Christmas 2011

Family PhotosA couple of nights before Christmas, we made a surprise visit to Aunt Jami and Uncle Lynn's house and asked her to snap pictures of us for our Christmas card. They were very accommodating, and as usual Aunt Jami worked her magic with us. I think we provided a little entertainment for their family as we tried to get posed--the expression on Caleb's face seemed to show up in many of the pictures. There's always one kid--this must've been his year.

Our family's favorite Christmas Gift.

Christmas Programs

Santa Claus paid a visit to Chloe's pre-school program.

He came around the corner during the kid's song performance. They were definitely surprised.

Christmas Eve

We carried on the tradition of opening jammies on Christmas Eve.

Caleb continued to tap into his arsenal of funny facial expressions.

Chloe's face says how much she loves her Christmas Eve jammies.

The big boys in their t-shirt and sports shorts jammies.

Even though Caleb is a big boy, he was willing to be matching with Chloe and Cash in his jammies.

Christmas Day
Chloe loved her new make-up kit and spent most of the day applying layers of barbie glam to her face, and eventually to mine.

A little Cash-- just in time for Christmas

CASH WILLIAM IS HERE!

This shot is just minutes after his 4:30 pm delivery on December 9th. He weighed in at 8 lbs 15 oz, and was 19 1/2" long.

Cash and Mom are visited by his happy siblings.

There is no doubt he is a cherished little brother.

Daddy loves the new little man.

Chloe says, " I love this baby. I just love this baby so much I can't stand it."

Caleb's first words each day after school are, "Can I hold Cash?"

Who knew Corbin was such a cuddler?

Chase loves having a new brother.

Carter loves to relax after basketball practice with a sleeping little brother on his chest.

The Christensen basketball team, head coach, and cheerleader.

Ready to Labor

It's almost 2:30 in the morning and I cannot sleep. I just can't get comfortable and I desperately would like to go into labor. Chloe has had pneumonia and we have been homebound treating her and helping her get better. Prior to that, Caleb had strep throat, so we were home comforting him, delivering his antibiotics and waiting for them to take effect. To say I have developed cabin fever is an understatement. Finally today (yesterday), Chloe seemed well enough to take out so the 2 of us headed to the tri-cities to walk, eat something spicy, and do a little Christmas shopping. So now I am wide awake, not in labor, and so uncomfortable with super swollen feet and ankles. Please come soon little one.

Being stuck at home has had a few advantages. I have been going through major nesting instincts and have been sewing, cleaning, and trying to get things set up. I made this carseat canopy, a nursing cover, and some things for my cousin Janie who is expecting soon. Maybe this is a little girly, but hopefully the colors and plaid lining will make it okay for a boy.
Here is the quilt that my friend Brooke made with the fabrics I selected. Since this baby boy and Chloe will be sharing a room, I decided to stick with all black and white textiles played off of silver-sage walls. We got burglarized a few weeks back, and one of my biggest fears was that they stole this quilt and the new bumper pad and crib skirt I had just ordered. Luckily they were spared. I guess these particular burglars were just looking for electronics.
Chloe and I bought some of the pre-made gingerbread house kits at Costco today. She and Caleb had a blast decorating them tonight.
If you haven't purchased one of these kits, I highly recommend them.
Carter and Chase have started high school basketball. Carter splits his time equally between the Varsity and JV. Chase is on the Freshman team. Unfortunately, I missed the games, due to the little sicklies at home, but Larry kept me in the loop via text. Carter scored a 3 point buzzer beater right as the clock ran down into halftime. Pretty exciting.

Well, keep your fingers crossed for me that the next post I do is announcing that the baby has arrived!