A "Star" is Born

On Christmas Eve, Livi was asked to play baby Jesus, along with Stuart and I as Joesph and Mary, for the children's message at church.  We demonstrated how baby Jesus was swaddled in strips of cloth.  After the service, our church then had a live nativity scene of the events leading up to Jesus' birth put on by the high schoolers.  

Afterwards, we snapped a few shots of the kiddos in their Christmas Eve attire.  I couldn't resist in posting the pics of our handsome little man's cheesy smiles. :)

Our Family of Four

We were all excited to get home and start this new chapter in our lives as a family of four.  Brody would not hold Livi just yet, but when we placed her in his lap he would either poke or push her.  Luckily, we were able to get this quick shot of the two of them wearing their big brother little sister shirts.  He is definitely learning the ropes of being a "helpful" big brother.  He has learned that sissy likes her paci and is always eager to give it to her, even when she doesn't need it.;)  

People always expressed to us the different feeling you have when having a girl.  How true that statement is.  I cannot truly explain it, but let's just say she certainly does have us wrapped around that little finger of hers. For instance, Brody was easy to sleep train in his crib.  He cried for about 5 minutes at the most and then gave up and fell asleep.  Liv, on the other hand, not so much.  She would cry and get so worked up that we had to go in her room every 2 or 3 minutes to comfort her and put her paci back in.  At the beginning, we would just give up and hold her until she would fall asleep (sadly to admit, sometimes it was the both us that would).  After one LONG night, she gave in.  It's crazy how different their personalities already are.

Livi and Daddy

Mommy and Livi

Wrigley meeting Liv for the first time

Brody opening his big brother present.

Brother making sure Sissy has her paci.:)

Thank you Aunt Jeanie!

We were very blessed by Stuart's Aunt Jeanie who stayed with Brody a night while Stuart stayed with Liv and I in the hospital.  We love you Aunt Jeanie!!  We cannot express enough gratitude for you staying with Brods while we were in the hospital, as well as coming home to a clean house!!

Aunt Jeanie and Livi

Cousin Devon came along for the trip as well

Our Early Christmas Present!

Olivia "Livi" Kate Blade surprised us with her sweet presence two weeks early. She was born December 17th at 2:18pm. She was 6lbs 11oz and 19 1/2 in long.  Stuart delivered our precious baby girl, along with Dr. Thomas' guidance of course.  Livi is truly an amazing gift to our family.  She is one tough cookie by already trying to hold her head up and roll over.  Watch out Brody!  She just might catch up to her laid back big brother.  Speaking of her big brother, he is still getting use to the idea of a little sissy in the house.  The word "gentle" has been used quite often in the Blade household.  He is slowly warming up to her by giving her kisses.  One step at a time, right?!?! 

One proud Daddy!

Daddy and Dr. Thomas

Brody meeting sissy for the first time.

Two tired girls

Twilight Santa

Every year Satellite Beach Fire Department drives down each street in the city with their fire engine all decked out with Christmas lights along with jolly St. Nick and his crew.  This glorious event is called Twilight Santa.  However, this was a VERY special year for Stuart during Twilight Santa because he actually got to enjoy it from a parent/Satellite Beach resident side.  Boy, was that a better side for him to be on.  We had Brody's friend Iz come over and sat at Stuart's Commander's house anticipating for Santa's arrival.  Brody and Iz were not the hugest fan of Santa to say the least.

Brody and Firefighter Rhiannon

Poor guy

Isabella's turn!

Brody and Firefighter Eric

Festival of Trees

During our stay in IL, we watched cousin Addy's dance performance at the Festival of Trees.  Brody enjoyed watching the show.  I don't know what he liked more... the pretty girls, the dancing, or the music.  He loved clapping after each group and couldn't wait for more.

After the performance, we HAD to take a ride on the infamous train.

We couldn't resist getting a picture with Nana's office's Christmas tree. 

We are Full- Grateful, Joyful, & Thankful

I've been running a little behind on this blog lately.  Life has been a little crazy but we would never trade our crazy life.:)


Our family has been blessed beyond measure this year.  I am thankful for my Heavenly Father most of all, it's because of him that I am blessed with an amazing husband, two beautiful children, great parents (extending family too) and so MUCH more!!  We had the pleasure of spending our Thanksgiving break in IL this year.  Our week filled up quickly with different family gatherings.  We started the festivities on the Blade side on Wednesday and then ventured over to the Requarth side on Thursday.  Afterwards, we traveled to Stu's Uncle Bruce and Aunt Mary's house in St. Charles.  We ended our trip at the Festival of Trees watching cousin Addy's dance performance.  We truly enjoyed spending time with close and extended family on Turkey Day this year.  However, for some reason I always forget to take pictures when we visit family or for many different occasions for that matter (reminder for next time).  Here are the snapshots I managed to squeeze in.:)

Brody and Kami at Nana and Papa's

The joy of sitting in a box!

Nice hat, don't ya think?!?

Great Grandpa Al loving on his Brody at Granny and Papa's house.

While we were at Uncle Bruce and Aunt Mary's house, cousin Rob took us to a house with a Christmas light display.  Brody was very intrigued with it.  His face lit up just like those lights did.  We attempted to get a picture in front of the house with all the cousins, keyword attempted.

Well at least you all stayed put.  Next time we will all try looking at the camera...right?

My sweet little man loving him some lights

Aftewards, the cousins snuggled up and watched a movie.  At least for a moment, I don't think Brody and Kami lasted for very long.:)