Christmas 2013

Being on strict bed rest during Christmas has definitely made the holiday a memorable one.  But I think because we all slowed down because of it, we were really able to enjoy the holiday.  Some highlights from Christmas Eve were listening to Bryson sing Christmas carols, seeing his excitement about putting out cookies for Santa and food for the reindeer, eating a turkey dinner someone prepared for us, and having Jarom's parents over to visit. 

I loved seeing Bryson's excitement when he got up Christmas morning.  Bryson couldn't wait for me to come lay down in the bed Jarom made for me in the living room so he could show me that Santa came.  His face when opening his presents was priceless, and I loved watching him as he ripped off the paper and showed us what he got.  Last year he seemed to play primarily with only two or three of the toys we got him, and only glanced at the several others we got him.  But this year, B played with every single toy we got him and looked at every single book.  I was content to just lay and watch J go through his day and watch B while he played all day.  It was especially fun to see B use all his new toys to make a city.  He had Bristle Blocks, Legos, and books surrounding his dragons and Skylander figures to cage them in.  He's a creative boy, and he loved "playing all day."  I also liked that we were able to have a fun family day even while I was laying on a bed on the floor.  It was totally normal for B and J, despite the fact that I can't get up.

 

It was also nice to have my in-laws over.  They made out traditional Christmas dinner:  prime rib and mashed potatoes and brought it over so we could eat it.  It was so good and tasted even better than I remember, probably because we didn't have to make it.  We opened our gifts from J's family and watched The Croods and just enjoyed our time together.  It was a nice Christmas even while I was laid up, and I'll look back next year with a healthy new baby and think that this time on bed rest was just a blip on the radar of life. 

I'm thankful I was able to celebrate Christmas and our Savior's birth at home with my family.  We're also very glad that the baby and I are still hanging in there and I'm now 28 weeks and 4 days pregnant!    As hard as it is to lay down all day, it is so worth a healthy baby, and we have a lot to be grateful for this Christmas season.  Merry Christmas from our family (including Baby Boy)!