Christmas in Madison

We had zero expectations for what Christmas would hold for our family this year. It all really was up to Emma. So, we planned to try and go to my parents to eat lunch and hopefully open presents. We ended up staying all day because things went really well (with exception to several meltdowns by the big kids. We were all exhausted!) I am so glad though for the special time with my family....meltdowns and all.

EK absolutely loved getting to play with Jordan and Ross while we were gone. They were so sweet to her and played and played all sorts of fun things with her.

Little Bit was a little doll. I still can't believe she is here!

Mom cooked a yummy brunch (which we ate after noon bc it took my crew forever to get over there and we were late. It's hard work getting 3 kids dressed and out the door!)

I love seeing my kids play together. Ella Kate is so mothering and precious to Emma.

Sweet girls. Emma has started taking a few steps and it is adorable. Haley has now been responsible for helping all 3 of my kids take their first steps. She's like the baby whisperer.

I do love some matching smocks!

Walker was excited for gifts but bless his heart, he fell asleep about halfway through the process.

Emma figured things out quickly too.

Love her.

Tools and fireman boots....he is such a little boy!

Opening gifts was tiring for Emma too. She cashed out midway through as well.

Jo and Ross gave EK this magic sand stuff. It is awesome. Super fun to play with but doesn't make a mess....perfection.

Walker got a remote control fire truck and had a big time driving it around the house.

Emma's first day home was tough for Walker.  He didn't like that I couldn't hold him when he wanted and it was so sad to see him upset. I can only imagine it being so confusing for him and I know it is hard to share the attention. But, there were moments of pure sweetness and everyday since, he is getting more and more comfortable with things. He constantly says "I wub her!" And I think he really does. It is a big change for everyone and I know it will take time for us all to find our new normal.

Pretty amazing that just 2 weeks ago, she couldn't stand on her own at all.

So thankful.

These two. Best buddies.

We had a great day celebrating together. 

We had a lovely day together. Emma is attaching beautifully and we are really looking to her to guide what we can and can not do. Now that Christmas is over, we will be keeping a pretty low profile for the next little bit as we continue to learn each other but we can't wait to be back to our normal activities. We are excited for you to meet our sweet baby girl!

While We Were Away

The kids sure did play!!!! My big kids had the best time with each set of grandparents. They filled their 2 weeks with lots and lots of fun activities.

EK had pajama day at school.  She also got to stay in the afternoons for After School Care with mom.  She said she really liked everything except  the nap part.

EK's dance class had a Christmas party. I'm not sure if you can see them, but check out those classy fake fingernails she is sporting in the picture below.  Be jealous.

Walker went to the MSU game with the Sykes family one night where he found Santa. For a kid that freaked out just a couple of weeks ago when it was picture time, he sure seems quite cozy now. 

My mom's whole family was in town for Papaw's funeral, so they all got to visit at the hotel for a bit. Ella Kate was soaking up all the undivided attention no doubt. 

Speaking of attention....Walker enjoyed all that he got too.

Jordan and Ross gave the kids this awesome climbing dome for our backyard.  We can't wait for the weather to dry up and warm up so we can get some play time in on our new toy.  

EK did some crafting.

Walker did some mowing.

Haley and Robert took EK to see a lights display. She loved it!

We got to FaceTime with EK each day but felt like it would be too hard for Walker to see us.  It was awesome for EK and Emma to see each other and my heart melted a little each time Emma would smile at her big sister. 

It was great to get pictures from school too.  EK's class had an elf that left them kindness challenges each day. On this day, they made something for the mailman. So sweet.

Walker got to visit with lots of Columbus friends and loved every minute of it. 

Before we got home on Christmas Eve, EK went to FBCJ with my parents. After church, the whole welcoming crew went to Waffle House and then sprinkled reindeer food in our yard.

Our crew decorated our house to welcome Emma home. It was perfect! 

After Walker made it back to Jackson, J's grandmother became very ill. She is in the hospital now waiting to go home to Jesus. She is 95 and has had such a full life, but it doesn't make things any easier. Please say a prayer for Ms Mary Anna and the rest of the family during this difficult time. I just love this picture of Walker and Meemaw. He loved going to visit her at Trinity and helping to take care of her.

As for life around our house these days...all 5 of us are on antibiotics right now, so hopefully the sickness will clear up in all of us and we will get back on track. Emma is doing well. Jet lag has been a booger but I'm thankful that she seems comfortable and happy in our house. She is warming up to the kids beautifully and every day she gets more and more relaxed with them. Currently all 3 of my kids have been in their beds asleep for an hour (can I get an amen?), so I am not far behind them. I still have more to blog about including our Christmas Day in Madison, but it will have to wait until tomorrow. Sleep calls! 

Christmas Morning

After such a late night on Christmas Eve, the 9 am wake up call by Ella Kate was super nice as opposed to her usual 6:30.

She asked for a doll carrier for her American Girl dolls and a new bike. She was tickled to see both.

Walker asked for a bike too. A big thanks to Robert for being Santa's elf and putting the bikes together while we were gone! Walker's a big fan of the bell. I'm sure we will be trying to disassemble that lovely bell before long!

Walker tells everyone he is a doctor, so a doctor set was a must. We have all had quite a few shots in the last couple of days.

We opened several presents from some sweet friends and family too. The kids were pumped!

Emma just took in all the craziness.

I can't even believe that all my babies are finally together.  Absolutely amazing!