Christmas Update

We had a fabulous Christmas this year...and having Addison here made it that more special for us.  My mom (now known as Mae Mae) and Jim flew in on the 20th and were able to stay with us until the 29th.  It was so much fun to have them here and Addison loved every second of it! On Christmas Eve, we all headed to the candlelight service at church and then went out for a yummy dinner at Z Tejas.  Afterwards, we came home and all opened up one gift, put on our new PJs, and watched It's a Wonderful Life.  On Christmas morning, we all woke up pretty early to eat breakfast and open presents.  Let me just say that Addison is one spoiled little girl.  She was definitely the winner in the present contest this year.  She got so many fun toys and super cute clothes.  Needless to say, she is very easy to entertain with all her loot.  YaYa, PaPa, Great-MiMi, and Butch all came up on Christmas afternoon for an early dinner.  It was so much fun to have everyone over to the house!  Our Christmas celebration is still not over though.  In a couple of weeks, Jessica, Ernie, and Felicity will be flying in from Pittsburgh for Felicity's first visit to Texas.  We can't wait!

Happy girl in her 1st Christmas hat
Momma and Addison
Addison looking silly in a way too big bow I bought
The family on Christmas Eve
Addison is not too excited about all the picture taking
Derek and Jeff in the annual Christmas PJ pose
Mae Mae, Jim, and Addison in their PJ's
Great MiMi and Addison
The Hodson fam
Such a pretty girl!
    Mae Mae playing with Addie in her excersaucer
Addison's favorite toy so far is the sun.  

Addison was a trooper being dragged all over town!
She loves her new bumbo chair from Mae Mae!

Addison is 3 Months Old!

We really can't believe that our little "turtle" is already 3 months old.  We have had an incredible journey with her so far.......(check back soon for the Christmas update - I am a  little behind).

Addison's Baptism

What a wonderful day it was!  Addison was baptized into the Catholic church on Sunday, December 21, 2008.  Our friends and family came to celebrate with us as our daughter received her first sacrament.  Addison did so well through the baptism - not one cry.  She just stared  at her Godmother, Andrea, as the Deacon poured water over head three times, as her Godfather, Allan, held her.  It was so sweet to see her looking intently at them as he initiated her.

After the ceremony, we all headed back to our house for some fajitas.  Never had we had that many people in our house at one time.  Addison got so many presents, too.   They were all beautiful.  Thank you to everyone who came - Derek and I are so grateful to have friends and family that love our daughter as much as we do.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Today is Derek's birthday...the big 28!  We did most of our celebrating on Friday night during his surprise party we had at the house.  Derek was SO surprised...it was great!  Andrea and Allan came in from San Antonio earlier in the day to help me get set up.  Allan met Derek at work and distracted him with a couple of drinks while we waited for everyone else to get there.  Katie and Rick made the trip from Dallas, and a bunch of our friends here in Austin all came to celebrate.  We had such a great time with everyone, and are thankful to have such great friends.  Today,  Addison and I are going to visit Daddy at work and then come home and make his favorite dinner...meatloaf muffins.  Happy Birthday Derek aka Daddy!  We love you very much and are so thankful for you each and every day!

Happy Birthday PaPa!

Happy Birthday PaPa!  We hope you have a wonderful day!  We all love you very much!

Santa Claus is Coming to Town...

2 Months Old

Wow...how time flys!  It is hard to believe that yesterday our little girl was already 2 months old.  We celebrated her birthday by a trip to the pediatrician for her first round of shots.  You would think that some high contrast flash cards or sock monkey would be a better way to mark the occasion, but instead we rewarded her robust health with three needle pokes and a squirt of something vaguely sweet but not quite right.  Addison was a trooper.  Her daddy held her and she fell asleep a couple minutes afterwards.  Addison weighed in at 10 pounds 10 ounces and 23.5 inches long.  Both of these are in the 50th percentile for kiddos her age.  Her head on the other hand measured in the 25th percentile.  Seems like she got Daddy's genes in that arena. Addison was a little under the weather for the rest of the day and we spent the day at home resting, napping, and cuddling.

Addison also had her first official meeting with Santa.  She was not quite sure about the man in the big red suit, but we managed to get one cute picture of the two of them.  As most of you all already know....I am obsessed with all things Christmas.  I am SO excited to share this holiday season with Addison.  Last Sunday, Jeff came over to help Derek with the lights outside of the house.  It was Derek's goal to "Griswald" the house.  They spent ALL day outside...and I must say, our house really puts me in the Christmas mood.  Derek and I also put up the Christmas tree and decorations inside the house.  Addison is amazed by the lights on the tree.  She loves to stare at it, kick her legs, and make noises....it is just so cute!

We took our first overnight road trip to San Antonio for Thanksgiving.  We had a great time visiting with Grandma and Grandad Wichlep.  Addison was in good spirits and gave us tons of those precious smiles the whole time we were there.  After visiting the grandparents, we headed over to the Braxdale's for the night.  It was a full house with Andrea, Allan, Aidan, Derek, Addison, Me, a cat named Cheetoh, and our dog Hailey.  We had a great time with them!  Andrea and I woke up at 4:15 on Friday to make our annual Black Friday shopping trip and the guys stayed behind to play daddy care.  

Here are a couple pics of our sweet girl in all her smiles...we just can't get enough!  Happy 2 Months Baby Girl!!!