The Habel Family: January 2011

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Another Snow Day!!

We have had a beautiful (snowy) winter. I was thrilled to take another snow day with my chubby bunny a few weeks ago before we left for the weekend for Iowa. I love a day at home with my family, and it seems they come few and far between these days!! Imagine that!

My parents were already planning to come up and grab Gus for the weekend, so they came a little earlier to play with Charlie in the snow. Besides our poor attempt at sledding a few weeks ago this was his first time to actually get down and play in the snow. The toboggan my parents brought up that was mine as a kid, was perfect for Charlie, and the fact that grandpa was willing to drag Charlie anywhere and everywhere he wanted to go was perfect for me!! I got lots of pics...

Monday, January 24, 2011

Swimming

Finally getting around to posing some swimming pics of Charlie. We are enjoying this class so much, there are a few kids older than him but most are younger. It isn't so much a lesson as it is just getting the babies used to being in the water and to not be afraid. Charlie is ANYTHING BUT afraid. He LOVES being in the water and splashing around with Josh and the other kids. (No way this mom is strapping on a swimsuit in the dead of winter)

So far the child has mastered (with a little guidance of course) the diving board, diving in from his knees off a boogie board, the kids slide and the adult slide (half way), swimming under a hoola hoop to his teacher and tons of splash and sing songs... Tuesday nights have quickly become the highlight of our week!

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Snow Day!

I was supposed to fly to Atlanta today... a trip that has become bittersweet. I do love market, what's not to love, shopping for 5 days straight, staying in a wonderful hotel, shopping more and dining at some of Atlanta's most swank restaurants. Barbie and I always have so much fun, it is work though... (that's what I tell Josh). The bitter end comes when I have to say goodbye to my little man. On this end of the trip it feels like forever until I will get to squeeze on him again.

We started to get some snow yesterday, and it became worse overnight. Our trip was postponed and Charlie and I took a snow day. It was perfect, just what I needed, a little more quality time before we head out in the morning!

We had a lazy morning, playing with blocks and watching Mickey Mouse Club House. Gobbled up some PBandJ for lunch and then bundled up to head outside with our neighbors. Charlie is so lucky to have a built in little buddy in Davis Bonebrake, our neighbor. He is a "big boy" and Charlie is so fascinated by all he can do.

It was freeeeezzzziiing outside so I am sorry to report I am pretty sure it took us longer to get dressed then we actually spent in the snow. He had a good time though, and that's all that matters. We quickly warmed ourselves by the fire (that I kept going all day by myself) and snuggled in for a afternoon nap. I caught up on household things. It was the perfect snow day.

To cap it all off we started a water babies class tonight.... stay tuned for pics!

Davis and Summer, showing us how it's done

Standing for a brief moment.

Sitting was much easier in our stiff snow gear

More soon...

Thursday, January 6, 2011

The Holidays have come and gone...

What a whirlwind Holiday season for us... what a fun whirlwind it was though! Everyone has come and gone, the gifts have all been unwrapped, used and put away and the house is undecorated... hallelujah! All that preparation and decorating and cooking and stewing over the perfect gift is all behind us and we are ready to start a fresh new year!

We had a pretty easy holiday schedule this year and really tried to make it all about Charlie. My sisters flew in on the 23rd of December and were eager to babysit the little one, which was perfect since we had been invited to a dinner party at the Ross's house that night. So grandma, grandpa, aunt Aggie and LuLu took over and had a wonderful time making Christmas cookies. Aunt Aggie might have gotten a little over zealous with the pics, but I loved every one so it was hard to choose... here are a few of the little chef.

Christmas Eve was spent close to home. We had a family breakfast and then set out to deliver some baked goods to friends. Josh attended a men's lunch and I enjoyed a movie in front of the fire while Charlie napped. That night we attended the Christmas Eve service at our church and then came home for dinner. After putting some cookies out for santa we called it a day!

Ready for church

One last story before bed

Christmas morning was one for the books I am sure, meaning this year is probably the last year we will be able to say, Charlie slept in until 9:30ish. Josh and I had our coffee and opened our gifts as the little one snoozed. There were flurries outside and it couldn't have been a more beautiful morning. Truly one of those mornings where you step back and thank God for all we have been blessed with.

When Charlie finally awakened we were both eager to see his little face as he came down the stairs, I couldn't help but think to the future and wonder what he will eventually look like waiting at the top of the stairs for the go ahead!

All our gifts

Charlie's things

New tool bench from Nana Dawne and Papa Joe

After gifts we loaded the car for Carthage, another Christmas celebration was awaiting us there. It was a lovely white drive. We all opened gifts and then had a wonderful late lunch my mom prepared. In bed again early that night and back to Springfield the next morning.

Zooming around in our new shopping cart from Aunt LuLu. Big Hit!

Sampling the hors d'oeuvres

Assisting

Actually sitting still for a moment,

so I (mom) of course think this would be a good time for a family shot....

Not so much... on the move again!

We woke up Sunday and played some more and grandma and grandpa's before making the drive back home. We spent the day regrouping and Monday we made the drive to Sedalia to be with my mom's side of the family.