Merry Christmas!!

I cannot believe that Christmas is over! I always hate to see Christmas end as it's my favorite time of year. It was even more so this year with the arrival of our best present, Mason! I also can't believe he is 5 weeks old already! Here is our monthly picture of Mason with Big Bird:

Mason at one month old

We did end up having a "white Christmas" this year! Matt and Zane decided to head outside on Christmas Eve and play/work in the snow. Here is Zane "moving snow"

We got ready and headed to church Wednesday evening. It was packed, and was a very nice service. It felt so cozy being there as a family of four! Afterwards, we drove around looking for a place that was open for us to eat supper...and ended up at Chili's. We then headed home to get ready for Santa's visit! We set out took baths, put on the boys' matching pj's, and set out some milk and cookies for Santa. It was very easy getting Zane to bed Wednesday night!

Thursday morning, Zane woke up about 7:00. He must have forgotten about it being Christmas, because he came directly into our room like normal. We were able to keep him contained for awhile so we could feed Mason before heading downstairs. As soon as he looked at the tree and saw the Santa bags, he said "Oh, those are like Jo's house." (They were the red bags "Santa" brought to the kids at Jo's). He was very excited and wanted to get started right away...but we made him pose for some pictures first! Aaron and Michele were able to come to our house to spend the morning watching Zane open his presents. It was nice to have them here and I think they enjoyed it as well!

Zane & Mason on Christmas morning

"I wanted this!"

Our tree before opening presents...

...and after!

After we opened all of our gifts, we got ready, packed, and headed for Iowa. We went to my mom and dad's house to have Christmas with them. We had fun playing wii bowling, eating, opening gifts, and just spending time together. Here are a few pictures from their house:

Zane bowling!

"Little Santa"

Grandma Hammer, Mason, Grandpa Hammer, Zane
Zane with his horse & cowboy boots!

Friday we had Christmas with Matt's mom's side (Papa/Gaga Ee-ah) All but one of the grandkids were there, so it was a full house! Once again, we had way too much food, but we had a great day! We ate, played games, opened presents, and had a wonderful time together.

Zane showing Papa how to play Leapster

The Beggs grandkids

The Beggs siblings

Mason during present opening

Zane & Keaton pretending to pout!

Zane & Keaton jumping over the "river"

Saturday we woke up to ice covering everything! We were afraid that we wouldn't be able to go to Des. Moines for my Dad's side Christmas, but luckily it wasn't that bad. We packed up and headed to Des. Moines for that one around 1:00. My dad has 7 brothers and sisters, so we have a lot of family members. We always have this Christmas in a hotel. This year there were 63 people there. It was nice to see everyone and catch up on the happenings of the last year. Zane's favorite part was the swimming pool! I was looking forward to the hot tub, but unfortunately the heater on it wasn't working, so it was a cold tub! At this Christmas we bring a grab bag gift that starts with a certain letter...this year was "h." It's always interesting to see how creative everyone is and the variety of gifts that are brought!

Zane & Matt in the pool

Sunday was our last Christmas gathering of 2008! We headed to my mom's parents. The whole family was able to be there, so we were very glad for that. It was the first time they all met Mason, so he was not put down the whole day! At this Christmas we exchange a White Elephant gift. There wasn't a lot of stealing going on, but there WERE a lot of interesting gifts! It was so fun to see everyone again. We would love to get together more often!

Grandma meeting Mason

Grandma, Mason, Zane, Grandpa

As busy as we were, the boys handled Christmas week/weekend VERY WELL! Mason met a lot of new family members and was held a lot, but that didn't seem to bother him! Luckily he still slept like normal at night, so he wasn't too out of sync! This week is my last week off (boo hoo) so I'm trying to savor each moment with my boys! Zane will be able to go preschool tomorrow, but the rest of the week I'm home with both of them. I posted a lot more pictures to Flickr, so check them out here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bakerbunch/. We hope you had a great Christmas!!!

The World According to Zane

• This whole week we've been telling Zane that Santa was watching him. One day he said to Matt, "Santa is watching you Dad. I good boy, see...

• Lately when Mason cries, Zane will go up to him, pat him on his tummy, and say "It okay Mason, I right here...

• Zane wants Mason to look at him, so to get his attention, he'll say "Mason, over here!
• Tuesday night after Zane was at preschool, we were eating supper and asking him about his day. Matt asked him what he had for lunch and he said "Carrots. Broccoli." Then he said "I no have lunch box, Dad." We didn't know what he was talking about, so Matt went to look at the lunch calendar on the refrigerator. On there, it said "Please bring a lunch and drink today." We felt TERRIBLE that we didn't read that in advance and didn't send Zane with a lunch. Can't you just see the teachers telling the kids to get their lunches and little Zane hunching his shoulders over saying "I not have a lunch..." with a little pout? We definitely earned "Parents of the Year" for that! Lucky for us Zane has great teachers who probably gave him part of their own lunch! They never said a word to us! Guess what...today we went shopping for a lunch box for Zane!

Christmas...Round One!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! What a crazy week it was weather-wise! I was hoping that there weren't any snow days...because I'm on maternity leave and would have had to make the days up at the end of the year! There were a couple of days of early outs due to ice/snow, but no whole days off!

Mason & Zane watching cartoons

Mason watching the birdies!

On Tuesday, Santa paid a visit to Jo's house! He came bearing gifts for everyone! Jo had ordered and personalized red bags for the kids' gift, they are so cute! I was unsure what Zane would think of Santa this year as the last two he's just cried every time we've seen Santa, but he was super excited and actually sat on his lap and talked to him! He told Santa that he wants a blue balloon for Christmas...I think Santa can handle that request! Santa brought Zane some "Kinker Toys" (Tinker Toys) and brought Mason a fun toy to play with. Zane had the best reaction to his present...when he opened the sack he said "What?" Jo said "You got Tinker Toys," and he said "Oh wow, tinker toys. Thank you Santa!"

Nora and Mason

Zane excited about Santa!

Mason & Zane

Zane, Santa, & Mason

Thursday was Zane's Christmas party and program at preschool. Matt came home early to go to it. When we arrived, Zane was a little pouty. I asked his teacher what was wrong, and she said he had only slept for 10 minutes that day! He started crying and clinging to us and saying "I want to go home." He wanted nothing to do with the party, treats, or singing with his friends. We went down to listen to the kids sing, but all Zane did was sit on Miss Michelle's lap the whole time! Maybe next year...

Zane sitting with Miss Michelle

We had our first two Christmases this past weekend. Two down...four to go! Friday night we were able to go visit Grandma/pa Beggs. It was their first time meeting Mason. Saturday we had Christmas at Grandma/pa Baker's house. It was the first time most of them had met Mason also. We had a wonderful time together and the boys played so well together! It was actually our first time to meet Tate, and he's 8 months old! We enjoyed eating, playing wii bowling (Sherri kicked our behinds...) and opening lots of great gifts.

Matt & Zane playing Mario Kart

Zane and Porter at their table.

Zane, Tate, & Porter in matching jammies!
Mason slept through the gift opening!

Grandma/pa Baker & the Grandkids

On Sunday we had Christmas with Matt's parents. Once again, we were totally spoiled! Zane has been so much fun to watch this Christmas! He gets excited over his presents and has the best reactions! He does have a hard time waiting his turn...we have to divert his attention many times! He is making everything so much fun!

Zane giving Matt a "shot" using his new doctor's kit

Zane "helping" Mason open a gift

Zane opening his "tea party"

Zane & Grandma having a tea party

All of our gifts are now sorted and put away...and we're ready for round 2! Starting Christmas Day, we have one gathering each day until Sunday! Mason will be meeting many new family members over the weekend! We're excited but nervous about how the little guy will handle it all! We hope that everyone has a great Christmas! Remember the reason for the season...and take time from the hustle and bustle to spend time with and enjoy your precious loved ones! Thanks for checking in on us and remember to check out Flickr site for more photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bakerbunch/

The World According to Zane...

• One day after picking Zane up, his shoes were wet from snow. He was putting his feet on the back of my seat and making them squeak. I asked him to stop because he was making the seat messy and he said "No mom, I'm making it clean and farkly!" (Notice we are having trouble with the "sp" sound).
• We drove through Sonic for a drink the other day. We asked Zane what he would like and he said he wanted "blue ice cream. (a slushie)" Matt told him they didn't have blue, so he wondered if he'd like orange. Zane's response was "Orange is sour...how bout purple?"

Family Picture Week!

Monday marked the one-year anniversary of the death of our dear friend and classmate, Shane Sweeney. He was definitely on our minds all week long and will remain in our hearts forever. Our hearts go out to his family. He will always be sorely missed, but remembered with fondness and many many smiles!

It's been another fun and busy week at the Baker household! It's hard to believe that Mason has been with us for 3 weeks already, and that my maternity leave is already half over! I'm starting to get sad, but trying not to think about it! Here are a couple of random photos from our week:

Daddy and Mason...both asleep!

ALMOST a smile!
Our boys in the tub!

Mr. Mason asleep

On Thursday we had family pictures taken. When Matt picked Zane up from preschool, his teacher said that he only slept for 10 minutes! That is SO unlike Zane...he would sleep 3-4 hours if you would let him! So we knew we were in for an interesting photo session...and we were! He was all over the place, not listening well, and even threw himself on the floor crying. Luckily we ended up with a few good shots...enough for Christmas cards anyway! Here they are:

The Baker 4

Friday was the Christmas party at Jo's house. She is taking care of an extra baby for the next week and had a full house that day, so Mason and I offered to help her out during the party. With Mason in tow, there were 10 kids at her house! It was very well planned out and went smoothly. The kids made a craft, decorated cookies, played 2 games, and exchanged gifts with one another. After the party, we had McDonald's for lunch, then I headed out. We had fun...and Mason slept through the whole party! Here are some pictures and a video from the party:

Zane decorating cookies

Jo and the gang

Getting ready for a candy toss game

The candy toss game...I'm sure Jo's glad I'm posting this!

We've gotten a lot done on our basement this week! It is now all painted, the trim is stained and ready to put up, and we have the electrician and tile people coming this week...we're almost there! Our carpet will be here either Saturday or early next week and our couch should also be in soon. It's hard to believe that we will have a whole new space in our home to hang out in...I'm really looking forward to it! We'll take/post pictures soon!

Saturday evening, Jason, Mary, Madelyn, and Nora brought us supper! They were the first to introduce me to hamburger and cream cheese pizza from Minsky's (I know, it sounds gross, I thought so too, but once I tried it I LOVED it!). Then I got gestational diabetes and couldn't eat it, so after Mason was born, Jason told Mary that he wanted to bring me a hamburger and cream cheese pizza...so last night was the night! It was fun to hang out with them, get the kids together, and play cards (we were nice hosts and LET them win...). I wish we could get together like that more often!

Today Matt's parents came down to visit the boys (oh yeah, and us too). We went out to lunch and just hung out at home. They were surprised at how much Mason has grown, so we decided to weigh him and he was 10 pounds, 10 ounces! Not surprising considering he's been wanting to eat every 2 hours! We've been having trouble getting him down to sleep in the evenings...he wants to be held, rocked, moved, etc...so we're working on it!

Our Flickr site has more photos. http://www.flickr.com/photos/bakerbunch/

Zane Funnies

*Before Thanksgiving, Zane was learning about Native Americans at Preschool. One day, they made feather hats from paper. Zane came home with one for all of us. The week after Mason was born, I went to pick him up at preschool. He was going all around the room saying "My brother's hat..." I told him Mason didn't wear a hat that day, but another little girl knew what he was talking about and brought him his hat. He had made another little hat with a tiny feather for Mason. What a thoughtful big brother! Here's Mason wearing his hat:

*The other night, we were laying in our bed watching tv and Zane leaned up on our headboard and began pointing to the picture hanging on the wall above the bed. He said "Mom, you be Eli" (a boy from his class). Then he began saying "December. Eli, what this say?" I had to tell him "December" and then he began counting. I was laughing because I knew he was playing "school" and doing "calendar." He's really into pretend play right now!

*We asked Zane where he wanted to eat supper when we were out and about one evening. He said "Donald's. Uh, I told you at home already!" Mr. Patient???

*After his bath one night, we were getting his pj's on. He was cold and goose bumps on his legs. He started walking weird and saying "bawk bawk. I like a chicken. I cold. Look at mine legs." He was getting confused with "goosebumps" and "chicken bumps."

*I was explaining to Zane that we would get ready for bed in 10 minutes. I asked him if he heard what I said and he said "I got it."

*Today Zane was helping himself to a glass of milk in the kitchen. He was taking awhile and we heard him wiping something up. Matt went up to see what was happening and he looked at Matt and said "I need a little bit help here."

Our growing boy!

We've had another busy week! I had been on the search for matching pajamas for the boys for Christmas and I was having trouble, but then I ended up finding these in the right sizes! We tried them on for some photos. Zane was super excited and didn't want to take the pj's off, but I told him we had to save them for Christmas.

Tuesday we received a fun package in the mail...Matt's grandma and grandpa ordered a train themed rocking chair for Mason! When Zane was born, he received a race car rocking chair. We put it together right away (and were afraid that Zane would want the new one...since he likes trains so much now) and posed the boys for a picture. While we were putting it together, Zane kept making choo-choo motions (hands in circles by his sides) and saying "I thinking I can..." Don't mind me behind the chair holding Mason up!

Wednesday was my actual due date...boy am I glad Mason came early! Instead of having a baby that day, I took him to his pediatrician for his first checkup. He did very well, except when he had to have his clothes off because he HATES that! He is definitely healthy and growing...at his appointment he weighed in at 8 pounds, 9 ounces...11 ounces more than he weighed when he was born! The doctor was surprised, but said that's good and to keep feeding him like we were if he was hungry!

Zane really does love his brother! He's always wanting to hold him, kiss him, or talk to him. One day this week he was really in Mason's face, and this was Mason's response:

Some of you may remember the "Big Bird" photos I took when Zane was a baby. Each month, I took a picture of Zane beside this giant Big Bird. It was amazing to see how he grew and changed each month, and having a picture of him beside the same thing each month helped us "measure" his growth. This is Mason's first Big Bird picture. He is 11 days old in this picture.

Mason and I went to meet Matt for lunch this week. As soon as they delivered our food, Mason was also ready to eat (I forgot how that always happens...). While eating, he put his hands up around his bottle, so we took this picture as it looks like he's holding it on his own...trying to grow up too fast already!

One time this week I asked Zane to get me a pacifier for Mason. He said "Okay. Pacifier coming right up!" Here's a picture of Zane and Mason hanging out and watching some cartoons.

As soon as Mason was born I thought he looked just like Zane! Matt has recently admitted that he has noticed Mason doing many things the same as Zane...facial expressions, etc. I've been noticing that Mason will often sleep with his hands by his face, just like Zane used to do. I captured a similar picture and thought I'd share some comparisons.

Zane sleeping (5 days old)

Mason sleeping (11 days old)

This weekend we got a lot done actually! Friday we stayed home and Jo's girls, Erika and Lauren, came over for the evening. Their scheduled sitter had the flu, so we got to hang out with them! Zane had a lot of fun with them and I hope they weren't too bored at our house! Matt was busy working on spraying primer on the walls downstairs. He worked late into the night and then had to get up early to finish as he ran out of primer! Saturday we painted the bathroom and closet in the basement. Now all we have left is the living room portion, then it will be ready for carpet! It is really starting to look like a room!

Saturday night my parents and Adam came down to spend the night with us. They were in Maryville for the Bearcat game. It was an awesome game...the Bearcats won and will play in the National Championship game next Saturday. They have lost that game the last 3 years...it's their time to shine now! I think they enjoyed seeing the boys and playing with/holding them. We took them to church this morning, then they had to head home early. This afternoon we put another coat of paint on the bathroom and closet and tomorrow we'll start on the living room.

I made some Post Toastie candy this weekend (a traditional holiday family recipe). Zane wanted to eat some of the cereal, so he dumped it out on the counter and was shoveling it into his mouth. It made quite a mess! Here's a video of him eating the cereal:

There are a few more pictures on our Flikr site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bakerbunch/

Have a great week and check back in on us next week!

A Very Thankful Thanksgiving!

We have so much to be thankful for this year! We are so thankful that Mason is here and that we were able to have him with us for Thanksgiving! It made our holiday extra special! We are really enjoying getting to know him and having him as a part of our family! Already it is hard to remember life without Mason! Here is his hospital picture that we received in the mail this week. He really scratched his face well as you can see! I thought it was pretty neat how they took the picture of his head in Matt's hands! He is one day old in this picture:



I thought this pose was cute. Mason was sleeping in the bouncy seat with his arms up in the air. "Touchdown!"


Thanksgiving for the Baker family was pretty low-key. Matt was still recovering from strep throat and we had only been home 2 days. Matt's mom, grandma, brother, and sister joined us on Thankgiving Day. It was the first time all but his mom had meet Mason. We went to Hy-Vee and loaded up with food from their deli. It wasn't your "traditional" Thanksgiving, but it worked for us! It was nice to have family with us and also to have the help...since I had been doing everything on my own with Matt being sick. Everyone enjoyed holding Mason and Marcy brought her wii, which Zane loved playing! Here are a few pictures from our day:

Great Grandma Baker meeting Mason

Zane & Grandma playing Mario Kart

On Friday my brother and his girlfriend Michele came to meet Mason. It was nice to see and visit with them! Mason was born only 2 days after Michele's birthday! I think Aaron enjoyed cuddling up to Mason for a little while, he's so good with little kids!

Aaron, Mason & Michele

After Aaron & Michele left, I convinced Matt that we needed to put up our Christmas tree! I always like to put it up the day after Thanksgiving. We didn't get a chance to get the outside lights up, and who knows if we will, but we did get the inside of the house decorated!

Is it working right, Dad?

Zane seems to want in EVERY picture we are trying to take lately! This first one is one where he was acting silly and posing for the camera. There are a few other shots following that I thought were too cute not to share.

"Look at me!"

What a face...isn't the hat hilarious?
How can you resist this face?

So peaceful!

Mama's boys!

Rubbing noses...Zane kept saying

"Mason not doing it!"

On Sunday we went to church for the first time as a family of four! I was afraid the music would be too loud and scare Mason, but it seemed to do the opposite...he loved it! We are really getting into the Christmas spirit at our house...Zane is in LOVE with the snow! He was super excited when he saw it and had to come get me to see it! We let him run through the yard and make footprints...you would have thought we told him he won the lottery! To be a kid again...

After church we made a gingerbread Santa's sleigh. Zane really wanted a train again, like last year, but we finally talked him into this one.

Open wide!

Decorating the sleigh

We hope that everyone is doing well! Take care and thanks for checking in on us!