ho ho ho, Christmas 2009

We are hoping that all of you had a very Merry Christmas. The past 2 weeks have been very full of fun family festivities. So full that between all the fun and work blogging has taken a back burner. So, let me take a moment to catch up. The weekend before Christmas, Nana and Pop came to celebrate Christmas with us. They arrived Friday just in time to watch the kids while Matt and I headed off to my office party. It was great to spend an adult evening away and know that the kids were well taken care of...always nice to have the grandparents visit. :) As I mentioned in my last post Ella Catherine attempted to sit on Santa's lap with Matt and Mimi but the line was too long. Well, she spoke about it all week long and so Ella Catherine, Nana an I left out Saturday morning to go sit on Santa's lap. (Carter has been battling a very nasty cold and so we left him at home with Daddy and Pop.) We were hoping that the line wouldn't be too terrible but were prepared for the worst. Luckily, we were pleasanly surprised. The line was not long at all. She kept to her word and walked right up to Santa and I put her on his lap. She smiled pretty for the picture and then told him what she wanted for Christmas. She said thank you when he gave her a candy cane and that was that! Surprisingly we made it home in time to allow the guys to go have some fun of there own. Sunday Nana, Ella Catherine and I went to go see the Princess and the Frog. She enjoyed it and was happy to tell her friends at school on Monday that she had gone to the Movies.

Tuesday was Carter's 6 month follow up with the cardiologist. He had an EKG and an ECHO and was a very good boy through the whole thing. As I mentioned before, he has had a VERY bad cold for 3 weeks now and he was having a bad day Tuesday. He has slept most of the day at daycare and had just thrown up his bottle when I arried to take him to the doctor. So, I was extremely proud of how well he did givin the circumstances. He smiled as usual at everyone and had stolen all there hearts by the time we left. Dr. Doyle gave him a clean bill of health and proclaimed him one of his blessings this year. Of Course, he is one of our as well. His ECHO was normal. No more mitral valve regurgitation!!!! All chambers of his heart are normal size!!! It was truly the best Christmas present Matt and I have ever received.

We were both off work Christmas Eve, and we had a nice family day at home. We baked cookies for Santa. We played, We read, We sang, We danced and we practiced writing our letters. Carter slept a lot (still not feeling the best) and played hard when he was awake. Then we all got dressed for church and went to "go see Baby Jesus" as Ella Catherine so eloquently said on the way to church. After church we headed out to Opry Mills and drove through there Christmas lights and Bethlehem display. It was BEAUTIFUL and Ella Catherine loved it! Carter was fast asleep. :) Then is was home to put out the cookies and milk for santa and carrots for the reindeer. Matt did his traditional reading of twas the night before Christmas and it was off to bed. This was the only night in a very long time that she did not play around when it was bed time. :)

Christmas morning I was awake before anyone excited about the day. She woke up and Matt brought her downstairs. She wasn't quite sure what to make of things. She spotten the things that Santa had brought to Carter first and then saw her Tricycle and books. We then had our milk while mom read her the new books. After that I think she finally woke up and once we started looking in her stocking to see what Santa left she was overjoyed and wired! She helped everyone open there gifts. :) The day was spent playing with our new toys and old alike. It was a GREAT day! Sad to see it come to and end.Ready to sit on Santa's lapAnd here she is.....on Santa's lap!

Putting the cookies, milk and carrots out for Santa and his reindeerElla Catherine showing Matt the cookies she made for Santa

The traditional reading of twas the night before Christmas.Carter was already nestled all snug in his bed

Carter's new WalkerBoth kids got new wheels for ChristmasElla Catherine feeding her baby doll

Matt couldn't resist getting him started early with some camo

The aftermath! Hurricane Christmas 09'

Gingerbread, gum drops, icing and sprinkles Oh My!

The gingerbread house before the earthquake. :)
One gum drop on the house, One gum drop in my mouth
So focused on the kneading of the icing
Ella Catherine and Mimi in their matching aprons
Mimi feeding Carter some breakfast

Mimi came to visit this weekend. She and Ella Catherine went shopping at Sam's and came back with all kinds of goodies like a fruit tray and vegetable tray all picked out by Ella Catherine. In addition, she picked out a Gingerbread house kit. So, Mimi, Ella Catherine and I attempted to make a gingerbread house. Mimi had made us all matching aprons to wear. We are very excited to have them and will enjoy them for years to come when we make our Christmas goodies. Let me just say, in making a ginger bread house it is most helpful to read the instructions and follow them. Our kit had conflicting information and we obviously chose the wrong set of instructions to follow. So, we had an earthwake and the house fell down shortly after we took the above picture. However, Matt came to the rescue and fixed it. House is now standing and all is right in the world. The most important thing was Ella Catherine had a great time making the house. She ate almost as much candy as she put on the house and is officially obsessed with candy. When someone asks her what Santa is bringing her or what she wants Santa to bring her she says "Candy".
I had Carter's 6 month photos scheduled for Saturday morning. Angela, our wonderful photographer, had agreed to take some pictures of Ella Catherine as well. Mimi came along to help and it was so nice to have another set of hands to help. I think we got some fabulous pictures and I can't wait to see the proofs. Despite having a terrible cold he cooperated beautifully.
Sunday Carter was feeling worse. So, mimi watched the kids while Matt and I went to church. After church Carter and I stayed at the house while Matt and Mimi took Ella Catherine to see Santa. Well, the line for Santa was extremely long and they did not get to visit with the jolly ol elf. She told Matt that she wasn't scared and she was going to sit on his lap, but history says otherwise. At Matt's company Christmas party Santa came to visit and she cried and refused to sit on his lap. She was still asking to see Santa today and so I think we may try again this weekend...Lord help us!

O Christmas Tree

The Lynch Christmas tree 2009: note the paperchain made by Ella Catherine
PJ time in front of the tree

Putting the angel on top

Our Elf from Santa, "Jess"


Matt, Ella Catherine, Carter and I went Friday after work/school to pick out our Christmas tree. When we got home, Ella Catherine and Carter had gotten a package from Santa Claus. He sent them an Elf to watch over them and report back to him if they were naughty or nice. Ella Catherine got to name him and what you need to know is Ella Catherine isn't into naming her baby dolls or stuffed animals. If the stuffed animal is a teddy bear then its name is teddy bear, if it is a lamb it is lamby. She has many babies and they are distinguished by their size or what they are wearing. For instance, we have purple baby, pink baby, big baby, little baby, soft baby and dolly. So, naming the Elf was a chore to say the least. However, after Matt and I threw out a few names or 20 she came up with "Jess" all on her own. So, our Elf on the Shelf's name is "Jess". She wasn't so sure about the whole Elf thing in the beginning but is very into it now and is excited to look for Jess every morning.
Saturday was filled with decorating the house and the Christmas trees. We have a little artificial tree up in Ella Catherine's room and the family tree downstairs. She really enjoyed putting the ornaments on her tree and liked looking at all the ornaments for the big tree but wasn't much into putting them on. By this time she was ready for some arts and crafts. So, she helped Matt and I get our Christmas cards addressed by putting on the return address labels. Therefore, when you get our cards and you think the label looks a little off remember a 2 1/2 year old did it. :) Carter was observing everything from his jumper. He gets a look in his eye when he looks at the tree and I can just see the wheels turning. If he does crawl before Christmas, we will have to break out the playpen to keep him out of the tree. We are gearing up for Christmas and I can't believe it is only 16 days away!!!

Carter's 6 month checkup

Carter had his 6 month check up on 12/4/09. (Technically he was 6 1/2 months) He is doing well. His top two teeth are very swollen and we expect them to pop through soon. Perhaps he will get his two front teeth for Christmas. :) Dr. Harraf also said he has some more bottom teeth that are starting to bud. Looks like he will have a good set of chompers before long. He is developing well and his motor skills are good. He weighs 20lbs 12oz (93rd%), he is 28in (90th%)tall and his head is off the charts at 47 (we like to say it is because he has a lot of brains :) ). He is still very anxious to crawl and I have a feeling we will have to get the playpen out if he starts before Christmas. He gets a wild look in his eye when he sees the Christmas tree and I can see those little wheels in his head turning! HA! He goes for his next cardiologist visit on 12/22/09. Matt and I are praying and asking for a good ECHO for Christmas this year.

so much to be thankful for....

The whole family on Thanksgiving afternoon.

Carter with his godmother and aunt

Photo op with Aunt Lori and Uncle Brian. Ella Catherine asked if they could come over and play again as she was going to bed that night. Too Cute! :)

Ella Catherine wrote her name on the back porch for Nana and Pop to enjoy until it rains. :)

The "Duck Commanders", Matt and Cori

Early morning play time in their PJ's

So much fun sitting up and playing with big sister

Making a christmas paperchain to hang on the christmas tree

Matt and I have so very much to be thankful for this year. Matt found a job that he loves working for Cogent Healthcare. We finally sold our house in Memphis and were fortunate enough to find a house to rent in Nashville until we can find a home to buy. I think I can speak for Matt when I say that what we are most thankful for this year is the health of our two children. We were so very blessed with the birth of our baby boy, James Carter Lynch on 5/20/09. Unfortunately, he had a very rough start to life and had us and the doctor's very worried for his life. Thanks to all of our prayer warriors around the country we were blessed with a miracle and he was healed. How he got sick, what actually caused it and how he became better is still a mystery to his healthcare team. We are just very thankful that God answered all those prayers with his healing. I know that he has very big plans for our little man and I am excited to watch as they unfold.

Carter has grown so much in his 6 months on earth. He goes for a checkup tomorrow but unofficially he weighs about 20lbs now and is sooo tall! He is literally bigger than some of the 1 year olds in his class. He is just minutes to days from crawling. He wants to move so badly and he works at it every chance he can get. He is grabbing everything and putting it all in his mouth. Definitely teething big time! He already has 2 teeth and although we don't see any evidence of another one, I feel like it is very close. He has the drool soaked tops to proove it. :) He loves to jabber and try to communicate and LOVES LOVES LOVES his big sister. He smiles and laughs with her every chance he gets. Now that he is sitting up so well they actually sit on the floor together and play. It is so cute to watch. Ella Catherine is a great big sister. She will bring him toys and sit with him and talk, sing or read him books. She too has grown so much this year. She is turning into a little girl right in front of our eyes. She is so smart and very quick to learn. She has several books memorized word for word and loves to sit and read them to us and Carter. She can write her name, well part of her name (Ella). She is so happy, full of life and spunk! She can definitely be full of drama at times as well. :) She LOVES LOVES LOVES her little brother and shows it every opportunity she can by hugging and kissing him. She is completely potty trained, she can dress herself, and brush her own teeth. She is a big help with Carter. She likes to pick out his clothes, help feed him and give him a bath. It has been a lot of fun for Matt and I to watch as their sibling bond grows stronger and they begin to interact.

For Thanksgiving we packed up the kids and the dogs and headed to Georgia for a few days. Matt, my dad, Cori and Brian spent a good portion of the trip hunting. Unfortunately, they didn't get anything but I know they had a good time out in the woods. We were a little disappointed that the ducks didn't fly for them as we were hoping that Elway could show off his skills that dad taught him and Matt has been working so hard to reinforce.

The kids, myself, mom and Becky hung out at the house for the most part. Brian, Lori, Kelly, Keith and Cori came by the house several times to visit and play with the kids. We made a paper chain to go on the Christmas tree, made and decorated Christmas cookies, played with bubbles and sidewalk chalk, rode bicycles etc... Of course, we watched a lot of football and mom and I even left the kids with the guys for an afternoon to go get some Christmas shopping done. As always it was a great trip.

Pickwick

Matt grew up going to his dad's lakehouse in Pickwick. As a result, he grew up with a love for the water. Although my family did not have a lakehouse, we did have a boat and so we too grew up with a great appreciation for all that lake life has to offer. We are very grateful that our children are able to experience lake life as well. So, this past Saturday morning we loaded up and took a trip to pickwick to see Grandpa, Grams, Uncle Michael and Uncle Christopher. It was definitely too cold to enjoy the water activities that lake life has to offer. However, we did enjoy spending time with good friends the Johnsons and the Haffleys. Grandpa and I also tried to introduce Ella Catherine to one of my favorite winter activities, roasting marshmallows but she wanted nothing to do with it. She preferred her marshmallows not gooey. Oh well, maybe when she is older.
We also brought Elway with us this trip to test out his new hunting skills in a large body of water. He did very well and it seems has gotten over his extreme dislike for the cold water(key to being successful as a duck hunting dog). He jumped in without hesitation and retrieved every dummy that was thrown.

Flyfishing, Football and more Firsts

Tickle Time!!
Good times with Nana
Ella Catherine and I after church. Carter was fast asleep in his carseat.
Sitting up and having fun
Matt and the guide Matt Milner with his catch

My mom and dad drove up last Thursday afternoon. Matt, my dad, his dad and Michael all joined our friends the Coles along with other friends for a guys flyfishing trip. They all traveled to their second home in Arkansas for good fishing, good food and great memories. While they were fishing, my mom stayed here with the kids and I for some fun of our own. As I mentioned before, Matt and I have season football tickets to the Vanderbilt games. Vanderbilt played Kentucky last weekend and the weather was PERFECT! So, Miss Rachel came over and babysat the kids while mom and I went to the game. Unfotrunately, Vanderbilt did not win but they did play the best I have seen them play all year and we enjoyed the game a lot.
Carter has been sitting up for very short periods by himself since he was about 5 months old. Well, early last week he decided it was time to sit up like a big boy and he is now sitting unassisted for long periods of time. In addition, he is getting up on his knees and rocking then scooting backward. So, we may have a crawling baby by Christmas. time will tell....

Trick or Treat

Our little Denver Broncos cheerleader all ready for trick or treating.

Ella Catherine and Carter before the school fall festival

Our little sock monkey happy as usual and all ready for the Big event. Sisterly and brotherly Love The whole gang: Carter (sock monkey), Ella Catherine (cheerleader), Erich (scarecrow) and Reese (Fireman) knocking on the first door of the evening, "Trick or Treat" Ella Catherine assessing her "prize"

More Candy! Carter's first Halloween and first trick or treat experience. He was a good sport and just chilled out while his big sister ran from door to door.



I don't know that as a kid I enjoyed Halloween quite as much as I do now. Ever since I started working with children it has been one of my favorite holidays. Now that I have kids, it is even more fun. So, Matt stating that Halloween night and trick or treating was really all about me versus the kids might have been a half truth. However, when he saw his daughter anxiously run up to that first door, say trick or treat and get so excited about her "take" he realized that it was also about our sweet little girl. We had planned on attending the Vanderbilt trick or treat on Friday night but the rain ruined those plans. So, we invited our friends the Sams to come over and go trick or treating in our neighborhood Halloween night. Ella Catherine had been learning all about the fall and Halloween in school. So, she could tell you she was supposed to knock on the door and say trick or treat when they answered, but we weren't so sure she wouldn't freeze up when the door opened. Just to make sure she could put those words into action, we had a few practice rounds before the Sams arrived and we left the house. She was so happy when the Sams got to the house. Her and Reese played a little before we loaded the little ones in the strollers and headed out for a night of trick or treating. I don't think I will ever forget how excited she got after every house and how she woud run down the drive way smiling and screaming "I'm going to go to another house!" Carter was obviously clueless as to what was going one but he loves his big sister and he loved watching her run back up to the stroller after each house. We had a GREAT night.

Fall Fun

Matt and I ready for the game...We were layered up for the nasty weather
My little Bulldogs!
Carter showing off his tooth for my parents
Rolling the peanut butter coated pine cone in bird seed
Coating the pine cone with peanut butter (all together she made 4)
Hanging the bird feeders


Last weekend was the Georgia versus Vanderbilt football game and it was played here in Nashville at Vanderbilt. Matt and I have season tickets to the Vanderbilt games. My brother, Brian and sister-in-law, Lori have season tickets to the Georgia games. They decided to drive up along with my brother from another mother, Phil and his wife Debbie. I must say we were all a little nervous about the game. Georgia hasn't played very well this year and although Vanderbilt has been awful you just never know what will happen. Well, the first quarter was terrible and we all thought it was going to be a very LONG day (especially since we had cold, drizzly weather) but things picked up a little and Georgia pulled out the victory. It wasn't a pretty win but at the end of the season a W is a W.
Nana and Pop also drove up from Macon and watched the kids while we were at the game. They had a fun fall craft for Ella Catherine. They made bird feeders out of pine cones, peanut butter and bird seed. She had a ball! We watch for the birds everyday. We haven't seen many eating at them but the bird seed is disappearing. So, either the birds or the squirrels are enjoying them!
On a side note Carter got his second tooth today. He is sitting up for longer periods by himself before he falls over. It won't be long before he has the back strength to sit all by himself. We just can't believe how quickly he is growing and developing. What a blessing he is and we thank God everyday that he continues to be healthy.

More Milestones!

I just wanted to give all our readers a little update!

Carter: Carter has his first tooth, bottom right. We didn't even know he was getting a tooth. About 2 weeks ago he started putting things in his mouth and chewing on them. I mentioned it to the pediatrician at his last visit and he said he was "pre-teething" and most kids don't get their first tooth until 6-7 months of age. I was a little skeptical as Ella Catherine had her first tooth at 4 months. Then Friday he went through 2 outfits at school due to excessive drooling....hmmmm been there before. Saturday he had his first tooth! Other than the drool and chewing we would have been clueless. No irritability, no crying, no fevers etc... I am hoping this is what all his teething will be like. Wouldn't that be nice! :)
Saturday he also figured out how to roll over from his front to his back. He had a ball for well over an hour entertaining himself by rolling over and scooting to change positions and reach the chew toys he wanted. Mommy had a ball watching him! His favorite person is still his big sister. He lights up anytime she is near. She gets the most chuckles out of him over any one else. He just adores her as she does him.

Ella Catherine: She is definitely full into the 2's. She is a sweet little girl, a terrible toddler and a drama mama all in one cute little girl package. She can change from one to the next before you can blink. :) She is testing her limits and Matt and I are staying strong. She now has a few chores around the house. We have given her the job of feeding the dogs everyday. She loves it and they LOVE her! In addition, she helps get all the laundry gathered up for washing. She still loves to help cook and anything that involves taking care of her baby brother. She says the funniest things (as do most 2 year olds) and I am trying to write some of them down to share with her later. She knows all her letters and loves pointing them out on signs as we drive to school. She knows all her numbers to 10 but can count to 15. She loves to count the grapes on her plate at night. She has most of the 50+ books in her bedroom memorized and it is fun for Matt and I to listen to her read to herself at night. She loves, loves, loves to sing. Her teachers at school say she sings all day and even wakes up from her nap singing. She is such a wonderful little girl despite her demon moments and Matt and I are very proud of her.

Carter's 4 month check up

Carter had is 4 month check-up on Friday Oct 2nd. He is doing really well! He is jabbering/ talking a lot more and is grabbing and putting everything in his mouth. Pre-teething! He started cereal and to his mother's dismay starting getting up in the middle of the night (3 am) again. I thought cereal was supposed to make them sleep better!? Pediatrician said that some babies appetites get stimulated by the cereal. GREAT!
His current stats are 17lbs 14oz (93rd%) and 26 1/2 inches tall (93%). He has almost doubled his birthweight and he isn't even 5 months old! Matt and I think he is going to be a big boy and I believe Matt already has visions of him playing football.

We had his 3 month pictures taken a few weeks back by Angie Davis. The above picture is one from the shoot. She did a fabulous job!! If you would like to see the slide show of all the photos please go to http://www.angiedavisphotography.org/ and go to slideshows and then Carter.

Breaking out some old friends

Matt, Ella Catherine and Carter in the bjorn ready for a nice morning walk
Carter in his new friend the bouncer! He would just smile and chuckle when he would kick his legs and it made the bouncer bounce.

Well Carter is finally old enough that we decided to break out some of Ella Catherine's favorite activities/toys...the bouncer and the bjorn. He had such a great time this morning bouncing in the bouncer. I think he really liked being upright and acting big. :) It was such a beautiful day after weeks of rain that Matt took the kids for a walk while I got some things done around the house. He loved the bjorn and the walk so much that he fell asleep almost right after they left. He goes back to the doctor for a checkup Friday so will post his new stats when we get them.

By the way! For those followers who didn't know, Ella Catherine is now in big girl panties. August 22nd we went shopping for our panties and August 23rd was our first day wearing panties. She has done FABULOUSLY! She even gets up in the night to potty...tiring for Matt and I but very good that it wakes her up. Now we are working on the appropriate cutt off time for fluids. :)