Christmas 2008

Here it is... the long overdue Christmas post!

We had an amazing first Christmas with Caleb. Bryan was fortunate enough to have the week off from school so we were able to travel to Houston to spend the holiday with both sides of the family. We spent Christmas Eve & part of Christmas day with Bryan's family and then the rest of Christmas day and the day after Christmas with my family. Luckily our parents only live 4 minutes apart so we didn't have much driving in between locations!

Only 1 year ago, our Christmas Eve photo was just two. We actually used that photo on our adoption application! When I look at these photos and realize what God has done in our lives in one short year I am blown away. He has blessed us with a beautiful son who brings us so much joy and fills our hearts in places that we did not know were empty. We will never stop thanking Him for bringing Caleb into our family.

Here is a recap of Christmas 2008 in pictures. I didn't really hold back on this post... there are a bunch of pictures so sit back & enjoy!

When we got to Gran Jan & Grandpa's Caleb got to play with the nativity!

It's fair to say he was pretty pumped up about Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus and the manger. He was especially thrilled with the angel on top.

Caleb playing with Baby Jesus

Caleb played in his jumper on Christmas Eve. He always smiles when he sees Sophie!

Such a happy, smiling boy! Caleb is wearing his new red shoes that squeak when he bounces. They were better suited for jumping than his black dress shoes!

Even Grandpa joined in the jumping!

A Pickett family photo taken on Christmas Eve

From left to right:

Billy, Carolyn, Tony, Jan, Caleb, Betsy, Bryan, Michelle, Craig

After the family photo everyone had to take a picture with Caleb!

With Gran Jan and Grandpa

With Uncle Craig and Aunt Michelle

With Aunt Carolyn and Uncle Billy

Caleb on Christmas morning with his Santa Claus presents. We hear Santa keeps it pretty low key when you're 8 months old.

Caleb playing the piano with Grandpa in his Christmas overalls

Caleb's Great Grandma Pickett came to Houston from Louisiana on Christmas Day. This is the first time they met!

Caleb really studied Great Grandma Pickett! Later that day Great Grandma Pickett read the entire hard-back book version of our blog that we gave as Christmas gifts this year to the grandparents. She got to learn all about our journey to baby Caleb!

Four Generations of Picketts

Later that day it was time to go to my parents' house. Sophie watched nervously as we packed up the car.

A family photo with my family before the Children's Mass on Christmas Eve

From left to right:

Chris, Bobby (Dad), Carol (Mom), Isabella, Malikai, Betsy, Caleb, Bryan

Caleb got to play in his jumper at Granny & Daddy Bob's house too!

Having a snack while sitting on Granny's kitchen table

Caleb playing with his big present from Granny & Daddy Bob - a little house! He likes to play peek-a-boo with Mommy through the door.

Uncle Chris played music for Caleb on his new classical guitar

Caleb enjoyed looking at the tree with Granny

Caleb enjoyed playing with the windchimes with Daddy Bob

Caleb with his cousins Isabella & Malikai in their matching Santa hats

We also went over to my Uncle Donny & Aunt Lucy's house where Caleb got to meet more extended family. Sadly I did not take any pictures while we were there! It was wonderful to visit with everyone on both sides of our family and share Caleb's first Christmas with people we love.