A Joyful Christmas for the Smith Family

Christmas was bitter sweet for us this year, but overall very joyful. Bitter because of the recent loss of my father and the anniversary of Lori's father's death on Christmas day. Sweet because we were able to celebrate Christmas with many members of both of our families. Joyful because it was our first Christmas with our little guy.

Christmas Eve began on a good note with my mom deciding she was coming out for dinner and an overnight stay with us. She has been sick with ear and sinus infections, but after a visit with her doctor and him convincing her that she was not contagious, she decided to join us. Great News! We had our Christmas with her that evening since Christmas morning would be kinda crazy for us preparing to go to visit both side of Lori's family as we do each Christmas.

Ty made out excellent with clothes coming from Nan Smith. After the last few days, Ty pretty much has enough of clothes to last him through the winter thanks everyone including Nan.

Christmas morning arrived and we hustled to get food made for our visits and get Ty ready to go... I was always told that taking a child somewhere meant taking everything but the kitchen sink. I never believed it until Christmas morning. We were going to two places for pretty much 7 hours and it felt like we were packing for a weekend get away. As you can see, Ty was all dressed up for the occassion!


We went to Lori's Aunt Tracey's for a wonderful lunch and shared a few hours with that side of the family. Ty again made out well with a few toys and a gift card or two for more clothes/toys. Ty did very well and even took a much needed nap as you can see below. I love his cute little Santa bib.

Around 3, it was time to pack up and head to Lori's Grandparents for the rest of the day. There we exchanged gifts and had another delicious dinner. Ty again made out like a bandit with Toys galore and even a few more outfits for the coming months. Ty was a good boy until about the 6 o'clock hour when he became pretty fussy and was about ready to end his big day. We packed up the car and home we went. Ty took his bottle and was out like a light.

On Friday, I had to work... I know, Ho Hum... but Lori's mom was coming into town and Lori's brother was hosting more family members for lunch and our Christmas with her. Ty's big gift from Grandma Straley was the coolest toy and one everyone is at least aware about from news reports... Talking Elmo. Let's just say, dad has had more fun with it then Ty thus far! :-) That thing is so cute! I was able to skip out of work for a few hours to enjoy lunch with everyone.

So all in all our Christmas was joyful but busy. Ty did a great job going from place to place and has been quite a sleeper the past few nights. He is learning how to hold things and grab at his toys. He is becoming more responsive to people and loves to gabber. I have to say, when he smiles, his entire face lights up with joy, along with mommy and daddy's!

Lori and I just want to thank everyone for the Christmas gifts for Ty and to us. As you can see by the picture below, Ty will not need any new toys until he turns one!! :-)