An Eberts Family Christmas

Yesterday we celebrated the first of our 4 Christmases this year. Since we were headed off to snowy New England to be with Ryan's family this year, my family was nice enough to get together early so we could open gifts with us before we left. Paige wasn't so sure about it at first since it was time to open gifts right after nap time. That typically isn't her best hour. Once we had her passing out the gifts, her attitude changed and she was quite pleased with the whole thing. We are grateful we got to spend a little time with everyone and for all the gifts that we exchanged. We complain every now and then about how we have so many Christmases, but we remind ourselves often that it is great to have so much family that wants to celebrate with us. Now, lets hope the upcoming storm doesn't keep us from traveling.



The ever expanding Eberts family. Jason, Lilly, Jamie, Tessa, Adam, Milagro, Mandy, Paige, Ryan, Gram, Dad, and Mom

Paige starting to perk up at the idea of opening gifts.

Opening more gifts in her pile. She must have been a good girl this year.

Paige with Abby Cadabby. Little did we know what a big hit she would be. Abby had to join us at the restaurant later. Paige loves brushing her hair and changing Abby's dresses. Paige keeps telling us how cute Abby is.

Great Grandma with her three great granddaughters at dinner. Gram treats us all to a nice dinner every Christmas. If our family keeps growing as it is, dinner will be pizza before we know it. Not a bad thing as we all love pizza!

Weekend of Birthday Fun

Paige had two birthday parties to go to this weekend. One for her friend Nathan and one for cousin Lilly; both were turning three. Paige has had a crush on Nathan for quite some time now. We would pick her up for daycare and she would tell us, "I love Nathan!" Then, when we were off to his birthday party, she was very excited. When it came time to take her out of the car, she looks at me and says "Let's go see Nathan, he's cute." What a girl. As you can see from the photos, she had a great time. They had his party at Pump It Up, a place filled with all different kinds of bouncy houses and slides. Paige loved the slides.

Paige and the birthday boy, Nathan. You can tell she has a little crush on him by the way she is sitting. She put her head on his shoulder too. Of course we didn't get that on camera.

Lilly waiting at the top of the climbing wall for Paige. The big slide is next.

Ryan helping Paige through the bouncy obstacle course.

The next day we were off to cousin Lilly's birthday party. They had a nice family only party for Lilly, which was a nice break from all the action the day before. Lilly got lots of great new toys and dress up clothes. Lilly chose the Dora theme this year and her and Paige had special Dora plates that she is still telling us about. Both Lilly and Paige were very sad when it was time to go home. We stayed well past nap time and it was quite obvious towards the end. Needless to say, we had a great weekend full of celebrations and enjoyed the fact that Paige even slept in a little bit today due to all the fun. We are interested to see what Christmas brings.


Lilly waiting in anticipation to blow out her candles. She loves it when people sing Happy Birthday to her.

Paige enjoying more cake. I think she had more cake this past week than she even has. Not only did she go to the two birthday parties, they also celebrate their birthdays at daycare. Sugar overload!

Never too young for chores

Ever since there was an inkling for snow, Paige has wanted to shovel. We walk passed our shovels every day when we go out to the car and she asks if she can shovel. When I was at Target last week, I saw that they sold little shovels and I couldn't pass it up. Paige was so excited to have her own shovel even though we hadn't had the need to use it just yet. Well, Paige woke up yesterday and was thrilled that she could put her new shovel to use. We got her all bundled up and off she went. You would have thought it was Christmas morning. Ryan was out there too and he was quite impressed with her work. We were lucky because the snow was really light so she was able to do it. There may be some frustration when we get a heavy snow. She enjoyed herself so much we couldn't get her in the car. We kept telling her it was time to go and she would reply "No Mommy, I not done yet!" The only way we could get her in the car was if she took the shovel with her to Poppa and Grandmas. When we arrived to Poppa and Grandmas, she was sad to see they had already shoveled but they were going to find a way to make her happy. There is always enough snow to go around. Ryan and I are thrilled that she loves to shovel. Not only does this kid shovel, she sets the table, cleans up her toys, loves throwing things in the garbage. Once she can clean the bathroom, I will be a happy camper, he he. The best part is she thinks it is all fun! I'm dreading the day when she realizes it isn't fun. But for now, Paige can be thrilled with the fact that she is like Cinderella, without the evil step mother.
Taking such pride in her work.

Baby Lauren

I would like to announce the arrival of my niece, Lauren Kelley Stewart. She was born on Dec 2nd at 3:11am weighing in at 6lbs, 12oz. She was two weeks early but luckily not too early. She is very healthy and I hear she has a good set of pipes on her. Erin was in labor for 16 hours and ended up having a c-section. She is recovering from that and trying to catch some sleep between visitors and feedings. It is very hard for us to be so far away during times like these. We really wish that we could be there to hug her and her parents. Christmas can't come soon enough. I should hopefully have some photos to post tomorrow. Lauren is now my third niece, Erin's first baby. Maybe someday there will be a boy thrown into the mix.

Mom Guilt

My job requires that I travel every now and again. Lately it feels like I am traveling more than I am home. I left this morning for a three day trip to Indianapolis. When Ryan picked Paige up from daycare today, she asked about me. Ryan told her that I was working and would be gone for a few days. She then asks him why. He tells her that I have to work so I can get nice things for her. She reponds with "I don't want those things, I want Mommy." I didn't realize that I could cry so quickly. I'm even tearing up just writing about it. She's 2 dang it! She isn't supposed to make those connections just yet. She sure knows how to tug on my heart strings. Luckily she loves to talk on the phone so when I call home, she will tell me about her day and other random things going on in the world of a two year old. That helps a bit but just makes me sad when she says "I love you Mommy. I be a good girl. See you soon." What a sweet little girl. I can't wait to get home and squeeze her.