The Winkelmann's: December 2009

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Merry Christmas

From our house to yours we wish you a very Merry Christmas. May the season bring you comfort, joy and peace. Our family has been blessed this year by so many memories including moving into our new home and welcoming our new daughter, Miss Mallory, a week before Thanksgiving. We are so thankful for all our family and friends. We hope that your family has a joyous holiday season and may 2010 start a new bright chapter in each of your lives.

Remember the reason for the season...Christ is born!! Put Christ back into your Christmas festivities. Don't let the true meaning of the season be forgotten.

Merry Christmas

Salem Sunday School Christmas Program

Last Sunday Salem's Sunday School classes put on "Shepherds, Sheep and a Savior" Christmas Program. Dalton had a very simple job...sing and stand still while upfront. Well he managed maybe a 50 on both, but I will give him a 100 for being the cutest Shaggy, Smelly Sheep. Take a look for yourself. The night ended with a live nativity and singing silent night by candle light outside.

*Sorry the pictures are out of order. Two kids screaming can do that to a person. At least they are up.

Christmas Season

A week ago we finally got the house decorated including the tree up in the living room and Dalton's room. I usually can't wait to get the Christmas decorations out sometimes even before Thanksgiving, but this year I just could not get motivated to decorate and could not find the time especially with a brand new baby. At least the trees are up. It's just so sad that Christmas is now here and they will soon return to their boxes.

Our first year with the Advent House. Each day Dalton gets to open a door and inside is a surprise. It has been our countdown to Baby Jesus's Birthday. It's the first place he goes when he gets home from school.

Family Christmas Tree

Dalton's Christmas Tree and helping decorate

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Christmas with Great Granny "G"

On Sunday we had our first round of Christmas with Great Granny "G" Grabarschick and the Maurer's. This get-together every year is always special for Dalton because it's the only time he gets to spend with any other kids. That's right, if it was not for the Maurer three Dalton would be the only little one on both sides of the family.

Great-Granny Grabarschick holding Mallory for the first time. Mallory was not really in the mood for pictures, but this is the best shot I got.

The entire clan: Great-Granny Grabarschick, Bonnie, Dalton, Mallory and Ryan

Caleb, Austin and Dalton enjoying a new toy.

Thanks "Uncle" Jason for the special gift. I think it might soon have to find a new home.

Dalton and Caleb playing on Aunt Barbara's piano. Who knew the talent in the family.

Dalton was suppose to give Great-Granny "G" a hug and tell her "Thank You", but playing was so much more fun so this is the best shot before he ran again.

Every time Great Granny "G" sees the kids she always has quarters for their piggy banks. (Her bingo winnings) It's a special treat to get quarters.

The best shot I got: Austin, Caleb, Dalton, Avery and Mallory. Avery enjoys holding Mallory every chance she gets.

Grandma Bonnie and Mallory

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Dear Santa

I think I have been a good boy, but mom and dad might not agree. I know I have lots of toys already, but I would like a special toy from your workshop at the North Pole. Also don't forget about my new baby sister she needs a doll because I'm not ready to share my toys. This is what I would like for Christmas this year because I think I deserve it: Polar Express Train Set, Pirate Ship, Race Car Trailer with Truck, Tent and Sketchers with lights. I will be waiting with milk and cookies. Are you really coming down the fireplace?

Dalton

Thursday, December 17, 2009

One Month

Mallory reuniting with Dr. Gayle one month after he delivered our precious little princess. At Mallory's weekly Dr. visit this week she weighed 6 lbs. 7 oz. Dr. Draehn told us she is a very healthy little girl. Hopefully we have one last weekly trip to the doctor next week for weight gain and general check-up. Then the next time we visit will be for shots at two months.

Her favorite position...on her side. If we lay her on her back when we return she has managed to kick to her side.

Look at those eyes...

Big brother holding her hand. He really has been very good with her. He will be a terriffic BIG BROTHER when she is older.

How sweet!! These are the moments we will cherish.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

3 Weeks Today...

Oh my, where does the time go. I know I have failed to keep the blog updated with the latest pictures and info, but I just don't know where the time is going. So much to do and not enough time and energy to get it all done.

Well believe it or not Miss Mallory is 3 weeks old today. It's still taking some getting used to again. You forget about all the little things involved with a newborn when you wait pratically 4 years in between. I forgot about the sleepless nights, dirty diapers, feedings, laundry, and merely the time it takes to get you and the baby ready to go somewhere plus you can't forget about the four year old running around slowing things down. I don't think we will ever be anywhere on time again.

At Mallory's 2 week appointment on December 7th she weighed 6 lbs. 2 oz and was 19 1/2 iches long. That is a complete 1 lb weight gain in just two weeks. She is doing remarkably well and is more alert when awake, but sleeping and eating remain top priority. She is still a very content baby. We could not ask for anything better.

Looking back almost 4 years ago Dalton weighed 6 lbs. 14 oz and was 20 inches long at his 2 week appointment. Dalton was 6 lbs. 11 oz and 20 inches long when he was born at 40 weeks. Mallory was 5 lbs. 12 oz and 19 1/2 iches long when she was born at 37 weeks. Dalton better look out at the rate Mallory is growing she will be bigger then him in no time.

Here are a few pictures over the last couple of weeks.