Christmas Blessings

Christmas is a time of waiting and anticipation.  Christmas Eve we went to Bayou City Fellowship's first Christmas Eve service.  It was cold and outside, but a good reminder about the "no room in the inn" time our Savior first experienced. With matching PJs a tradition my mom had started with us as kids, Bailey and Colton headed home still too little to understand anticipation of the next morning.  (the adults sure were excited to share their first Christmas with two babies) 

Mom had planned out a menu for the day with delicious breakfast items and traditional Christmas.  We each in turn made fun of the menu as we found it hanging on the refrigerator, but now I wish I had taken a picture.  She always does a great job making everything seem like a beautiful, special adventure.

Phillip, Erin and Bailey arrived first, so we had the next 20 minutes of distracting Bailey from the presents before Andrew, Amy and Colton got to the house.  Finally after the anticipation of waiting for everyone to arrive present opening began.  Since Bailey's birthday was just a month before, she had already mastered ripping off the wrapping paper.  I enjoyed getting her a tea set with a pink boa.  She didn't like the boa too much, but the tea set has been a big hit.  I also found Shelia Walsh's books about Gigi that fit so perfectly with the tea party idea.  She also got a fun pink Castle from Aunt Amy.

Although not even close to being able to enjoy these books, Tale of Despereaux by Kate DeCamillo became one of my favorites a few years ago.  She was in Houston to autographs books and I could help but get a copy for the fabulous Princess and Knight. Colton got is very own Shelia Walsh book about Will the Warrior.  I searched and searched for a sword to match the fun book, but never could find the best one.  So he got one of his toys from his Babies R Us list, a sports activity station. (I still owe you the sword Bud!)

So in reflecting on the anticipation and excitement of picking out the perfect gift, it points me back to the symbolism of God's love for us.  Many years people waited in anticipation for God's promised gift of Christ's presence on Earth.  As He prepared a special time, like we pick out the perfect gift, He sent Jesus to us. Oh how we wait for His return to Earth again.

Fun first month

Hooray! A King is Here!

After many months of waiting and days of waking up to expect a text or phone call, I know it was relieving for all of us to know Amy had a scheduled induce date. It wasn't the original Sept. 21 we all had in our heads, but Andrew was sure to be in town and we were fully ready to meet Colton James King! The blog title says it all in a text from Greg as he realized he was a second cousin and a true king Colton has proven to be. I know I was excited to be apart of the day since when Bailey was born I received a picture text at 8:00 in the morning and had to wait until 6:00 that night to hold her! I debated just taking off half a day, I mean it was my sister who was having the baby NOT me, why should I take the day off.  I sure am thankful I did though because there were precious moments for me that morning as I got to spend time with my little sister before she "became" a mom.  Much of the story I would write from my perspective would be completely different as we all could take a different angle to share, but the calm and patience I saw her hold onto as she had matured into an amazing woman was outstanding.  I guess the unspoken maturity of her allowing/tolerating me to be apart of the moments spoke volumes to my heart and transferred to me a love that I long to receive from my sister. Here's the rest of the story:

Dinner the night before at Chuy's.

                                                                

Memorial Herman was a very convenient location and after jokes of Andrew sleeping in at the house while mom took Amy to check in that morning, they all got their pretty early and quick to start induction. The delivery floor was nice as each patient had their own rooms, but as the family we were free to walk between the waiting area and Amy's room.  During delivery Erin even commented she wanted to hear Colton's cry for the first time and attempted to walk down the hallway in time. After seeing the doctor leave the floor Phillip, Erin, and I assumed he was here and shortly after Andrew came out to announce Colton was here and show pictures.  We all quickly took turns watching Bailey in the waiting area and seeing Colton for the first time.  Here Bailey finally gets to meet her cousin for the first time.

The nurses did a great job giving him a bath and letting us feel apart of the process.  The big picture windows sure help you feel like you are right there with them.

All cleaned and sleeping with his snuggle pup Aunt Lisa gave him.

After we had settled into the new room, Andrew and I changed him into his 1st day picture outfit. It came all the way from H&M.

Day 2 a quick visit after church and waiting for them to be ready to come home.

This little man is not going to be this small forever, so a picture on my legs will prove that in time.

                                            A great family picture.

                                Showing Colton his room for the 1st time.

                                           Playing dress up again.

                               Welcome home King family!
                            (Hook'em is already aware of the change)
                                        

Showers of blessings-Getting ready for Colton

With the time quickly approaching, I "helped" give Amy a baby shower for Colton. The reason I have "helped" in quotes is because despite my love for my sister....her and my mom are the ones with the gifted creativity.  They both love to have all of the i's dotted and t's crossed when it comes to excellence.(I keep hoping it will rub off on me, but it doesn't seem to be happening) So here are some of the beautiful things they were able to put together for the shower.

I did however get Colton a fun bag of goodies. I am hoping we will be able to use the frog bag equipped with a magnifying glass on some adventures in the future.  He also will now have a fabulous wardrobe that will include an outfit about how much his aunt loves him.

Of course Nana is looking

forward to having another grandbaby to love on.

The afternoon was spent being showered in gifts and pictures books by those who love Amy the most.  The best thing about showers is the people who come to give them.  Thankful to have learned from the GREATEST AUNT how to be an aunt.