Christmas Eve was not as we had planned (as mentioned in my last post), but luckily we didn't have much planned anyway. And being less than 100%, it forced us to slow down and just "be" for an entire day, which ended up being really nice.
After Rudy and Avery went to bed, Santa came!
Stockings all stuffed
Rudy was SO excited when he walked into the living room on Christmas morning. He actually slept in until almost 7:30, so he was in great spirits. He ran out with his arms extended, laughing, and saying "Wow" -- he wasn't sure where to stop even. He kept pacing back and forth between his new slide, the unwrapped toys, and all the presents. It was hysterical.
Rudy, on top of the world, on his new slide.
He's a champ at climbing up and sliding down -- but tends to take the safe route on his belly, feet first. Or he also loves taking his cars and trains up and rolling them down the slide
Rudy had LOTS and LOTS of presents to open. We expected it to take awhile, but he was surprisingly good at ripping them open and gasping at what he would find...and then want to quickly move on to the next.
Tearing through his presents
Cracking up at his new book made of all pictures of Rufus
Tools!
We had to stop occasionally to open up something and give it some quick play-time...
...like his hammer that was quickly put to use.
Working on the hoop
Working on the hoop
Avery enjoying her Christmas present, doing what she does best.
Gran, Papa, Uncle Tony, and Patrick came over in the morning and brought even more presents for Rudy to open and to have breakfast with us. Papa brought his biscuits and gravy and John made his traditional Christmas morning snowman pancakes. It took almost all morning to get through the presents and have breakfast, but what a great morning!
Snowman pancakes
A new tradition this year, opening new pajamas on Christmas Eve.
Christmas morning in our Christmas pajamas.
Grandpa and Grandma Cicci were out of town visiting the Keough's, but we were sure to get some FaceTime in with them. Rudy showed them all his new toys and all his tricks. He loves chatting it up with his cousins!
After all that excitement, we got dressed and ready to go to Gran and Papa's to continue our Christmas celebrations! All of our family from Gran's side came over for dinner and presents. Avery got lots of snuggle action (while she slept soundly the majority of the time) and Rudy was soaking up all the attention.
Another favorite Christmas tradition, Christmas sweaters.
A little background: The Christmas before Gran's dad (my Papa) passed away, he bought all his daughters and daughter-in-laws some beautiful poinsettia Christmas sweaters. Since then, they have all worn their sweaters on Christmas day. And sure enough, a few years ago, the next generation were gifted some poinsettia Christmas sweaters that we proudly wear on Christmas day as well.
Modeling our most beautimous Christmas sweaters
Three of my favorite guys
But the fun didn't stop on Christmas day. Aunt Maria came in town from DC a couple days later and Grandpa and Grandma Cicci were home so we were able to celebrate Christmas with them and the Burke's shortly after. It worked out really nice. We were able to spend lots of time with both families without having to travel back and forth all in one day.
Rudy modeling his new shoes (CP3's) from Grandma Cicci with help from her shopping partners Mark and Michael who insisted Rudy had to have these shoes.
He is obsessed with them! He hasn't taken them off since. He cries when they have to come off for naptime and bedtime and he gets them first thing in the morning. One morning he wanted them on so bad, but they wouldn't fit over his onesie pajamas so we took his pajamas off and he had breakfast in his diaper and shoes (all to avoid a complete meltdown, which he has mastered the art of). Everywhere we go or anyone we see, he points to his shoes to show them off. He is something else (and definitely an offspring of John's).
Rudy modeling his new shoes (CP3's) from Grandma Cicci with help from her shopping partners Mark and Michael who insisted Rudy had to have these shoes.
He is obsessed with them! He hasn't taken them off since. He cries when they have to come off for naptime and bedtime and he gets them first thing in the morning. One morning he wanted them on so bad, but they wouldn't fit over his onesie pajamas so we took his pajamas off and he had breakfast in his diaper and shoes (all to avoid a complete meltdown, which he has mastered the art of). Everywhere we go or anyone we see, he points to his shoes to show them off. He is something else (and definitely an offspring of John's).
We all were very fortunate with our Christmas gifts this year...Rudy has enough toy to keep him busy for months (let's hope!), Avery will be dressed to impress with all the adorable new additions to her wardrobe, and a good-sized donation to add to their college funds.
John and I were given a priceless certificate...
For anyone who is familiar with my mom's cleaning, you'll agree this is an AMAZING gift!!
And "Life with Rudy" in print!
Gran had the blog turned into a bound, hard cover book from Rudy's birth to his one-year check-up. All 284 pages! Wowza!!
And you might see us out and about in our new double-stroller! It's going to be so great to be able to take both of the kids with me with ease!...and some serious walks when this weather warms up!!
John and I were given a priceless certificate...
And "Life with Rudy" in print!
And you might see us out and about in our new double-stroller! It's going to be so great to be able to take both of the kids with me with ease!...and some serious walks when this weather warms up!!
We had such a great Christmas, but most importantly, we are so blessed to have such great family to spend it with!
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