Christmas in Chicago

We definitely experienced a white Christmas this year. The snowy skies filled each day during our stay with John's family. I have to say that I do miss the snow from my childhood, but it's nice to enjoy the snow for a few days and then leave it behind. There is something so peaceful and beautiful about the snow falling outside while you snuggle inside with family. I just love it.

We had an eventful couple of days with the Garrisons and Ritsemas. We managed to take our 1st flight as a family, experience John Parker's 1st real cold/fever, and have our brother in law George get kidney stones.

I had hoped JP would be wide eyed and happy on Christmas morning. However, I was reminded of the things that really matter. It was wonderful to have so many hands and hugs close at hand to make our little man feel better. Christy and Stephen were great at making JP smile amidst his cold. Grandma and Susan soothed and rocked little JP to sleep on many occasions. Family truly made the holidays for us this year.

4 Month Old Video Highlights

The Graduate

This past Friday, my brother graduated from Auburn with a Bachelor's in Accounting. We are so proud of him; he's worked very hard over the last four and a half years and it shows. If I may brag just a bit, he graduated cum laude. It's been neat to watch him develop great friendships, pledge ATO, and really become an avid Auburn fan.

It's weird to think that my little brother is now officially a grown up--now I really feel old! I can't wait to see what the Lord is going to do in and through him. Watch out world, here comes A.J.! :)

PS--We didn't get many great outdoor pictures since it was cold and rainy that day.

Sitting Tall

Have you ever had one of those moments that you would like to freeze in time? Well, I'd have to say this morning was one of them. In the last week, John Parker has really started to get the hang of sitting. It's obvious that he loves the new perspective. As he sat grinning this morning, we found ourselves so grateful to share in these milestones with him and amazed that he is starting to dwarf his little teddy.

Season of Thankfulness

We love our little guy!



Hanging with Uncle D



Little Mr. Smiles



Has Hanson come back? :) Just trying to picture JP as a brunette!



Cuddling with Pops



Thanksgiving took on new meaning this year as John and I reflected on the greatest gift that we have experienced as a couple-the gift of a son. Our life has been turned upside down in a good way. Over the last few months, we've learned that being a parent requires sacrifice and a great measure of God's mercy. Being a parent while challenging at times brings so many rewards. Our life is much richer today because of John Parker.

Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Psalm 127:3

Happy Half Birthday, JP!

I can't honestly believe that my little baby is already 6 months old!!! Time seems to fly by even more now that we have John Parker. I'm amazed at the love that a mother can have for her child; it's like nothing that I've ever experienced before. I absolutely love staying at home with him; it's by far the best job I've ever had! :)

At one time I worried that I wouldn't have enough to do each day that I would get bored or tire of these same four walls. Now, I only laugh because most days are anything but boring. We visit with friends, go on walks, meet daddy for lunch, or visit the Aquarium. The adventures just seem to be getting more enjoyable as he becomes more engaged in them. Here are some of my favorite pictures from this past month. Happy Half Birthday, John Parker!

The Gang's All Here

We recently had a playdate at our place with the Clark's, Conway's, and Boy's crews. It's a family affair for sure since Laura and Andreja have two and the Fabienne and I have one.

It's been so neat to watch the little one's grow and develop personalities. Charlotte loves cuddling with her mama and Clarke just started to crawl. Emma and Elliott had no problem climbing upstairs and exploring John Parker's room. Here are a few pictures from our adventure.

Storytime with Mrs. Laura



Clarke showing John Parker how it's done



Hey, are we on camera?



For posterity, here are all the kids (except for Nora). Getting them to all look at the camera and smile is like moving the Great Wall of China! :)

Great Online Shopping Website

Recently, I found this great website that offers discounts for many retail stores and even grocery coupons. If you are like me, I have a pile of coupons in my kitchen, but I never seem to have them with me when I need them. This website is genious because I can find the coupons and then go shopping rather than having to rumage through piles of coupons. I thought I would pass it along since we all will likely be shopping in the next month. Happy shopping, friends!

http://www.retailmenot.com

John Parker's "Sip and See"

This past weekend, John Parker had his "Sip and See" with some of my Birmingham friends and their moms. For those of you that don't know what a "Sip and See" is, it's an Open House/Shower where the mommy and grandma can introduce their little one to their family and friends.

John Parker was such a great boy and freely gave out smiles and flirty glances to the many ladies that were there. He even made a couple of new friends. He looked precious and was all dressed up for the occasion. A special thanks to the Flannery's, Huffstetler's, and Taylor's for making this event so wonderful.

Putting my Running Shoes on again!

For those of you that know me, you know that I love to run. My running had fallen to the wayside once I got pregnant. Walking has been my only form of exercise in the last year, so you can imagine my joy to start running again. On Saturday morning, I laced up my shoes and ran the Pancreatic Cancer Reseach 5K Race.

Let's be honest; it was no cake walk. I am very out of shape, but it felt great to get out there and run for a good cause. I had the best cheering squad in town. My sweet husband and little man braved the cold November morning and managed to meet me at every mile. I've learned that even though your time is not your own as a mom. It's important to take time to do things that you enjoy, so that you can be the best that you can be. So, I'm breaking out my running shoes again, and it feels great.

Fall Happenings

October was a great month in the Ritsema home. We were able to head to Berry Farms Pumpkin Patch in Woodstock one Saturday. It was awesome to watch the leaves change and to feel the fall chill in the air. As you can see from John Parker's red nose, it was a bit cold that day. Thanks to Hunters, we were able to be a part of the Hunter's annual Costume Parade. James, Lee, and JP were the three little monkeys jumping on the bed. As you can see from the pictures, little Lee was hamming it up for the camera while James and JP offered each other a shoulder to sleep on or fuss on for that matter! :)

The Many Faces of JP

Here are some of my favorite pictures of our little Mr. Cuddles. This warm, cozy outfit is courtesy of his Uncle D and Aunt Abby. Bundling him in warm sweaters and fleece jackets actually makes me excited about colder weather. As you can see, he has so many different looks. I can't tell which one delights me the most.

3 Month Old Video Highlights

2 Month Old Video Highlights

We got a bit behind on publishing these videos (JP is 4 months old now), but nevertheless, here they are. You can also use the Videos tag to watch all of the videos we've posted. Enjoy.

Celebrating Four Years!

Yesterday, John and I celebrated our fourth anniversary. I still can't believe that it's been four years. It feels like a milestone year for us. If we were in college, Thursday would have been graduation day.

I feel tremendously blessed to be married to my best friend and to experience the ups and downs of life together. John took the day off Thursday, and we enjoyed some quality time together doing our favorite things and reminiscing about the past four years. We watched our wedding video, went to a coffee shop, and enjoyed a night out thanks to his parents. I praise the Lord for blessing my life with such a great companion. I'm looking forward to many more years of marriage.

Daddy's Little Boy

Here are some pictures of my two John's from the last few weeks. John Parker loves cheering for Auburn, visiting his daddy for lunch, and bath time of course! Even though I am outnumbered in our home three to one, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Birmingham Bound

A week ago, we decided to take a family road trip to Birmingham to visit my family. This was our 2nd big road trip. John Parker and I stayed a few more days during the week so that we could enjoy some extra family time with the VanderWoudes.

I was amazed at how adaptable and flexible John Parker is; he did so well being away from home and adjusted to lots of new environments. In the days that we were there, we visited my mom, dad, and sister's workplaces, searched for homes for Abby, met Gina and her kids for an afternoon, and enjoyed coffee with some of the Briarwood moms. I wouldn't doubt if our little guy met 30 new people while we were in Birmingham. He was quick to give out smiles.

As I reflect on our trip, I was reminded of how important it is for all of us to change our environment every once in awhile. It gives us a different vantage point and perspective while at the same time causing us to appreciate home even more.

Friday Favorites

Well, life just keeps getting more and more exciting for little John Parker. He's enjoying playdates with friends, tummy time and is now starting to use his Bumbo seat. Here are a few pictures of all the fun he's had in the last week.

Pictured with friends Charlotte and Elliott Clark.



Look I can stick out my tongue while lifting my head!



Are you looking at this folks?