Merry Christmas from California!

We spent Christmas in CA and had a great time. Here is the whole crew!


Presents from Grandma and Grandpa Porras!


Bath time with my cousin Grace. (Aren't they going to just love us for these pictures when they are in high school?)



"Yep, cuz, I've really put on the pounds this holiday...I have got to start working out to lose these rolls!"

With cousin Grace and second cousins Jon and Raquel

Christmas in Austin

Do you think it's time to retire the swing? He's having a little too much fun in there!

Opening presents


New toys!



(I admit, I am back dating these to make up for my lack of blogging over Christmas!)

Chris, Aidric and I opened our presents from each other (and Aidric opened some that were sent to him from Grandma Hanewich, Grandma Sytsma and Gretchen too!) on Dec. 22nd- the day before we left for CA. Surprisingly, Aidric really did participate in the opening! While he and I were in the living room waiting for Chris, I put all of his presents in front of him. He reached for one and started tearing! We put together a few of his toys and he immediately started playing.

Our little reader

Aidric is finally becoming interested in books! This makes me so happy, but tonight he went above and beyond. He sat there like this for over five minutes studying this book. No turning pages yet, but he checked out this one page pretty thoroughly!

vote for Ava!

Remember the pics of Aidric and Ava in the high chair? She is my friend Meghan's daughter, and their Christmas card design is in a contest. If you have 30 seconds (and you know you do!) click on this link and vote for card #9!!

http://secretstorksurprise.com/gpage10.html

1/2 year

Dad, I'll let you know when I'm done with the jumperoo!


Yes, it was this warm in Texas last week!


And it was this cold a few days later...


I honestly don't know how half of a year has already passed!! 6 months ago today, Aidric was still in the NICU. Now, he's home but dealing with his first ear infection and cold. Poor little guy was diagnosed with an ear infection at his 6 month appt. over two weeks ago. We went back for a re-check and unfortunately, it's still there. He is now on his second course of antibiotics. He is having some cranky times b/c of it, but overall, I am thankful it hasn't been as bad as I think it could!

Here are some pics of him since turning the big .5!