Such a Special Christmas

I know it's not Christmas yet, but it has already been a really special one for the Barons. We have been the lucky recipients of the 12 days of Christmas this year. I have gone through our list of friends over and over in my mind and really have no idea who is doing such a sweet thing for us. Honestly, we have wonderful friends and it could be any one of them.

I want to share why this has been such a neat experience for our family. I'm not posting this to air our trials on the internet, but rather to express our gratitude to whoever did this for us. I think they made more of an impact on our Christmas than they are probably aware. I'd like to think that we're not really a "needy" family. We are very blessed with two beautiful children, a nice home, a job, testimonies of the gospel, presents under the tree, and many other things. Saying that, this past month has come with many blessings and trials for us. We have had the joy/ exhaustion/ challenge/ and love for a new baby. We've all endured 2 rounds of the flu, some troubling news about Andrew's health, car trouble and an investment go very wrong. These types of months are the ones that coin the saying "When it rains- it pours!" One night when I was feeling especially sorry for myself and particularly onery...during what was probably the climax of my bad mood there was a knock on the door. When I opened the door there was a basket, sweet note, and a manger scene. I immediately began to cry because I had become very aware of the love and awareness my Father in Heaven had for me. It was amazing how qickly my heart was softened. I am still very touched that somebody would be so giving and thoughtful to our family weather or not they were aware of our current trials.

Here is a picture of the completed manger scene. (minus the little baby lamb that went to bed with Austin) Each night we were given a new piece of the manger, a card and an activity, or goodie of some sort. So, to whoever you are, thank you. Thank you for renewing my testimony of Christ's birth and helping me remember the true meaning of Christmas. Thank you for giving us something to look forward to everyday. Thank you for making us feel so loved. Thank you for taking the time to make our family's Christmas "Merry and Bright." We love you!

Photo shoot!

Don't mind his baby acne... Sorry son, this might be an indicator of your teenage years.

Every baby needs to be a "supermodel" sometimes... right? I couldn't let the 2nd child syndrome go on any longer and got a few cute photos of Tyler. Thanks to my wonderful photographer friends! He started to smile yesterday, but I'm having a hard time capturing them on camera. We love our growing family.

Austin kept cracking big "CHEESE" smiles. He can't have Tyler stealing the show!

First Family of 4 Photo

Happy Birthday!

What our little man woke up to.

Hot dog doughnuts. An Austin favorite!

He finally grasped opening presents, and even got excited about what designs were on the wrapping paper. The balloon paper was the favorite.

Thomas the train cake. We keep hearing "ALL ABOARD!"

I don't know where the last 2 years have gone. Our sweet little guy isn't so little anymore.

We started off his special day with doughnuts. He loves "pig in a blanket" doughnuts. We then opened presents throughout the day. He was completely spoiled and loved every minute of it!

Later that night we had a few (a very few) friends over to have cake and ice cream. Austin's favorite part was probably having everyone sing Happy Birthday to him and then blowing out his candle.

We love our sweet little man and his fun little personality. He is constantly making us laugh and cracking jokes. His favorite things right now are candy (I know, it's sad), Tyler, baths, snuggling, going across the street to see the neighbor's dogs, and reading stories with Dad.

Happy Birthday, Austin. We love you very much!

Tyler Alton Baron

Tyler Alton Baron made his debut on Monday. We were anxious to meet this little fellow, but also hoping that he would wait until the induction day to arrive. He listened to him mama's numerous pleas and did come when we were hoping.

Here's the story...

I was scheduled for an induction at 7:30 Monday morning. I called the hospital at 5:30 to make sure that they would have room for us and they said that they did. I got myself and Andrew up and showered and we got ready for the morning only to be called back at 6:15 and told not to come in to the hospital until 9:00. I'm grateful that we weren't stuck in the hospital waiting room, but was really frustrated at the time because we had already gotten up and ready. It did give us a chance to say goodbye to Austin and get him settled in with my sister. (My sweet sister flew in to watch Austin for us while we were in the hospital)

We got to the hospital at about 9:00 and didn't get into our room until about 9:45. They started my IV at about 10:00 and pitocin soon after that. I was dilated to about a 4 upon arrival and was about a 5 by 11:00. I got my epidural about noon and my water broke about 15 minutes later. Thank heavens for anesthesia! Little Tyler had had a bowel movement in the amniotic fluid, so that was the only hiccup in our whole experience.

I stayed dilated 5 until about 1:55 was at a 6 at 2:05 and was at a 10 by 2:20. I had a wonderful labor and delivery nurse that was amazingly thorough. I could tell that the contrations were getting slightly more intense... but had no idea my body was progressing so fast. I was told not to move or laugh for fear that Tyler would come before my doctor got there. We crossed our fingers (and our legs) for 15 minutes until my doctor got there pushed through 2 contractions and Tyler was born at 2:43. He was a long 22 inches and 8lbs 9oz. He screamed for a good 5 minutes after coming and so the NICU nurses were not worried about the amniotic fluid getting into his lungs. We are all very happy and healthy.

Thanks to everyone for all of the love, support, meals, babysitting and visits we have been recieving. We have the best family and friends ever!!

Ride em' Cowboy!

We had our ward trunk or treat tonight and Austin was a cowboy on a horse. I tried to put his costume on him this morning and practically had to pin him down kicking and screaming to get it on him. So, tonight dad got to do the honors of dressing Austin and this was the result.

He ended up having a really good time. He spotted a few of his friends and picked up very quickly on trick or treating. I think he had the hardest time juggling his candy bag and his horse costume. He got lots of candy and he may or may not wake up to all of it tomorrow.

Just like Mom...

Lately, Austin has been wanting to do things just like me. I think he's pretty adorable.

Here's my little helper guy. In this first picture he got into my mascara. I had told him earlier that morning that mascara goes on your eyes... darn it! Here he's helping me mop the kitchen floor. The whole bucket of water ends up on the floor, but at least he's learning... right?