Lovin' the holidays this year

Zack makes everything extra-special. I know our lives will never be the same, but he gives me more reason to be excited about even the smallest of things.

And holidays are no different.

Zack really put the "thank" in Thanksgiving this year. I appreciate his good health, his more frequent smiles and all of the little sighs and reshuffles as he sleeps in my arms.

The baby also puts "giving" in my life much more so this year. He gives me a great sense of joy on a near-constant basis. Giggles in his crib when I first see him in the morning through sleepy yawns at bedtime; it all makes me melt and appreciate how precious every day really and truly is for us.

We decorated our home for Christmas today and I couldn't help but get a lump in my throat watching his big eyes staring at the lit-up tree with wonder.

Scott and I portrayed Joseph and Mary at our church's Hanging of the Greens ceremony tonight and after my speaking/miserable attempt at acting part, I got my little dude back and was rocking him as the congregation sang songs about a new mother and her son. I know I'm no Mary and Zack is no Jesus (although pretty close of course in my book) but I was really sentimental. I can relate, Mary, to an extent. It's overwhelming and it's completely awe-inspiring all at once. And there's just that sense of innocent wonder...

Our holidays, our lives will never be the same again.