A Diaper Reprieve

2 years ago I painted this tree in the nursery of a wonderful young family. This year, they asked me to duplicate the whimsy on some children's furniture for Christmas. Having not picked up a paintbrush in almost 3 months, it was a fabulous timeout from my baby responsibilities. Not to mention some sweet side cash to help fund Matt's desperate need to be Blackberried! * wink *

Christmas Card

Time has simply skittered away and somehow we neglected to send out any Christmas cards! Hopefully a blog family portrait will suffice this year. Saves on postage! :)

May the joy of this season fill your home and the gift of Jesus enrapture your heart.

Love ~ The McNeil Family

p.s. Have no fear! Our annual DVD will be posted sometime in January...

1 + 1 = 2

Avery's 2 months old today! Which meant another trip to the doctor. She weighed in at 8.4 lbs and 21.5 inches (a gain of 2 lbs and 2 in). Apparently she's still just a little bean, because 97% of all girls her age are bigger than her! She also had to do shots. That little wail is heartbreaking... Before and after. :(

Just Because

Everyone says babies don't smile on purpose this young, but...

She grinned right on cue for this one!

Thankful

This is the first year in quite some time that Matt was able to enjoy Thanksgiving stateside. Avery's Grandma Laurie and Aunt Emily traveled from CA for the festivities! Here are some of the things we are thankful for this year:

1. First and foremost for Jesus and His extension of grace.

2. Six years of a strong marriage.

3. Laughter: that we never take ourselves too seriously.

4. How Avery has enriched our lives beyond measure.

5. God's amazing provision in PERFECT timing.

6. Our health. And a wonderfully uncomplicated childbirth experience.

7. Family: both the ones we came from & the one we're building.

8. Matt's new job!

9. Hayley's new job as Menage Operations Manager!

10. The simple joys of smiles and snuggles.

11. Opportunities to travel to Vegas, Salt Lake, L.A., & Elkhart.

12. An incredible network of supportive friends.

13. God's faithfulness in finances, fresh starts, and forgiveness.

14. Disposable diapers & motorized baby swings!

15. A bright future full of new adventures.

Oma, Opa & Miss Patti come to visit

Hooray! I'm 1 month old today!!!

Just kidding, but not really.

Saw this magnet in a cheesy little gift shop this week. Good thing Matt has an awesome sense of humor...

27!

Last week I celebrated my 27th birthday. Rebecca and I decided that that officially means I'm in my "late-20's." I think that each age is either good or bad depending entirely on whether you like where you're at in life. I most definitely do. My first day at 27 was spent with my mom, dad and Avery. We went shopping and out to dinner. Matt sent these gorgeous flowers and also treated me to a professional massage. Wonderful!

QT with Dad

Today Matt ventured off to Chicago to re-start his Naval career. But before he left, Avery got to spend some quality one-on-one time with her dad.

Bathtime, Aaargg... pirate eye, First pair of Jordans.