It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Dax's first Christmas had it's ups and downs...he wasn't feeling very good but despite that he managed to maintain his cuteness and cheese it up- he has one great (and not-so-little) personality!

He opened his first present on Christmas Eve morning with just Ryan and me, we were a tad selfish but felt entitled to it since we spent the next two days with family!

He had a preference for tasting the wrapping paper as opposed to ripping it and playing with the toy inside. Ryan and I mostly opened all of his presents, which probably neared about fifty+ by the time our Christmas celebrations were finished. It's amazing how loved that child is!

One of our favorite presents this holiday season came from my great-grandparents Verna and Wayne who have mostly been watching Dax since school started in August. They have been taking pictures of him everyday that he has been with them and compiled them into one big picture book, complete with cute little captions to every picture and a very special letter to Dax at the end. Everyone who has looked at the book and read their letter has cried, it's touching. Dax is truly blessed to have shared some great experiences with his great-great-grandparents! I truly hope that I can do the same someday with my own great-great-grandchildren.

We spent Christmas Eve evening with my grandparents and family, but spent the night at Ryan's parents' house. Everyone is so impressed with how well Dax is pulling himself up and standing now. He's even getting brave enough to let go for several seconds, although he's not so confident with getting down and cries out every time he sits down.

This holiday season was especially good to us and even though we have suffered our financial struggles this year our family was exceptionally generous with us this year and we couldn't be more spoiled or thankful for how supportive and loving they all are. Although the 'stuff' we got was fantastic, the most amazing part of Christmas was being with our family, especially Dax.

On Christmas night, after being away from home for all of Christmas Eve and most of Christmas day, we came home and before even putting away anything we got Dax ready for bed and cuddled with him on the couch. As I was tickling his face and singing to him, like I do every night after reading to him and brushing his gums, he popped his thumb out of his mouth and began rubbing my face and singing back to me. It was the sweetest thing and I nearly cried. He's catching on to everything so quickly and is such a sweet boy, even though he definitely has his rugged boy qualities too, and I'm so proud of everything he does.

Ryan and I have decided that despite the difficulties of our life right now, this is definitely the happiest time of our lives. We wouldn't exchange it for anything in the world.