Back to it

Note to self, or to anyone else looking for random advice.  Please finish Christmas shopping and other random projects prior to returning to work from maternity leave.  It IS an enormous adjustment...for you, and the rest of the family.  Do NOT pick up extra hours because it sounds good for the paycheck in the first 2 weeks.  Snuggle every chance you get with your kids. 

I could actually keep writing forever.  I feel as sleep deprived as I did the first 2 weeks Theodore was home.  And sleep deprivation leads to a lot of babbling and carrying on from me. 

Needless to say I am cutting myself a break this year with Christmas pressures, outside obligations, and blogging.  Shopping still to do, most of my wrapping, and still some baking.  I am very excited to try and finish it all in the next 2 days....christmas music on full blast...I'm ready!  Merry Christmas to you all!

The Koops family Christmas tree (insert Chevy Chase's voice here)

Theodore is so excited about his first Christmas tree

Awwww, so romantic

Our three little elves

Theodore's first ornament....sorry about the spitup

Jim did a great job picking it out.  I'd like to say what a great time we had parading through the woods finding the perfect tree, but then there is reality.  We were so cold from standing at the Ada Christmas parade (sorry I got the start time wrong), Jim went to flowerland and  picked it out while I stayed home with the 3 kiddos and started lunch :)  This may be our best tree yet!

The annual Koops Christmas party

 Someday he might not like me for making him wear this sweater....but I think it's super cute, and matches his sisters (another reason for him to hate it!)


My 3 precious gifts



waiting for Santa

TJ's turn with Santa, don't worry, he's not crying...the kid doesn't make a peep.  He was just stretching because we had to interrupt naptime so he could get his gift

Lucy was so brave this year, I think Santa even got a hug

They were both so excited to have matching barbies that can make pink streaks in your hair.  I have to say I rocked some pink for the rest of the night

Kady took the gift from Santa....but needed daddy's help to sit and open it by him!

Wow, polly pockets!

Gramps and TJ

We always have such a good time....we only see the whole Koops side two times a year, and it is so fun to eat well, catch up, and have a visit from Santa!

catch up

 It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here....so I'm going to try and post these Thanksgiving pictures before I go ahead to Christmas!  Saturday night after Thanksgiving we had the Tucker gathering.  It is so good to see all of Jim's aunts and uncles and cousins.  We were very thankful to have a new baby to introduce. 

 I had to do it, because both of them weren't looking very photogenic

 9 am Sunday morning we went to The River to watch Emma's baptism.  Since there was NO way the Koops family was coming from GR to make the service we spent the night at my parents after the Tucker party.  With so much traveling, late bedtimes, and early mornings the girls did wonderful. 

 Kadence loves sitting in church

 Emma's special day!  What a beautiful baby girl!

 It is so powerful to be a part of not only this day, but to be a support for Emma and Ben and Laurie for our entire lives. 

and if you know Mya and Joseph, this is not where we usually find them.  This was a rare moment of them both sitting together, quietly, reading.  I love all these kids!

Tuesday playdates

 I'm going to miss Tuesdays.  My sister and I have had almost the same exact maternity leave...third babies 2 days apart.  Now I'm gearing up for going back to work....So here are some of our memories: Love you Carrie!

 cookie making on the deck (you can see from above how excited the youngest two are!)

 Simon's sprinkles with a cookie on the side

 look at all those cheeks

 The best one of all six!

 My girls loving on the babies!

 Having fun and talking

our first playdate, and the only picture I got.  We spent the majority of the time in the basement because of tornado warnings...in October.  We were scared enough to get all six kids together for the first time....and then we had to keep them entertained in the unfinished part of my basement.  Awesome! 

A day of thanks!

 I'm thankful for the 2 newest Koops' additions this year, Emma Riley Engbers, and Theodore Jon

 I'm thankful for a big turkey and ham dinner with more sides than I could possibly fit on my plate.  I'm thankful for a mother-in-law who enjoys doing this whenever we come over!  I'm also thankful for a new baby that Jodie carries so well!

 I'm thankful for a Grandpa and Grandma who love spending time with their grandkids, and I'm thankful for naps and sleep....TJ has only been getting up one, sometimes two times a night. 

 I'm thankful for grandmas who read until you fall asleep

 I'm thankful for talks and bonding

 I'm thankful for creative minds, and bodies that have the ability to create such wonderful art!

 I'm thankful for washable paints!  I'm thankful for all the giggles and smiles that come with "nakie" painting!

 I'm thankful for clean-up time, and the many memories that these kids will have about our Thanksgiving holidays.  I'm thankful to have so many kids so close in age.

I'm thankful that we have a day that reminds us to stop.  be thankful.  God IS good!

2 months

 

 From 6 lb 12 oz to 12 lb 8 oz....all in a mere 2 months.