Jackson's First Christmas

Never has Christmas been as special as it was this year. We knew way in advance that we wouldn't be traveling home to Texas for the holidays due to my treatments. We had never spent the holidays away from home and I knew it would be hard. I was worried that it would feel like just another day, nothing special, just the three of us at home. It ended up being one of the happiest, most memorable days of my my life! We had so much fun being Santa for Jackson, setting out his new toys. Babies make the holidays SO SO special! We spent the day relaxing by the fire, watching Jackson play with his new toys and made Pedro's tamales, shipped all the way from TX, for dinner (for those of you who are not familiar with Pedro's, they are the BEST tamales ever and are made in our hometown; and for those of you who are not familiar with Pennsylvania, there is absolutely NO decent Mexican food up here- surprising, I know). Christmas really isn't about gifts, parties and decorating...those who think so are REALLY missing out! I spent the whole day thinking about how truly blessed I am and how much I have to be thankful for in my life. Even when times are tough, we have it so good, just having each other. Life is so good!

Our little elf on Christmas Eve, obviously excited that Santa is on his way!

Jackson with all his new toys.

Playing with Daddy.

I think this was the favorite!



With Momma!

Jackson's First Thanksgiving

I had treatment #6 the Monday before Thanksgiving, so Suzy (Nolan's mom) came to help us for the week. I am so glad she was here! It was so nice to have Nolan go to treatment with me (he usually has to wait in the waiting room with Jackson). Jackson was terribly missed by the nurses and my oncologist though. He is a popular little guy at the hospital!

We had a nice time and the help was MUCH needed, as this treatment was a little tougher than the last. I made my grandmother's dressing a week ahead of time and froze it (knowing I wouldn't feel like cooking much), and we bought a small turkey breast. I knew, since we are not going home for the holiday's this year, that I couldn't go a full year without the traditional holiday food! Jackson did not miss out on the food. He had his own sweet potatoes and turkey!

I wasn't feeling well on Thanksgiving day, and was so grateful for the help. I spent most of the day resting and cuddling with Jackson.

We had a nice Thanksgiving week with Suzy and Jackson loved getting spoiled by his Granna! We look forward to her returning, with Grandad, in a couple weeks!

Also, I am VERY excited that we will be flying home to Lubbock for Jackson's first birthday in January! The timing worked out perfectly- I will be done with Chemo (THANK GOD) and just about to have surgery. My blood counts should be about back up to normal by the week of his birthday and I will be okay to travel. I should be feeling good, too! I have already begun planning the party (its going to be big) and can't wait to see everyone! I am so thrilled about this trip because I really didn't think we would be going home to TX until late summer, which would have made it a whole year since the last visit! I have also been a little sad about not being able to travel home for Christmas this year, but now I have something to look forward to! I can't wait to spend time with friends and family! We have a lot to celebrate!