My Christmas Post..a little late

I remember coming home on Christmas eve last year with my two day old son and sitting under the Christmas tree in awe that I was holding MY child. I couldn't help but think about Mary, mother of Jesus, a lot. So long ago she was doing something so similar to me and holding her baby boy...probably not in front of a tree decorated with ornaments and lights.

 When Gideon was only a couple days old he was put in the hospital with severe jaundice and possible brain damage because of such high levels of bilirubin in his blood. As a hormonal, women who just gave birth, and a new mom I was scared to death of even the thought of losing my son. I was struck again by Mary. She sat and held her newborn son, filled with joy and excitement, just like me..but oh what was to come. Her son would be killed an awful and unjust death for the lives of so many undeserving people. Wow, how heart-wrenching. Especially for a parent and a new one at that.

As I sat there holding my sick newborn son and thinking about these things, I was filled with thankfulness. One, for my son's life right now. That he can be treated and should recover fully. That he's alive. And that he's been gifted to me.

Two, for Mary. For the lessons I can learn from her on motherhood and suffering.

And three, Jesus. He came to die. He came for the purpose of dying. What?! My mind is boggled. The reason for his life was me? How can that be? What have I done? What can I do? I'm struck. Struck my true, self sacrificing, perfect love. His Father created him, sent him to earth, and for the purpose of him dying a cruel death so that I can live. Forever. With Him.

So this Christmas season, I held my son (and the baby in my womb) close. I thanked the Lord again for Jesus, His life and His death. And I was again struck by the true love of Jesus and gratefulness for my children and their lives.

Christmas Travels: Charleston

After spending almost two weeks in Alabama, Gideon and I headed "north" to Charleston. (Adam met us in Baltimore on a layover.)

Ah, the south.  Southern accents, sweet greetings, and warm weather. I think we ate enough sausage gravy and biscuits to last us all year long..though the hubs may disagree saying that isn't even possible. :)

It was my first Christmas with Adam's side of the family. It was a lot of fun to get to spend more time with them and get to know them a bit more. Adam and I have been together for almost five years but we've always lived a distant away from family making it hard to hang out with them often. This was Gideon's first time meeting most of them!

While we were there we again celebrated Gideon's birthday, this time on the 22nd. It was so fun to let him meet more of his cousins, aunts, and uncles. We had a small party with family and some friends...and yummy food of course.

Gideon loved playing with his cousin, Abigayle!
They were born only three days apart!

 Then it was Christmas. I think Christmas is so much more special with children. It doesn't take a lot and they are just full of joy.

Gideon helping Grandma and Pop-pop open their gifts. 

Christmas Travels: Alabama

I haven't been able to post for a while because Gideon and I were out of town (with little internet access) for almost the entire month of December. We enjoyed time with both sides of our family. At the beginning of December we visited my side, surprising my mom and spending two weeks with them at their new house in Alabama. Then heading to Charleston for Christmas with Adam's family.

Uncle J and the Birthday Boy

While in Alabama we had a little celebration for Gideon's first birthday with my parents, brother, and cousins! It was so fun to celebrate with them. And to meet some of my young cousins (well, I guess second cousins) for the first time.

My mom always throws the best parties!

We also got some good quality time with my parents!

Fun times with Pawpaw! 

Lots of love from Grammy!

Playing with Great-Grandpa

The Christmas Parade in Ozark is quite a big deal for the town. It was so fun to be in a small southern town again. Everyone knows everyone! Two of my cousins were in the parade, too! 

Kenadee (the one showing a little sass :)) cheering her heart out!

Charles riding with his motorcycle club.

Side note. There's little that warms my heart more than seeing a little girl melt when they catch sight of their daddy. Charles has FIVE little girls that are googly eyed for only him! As soon as they heard his motorcycle coming they started screaming! And didn't stop until he was out of sight! "DADDDDY! THERE'S DADDDDDDYY! AHHHH" It was adorable. I could hardly even take photos.

Four Generations! 

Well, that will be if for now. More to follow about our time in Charleston soon!