Patterson Christmas 2013!

We were in Searcy for Christmas Eve and Christmas morning.  We actually had planned to head up there on the 22nd but sickness overtook some of us and we had to postpone our plans to make sure Walker wasn't going to get catch anything.  We had a great time, Santa came, and it was all over too quickly!  Here are some of my favorite shots!

we inherited some Santa outfits so we HAD to take pictures! Walker was adamantly against it. 

Santa left S some big girl panties. Thanks for the hint, Santa!

Santa's been here!

Unfortunately Grandad was feeling under the weather so he tried to keep his distance and not share any possible germs, so he's not in many shots….sorry Grandad!  It was, despite that, a wonderful Christmas  and we all had a wonderful relaxing time.  CC spent too much time in the kitchen also, but our bellies all appreciated it.  :) 

Our Little Christmas In Pictures

Here's a few photos of us in our house at Christmas.  Just my favorites (I'm horrible at narrowing down)!

Our tree was definitely leaning.  But it is ok, we loved it just the same! We didn't put up all of our decorations this year, with everything else going on.  We did manage to make it very festive in spite of being so incredibly busy, and Savannah had such a great time with all of the decorations and the tree and the lights out front.  

Just Pictures

Well, our little family is in the middle of another health issue with Walker.  I will update when I have the energy, but here are some cute pictures for you to look at from the last week.  Your prayers are so appreciated.

Walker at 3 Months

Walker turned three months the day before Christmas Eve, and we were quite busy trying to get out of town that morning! I took his monthly pictures in about 3 minutes total.  Walker took about 90 to 100 mL of breast milk in each of his 8 bottles each day, and was loving his Soothie paci still. (I'm trying to change him to a Nuk paci now…the Soothies drive me batty).

Wait. You're supposed to rock ME in this chair. Don't just set me here!

Mama!!

I have no words….this is cruel.

He was actually still in Newborn diapers, just because the size 1 he was leaking out of because they were too big (I thought he'd change sooner but he was still small).  He was wearing newborn and some 0-3 month clothes, and sleeping about 5 hour stretches at night.  During the day he wants to eat every 2 1/2 to 3 hours.   Walker was still on his heart monitor at 3 months and still on the same 1.1mL of caffeine each day, as well as a multivitamin.  Just for the record, he takes his medicine (all liquid) in a little bottle with about 10 mL in it before he is ready for his actual bottle, and he takes it like a champ and never notices anything! Great trick from the NICU!

…almost got 'em in my mouth.  My mouth is like a moving target, SO difficult to find when I want to put my fingers in it.

BORING, mama.

Yes. I'm growing and my bear is not.  Clearly.

Walker weighed in at about 10 pounds at 3 months, and I have no idea about his length.  He learned to ROLL OVER (cause he's awesome!) at about 2 1/2 months from belly to back.  Such a smartypants like his sister!  We still can't tell what color his eyes will be, and his hair has hardly fallen out, thank goodness!  He started smiling right at 3 months and it couldn't have come a moment too soon.  I've been waiting to see those sleeping smiles matched up with bright open eyes and he finally has done it! So affirming to see a happy baby.  All in all, we are so blessed and happy he is doing so well, and I can't wait until he gets super chunky and roly-poly-like.  We love you Walker!

Eh.  Savannah's warned me about you and the photos…I am beginning to see what she was talking about.

Mama.  I really don't enjoy this and I need a friend by my side.  In case I fall over (highly likely).

Me??? Three Months???

Yeah…I figured it was time….

I'm baack!

Well, I hope to be anyway.  As we've settled into life as a family of 4, had several holidays, birthdays, out-of-state family in for 10 days, and all been off work/school/any-type-of-schedule for over two weeks, I've taken a month-long unintended bloggy break.  I'm sorry, really I am.  But family time has been great.  I'm excited to get back into the swing of things, I think, but I am already missing all the extra time I got with Savannah and Birc (Walker comes to work with me, so we are never apart!).  I also want to take a quick second to say thank you to everyone (you know who you are) who has sent us gifts, called us, sent cards, checked on us, etc. during Walker's birth-to-Christmas time. We really appreciate each of you and each thing you did/sent/said.  We couldn't have made it without you guys, so thank you.  [SIDE NOTE: I've finished my thank-you notes. Thank the Lord. So if you sent us something or brought us dinner and don't get a note in the next few days, that means I forgot to write it down-totally likely-and I would still like to thank you so please let me know.  Another reason no blogs were written is because I wouldn't allow myself to blog until TY notes were finished.]

We've been busy and I hope to update the blog with all of it if I can.  Here are the major things I don't want to forget to blog:  Walker at 3 months, Patterson Christmas, Morledge Christmas, Savannah and her cousins, Walker health update, Savannah's birthday parties, and I think that's it.  For now, here's a few sweet pictures that don't really fit anywhere specific.

Officially Birc's son, with his first polo collared shirt.  :)

Oh the braids. Adorable.  And rocking her baby brother, to boot.

TaDa! she created…something! Carrots stuck in her peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Walker smiles!

PJ day at school!

More cute smiles!

Savannah and Cadence have become best pals.  He lets her do ANYthing to him and he just lays around and takes it.  SO sweet.

Birc and Walker relaxing

Tucker-buddy.  He was clearly starved for attention being the only furry family member at Patterson Christmas.  ha :)

My sweet buddy! on his 3 month birthday!

See you guys later this week!