More Christmas Activities

While living in Klamath Falls, Sean and I hosted an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party two years in a row. We had a blast and missed the fun and laughter that it brings since we didn't do one last year (Declan was only 3 months old and we didn't want to add too much to our plate). But this year, we asked my mother-in-law to watch him for a couple hours and had some of our closest friends over to help carry on the tradition! We had a wonderful time of hideous frivolity.

Sean and I also decided to go back to Jacksonville again this year to enjoy the Victorian Christmas the town puts on. It was very cold that day, but still enjoyable, and charming. We hoped Declan would be willing to sit on Santa's lap, but that was a major fail. As soon as we walked into the room Santa was in, he started crying and said "No". I then held him and walked over to Santa (he was an excellent one too) to try and help Declan engage, but that didn't work either. He continued to cry and said "All done". We were able to get a picture with him on my lap sitting next to Santa. Alas, maybe next year...

I've also bee having fun with three of my dear friends, Nina, Markie, & Emily. We've been having play dates and baking Christmas goodies. What makes it even more fun is Markie & Emily are both pregnant as well!

Sweater Party

Sweater Party

Sweater Party

Jacksonville

Jacksonville

Jacksonville

Jacksonville

Jingle bell boy saying "cheese"

Me,  Markie & Emily

The Start of the Christmas Season

We started our Christmas Season off the weekend following Thanksgiving by cutting down our Christmas tree. My parents were here for that weekend, so they were able to join us, which was delightful for me and a memory to cherish.
We found a perfect little 4 ft. one that we set on top of a small table because I wanted to discourage Declan from touching it as much as possible. We decorated it that day and have enjoyed it's charm and beauty ever since.

The following weekend (last weekend) Sean, Declan and I went to The Festival of Trees put on every year at the Medford Armory. I had taken Declan last year, but being only 3 months old then, I assume he enjoyed it much more this year. It was very crowded, but, absolutely beautiful.

I look forward to a few more weekends of delightful holiday outings!

A Connolly Thanksgiving

This year our Thanksgiving was spent in Medford at Sean's moms house. We went over in the morning to watch the Macy's parade, relax, drink hot cocoa, and eat homemade apple turnovers. Then, after a small lunch, Sean and I worked on preparing the side dishes we were contributing to the meal: Vanilla Whipped Sweet Potatoes and Cranberry Sauce. When Declan woke up from his nap, we took a lovely, crisp, fall walk, returning just in time to sit down for the meal. Sean's brother Paul joined us as well and we all had a wonderful time together.

Even though I thank God every day for all the blessings He graces me with, it is so nice to spend one day focused on thankfulness.

Cutest Pilgrim

Sean working hard

Apple & Pumpkin Pies

Declan helping Nan 

Playing the harp together

Eating an apple

The Connolly's Four!

Our Thanksgiving craft

The food

Declan Prepares for Baby

When I was a little girl, the doll Baby Alive was hugely popular, so of course I asked Santa for one. When Christmas morning came, I opened all my presents, but alas...no Baby Alive. I was crushed. Santa had always gotten me what I wanted before, why did he fail me this particular year?
Well, I came to find out, years later when I stopped believing in Santa, that my mom couldn't find one. Apparently they were SO popular that they were sold out in every store she went to. Surprisingly, last year for Christmas she bought me a Baby Alive. We both were delighted that I finally got the gift I never got as a child! She suggested I save it for Declan and I really liked that idea, so I did.

Every 6 weeks or so I recycle Declan's toys. I take the ones he's been playing with and exchange them for ones that have been in his closet. It's like he gets new toys without us having to buy any. While in his closet looking for which toys to take out, I came across the Baby Alive and decided that it was a great time to give it to him. When he got up from his nap he saw it (still in the box) and said "baby". Then he got to watch while I took her out of the box and hand her to him. He was so sweet. He just kept saying "baby" and giving her kisses. He even "shared" his snack with her!

I think he's going to make an amazing older brother, and what better way to prepare him for having a baby in the house than letting him play with this baby.

3 + 1 = 4

Over labor day weekend, Sean and I found out that we are expecting another baby!

I was slightly shocked at first, and it's taken a while for me to grasp the truth that we will be having another little one in our lives. I thought that it would be difficult for us to conceive quickly because my periods were irregular and I was still nursing Declan (which makes you less fertile), but it seemed that God had a different plan.

It's also crazy to think of the fact that our two babies will only be 20 months apart. I am sure many people will wonder what we were thinking. And I know there will be some tough times, but I also know that having them so close in age will help them be close friends their whole lives (hopefully).

Regardless of all the details we are so excited to be adding a fourth member to the Connolly Clan next May!

More Fall Fun

If I haven't said it before, I just love this time of year! I love the way the sun shifts and lets you know that it's fall. I love the smells and the changing colors of trees. I love that there are so many wonderful things to do during the fall season, and that having a child makes it all the more enjoyable.

Last week, Declan and I went with some of our friends to yet another pumpkin patch, this one in Central Point, OR. Then, Sean, Declan and I traveled down to Sonoma, CA to stay with my mom and step-dad for the weekend and experience fall fun there, as well as visit Train Town.

Declan had a blast, especially with the pumpkins which he thinks are balls. He runs around saying "Ball, ball, ball!" He also really enjoyed the train rides, a carousel ride, and feeding a sheep and some goats!