Ringing in the New Year...Nelson Style

So long 2009...Hello 2010! The animation of the Nelson kids was as present as ever...so here is a snapshot of our day (morning & night, as they were at school today).

Our new years plans...a double date...table for 4!
Here is a video of the kids ringing in the new year with lots of banging and cheering!

13 Months Old

What a difference a year makes...reflection time

It is hard to believe how much has happened and how much the kids have grown in a year! That said, Andy & I remembered back to last December several times this holiday season...such a scary time having Molly at Children's hospital. We were so happy to have her home in time for Christmas. Fast forward to this year...such a relaxed holiday season with the kids both happy and healthy! We have so much to be thankful for!!

Here are some 2008 vs. 2009 pictures to reflect.

December 18, 2008 (Molly was in the Pediatric ICU for 5 days) Her due date was 12/19 but she was 3 1/2 weeks early...but got RSV so was back in the hospital on her due date.

December 18, 2009

Christmas 2008

Christmas 2009

Celebrating with Poppi

Another great day of celebrating Christmas...this time with Poppi...so much fun!!

Christmas Day...snow day!!

Merry Christmas to all!! We have had a wonderful Christmas!! We celebrated with the whole Nelson family on Christmas Eve, then went to Christmas Eve service at our church. (I forgot my camera...so missed many photo ops last night with all the cousins opening pictures--sad to say)
This morning, we spent the morning checking out Santa's deliveries and opening presents. Grandma Jo & Papa Dave came over for Christmas brunch and played in the snow with us!! We have gotten at least 12 inches of SNOW in the last 24 hours. It is SO pretty!!

Snow Videos:

Ready for Santa...

The stocking were hung on the chimney with care...in hopes that Saint Nicholas will soon be here!!!The tree...I started hanging my Christmas cards on the tree last year and I love it!! Love to see our cards every day!!

Tradition: Christmas Jammies on Christmas Eve

More Videos of Zach & Molly being their usual silly selves

Playing Legos, Singing, Dancing, Running, Climbing...the everyday norms of the Nelson household...here is a sneak peek into our world.

Merry Christmas

Giddy-up

I wish I had the video camera instead of the camera...because watching Molly "giddy up" is my high for the day! She is so funny!! (and she knows it...she gets this from her Dad...she is constantly laughing!)

**Thanks to Cousins Ashley & Hannah for the Horses!!

Christmas with Kathy & the kids

Mommy's MN family...Mommy, Zach, Kathy, Lauren, Bailey, Maggie & Molly

Best Buy FAMILY holiday party

This was the first year that BBY had a corporate wide holiday party for as long as I can remember...and for sure the first one that included families! It was awesome! Boogie Wonderland (my favorite pre-kid band), cookie decorating, kids actitivites, etc....and SANTA!! As you can see he was a hit:)

"climbing the corporate ladder" or stairs in this case. My good friend at work has a three kids...5, 3, 1...Zach & Molly had a lot of funny playing with them!

Santa visit

click to enlarge collage

So third time really is a charm...at least when it comes to visiting Santa!

Today was the official visit that all the other times were a practice for...and they did great!

Zach talked him about how good he is, his favorite vegetables and what he wants for Christmas. He also told him about his sister..."her name is MOLLY!" So cute!!

More home videos

Santa at the Minnesota Zoo

Visiting Santa: Take Two. With our Zoo membership, we were able to sign-up for Snacks with Santa. You can see that with a little convincing, he decided Santa was ok. Molly on the other hand...well, not ready for him yet.

Grandpa & Grandma were here for the short weekend! We had such a great time! Were busy checking out the MN Children's Museum, Zoo, celebrating Molly's Birthday and an early Christmas.

Bath Time

Bath Time is a favorite past time at our house. Tonight, our friend, Tracy, was over and able to witness the fun.

One Year Stats

Molly had her 1 year appointment today! Here are her stats:

22lbs 5oz (75th percentile)

29 1/4 inches (75th percentile)

Total Teeth...8...and so many more fighting their way in. Teething is in full effect:)

Eyes..still Blue. I think they are officially staying.

Molly is taking steps usually about 4 or 5 below falling.

She is into everything...opening cabinets in the kitchen is her favorite.

She is still so happy and smiley!!

If we could all love like Molly...Molly is so loyal and shows love! When she sees someone she loves (Mommy, Daddy, and her "buds" at school) she just squeaks and kicks her feet in delight. I love this about her...I hope she maintains this. Enthusiam & visible showing love is Molly! I like to think she gets some of that from her Mommy...and her Mommy gets some from her!

Time to turn the carseat around...two babies facing forward!!

I love this picture because it captures how Molly rides in the car every day...holding on tight!!

Molly's 1st birthday party

Tonight was Molly's party with her "friends" and family. Molly is lucky to have several friends her age.

Ren, Molly & Grace...her two other friend Gio & Kate were there too. All were born between Nov and March.

Molly & Grammy

With all the babies, siblings and cousins...there were 17 kids!!

Molly & her very best friend (and neighbor) Samantha

Aunt Megan & Molly

Mommy, Molly, Ren & Deborah

Molly enjoyed climbing on the presents more than opening them.