! G2 hadn't fallen asleep until 1am the night before. Having not had a complete night of sleep in a long time, and after a particularly bad night with the baby and a long, although happy day, the exhaustion and hormones caught up with me, and we came home early.

Dylan left on a trip for a couple of days, and luckily my mom stepped up to help out with Gavin. I felt so sad shipping him off. Like I am unable to take care of him anymore. I almost didn't do it. But then I came to my senses and realized that since the help is there, I may as well accept it. And thank goodness I did. The last two days have gone 500% smoother since I only have G2 on my hands. It makes me wonder what I thought was so difficult about having a newborn the first time around. (Except the lack of sleep. That sucks just as much as the first time.) We hit Target then went to my parents' house to play with Gavin yesterday. It was another rough night around here, but with just the two of us at home, Graham and I slept till 8:30. Gavin will come home this afternoon, and shortly after he goes to bed, I will be welcoming Dylan home for like 9 hours before he leaves again, and his parents will be with him, too! It should be a fun week!