Christmas Recap {2014}

Christmas 2014

This Christmas was both extra special and extra tiring. Christmas 2014 marks Ava's 1st Christmas and our 1st Christmas as a family of four. Although, Ava surprised us by being 3 weeks early (which is even earlier then I had anticipated) we were all set for a memorable Christmas. The house was decorated and presents we all bought and wrapped. Thank goodness for being prepared.

Miss Ava's 1st Christmas

Christmas Eve was spent at my parents. In the morning we "helped" prep for 30 plus people and our traditional fish celebration. Even Mason got his hands dirty this year by helping Papa ans Daddy open up clams.

Mason learning our Christmas traditions

Very focused on the task at hand

Christmas morning Matt and I opened up gifts from each other and tried to get Mason into opening his Santa gifts. He received this cash register and it caused all opening of presents to come to a halt. Once we realized none of his other presents were going to be opened we headed back to my parents; where we opened presents and enjoyed leftovers. As we all took turns opening up gifts Mason started to catch on. He finally dove into his pile of presents and was truly excited about Christmas. 

We were all exhausted by this point so a nap was in order before heading to uncle Neal and Aunt Rose's for dinner. It took some motivation to get both kids out the door but it was so worth it. Mason played with his older cousins and had the best time. It is heartwarming to see him interact with them and give them hugs (this is unusual for Mase, seeing he isn't big on hugs and kisses). 

This Christmas is one to remember! I also took an important lesson away from this season of craziness: Christmas is just as exhausting for the adults as it is for the kids. All the prep work is well worth it but by the end of the day Mason was exhausted. It was just a little too much. 

We are so blessed to have such a wonderful little family of four, that Ava is healthy (she just needs to gain some weight), that Matt has some time off work and that Mason is happy & healthy too. We still have adjusting to do with our new addition but we are slowly creating our new norm. 

We hope you had a very Merry Christmas! Till next year. 

Love the Murrays


What a difference a year makes, check out last year's Christmas post.

38 weeks {No bump but a baby}

On Saturday December 6, 2014 we welcomed Ava Michelle into the world and officially became a family of four.

Ava Michelle December 6, 20145 pounds 11 ounces 20 inches 

She surprised us all by her early arrival at 36 weeks and 6 days!  Although she is a little peanut she is doing well.  Once she gains a bit more weight she will be ready to meet everyone that already loves her so much.  I know I am basis but I must say she is a cutie and so very precious.  We are looking forward to a very special and blessed Christmas with both our children. Thank goodness for all that mad prepping and list making pre-baby.    

 Her name:  We had a few names in mind for our little Miss; I really wanted to use Michelle for her 

middle name after one of my cousins.  My cousin Michelle passed away at 36, leaving 3 beautiful children behind.  I spent many nights babysitting for her children and I admired Michelle so much.  She was a wonderful mother, a strong woman and amazing wife.  In honor of this very special woman in my life I have gifted the name to my daughter.  Ava just fit so beautifully with Michelle and since we thought she was so beautiful with her dark hair and little lips we landed on the perfect name.  

Pictures via Bella Baby

Check out Mason and his hospital pictures