Bad News.

We have had a CRAZY couple weeks around here! It started with the birth of our gorgeous baby boy (more on that later) and continued with Sam ending up in the hospital for some emergency surgery.

Last Thursday I got a call from Sam as I was pulling into the driveway of my grandmother's house (almost 2 hours away) that he was going to the hospital. He had been having troubles with his gallbladder for a couple months and actually had a surgery scheduled to have it removed in the beginning of March. But he had a pretty serious attack and the pain persisted, so he went to have it checked out. He was admitted on Thursday night, had surgery Sunday morning, and FINALLY came home Monday afternoon.

Needless to say it was a long few days! THANK GOODNESS my mom was here until Saturday. He is recovering well and should be back on his feet in a couple days! Silver lining: Sam was planning on taking this week off anyway, but now he can use sick days and save those vacation days!

Newport

Last weekend we headed up to check out Newport Beach. It's one of those things we wanted to check off our list while we're still living in Cali and before this baby comes! We drove by the Newport temple, grabbed some lunch, and walked around and explored a bit! We also stopped and got a Balboa Bar before heading home. Yum!

Christmas Day

We had such a fun Christmas morning...and then afternoon at our house! Parker was present-ed out by about 10:00 so we had to take a little break and then finish later! I wish everyday could be Christmas because we had such a fun time watching the man get so excited about everything!

I hate videos of myself (especially first thing in the morning with no make-up), but here's one of Parker's reaction to all the gifts.

Trying out his new chair from Grandma and Grandpa Scholl

Opening a present, granola bar in hand

Of course he wanted to play with each gift after he opened it. He loved his train from Great Grandma and Grandpa Best

The aftermath

That evening we headed over to Jim and Terri's house for Christmas dinner. The food was delicious, so was the company, and Parker continued to be spoiled!

Opening more presents with daddy--I think by this time he had had enough!

With (my) Grandma Scholl and Aunt Vicki

Some of the crew at dinner

Our first Christmas on our own was definitely a success!

Christmas Eve

This was the first year we spent Christmas away from either of our families. I think it was a little bittersweet for us. We definitely missed our parents and siblings, but also really enjoyed spending so much time, just the three of us! Ashley's extended family in San Diego also took good care of us and fed us on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!

Christmas Eve we spent some time at David & Solveig's new house, where Parker received his first round of gifts!

A new airplane from Great-Grandma Scholl

Later that evening we opened our traditional Christmas jammies. Parker was really getting the hang of ripping off the paper.

I wanted to take a family picture by the tree, but Parker was not having any of it. Here are some I snapped while trying to set up the camera.

After Parker was in bed Sam and I enjoyed some peace and quiet, and fondue!

Then we got to play Santa!! I told Sam that setting up all the gifts made me feel like a parent for the first time!

Free Music!

Did you know you can download a whole holiday album for FREE on iTunes? It's not totally lame either!

Check it out!

Brunch

I spent last week in Texas to celebrate my good friend Kristin's wedding to her beau Adam. The morning before the wedding Bridget, Jenny, and I hosted a brunch in her honor. We had fun visiting and playing some Kristin themed games! :)

A glimpse of the decor

BFFs

The hostesses

the Willardson ladies

Costumes!

Isn't this costume UNREAL? Check it out and cross your fingers that I win it!

Queen of Hearts and Alice in Wonderland Costume Set GIVEAWAY!!!!