The Peanut Gallerie

He listens to me and although may not always agree, he hears and understands what I am saying. So, when I go a week of straight James and little relief, he hears me out and even lets me vent a little. 

Best of all, I truly feel loved.

The other night with James gone, Austin took me out to sushi. He hates sushi. But, he knew I was craving it and decided to take me to dinner at one of my favorite places. After, we decided to get a drink at Crush 29 and I got to order my favorite dessert, the Chocolate Bomb. We just sat there talking, laughing, drinking and enjoying each others company. I felt like such an adult.

The night was amazing. 

(I know. There's no James in this post. I think it's just as important to show how well his mommy is being treated :o)

We started off the holiday at my house. Austin and I woke up early Christmas Eve morning to open our gift for each other and some gifts we had for James. He got a drum and some sensory balls from me, plus, a Giants onesie from Austin. We can't wait to take him to his first game!

We spent the morning packing and heading down to the Elizondos where we were greeted with smiles and hugs... and some kisses, but those were mainly for James and not Austin.

That day, James got to open up a gift from Auntie Sarrah. It was a pair of his first ever converse. When Uncle Philip and Aunt Kelli came over, they brought with them a whole playstation for him! With lights and music, this kid will not be bored.

My greatest shock is how well James knew how to open gifts. As if it's ingrained into us that wrapping paper=ripping. 

The next morning Auntie Michelle and Uncle Ben came and we got to spend some quality time with them. It was nice to have the whole family there.

I will miss the holidays having come and gone so quickly, but am looking forward to spring time and hopefully a big trip next September with everyone.

Merry Christmas! and a Happy New Year!

Oh well, Austin and I had fun wrapping them regardless. 

We wrapped a few gifts for James last night. (Some toys.) I sat there thinking of how proud I was of myself. I have broken my family curse and did not give James clothes for Christmas. Nope, the boy got toys... (because, mother, that's what boys want, lol). 

I mean I have a shipment of diapers coming, but don't really plan on putting a bow on it and saying it's from Santa... that's just cruel. 

I went to capture a picture of James next to one of his wrapped gift, but he kept ripping it open. At least he knows what to do with it. 

This is going to be soooo exciting!

Lately, things have been a little more difficult around my house. James is finally getting to an age where he needs more attention than I think I can give. My work is piling up and the stress is starting to show.

It's unfair for James.

He deserves someone to play with him and care for him throughout the day. I'm attempting to set up a new schedule for 2010. Hopefully that will free up some time. I may need to consider daycare. Which isn't ideal, but may be the best solution to our situation.

Today, I set James up on my bed while I caught up on some work. He was being so good and very quiet that I was able to get a lot done. I turned around to find that the little bear had put himself to sleep. I think with recovering from surgery and the cold that has plague him this week, he's about as worn out as I am.

Which is so exciting. I really enjoy their company and the privacy they give. Plus, they are courteous and I have nothing to worry about when it comes to James. 

With them, also comes the farm :o)

First off, there's Peanut (not to be confused with James, but Kristie's peanut is a little chihuahua) Then the kitties and of course, the chickens.

I don't know what it is, but I really enjoy watching the ladies walking around the back... it's relaxing. 

He's also getting a bit of a personality which is so neat to see him develop. I'd say he has really blossomed in the last two weeks. He's such a happy little guy. He'll be sitting in his car seat and be quiet as a mouse. I think he's sleeping, until I get out of the car and look back there. Nope, he's just hanging out enjoying the ride. So content :o)

Kaiser was really amazing. The nurse staff was really attentive (plus, it didn't seem like they get too many cute little babies to dote on back there.. mostly older men that express how they like their nurse a little too much, lol.... the curtains are thin and we can hear you!) The surgeon was amazing. He carried James back to the room instead of rolling him in the crib. It was little thing, but a nice touch. As soon as James was out, they let us go back and see him. He was sleeping, but shortly woke up. 

I think the hardest part for me was the staff telling me that I had to wait to touch him. I wanted nothing more but to scoop him in my arms and tell him how much I loved him and that everything was going to be alright... sigh. 

I did eventually get to pick him up, hold him in my arms and give him a bottle. It was more than a relief to know he was okay.

Luckily, Austin works at Kaiser and was able to sit and talk with me the entire time James was in surgery. He kept my mind from anxiety and worry and I am so thankful for having him there. It made the process easier. I was able to focus on the more important things, like James getting better, being there for him and keeping him calm... instead of letting my mind wander into things I shouldn't think about like what if something happens to him and passing off that anxiety.

Austin was there for the both of us. He's dreamy :o)

Speaking of James and Christmas and exciting things, Austin and I took James for his first visit to Santa! (I'll put up the picture after I scan it in.) James was such a good boy. Santa commented on how active he was for a 6 month old. Yep, that's my little guy :D

Oh, and Auntie Michelle and Uncle Ben got him some stuff for the winter. Like that adorable hat in the picture. I can't believe he doesn't try to take it off. I was sure all babies did that, but maybe James knows that I would never steer him wrong, lol.

If you notice, James is also sporting an Austin. They are awesome to be around... and make James laugh... a lot, so we decided to keep this one (at least until it breaks down).

This is James rolling over. Yep, first phase to crawling is down. He can roll over and roll back. It's cute. He's enjoying tummy time a little more now that he knows he can get out of it. The major challenge this poses, of course, is that I can no longer sit him on my bed while I work. Now he must go in his playpen :o( Oh well, at least it's safer.

Other major changes?

Hm. Nothing I can think of... except that I have the most amazing boyfriend ever! Oh yeah... treats me like I'm something special and best of all, can roll with the punches (as some of you may have noticed, I can dish it out :o) He's perfect for me and I am so excited to have him as part of my life.

Yeah!