A Hockey Success!

We just returned from Max's big night out. Being the hip and cool parents that we are, we let him stay up waaaaay past his bedtime to experience the Arena and CBJ hockey.

I am sure all of you are desperate to know how the evening turned out.

I am happy to report: 

He loved it. 

[Sam is ecstatic...I think he is doing cartwheels in the front yard right now...hang on...let me check...yep, cartwheels in the front yard.]

He loved the action, he loved the noise, he loved the Jumbotron, he loved the attention everyone was giving him. What a little ham, he was passing out smiles left and right and flirting with all the girls. 

The best moment for me was thinking to myself, "WOOHOO! FINALLY."  We have had these season tickets for three dang years and EVERY year I think, "next year we will have a baby with us."  Well folks, it has happened! We got to be that couple with the cute baby enjoying a family night out.

Check out Max...this is his serious face as he takes it all in!

Columbus Blue Jackets Fan

Max is sporting a RJ Umberger jersey!

Max is getting ready for the big game tonight [it is already pre-season].  His first hockey game ever [outside the womb - our dear sweet Emily is also a hockey fan]! 

Sam and I have enjoyed season tickets for the past several years. It has become a date night I look forward to during the winter months. A great excuse to get out of the house and do something fun and exciting.

This year, we plan to make it a family night. I know Max is going to love the excitement of the game; and Sam and I are going to enjoy watching him take it all in!

Go Jackets!

If The Journey Was Easy...

I have been pondering a simple - but yet oh so profound! - thought this week about our journey to Max. 

It's this truth:

If our journey would have been easy, we would not have you, Maximus.

Now that I am on the other side of this, I feel like I am finally starting to understand God's big picture. I won't pretend to understand all of it; but now, when I look at Max's sweetie pie face [which I am quite smitten by] I have to smile and think to myself:

You were so worth the wait...

I can't imagine life without you...

And again...

If things would have been easy, we would not have you.

So simple. But for me, incredibly profound and revealing of God's character. He was faithful all along. He wanted nothing but good for me. He had a plan and destiny. His timing was impeccable. His outcome was perfect.  

I am so grateful for this journey. 

Gym Rats

Max and I love Mondays! We signed up for a class at The Little Gym that meets for 45 minutes once a week. From strengthening Max's core to spotting him while doing a somersault, this class is SO perfect for us [ok, me].  

This intense class is a work-out for Max, and me too! Floor warm-ups, exercises, balance beam, bar, balls, bubbles...love it, love it, love it!

I have waited a long time to pull up in front of a class, baby in tow, and sign up for a class like this [or any class that requires a baby on your hip!]

Definitely a dream come true for me!  Love you Maximus.  :)

What's with that...Tongue??

Max's new thing: his tongue. He sticks it out and just lets the thing hang there. You can make him giggle and laugh and smile...and yep, tongue is still hanging out.

My theory?  All the Air Jordan clothes Sam keeps buying him is causing him to stick his tongue out.  His looooooong tongue I might add.  Seriously, several people have commented on how long it is.  He can stretch that thing out to touch the bottom of his chin. Freakishly weird?  Some would say.  I just think it's cute!

The Miracle Blanket Makes One More Appearance

Max was never really a big fan of the miracle blanket.  Other mothers swear by it [saying their babies loved to be wrapped up tight like a burrito for bedtime]  But, not this mama.  I maybe swaddled Max a total of eight times before bed.  He would Houdini himself right out of it so his arms stretched above his head. He seemed quite content and comfortable without it, so I tucked the ol' straightjacket away.

Until today...it seemed only appropriate to put Max in it one more time. 

Sleepover

The fun has definitely begun! Max and Gabe [Max's older and, oh-so-cooler cousin] spent the night at our house for the boys' first-ever sleepover.

Rise and Shine Boys!

Gabe, you make suspenders look goo-ood.

We might have just started war with Ron and Kristen. We decided to surprise them by dressing Gabe in this Amish-looking outfit and bring him to church this morning.  We just happened to have this gem hiding in Max's closet.  Kristen's face was priceless.  "Gabers!" [arms outstretched as she waits for her boy to greet her from a night away...and then she notices The Outfit] "Oh...oh my...what is that?"

I have a feeling it's on.