The rest of the Holiday Season

It was great to just take it easy during the time between Christmas and New Year's.  I was still limited by my broken foot so we didn't do anything really big and exciting.  Just enjoyed time with family and time off work. 

It's time for some more cute naked pictures.  I love the last one - it's like he's practicing for flirting with the ladies... :)  He's so good at tummy time!

Katie had a great time playing with Max.  She was so cute with him.  He loved her right back.  I almost jumped in and stopped her from carrying him but then realized that she is plenty old enough to carry him around and keep him safe.  That was a weird realization.

Standing big and tall with Daddy

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Since Peter and I were off from work, Max didn't need to go over to Brittany's every day.  Landen and Hayden missed seeing him each day and when we got together they were all about Max.  Here's the cute cousins together.

Have I told you that Max won't take a binky?  Every once in awhile we give it a shot again.  This time was pretty funny!  Watch this video:

We tried to make some lavender bath salts with our Lavender DoTerra oil.  (Marriann bought a kit with a bunch of oils for each of us for Christmas.  They are AWESOME - I am so hooked.  If you are interested in hearing me go on and on about how great essential oils are and what I've used them for already, just let me know.)  We mixed the oil with Epsom salts and baking soda.  We originally were going to give them away as little gifts but they didn't quite turn out as potent as we thought.  So for now, Britt and I have lots of bath salts to enjoy.

Hayden helping mix the salts

Max loves looking at cell phone screens.  He also loves hanging with his aunt Kimi.  She even got him down with zero fuss a couple times.  I'm jealous of that!

New Years Eve the weather was beautiful!  I really wanted to go on a walk even though I couldn't "walk".  So Peter watched Max while he was sleeping and my sisters and the rest of the kids went on a walk.  They walked and I scooted.  

Me and Hayden lifting our feet up

It was a fun New Years Eve - we made lots of yummy food and played games.  The only bummer was Joe had to work so we missed him. 

Movie - Max cooing for his momma.  Love how much he talks to us!

These two are cute together already.  I look forward to watching their relationship grow as they get older.  It's going to be fun for both of them to have a cousin so close in age (they are a little over 6 months apart).

Kaitlyn holding her cousin

It's time to eat this great food!

Eventually Max fell asleep but not yet

The spread - dips, veggies, chips, meatballs, lil smokies, pineapple salsa

Movie - Max breaking out his dance moves

Peter treated us by making daiquiris and pina coladas

We had some serious rounds of Sequence happening!

Kimberly is such an angel!

We wanted seconds on the frozen drinks but Max was asleep in the kitchen.  What to do???  Take the blender to the bathroom!  :)

Movie - All of us sharing our wishes for 2012.

It was so nice to have Kimberly and Kaitlyn here.  I can't believe that we got to enjoy the holidays with so many family and didn't have to go out of town.  I sure hope we can get Kimberly to move out here as well.  I am so grateful that Brittany lives here.  Her living here has made all the difference with adding Max to our family.  She watches Max so he doesn't have to go to day care.  She helps me nearly every day with various things.  We have been able to support each other as we learn to live a life without our mom.  She is a huge blessing!  I have two really fantastic sisters that I can't imagine being without.  It's a major reason that I want to make sure that eventually Max has a sibling.  It is such an important relationship to have - - - a brother/sister.

The holidays were great even with my broken foot.  I had stressed a little bit going into them about what they would be like without Mom.  In the end I chose to not think about it as much as possible.  Was that me being in denial?  Sure, a little.  But it allowed me to enjoy the holidays without spending too much time being sad.  I hate that every holiday from here on out is going to have that empty space that would have been filled up with my mom - either in person, or on the phone, or skype.  I sure miss her.  I miss her most though for Max.  She would be eating up how cute and fun he is getting.