Christmas Memories

Uncle Ty, Papa Mark, Jonah, and Dad posing like Jonah

Papa Mark, Mama, Dad, Jonah, and Granny

Jonah and his smile: priceless

Before the memories begin to fade as we are propelled into 2011 I want to share some thoughts and photographs from Jonah's first Christmas. We visited Arizona to spend Christmas with my family. It was a really big treat to be there as both of my grandmothers were there as well as my brother and his girlfriend who moved to New Zealand last year. It was perfect timing for them to meet Jonah as they met during the week that Jonah had mastered a heart melting smile. It was so great to see Jonah and our family bond so deeply. We marveled over and over again at our fortune as we spent time with so many generations of our family.
Jonah continues to be as easy going, charming, and delightful as a baby could possibly be. As mentioned previously he has started to smile and suck on his hands. He is also sleeping longer at night (sometimes more than 5 hours at a time).
Tyler and Jonah took many a "walk around the house" and we all would laugh at how small Jonah looked in his arms.
Tyler, Kyle, and Mark transformed back into kids again as they flew thier remote control helecopters all around the house.
His Auntie Mae figured out that if you squeeze Jonah's cheeks when in the right mood he will smile on que!
Grandma Joyce (GiGi to Jonah) spent hours on the couch holding Jonah when he slept. Grandma Frances comforted him when he was extra fussy at night humming and singing in his ear and telling him she hoped he sings better than she does.
His Granny was quoted saying, "Jonah, that is the sun!" as he had his first sun bath near the window. (We don't get much sun in Oregon this time of year).
His Papa Mark (aka Sir) gave Jonah his first baby massage and bounced him on his knee pretending that he was riding a buckin' bull.
We ate like Kings, visited with my cousin Bear and his family, and reconnected with friends.
Christmas can be about so many things. This year for me Christmas was about new beginnings and that ever awe inspiring way that love continues to expand and change if we allow it to. We are looking forward to being as present as possible to that love in 2012.

Grandma Frances, Papa Mark (aka Sir), Jonah, and Mama