366.

This is the end of the year.

The end of Project 365 (which actually ended up with 366 photos because 2012 was a leap year).

The end of being a family of 3, and the beginning of being a family of 4.

I am shocked and impressed with myself for keeping this resolution.  I do believe it's probably the first New Year's resolution I have ever seen completely through.  There were times I felt like stopping, times when it was more of a chore than an enjoyment, but as I look back through the photos and blog entries I realize I have created a wonderful keepsake for our family.  For the year 2012 we will not only remember the milestone moments, but the every day life in between. 

It was a very good year and I pray for an even better 2013.  Cheers!     

365.

The out-of-staters!

Due to Baby L's arrival falling so near Christmas, most of our local friends were out of town/state, but on the bright side we had dear friends who were in Georgia for the same reason.

Krista came from Missouri

The Craft family came from Oklahoma

Randy came from Colorado

364.

We had a follow-up doctor's appointment this morning.  Baby L has dropped 7% of her body weight and now weighs 5lbs. 8oz.  Her vitals are great, her coloring good, and she is a champion nurser!
We are really enjoying having Baby L home with us.  Watching Big Brother J show interest in her is heart-melting for Daddy and I.  Local friends have been bringing over meals and we are getting as much sleep as living with 2 very young kids will allow.  Being a family of 4 sure feels nice.


Doggie side-note...
Our pups were ultra-curious 2 years ago when we brought J home from the hospital, but with this baby they have hardly noticed the change. 
I'm guessing they are thinking, "here we go again".      

363.

Yesterday was such a whirlwind day.  Baby L being born first thing in the morning and then a steady stream of visitors coming to welcome her into the world.  Not to mention the nursing and changing and cuddles and photos.  I feel tired just writing about it.
Today was the relaxing day that Mommy, Daddy, and Baby L needed.  We spent the day alone in the hospital resting and eating and most importantly getting to know our daughter.  Towards the end of the day both mommy and baby were discharged and grateful to get to go home and sleep in our own beds.   

362. Baby L

At 2:48am today we welcomed the newest member of our family... Baby L!  Her delivery was much better than what I experienced with Big J.  I credit my wonderful nurse Cheryl.  After some medication complications that took a few hours to straighten out and a complete removal and replacing of the epidural, I finally found some relief and was able to relax enough to allow my body to progress in the labor process without the aid of any induction medication.  An answer to prayer!

Baby L was born on December 27th which is the same day of birth as MM's great-grandma Jean (whom passed away a little more than a year ago).  We had been hoping for her to be born on this day, as a sweet tribute to a special lady.  Coincidentally, she was not delivered by my obgyn, but a doctor named Dr. Jeffries.  Grandma Jean's maiden name was Jeffries.
A beautiful reminder that I shouldn't be anxious for anything, for God is in control.     

361.

Giving baby sister moochies before our final appointment.

The day after Christmas is usually spent relaxing in pajamas enjoying all the new toys and gifts opened the day before.  This year was quite different for us. 
I had my final obgyn appointment scheduled in the afternoon with the intention of having a foley induction started.  To our surprise (and my relief) my doctor informed us that I was already dilated to nearly 3cm and was having mild contractions.  She sent us straight from her office to the hospital.  I was attempted into Trinity Hospital... gown, IV, paperwork, etc.  My water was broken and quickly real labor began. 
Papaw and Gigi brought Baby J up for a quick visit before the labor became too intense.  We told him in the morning he was going to get to meet baby sister.  I think he was pretty confused. 
Now it was time for MM to keep me calm and for me to endure...

360. Christmas!

I am a sentimental sap who loves traditions.  And I think we may have just started a new one in the Jordan household.  Daddy dressed up like Santa and came into J's room this morning with his first gift of the day.

The rest of the morning was a whirlwind of joy and fun.
Munching blueberry muffins and sipping Christmas blend coffee.
Giving and receiving gifts.
Watching J's excitement as he opened all his packages.
Skyping with our Oklahoma family.

I am beyond blessed.

359.

Sporting his new Christmas Eve pajamas... ready for Santa to come stuff his stocking! 

It has been a perfect Christmas Eve.  Last minute holiday preparations and some quality family fun with Baby J is how we spent the majority of the day.  This evening Papaw The Great & Gigi arrived from Florida.  

We attended Quest's candlelight service.  Christmas Eve candlelight service is one of my favorite traditions... focusing on the amazing gift of Christ while surround by beautiful candlelight glow and signing traditional Christmas hymns.   

After stopping to watch a light show on the way, MM and I prepared an Italian dinner of avocado pesto pasta, roasted tomatoes, french bread, and olive oil and herb dipping sauce for dinner.  

Baby J opened his annual Christmas Eve pajama package and once he was snuggled in bed with visions of sugarplums dancing in his head we kicked back and watched 'It's a Wonderful Life'.  It was the first time any of us had seen it, hard to believe considering it's such a classic.  

"Every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings."

The most fun of the whole day happened just before midnight when MM and I played Santa, digging out all the presents that have been wrapped and hidden and stuffed the stockings.  I am so giddy with anticipation that I am unsure how will be able to sleep.    So until tomorrow...

Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Night!

358.

Last hooray of only-childhood! 

357.

After multiple attempts we were finally able to convince Baby J to take a photo with Santa. 
He would only partake in this activity if joined by his parents. 
So I present... Jordan family photo featuring Santa Claus! 

Also, post photo we realized that his suspenders may have been a little tight.  He's still a cutie!!

356.

Today's cold and blustery weather gave me the perfect opportunity to try making Taco Soup.  It's hearty, spicy, and delicious.  It made such a big pot that we will have leftovers for the next day or 2 and plenty to freeze for future quick-meal access.  Mmmm-mmmm.     

355. cookiefest

We wanted one last girl get-together before 3 of us leave town for the holidays and 1 of us gives birth to a daughter.  We squeezed in an afternoon together, managing to time our fun with Baby J's nap.  We also did our good deed for the day, baking dozens upon dozens upon dozens of cookies that will be delivered to soldiers at Fort Gordon on Christmas Day. 

 

354.

Feeding the ducks (and loving it!) during a morning play-date.  

It is such a blessing to have a Momma friend who's company I thoroughly enjoy.  

The kids get to play, we get to have adult conversation.  Win-win!!  

353.

Visiting the doctor for my 38th week check-up.
Because Baby J came so early, I am mentally a week overdue with Jellybean.  That means I'm currently on an emotional roller-coaster!  With every twinge of discomfort or change I get anxious for delivery.  Currently she is snug and cozy and not giving us any indication of wanting to join the outside world, but that could all change within a matter of hours- or days- or weeks.   

352.

For our last community group meeting of 2012 we baked a cake. 

Baby J was our official batter taster, giving his seal of approval by asking for, "more, more, more". 

351.

He always requests 2 spoons when eating.  And uses both.  

This is one of the reasons we can't figure out which hand is his dominate hand. 

350.

LIGHTS OF THE SOUTH

 

Outside Augusta there is a holiday attraction called Lights of the South.  It boosts more than 5 million Christmas lights over 100 acres.  You can walk the lighted trail or catch a hayride.  You can also visit Santa, sip hot cocoa and roast marshmallows in a fire-pit.

Last year MM and I joined a big group of friends for an adults night out.  This year we made it a family affair, taking Baby J.  Our good friends [the Johnson family] joined us.  Baby J is fond of their daughter and the two play well together.  

Here they are pictured being the cutest of friends. 

349. lots-o-lights

We took Baby J out to see Christmas lights tonight.

There is a family who has timed their light display to music.  Once our radio was tuned to the correct station we were able watch the musical light show.
Afterward we stopped for ice cream.  Baby J went to bed 2 hours late, but it was worth it.  We had a really fun evening making Christmas memories.   

348.

Strongly debating whether or not to break the, "look, but don't touch" rule. 

347.

He found himself another reading spot...

346.

The best part about Daddy's Emergency Dept's Christmas Party?
Playing football in the MRI hallway.

Thanks to MM for getting me a photo.  This makes the 2nd Christmas party I have had to miss.

345.

What a long, tiring, sickly day.  My illness over the weekend has progressively worsened sending me to the ER today.  I received breathing treatments, was given a plethora of medication, and told to REST!
Marshall checked my blood pressure while Baby J watched.  Ever since, he has been wanting to play doctor to mommy.  Here he is double checking MM's numbers with a 2nd blood pressure reading.   

344. O' Christmas Tree

It took 10 days, but we finally managed to find time to decorate our tree.  This is the first time we have participated in 'trees for troops' and this is also the first time MM and I have had a real tree in our house.  I grew up always having real Christmas trees, but MM and I bought a cheap, small, slightly ugly artificial tree our first Christmas in Italy and have used it every year since. 
We decided to wait and decorate the tree after Baby J was asleep for the night.  It made the process more pleasant for the parents.  He will be surprised in the morning when he sees the ribbon and ornaments.  And then his excitement will really grow tomorrow evening when he realizes the tree has lights!
Feels good to be fully Christmas decorated.  Now if we could get a pretty blanket of white snow.  (MM won't agree with this last statement.)    

343.

Thanks to green tea, lots of water, and tylenol last night I was able to power through the onset of sickness to celebrate at our community group Christmas party.  This morning I awoke feeling much worse.  I have yet to change out of pajamas, been forcing fluids, and trying to rest.  I also had "healing" dogs piled on/around me for hours.   These lazy pups just love having someone to cuddle and nap with all day.

Ruby

Wrigley

The boys left for awhile.  I think they were getting bored and restless and I was grateful for the peace and quiet.  They returned bearing gifts of soup and flowers.   

sweet surprise

 Being sick is never enjoyable.  Being sick while pregnant is the total pits.  I can take hardly any type of medication to alleviate my sickness symptoms and my pregnancy symptoms (i.e. insane heartburn) don't take a break just because I'm feeling like poo.  I hope today is the worst of it and tomorrow I wake up feeling like a new woman.  A new, healthy, non-stuffy, without a sore throat and body aches woman.     

342.

Merry Christmas from our Community Group to yours...

Our group gathered to eat, drink and be merry!
Plus a bonfire and the friendliest version of "dirty santa" I've ever played.
Had such a good time, I wish we had Christmas parties once a month instead of once a year!

I can't fail to mention a "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" shout-out to Trevor!  

341.

Quality time with my 2 favorite boys.

It made a good day better to find out Daddy was taking the day off and coming home to spend it with us.  MM & I surprised Baby J, picking him up at preschool, then went out on a family lunch date.     

340.

Quest hosted it's annual Christmas party tonight.  There was sugar cookie decorating and ornament making for the children.  Santa and Mrs. Claus made an appearance and were available for portraits, if your child is one that would actually go near them (ours was not!).  For dinner there was a chili and baked potato bar headed up by the middle and high school youth groups as a fundraiser.  The event's turnout was huge, packing the sanctuary with fun chaos.  Baby J munched on cookies and had a great time decorating a Christmas tree cutout with foam stickers.
I had no idea foam stickers could provide such serious toddler entertainment.     

339.

The aftermath of his unsupervised charcoal ash play session.  The dogs were just as filthy. 

338.

This morning Baby J pulled a dog bed into my bathroom, grabbed a few books from the bookshelf, and entertained himself while I got myself ready for the day.  It was adorable.  I don't think I have ever been able to do my hair and make-up so quickly while home alone with a child. 

337.

A good man will paint his pregnant wife's toes when it gets too hard for her to reach them. 
It might not be the prettiest paint job my toes have ever received (nothing a little polish remover and Q-tip couldn't fix), but it sure was sweet of him to help me out.

336.

Another football filled Saturday.  OU vs TCU @ noon, Georgia vs Bama @ 4pm, Kstate vs Texas @ 8pm.  We went to the Halls for the SEC championship game (plus chili and cookies!) this afternoon.  Baby J was excited to have a doggie playmate.  He had so much fun with Darla; his giggles were loud and unstoppable.