2010.... really?

How can it possibly already be 2010? It seriously just seems like yesterday that Lane and I were celebrating 2004 and the beginning of our life here in Kansas City. Now we have been here for SIX years, have become homeowners, worked several different jobs, and started our family. Time just keeps on slipping through my fingers and with joy, love, and sometimes sadness I am watching our life continually change. When I look back on 2009 there will be several things that I will forever cherish:

~Max really becoming a child. This was the year. The year when I no longer had a baby and all of the sudden had a little boy. A boy with a sense of humor and a zest for life that brings immeasurable joy to each and every day. I know I am completely biased, but I seriously don't know anyone funnier than Maddox.

~I became secure in my role in life as Mom. I struggled giving up my teaching career. I struggled giving up the Mrs. Nelson part of my identity. This was my first FULL year at home with Max. I'm not going to lie and say it was perfect, I've certainly had those frustrating moments. But all in all, I am happy to be nothing more than Mom. I can't imagine missing these days with him and I'm so glad that I've found the joy and happiness in this new chapter of my life.

~Lane and I celebrated our 9th anniversary and during these 9 plus years I have learned the one absolute truth of marriage: that love is a choice. The day that Lane and I chose each other was the luckiest day of my life and every day I am grateful that we continue to make that choice. I can't imagine a better partner to travel through life with.

Brief highlights of 2009: our very first Monster Truck Show, Max turning two with Curious George in Oklahoma, sledding for the first time, turning the nursery into a big boy bedroom, my mom retiring from school and visiting a LOT more :), going bowling for the first time with Max, welcoming Jackson Danger to the world, flying for the first time with Max, attending and participating in cousin Sara's wedding, celebrating 4th of July "Nelson style" with friends and family, going to the "lake" with Laresa, Jonathan, Lane, and Max, letting Max go to OK by himself with the grandparents for a WEEK, Max's first day of parent's day out, rollerskating with Max for the first time, going to the pumpkin patch, trick-or-treating for the first time with Max, making my first Halloween costume for Max (thanks Catie), Max getting his second set of ear tubes and getting his adenoids taken out, welcoming Kalliope Sage Harris to the family, experiencing Christmas through the eyes of a two year old, making our very first snowman and laughing, laughing, laughing more than you can possibly imagine.

2010 is here and it is already slipping quickly away. I hope this New Years blog (that is just a few days late) finds all of you happy, healthy, and joyfully anticipating what 2010 will bring!

Jolly Old St. Nicholas...

Here is Max letting Santa know what he wanted for Christmas. He wasn't too terribly sure about the whole thing but he didn't freak out. He did let Santa know what he wanted and I'm thinking he whispered in his ear that mommy and daddy wanted bedroom furniture (check out the pictures below).

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

We have been in the holiday spirit at the Nelson household. Max has been an excited participant in Christmas until it came time to get dressed up and take a picture in front of the tree. Only two things made the situation bearable for him: the tie had trains on it which is quickly becoming a requirement for any piece of clothing Max wears, and we gave him candy if he stood in front of the tree and at least acted like he was happy about taking a picture!

We wrote Max's letter to Santa on Sunday. I admit, I got a little teary eyed as I was writing the words he told me. I can't believe our little baby is almost three. He has quite a wish list for Santa, but I'm pretty sure he will get all his little heart desires. My favorite part of the letter: when asked what else he wanted to tell Santa, Max replied, "I want to hug him!". Too sweet. We will see if he actually does want to hug him when we meet Santa on Tuesday at Lane's office party. Last year, I had to be part of the Santa picture because Max is automatically distrustful of anybody in a beard!

Christmas season so far has been a blessed experience seeing it through the eyes of our joyful two year old. He loves all things Christmas tree, Santa, and wrapping paper. In fact right now he is tearing up scraps of wrapping paper and I think I'll stop typing this blog and go help him turn his scraps into something crafty and fun! I hope everyone is enjoying this wonderful time of the year, I know I am!

Babies and Wheelbarrows and Trains, Oh My!

We had a great Thanksgiving week in Oklahoma. Max loves all his grandparents so much and always is sad to go back home. We don't usually go home for Thanksgiving, but this year there was an extra special reason: Max's new cousin Kalliope Sage (I hope I spelled it right). Kalli is absolutely perfect in every way and we were very happy to spend some time trading war stories with new parents Chris and Sonya. I hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving!!

Max trying on daddy's old glasses from high school.

One of Max's favorite activities. Being pushed by Ebe in the wheelbarrow. He also trained Bear to leave him alone. He figured out yelling really loudly made Bear not quite so eager to jump and lick him.

Grandma Flo worked on a Gingerbread Train with Max. He lost interest quickly, but Grandma powered through and finished it (mostly). Max did sneak back a few times to steal some candy!

Max's adorable new cousin: Kalliope Sage Harris, or "Kalli". She was born on November 19th and was 7 pounds 2 ounces and 19 inches long. Max can't wait to start playing with her!

Happy Halloween from Wolf Boy!

Listen closely and you can hear Max say Trick or Treat and use his nice manners and say Thank You!

Pumpkin Patch, yea!

One of our favorite activities as a family is to go to the Pumpkin Patch. We love the KC Pumpkin Patch and enjoyed getting out there again this year. Max's favorite things this year: the big wooden train, the tractor and trailer we road out to the patch, and the slide. He wasn't too interested in picking pumpkins, he really just wanted to get back on the tractor! The biggest change was the addition of the Knight Family including baby Jackson. Max was tickled pink when he got to "hold" baby Jackson to take pictures. Gives me hope for the future. I love the picture of the two of them because I can only imagine the mischief these two boys (and their fathers) are going to get into in the years to come!