Christmas Part 2 - Chrissy in NC

Then we traveled to see my family - "the Hawkcrew" - in North Carolina.

All the "children" ... sometime I'll introduce them all.

The "married-offs" - Adam, Em, Eva & Evan, Leah, Henry

This is my older bro and his wife (and pup). They live about an hour outside of Charlotte. We were so happy they could come visit with us!

The gals - Niece/ Grandbaby Eva, Sister Em, Sister Elissa, Sister Leah, Mother Sharon

Eva's new favorite cousin - Henry


She really loved him.


She was a total dork trying to get his attention the whole time. Hilarious!

My cutie

Eva got very sick the second day we were there - fever and terrible cough, then double ear infection. Poor baby, she was miserable... and then she gave it to everyone else because nobody could keep their hands off her cuteness!

Since we had 2 whole weeks to hang-out, I had a whole lot of picture opportunities!

And, as you will see, my family is not camera shy (as most of you already know)!

I don't have any words for this one... Mmm, sugar cookies.

"Eli and Addsie"

...add some Joe...

...they really are like cartoon characters some of the time.

... you could say we got a good healthy dose of ridiculous in NC!

uh,... ...make that 2 doses.

We watched our teams...

...go for it...

...and lose. (I think the reason he missed that field goal is in that picture above... seated at the end of the couch... NOT cheering!)

Kasay's look here says it all. It's ok, buddy, we still know you're Money.

So, back to the week. Some got dressed up... (Christmas Eve Service)

...others stayed dressed-down.

Sick Eva with Uncle Crazy Tay

It was nice weather that week, so we all played outside.

Isn't she beautiful?

"Treddy" being the little dork we love.

It's a game they play...

... I don't get it either.

The Cyclist

The Chili-Lover

The Saltine!

E and "Mimi"

The car repairs

(A:"You're doin' a mighty fine job there, Jim. Tighten them bolts!")

By Christmas Day E was doing much better.

Mommy and Daddy however were pretty pathetic.

Gotta love the bear suit from Mimi!

"I love Grandpa thiiiiiiis much."

Evangeline's many fans look on as she opens her Christmas gifts

Finger puppets!

Tasty puppets!

Patch's racer
These guys were hiding in someones stocking.

When they saw each other, it quickly came to fisticuffs!Adam's dream come true... The Bullet!

The Great Pants

(we all agreed he could use the next size down)

Hearts were warmed by the Yule Log, a much-celebrated tradition.

By the end of the 2 weeks, we were all feeling much better.

Still looking a little pale - Mommy and her E

What a blessing to be home in NC once more. Miss you all every day! Love you!

(Finally) Christmas Part 1 - Family Christmas in MD

Here's (finally!) some of our family Christmas photos...

Look how much Little E looks like her daddy in these!

For our little family Christmas night we had fried chicken and went to see Christmas lights.

Winter Lights at Great Seneca Park

Here's Eva exploring her gift from Mommy and Daddy. (which of course we got for free, like most of the stuff we own! God provides!)

E -"This wrapping job is shoddy at best, Mom.

Couldn't we put a little more effort into our gift presentation folks?"
(We had hoped she wouldn't notice)

Look what was inside!

She was delightfully surprised when her new CareBear spoke:

'Hi! I'm Cheerbear with a smile just for you!'

And now Eva has a new "bestie." "A cheer-a-rific day is heading your way!"

E -"I will love you forever, Cheery."

"How 'bout a CareBear hug?"

Grammy, Bumpa, Abram, and Laura all came for a visit before Christmas

and they brought many gifties! Like dried treats...

A&L with E

"What is it, Mumzie?"

"Yes! Diapers!"

(Her favorite part was the bow Bumpa put on top...

which to this day still remains one of her most favorite toys.)

Thank you, Grammy and Bumpa!

E - Motion

(There was more video, but the computer messed it up.)

She's been crawling for about a week now... and is leaving destruction in her wake. But, hey! she's sleeping better due to exhaustion! Go, Eva!

8 Months!

"Seriously, Mom."

"Oh, I'm being photographed! Delightful!"
Such pretty eyes.

(I think she looks like her cousin Cailin here.)

As Daddy would say, "Yeah, she's good-looking kid."
Just a hint of her impish grin there.

...and after all those nice ones,

this one was just too hilarious to not include!

"Delectable biscuit, Mummsie!"

As of yesterday, our little girl is 8 months!

Here's some highlights from Babyland for all you mommies and Eva fans. (wink)

It's been a fun month visiting a lot of family and trying new things. These days, Evangeline Emma is moving more than ever and tho she can't crawl yet, she can get across a room via much rolling and scooting. She does tend to go backwards tho... ah well, she'll get it. Go, little girl, go! But really, I hope she waits just a little longer. I like her not moving fast yet, for when she does, I'm sure she'll be taking off and Mommy will be doing much chasing and teaching "May not touch."

Eva's little taste buds have been enjoying trying some new foods. Lately she's found a new love in rice cakes and she'll happily gum one to bits before Mommy can get the rest of lunch or dinner ready for her little munchkin. We've also added yogurt, crackers, and banana to her daily menu of cereal and fruit or veggie baby food. She loves her "big girl food," as the picture shows, and her dexterity is a little advanced for her age. (oh yeah, that's right, I said advanced. go Eva!) And after all this munching, as Mommy guessed would happen, a tiny first tooth has just broken the surface this week! I shall attempt to capture it's launch in a picture ... but I'm sure my darling will make that difficult! Wish me luck!

Also, taking after her mother, our baby girl is babbling constantly. She's using a range of consonants and at times sounding very like words - tho I know she has no idea of language yet. It can be really funny. She'll look at me or her daddy sometimes and very seriously try to communicate something in her Eva-speak. We're trying to get her to connect all her da-da-da's with the actual person, but as of yet all she does is grin when we stand there "da-da-da-ing our encouragement. It's as if she's thinking, "My poor parents. They're good people, but they're obviously out of their minds."

So, God has given us with another blessed month with this precious little person, and for it we are so grateful. We pray for many, many more blessed and healthy ones for the years to come, but count every minute as a privilege. What a fulfilling occupation motherhood can be when surrendered to and strengthened by the Lord. What a peace-giving thought to know I can carry every burden to the Cross and leave it there knowing fully that He will supply every need and grant better than I could ask for! What amazing grace He gives for each minute of each day. I praise Him for His mercy and goodness shown to me and my little family! Thank you, Lord, for little Eva!