merry merry | Christmas morning

Something you want, something you need, something to wear & something to read for everyone + gifts to mama & daddy + brothers from the boys. 

One of my favorite things is to shop for our family throughout the year--it's the best way to scoop up killer deals & stick to our budget (more on that here). I bought Mike's "something to read" over the summer at the Ft. Inn book store that has since closed it's doors, I've had Oscar's Kavu backpack since I knew we were having another boy, I searched for months and found Narnia books for Ez & Oscar (each boy has their own collection). Amos loved getting Yahtzee, Solly loved his "thumb-hole shirt" and baking set and Ez hasn't put his sleepy tiger ("tigey") blanket down.  Mama's favorite gift was the print of the boys feet, made in secret & framed in a handmade frame. And, Daddy loved his surprise bottle of Jefferson's Ocean from Ez & Oscar (they may've broken budget rules, but they're too little to understand hah!) and his new shaving accessories. 

This year we had our very own personal chefs, OD & Cathy, come fix brunch for the gang (why haven't we thought of this before?!). We had Cathy's breakfast casserole + bacon + mixed fruit + OD's best french toast + bottomless cups of coffee all day long. 

Here's to wishing your Christmas morning was just as loud, crazy, and messy as ours. Also, hoping it was just as sweet, treasured and full of love. I remind myself daily that these truly are the very best days. 

boys, boys, boys

Earlier this week we took our 4 boys to Athens for a quick overnight visit with the 4 Tingle boys (that's 8 boys under 7 years old for those of you counting). Amanda & I chatted and wanted to start a tradition that the boys could look forward to every year & I think a Christmas break sleepover is just the thing. Maybe we can even keep it on the first official day of break as a way to ring in holiday season! The boys had a blast just playing outside for hours at a time...splooshing rocks in the creek, playing with the neighbors, climbing on Mikey & Matt. Mike and I are constantly thankful for our friendship with this Tingle crew. We love parenting alongside them & raising this herd of boys together. It's such a blessing to watch sweet friendships with our boys unfold and we're praying these friendships are ones that will span the gap of time and the [physical] distance between us. 

holiday snippets

Just a few favorites from around our house this Christmas season...

a homemade dried orange garland

truth on the letter board

our tree -- decorated by the sweetest little hands

brown paper presents

cards from dear friends, near & far 

month one | oscar fox

Sitting in our spot rocking, with you lying on my legs, looking at the twinkle lights over mama & daddy’s bed. The snow is pinging against the window & the big(ger) boys are having a Nerf war with daddy just on the other side of the wall. 

You’ve slept most of the day. You’re a happy boy...so easy. I tell people that as number four you have to be. You like it best when your brothers are around. They’re always talking to you & kissing you.  I love how seamlessly they’ve welcomed you to their brotherhood. They've affectionally nicknamed you Oski (we'll see if it sticks). 

You’re so alert. You like to be held upright, so you can see the world around you, I think. You seem to love being talked to & are starting to make good eye contact. You're rarely fuss, unless you’re hungry or need to burp. And, just today (!) you've started smiling in response to me! Be still my heart -- I'd forgotten how utterly precious and sacred those first smiles at me are. 

I’ve loved getting to know you over the past month. Having daddy home has meant extra snuggles & extra time just the two of us while he herds your big brothers. I’m forever grateful. It’s been such a joy to sit in our spot and to get to study your little face & pin backed ears, to sit with your tiny hand wrapped around my finger, to play with your little peanut toes and to stroke your velvety soft head, or, to snuggle you close and listen while you sing in your sleep. I love smooshing you to my chest, rubbing your tiny little soft face against mine & just breathing you in. 

These days, I’m certain, are the very best days.

martin band of brothers | december 2017

And then there were four. The big boys love you, baby Oscar. They kiss you and hold you and fetch things for mama for you frequently. I cannot wait to see what you bring to this rowdy bunch! 

Oscar, I've loved watching the big boys examine and study you. They'll climb onto the couch or the bed and kiss your sweet lips or pat your dark haired head. They think you're pretty special, little dude.