January 4, 2010

December Updates

The last 4 months have just flown by...my sweet son is not an infant anymore:( He got so BIG so fast, and it's hard to remember when he was first born. I get so caught up in the moment of what they are doing that day, that I fail to recall what they were doing days or weeks before. I wish I could capture their little images in my mind and go back and see them whenever I wanted. All we have are our memories, so thank goodness the Lord allows us to take those kinds of things with us when we leave this world. It makes me sad, but at the same time he is getting so fun and his development is so important. He had his 4 month check-up and is in the 95% in everything. He weighs almost 18 lbs! His grandpa Cook got him this camouflage outfit for Christmas. I'm pretty sure grandpa Cook is hoping that Kamden will follow in his footsteps someday. I'm sure my dad is looking on and thinking the same thing, too. That love for hunting is running through his veins.

Jaida had been being so quiet in a room at my mom's house during Christmas, and I almost forgot she was in there. I went in, and she had taken all her clothes off (her new favorite thing to do!) and was taking pictures with my camera. I had to take a picture of this little stinker. She is learning so much right now and really testing her boundaries. I love her little personality!

My amazing mother made everyone in the family matching jammies this year. From left to right: Caleb (Brennan's), Kamden, Chase, Marriner (both Brooke's), Cannon (Brennan's).

Left to right: Halli (Brennan's), Jaida, Hattie (Ryan's), Sadie (Brooke's), Gretchen (Tara's), Abby, Aisha (both Brittnee's), Aspen (Brennan's).

The gorgeous ladies of the family (back left): Melissa, Heather, Lynette (Mom), Tara, Brooke, Mary, Devanee, me, and Brittnee. Nicole and her family weren't able to be there, and we missed them terribly.
The handsome men (back left): Dayne, Nathan, Greg, Garret, Brock, Ryan, Brennan, and Todd (Dad). Adam had to go to work so he is not in the picture.


Gretchen and Kamden in their Christmas colors!



So precious!



She was so excited about this stick horse from Santa!
We had Christmas with Garret's parents on the Wednesday before Christmas. They flew out to Iowa to be with Garret's brother Matt and his family for Christmas. Jim and Amy, thanks for making a special effort to spend some time with us before you left. You spoiled us!
Just lounging around...

We gave Jaida a new toddler bed for Christmas, and she absolutely loves it. She jumped on it for an hour after I set it up. It makes her seem so grown up. Luckily she stays in it at night...most of the time.
A shot of the tree.
In his Sunday best!


I love this picture because you can see his arms and legs just a kickin'
Jaida loves to draw and color. She gets her chair set up just right so she can reach the coffee table. This picture is unique because the crayons are actually still in the box. She has usually dumped them out by now. Maybe she's learning to listen to me!



Check out the position of her hands. I don't think we've ever taught her where to put her fingers. She's very observant and watches Garret's every move when he plays.
Kamden's still a little young for this, but it was fun to wedge him in there for a few minutes.

His "tie" onesie. Thanks, Kami! Soooo cute!






Matching blankies. I love these two little angels so much. I'm so grateful to be their mother!

7 comments:

Heather Williams said...

Loved this post Natalie! It was so fun to get to see you guys at Christmas, it was too short though. Your kids are adorable and SO loved. You do such a great job, your patient and calm. Garret is such a good dad too. I loved how Jaida had her little hands placed on the guitar, maybe she'll play someday, I hope Hattie will want to. I'm so sorry to hear that Jaida had to be taken to the E.R. I hope all is a lot better now.

Take care Nat and have a great beginning to a new year!

love you, heath

The Cooks said...

Oh my goodness, they have both changed so much. We were so sad not to see you guys at Christmas. We miss you all!
Jamie

Dean Family said...

Oh Nat!
I can barely see the screen to type because the tears are pouring down my cheeks! I love you so much and everything you stand for. You have a sweet little family (of your very own) that will change your life forever! Your blog makes me so homesick and I can't believe I am missing all the "Chub" of Kamden and "Beautiful World" of Jaida. However, I am so grateful for blogs and cell phones and most of all "Pickles"! I love the toddler bed and blanket, guitar, Christmas Tree, and sweet, sweet kiddos.
p.s. Don't be a stranger...I sure won't!

Brittnee said...

Thanks for the pictures, Nat! I love your little ones so much, especially when little Kam is in Camo and Jaida calls me mommy Britty! It melts my heart! Sorry about New Years Eve, I hope she's feeling better. You are such a good Mom and have taught me so much, I love you sis!

Britt

Love Jaida's bed and quilt!

Richelle said...

What a fun Christmas with SO many kids! I love the matching PJs. Your mom is awesome. I can see my mom copying her next year-we are all supposed to be there. Your kids are so cute!

The Richards Family said...

Natalie what cute pictures! Your kids really got lucky in the luscious lips department....so cute. I can't believe she has a big girl bed, perfect timing cuz she can get out now! Kamdens chubby legs are to die for. I love the picture of him lounging in the little chair. I miss you guys even though it's only been 2 weeks. I'll see you when Britt has the babe!

Kami P. said...

OKay, now I'm baby hungry for a little man chub like yours. Sooooo adorable. And how handsome in that twie onsie. Very cute. :) I'm slacking big time on keeping up with blogging so I hope you still get this message even though it's been a while since you posted it.
Love you Nat.
-Kami