"So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun." Ecclesiastes 8:15

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Christmas 2014 (Bauer Edition)

On Christmas Eve afternoon we headed back to Zach's parents for the rest of the week.  Lyle set out carrots for the reindeer, and cookies and Ginger Ale for Santa.  (I guess he was tired of milk??)


Auntie Kodi

Christmas morning Lyle was so excited to see that Santa had come!
  
Rudolf!

We had a relaxing day of stockings in the morning, lunch, and present opening in the afternoon.

Great Grandma Glenda


This boy loves working with his tools! 
Eating his "sushi" with chopsticks.  He's already better than me!

The rest of the week was basically spent in pajamas, relaxing!

Uncle Shawn

Cousin Aleigh

Naps with Papa

And naps with Auntie Koko and Snickers


I was very glad to be back home and in my own bed at the end of the week, but we had such a great Christmas with all our family.  So thankful we are close!







Christmas 2014 (Norris Edition)

Matching Christmas Jammies!

I am laying on the couch with a sleeping baby this morning, recovering from a week of Christmas fun.  I was curious how Christmas with a newborn and a two-year old would be.  Turns out it was amazing (and exhausting!). Lyle had a blast and Aria soaked in the cuddles.

Coloring with Aunt Barbie

Learning to juggle!

Zach had to work Monday and Tuesday, so he drove us to my parents on Sunday evening, so I could see more of my family.  He joined us again after work Tuesday evening.  The kids and I spent time playing with my niece and nephew (whose parents were on a trip in Europe!), visiting with my Aunt, and catching up with my siblings.

Auntie Steph

Uncle Jeff

We did our traditional "Christmas Eve" readings of the story of Jesus' birth, and a recording of my Nana reading "The Night before Christmas" (makes me tear up every time!) We tried to put the kids to bed, but Lyle was wired and wanted to be part of the action and my niece (and my poor Dad) caught the stomach bug that my mom, Lyle, and I had the week before.


Meeting their new cousin!

We gathered for breakfast in the morning and then headed downstairs to open presents.  What a fun day with family!

"Christmas Morning" 

Happy boy playing outside

Auntie Carrie

Uncle Mike!
It was so fun for most of my siblings to be able to meet Aria when she was just two weeks old.  We missed my sister Kristen and Philip and their sweet twin babies, but with the sickness that we passed around it ended up being better for them that they weren't there.  




Introducing...

We would like to introduce our sweet sweet baby girl...


Aria Grace Bauer

Born December 8, 2014 at 7:15 a.m.

10 pounds. 20 inches.


Already incredibly loved and adored.  

Birth story to come soon.

(Her name is pronounced ARE - ee- uh for those who are curious!)

Friday, December 5, 2014

Final Coutdown

One last post before we get to meet our sweet miss!  Although I am so incredibly ready for her to be here, it still seems a little surreal to know she will be here on Monday! 


We are scheduled for a c-section bright and early Monday morning, needing to be checking in to the hospital at 4:30 a.m.  I'm sure this is just as well, because I'm convinced I won't sleep great the night before.  I'm a little anxious (not really about the c-section, I didn't view my one with Lyle as traumatic at all), but maybe a more accurate description is nervous/excited.

We are planning to meet my parents in Wichita on Sunday to hand Lyle off, so he can stay with them while we are in the hospital.  Everyone keeps asking how I think Lyle will do, or if I think he understands what is going on.  I've heard so many different experiences from other moms, I think there is no way to know for sure how he will react.  He is a pretty lovey boy and I'm pretty sure he will be the big brother that gives a million kisses and tries to share all of his stuffed animals.  But only time will tell!

I'm hoping for some good one-on-one time with him this weekend, maybe finding something special to do in Wichita before we meet up with GiGi and Grandaddy.

As far as a pregnancy update goes, I have been pretty uncomfortable this week.  Work days get long, and I have considered leaving early on more than one occasion.  My feet and legs have been more swollen, and my back and side give me fits.  Heartburn seems like it is constant.  But I know some women who have symptoms much much worse and for much longer, so I am thankful!

In other news, we had a great Thanksgiving, getting to spend time with both Zach's family and mine.  It was the most wonderful feeling when we got home on Friday night that the weekend wasn't over, in fact tomorrow was only Saturday!!!

Attempt at a cousin picture

Playing at the park.  Thankful for beautiful weather!

We helped Grandma and Grammy decorate their Christmas trees.  Lyle is a pro now.


Our attempt to visit Santa.  Our town had a little parade Saturday night, then lit up the town square.  Afterwards kids could visit Santa.  I wanted to take Lyle, since I thought this might be our only chance for him to see Santa (at least where I could take him).  It was a beautiful night, and the line was extremely long, but even I didn't think it would take an hour and a half to get to the front.  I'm sure my husband could have told you it would take that long.  Lyle was fine talking about Santa in line, but once he went in that little house he cried anytime I put him near him.  We settled for a picture that included Mom and baby sister too.  When I put him down to leave, he turned very sweetly and told him "bye!" and waved.  Little stinker! Still a fun memory!


I am hoping to not have complete radio silence over here after baby girl comes.  Looking back it was months after Lyle was born before I posted anything.  So I will try my best to at least put pictures of her on here! :)  What a fun Christmas this will be!