Christmas in pics

Christmas was so much fun this year! I loved watching my kids open presents and enjoy all things Christmas. Dixie was particularly fun to watch as she got excited over every gift. This was Knox's first year to really show any interest, since last year he was 3 days old and just slept in his bouncy seat. I really just wanted to upload some pictures from the day.

We celebrated Christmas Eve with my dad and brothers. We got catering from Copelands, which meant I didn't have to cook and it was delicious!

Thanking Grandpa for her puppy.

  My littlest little brother.

 My biggest little brother.

 Having fun opening gifts and spending time together.

 Knox loved his drum and is seriously a little drummer boy.

 My dad with his kids and grandkids (1 missing)

 Playing Cupunk (I think it's like beer pong with no beer. I've never played beer pong, but that's what I have heard. It was a fun game and kept these 2 entertained for a while)

 My mom and sis with our matching hats.

 1 more month to go.....

 My siblings

 Christmas morning.

 Evan was so excited to get Knox a basketball goal for his room. The tag read: 

To: NBA star From: Coach. It was really cute.

Last Christmas as a family of 4

 This boy is going to be a musician. He got his own guitar

 I already have a crock pot but broke the lid. I have been using a cookie sheet to cover mine. Glad to have a new one..and it's red..bonus!!!

Evan wanted a king cake...and it was delicious!! Pecan Praline

 Dixie and her Madame Alexander doll that we named Kelsey.

Playing with her new play dough toys before we even got to eat breakfast.

Knox's fisher price race track.

He shoots....he scores!!!!! I love this picture.

 She was sooo thrilled to get a bike. It is going to take her a while to learn how to use it though.

 We did Tacky Christmas for Christmas day. 

We have started the tradition of doing New Orleans style food for Christmas day. That way it's not like we are eating 2 Thanksgiving meals. Christmas dinner is now my favorite! Here are a few of the dishes.

Boudin stuffed turkey

 Stuffed artichokes

 Crab cakes and remoulade

 We played white elephant with a $20 gift. It's always fun to see what everyone brings and steals.

 Thought this was great. The Help and a chocolate cream pie (if you read it, you know why).

My mom got the perfect push up:)

Such a fabulous Christmas with my family. So blessed! Now on to a new year and all God has in store! So long 2011...you were a great one!

1 year with a stud muffin!

My baby boy is 1!!! I cannot believe that I am actually typing those words. Now that I have children,  I truly understand how fast the time flies. Dixie hit a year fast, but for Knox (who is my second), it went that much faster. Before Knox, I had a fear of having boys. I grew up in a family of all women. I do have 2 half brothers, but I didn't live with them full time. Boys scared me: too dirty, too rambuncous, too wild, too tough. I will say thought that after I had Dixie and had my girl, I really did want to experience having a boy, and God blessed me with sweet Knox.

Even at only a year, I see distinct differences between boys and girls. Knox likes to beat on everything and is already into everything, but he is quite the snuggle bug.  I have a very unique bond with my baby boy, one that I pray will last a lifetime. I already cry thinking about the fact that one day mommy won't be his number one girl, but his wife will. I know that is a long time off, but really it is just around the corner.

Knox Armostrong, you are such a blessing to me and a joy to mommy's heart. You make me crazy, make me smile, make me love, and make me want to be a better mom. Happy 1st birthday my stud muffin. Now do me a favor and take this next year a little slower:)

Here are some pictures of my little man throughout his awesome first year:

The day we became a family of 4!

First Christmas (3 days old)

1 week old

Loves his big sister

First time in the bumbo

Handsome like his daddy. Evan loved carrying him around in the Bjorn.

First Easter

Loved listening to Daddy playing guitar and playing with the strings. He still loves this!! I think he will play guitar.

Oh the days when you fit into the baby tub:( Bath time is always a favorite.

Starting to move around on the belly.

Seriously...do you have to wonder why I am so in love with this boy???

The mo-hawk, which he grew naturally....one day it will be back. It has grown out for the most part now.

First Halloween

Preparing for his "Little Man" party.

Officially getting into everything and everywhere.

With his first tools