As we're knee deep in holiday prep I thought I'd share a few highlights from the Holz Family.
- Gabe and I were able to spend Thanksgiving with my sister and her family in Woodstock, GA. Gabe had a great time with his cousins and was able to meet his Great Grandma for the fist time! (pictures to come).
- We will not be getting a Christmas card out this year, crossing our fingers for a New Year's card.
- This Christmas we'll be hosting lots of family, we feel blessed to have a home that accommodates.
- I tried my hand an a re-upholstery job and it went splendid (pictures of that to come as well).
- Gabe is demonstrating awesome patience this season. He understands that some presents under the tree are for him, but is content to wait for Christmas day. So glad not to fight that battle.
- Gabe has also demonstrated great patience when shopping for presents. I've busted out the Sue Roosmann phrase "We're not shopping for you, we're shopping for X, Y, or Z" and Gabe has handled it well.
- Due to our more frequent errands Gabe has started to ask at breakfast, "Can we no go bye-bye today?". Oh, my little homebody...what sweet words to your introverted mama's ears.
- While in Georgia Andy and his parents painted our basement, repaired our ceiling, and installed the last of the quarter round along the floating floors...I'M A BLESSED LADY! Sorry girls...he's taken.
- Gabe cannot say Joseph, so he refers to Jesus' earthly parents as Mary and Sofa. Took me the longest time to understand what he meant and why he thought there was a couch in the manger.
- Since our trip to Georgia Gabe has been very snuggly, but struggled with goodbyes. Saying goodbye to Andy then not seeing him for eight days messed with him I guess. Our second day back Gabe sobbed because the UPS man didn't say goodbye, he did the same with three strangers at Nebraska Furniture Mart, and some plumbers. I think we've finally got it under control this week.
- Which reminds me, we bought a new water heater. I love me a hot bath but sheesh, those are pricey.
- The flipside, I've been waking up to Gabe kissing my nose and wanting to snuggle in bed...ahh.
- The unplanned water heater purchase came after the planned computer purchase, awesome timing. We're hemorrhaging money but it's Chrsitmas people!
- December marks six months that our adoption file has been active. Andy and I are doing pretty good with the wait, but we'd happily welcome a baby for Christmas!
- Gabe loves crafts right now. He will color for about 30 minutes, cut for nearly 45 minutes, and glue sticks blow his mind.
- These darker nights have increased my reading habits, I've been getting through two books a week and annoying the library staff with my hold requests.
- Andy has been Gabe's favorite for a few weeks (though Gabe and I enjoyed each other during our Georgia trip). It fascinates me to watch how different Gabe behaves after spending uninterrupted hours with Andy. They come home and Gabe has swagger - I swear!
- Christmas always makes me wish we had the Hallmark channel, holiday RomComs all day. It feels like a human right I'm being denied. Andy jokes that I'm romantic for 2 months a year November and December.
- We've been listening to Christmas music non-stop since December and our church is releasing a song every week of advent, go HERE to check them out. 'O Come O Come Emmanual' is my favorite.
Well, that probably gives you a glimpse. Hope all is well with you and your enjoying this season as we prepare to celebrate our Savior's birth. Hopefully I can get back with some pictures soon.
