New Years

 A month late, but apparently that's becoming a theme here. New years was very sweet. We had an early celebration with the kids before bed. Then Benny and I ordered take out for dinner and played the new game Eric got us for Christmas, which was so fun!

Had to take some pictures of these cuties before church on New Year's day. 

That evening we started off the New Year having dinner with friends.

2022 was an incredible year for us with the dream addition of sweet Riser, Bonnie making huge progress in a lot of her childcare and bedtime anxieties, and some amazing personal growth between Benny and myself. We are ready for whatever 2023 has in store!

Riser is 10 months old

Our bright sun Riser is 10 months old! This boy is on the move. He can crawl and warp speed, pulls up on everything, cruises on furniture, will try and leap into a standing position from sitting down when he is excited for me to pick him up, and can even balance (no hands) for a couple seconds standing. We imagine walking isn't in the too distant future for this little guy. 

He still loves meal times, although you wouldn't know it by the volume of his voice during this time. It's one of the only times he gets very loud and frustrated - if there isn't a constant steady stream of food in front of him when he's in the high chair. Even when he's full, he is very vocal that he is ready to be cleaned up and removed from the situation. We are working on teaching him signs for 'more' and 'all done' to so we can start hearing ourselves think during family dinner again (maybe even have a short conversation), but we've made no progress there yet. 

As far as temperament, he is still so cheerful and charismatic. He is incredibly playful and fun, and loves to insert himself into whatever we or his friends are doing. So far he hasn't shown any signs of stranger danger and takes well to any of the caregivers we have left him with. I recently heard through a friend that an older woman from our church signed up to do childcare during my moms group every other week specifically because she wanted to have Riser (I can't wait to meet this woman next week). Already stealing hearts. I may be biased, but I feel like that is very true to his personality - he brings joy to everyone around him. We are so blessed this little ray of sunshine is in our family. I am smitten. 

(those dimples)

December Extras

I know this post is a little late, but we're finally getting back into the swing of normal life after the holidays and my birthday. December was obviously full of lots of holiday things, here is everything else.

Indoor playdate with my moms group.

Bonnie finally got to test out the fishing pole she got for her birthday. Eric was very patient with her.

My shopping buddies. 

The 'witching hour' at our house. 

Lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings after photos with Santa.

We participated in our neighborhood golf cart parade of lights this year.

Bonnie is a big helper at bath time (she really just wants any reason to pour water on her brother's head).

White elephant gift exchange with the moms group. 

Squishy faces. 

Playing outside.

Opening their books!

We went to our church's live nativity.

Celebrated a friend's birthday (her birthday is Christmas day) and did a cookie exchange.

Sweet sibling snuggles and heart eyes.

Bonnie and Riser have been playing so much more together lately. It is so fun to watch. Bonnie loves to tell him to follow her. 

And that's a wrap for 2022!