Christmas at home

In our seven Christmases together, this is the first one we've spent at home. Neil's whole family made it out, and we enjoyed a relaxing and cozy celebration. It was especially exciting with the new babies. Ryan looked like a monster next to Grant. He's easily got him by three pounds!

Grandma Susie and the boys

Ryan looks like a linebacker

Grant's just chillin', Ryan's not!

Brothers: Neil and Jeff with the boys

Allison and me with the boys

Chloe hardly knew what to do with herself: not one, but TWO babies to tormet! What could possibly be better?

The whole family (except Courtney, who will officially join the family in May)!

{Brad, Lori, Jeff, Allison, Grant, me, Ryan, Neil, Chloe, Susie, Dave}

And here are a few more miscellaneous pictures from Christmas week...

Waiting in line to see Santa

Our Christmas tree

Christmas Eve - Chloe feeding Uncle Jeff a chocolate while Grandma Susie reads The Littlest Angel

Smiles to Daddy

Cuddles with Grandma

Chloe hiding in her LSU pillow case from Aunt Malinka on Christmas morning (geaux Tigers!!)

Holiday baking: a tradition Chloe and I started last year that even among the chaos of this Christmas, I could not pass up!

Sugar cookies are a favorite in this household, so we played it safe with three batches!

{I use Southern Living's sugar cookie recipe, which you can find here.}

It was a wonderful Christmas! I only wish this season lasted longer.  We've been in Utah all week visiting my family, and drive home Friday morning.  More to post soon... Happy 2009, everyone!

From our little elves to yours...

Merry Christmas!

Fight for kisses

We were watching the Funniest Commercials of 2008 on TBS tonight, and this was by far my favorite. Love it!

There's nothing quite like mom...

In the last few weeks I've been fortunate enough to enjoy the company and help of both my mom and mother-in-law. My mom was out here the first week in December, and Neil's mom flew in last Wednesday for the Holidays. It's impossible to explain, but to me, there's just something extra special about having mom around.


Ryan and Grandma Jill getting acquainted.


Ryan taking an afternoon snooze on Grandma Susie's lap.

I am so grateful to have not one, but TWO moms! I love that I can laugh with each of them over silly things, that I can comfortably ask for advice or help without feeling as though I'm imposing, and that I can be myself around them both. Aside from everything else, I'm forever grateful for the love and encouragement they extend to me as a young mom who's still figuring it all out.

Thanks for all you both do! I appreciate and love you more than you know...

December birthdays

I'm behind as always, but wanted to pay tribute to two very important people in my life who recently celebrated birthdays.

First of all, my Dad...

Encouragement. Patience. Wisdom. Love. Compassion. Generousity.

...All fatherly attributes he encompasses, which have continuously lifted me and helped me become the woman I am today. Thanks for knowing me so well, and recognizing when I need advice, and when I simply need a listening ear. I love you, Dad. Happy Birthday (on the 10th)!

And second, my sweet Grandma, who just celebrated her ninety-second birthday! I love her like a best friend. She and I have always had a special bond and a sort of unspoken understanding of one another, which has only become stronger in recent years. I love that I can just pick up the phone and call her whenever I feel the desire. She's always encouraged my role as wife and mother, which I've especially found uplifting these past several weeks as I've entered a whole new stage of life (a.k.a. mother of two). Witty, vivacious, and compassionate all wrapped into one; a woman who makes those around her want to be a better person. That's my Grandma Martha! Happy Birthday (on the 19th)!

In honor of the birthday boy and girl, here's a picture of the two of them, taken in 1943.

Beautiful, beautiful people - both of you! Happy Birthday!

Chloe and Ryan

It dawned on me tonight that Christmas is a week from Thursday! WHAT? I just barely finished decorating our tree and have a stack of Christmas cards waiting to be addressed! I need more time! Speaking of time, or rather, lack of, here's my list of things I still need to post about:

• baby shower
• my dad's birthday
• our basement - we have walls; they are textured, primed and ready for paint!
• pictures from mom's visit, etc.

For now, here are some pictures I took of Chloe and Ryan last weekend. Chloe is in love with the camera, can you tell? Enjoy...

More soon... hopefully. Merry Christmas everyone!

Ryan's blessing day

Our sweet little Ryan was blessed today. Here's what I captured of him in his blessing outfit.







And here's the most decent family picture we could come up with. Ah, the joys!


Neil's attempt to tide Ryan over until feeding time

Proud big sis

I can hardly believe my boy will be a month old on Tuesday! Where does the time go? Ryan has already grown and changed so much in these short 4 weeks. He's becoming increasingly tuned-in and responsive, and has even started to coo and smile slightly. His little head still flops around, but he is determined to hold it up on his own. I suspected he might have reflux the first couple weeks of his life, and while I still think he may have a mild case, I am noticing improvements. Ryan carries with him such a sweet little spirit, and I just can't get enough of him!

I am still adjusting to two kids. It's hard work, and I'm finding that I hardly have a free minute, ever, but I'm slowly getting a handle on things. I'm feeling good physically, and am healing much faster than I did after Chloe's birth. My incision is still tender, but all in all, I'm doing really well.

It has been wonderful having my mom around this last week. She has helped a great deal, and I've thoroughly enjoyed her homecooked meals and company. Chloe's also been in heaven, naturally.

Here's a sneak peek at a photo shoot I did of the kiddos this weekend. More to come...

Hope everyone is enjoying the Christmas season!

Flashback Friday

In honor of the recent additions to the Andersen family, I felt these pictures were appropriate for today's edition of 'Flashback Friday'.

Pictured below are brothers, Neil and Jeff, with their dad, Grant, who passed away in 1985. Not only are Neil and Jeff's new boys just 23 days apart, but they share the honor of carrying their grandfather's name (Ryan Grant and Grant Sterling).


{Jeff is on the far left, and Neil's on Grant's lap}


{Jeff is on the left, Neil is on the right}

And just for fun...

{Neil and baby Ryan}


{Jeff and baby Grant}

Priceless pictures. I sure do love these Andersen boys - every single one of them!

It's official! I'm an aunt!

Welcome to the world, little one!



Our sweet nephew, Grant Sterling was born this afternoon at 3:56pm, weighing 6lbs., 5oz., and measuring 19.5 in. Tiny little guy, considering he was a whole week late!

We are so thrilled he's joined the family. He and Ryan are sure to make lots of trouble together in years to come (just as their daddys once did).

Congratulations, Jeff and Allison! We love you!

It's a miracle!

BOTH of my children are sleeping!

I have never been this lucky (during the day).

Better attempt that power nap while I have the chance!