Christmas with the Jablonskis

Due to my growing belly, we decided to cut off travel in early December. It is getting harder to stay comfortable in the car so we made the decision to celebrate Christmas early with my family this past weekend.

Wesley wasn't involved in all of the activities because he was speaking at a retreat for his friend, Michael, but Jackson and I were able to spend lots of time with family.

I even managed to squeeze in a visit with Erin and Ashley. I was hoping to see Laura and her baby but the Christmas allergies got the best of me! I also wanted to see Abigail, but ran out of time. No matter how much time I have in Nashville, I never seem to be able to see everyone!

Leanne, Ashley, and Erin - we missed you Shannon!

Sunday afternoon, Jackson, Wesley and I were able to attend the James Family Christmas lunch. This is my Grandmother Mimi's side of the family. I don't think I have made it to a James Lunch since we moved to Atlanta. It was so good to see everyone!

Emily and my mom worked ahead of time to organize a group photo for my mom's Christmas card. Though it will be out of date once Philip comes around, it is nice to have a photo of my immediate family and one of my family, grandparents and uncle.

My cousin Matt let Jackson wear this singing hat. So glad it didn't make it home with me, but it was cute!

Sunday night, the entire gang came over to my mom's for pizza. It was so much fun! My mom let Jackson help with the cooking - not such a great idea for the cake, but I think she and Jackson had a great time!

Big Drubby reading Elmo to Little Drubby

Mom and Jackson "frosting" the cake.

Poor Cake!

Here is Jackson again doing the "Jablonski look" with his tongue but check out who else is doing it - my mom!!!

Jackson got to taste his cake - yummy!

We hate that we will miss spending Christmas morning with our extended family, but it was so nice to be with everyone this weekend.

Holiday Outing

A few weeks ago, there was a coupon for $5 off a $10 Build A Bear. When I saw it, I knew it would be the perfect holiday outing for my friends - cheap and fun!

It was a crazy morning trying to get out the door to get to the mall at 10:00. I was running late (as usual) but so relieved when I saw Kate and Sam pulling in at the same time. Since we were both going to be late together, we decided to stop by Starbucks for a tasty treat before heading to Build A Bear.

On our way to the store, we ran into Katey and Alayna who said that no one was at the store yet. That was weird since it was now around 10:30. I checked my phone and there was a message from Ashley. Priscilla and the kids had been in a wreck and she was heading to take care of them! Thankfully, no one was hurt in the accident..except the car :(

Priscilla wanted us to go ahead with the play date so Katey, Kate and I headed into Build A Bear with three excited kids.

Jackson had made an animal this summer and I could tell he remembered where he was. He went to the back to play while I picked out a Moose for Jackson and a bear for Philip. I grabbed a recorder button and had Jackson say "I love Philip" into it. It came out good enough - I Dillip (repeated three times with each time getting a little louder!) so we proceeded to the stuffing station.

Jackson with his pre-stuffed Moose

Jackson loved this part but Sam and Alayna weren't fans.

Kate helping Sam stuff his puppy

Alyana did not like this station - it was too much to even watch!

Jackson was all about it

Jackson picking out a heart for his Moose

Now it was time to stuff Philip's Bear

Jackson placed a special heart inside Baby Philip's first Teddy Bear!

After the stuffing, all four animals got a bath - too cute!

Here's Moosey, Baby Philip, Puppy Jr, and Ballet (yes, we let the kids name the animals!)

Group shot

After the bath, we had to make birth certificates for the animals. Jackson loved playing on the computer!

We headed to the food court for a quick bite and a ride on the carousel. Since we needed a photographer, Katey stayed back. Kate and I opted for the stationary seat instead of trying to balance three kids on horses with just the two of us. Good idea!

Christmas at the YMCA

Tonight we went to the annual Christmas party at the Forsyth YMCA. I was so excited because we had been talking to Jackson about seeing Santa again and I really thought he was ready. He took his Elf on the Shelf with him and sat in line staring at Santa for 15 minutes.

When we were called, Wesley went up to Santa first and I followed behind Jackson. Wesley and I were both confident he was going to do great. Well, we were proved wrong.

Jackson took two steps toward Santa, chucked his Elf at him, and fell to floor crying! It took a second for Wesley and me to realize what was happening but Wesley quickly picked him up. I snapped the following pictures while Wesley introduced Jackson to Santa.

There are a lot of pictures, but they tell a cute story.

Wesley stayed back as Santa introduced himself and warmed up to Jackson. After the introductions, Santa asked Wesley to please keep Jackson on his left hip and come take a seat on Santa's lap...now Wesley is not a small man and Santa is! Wesley argued with Santa for a few seconds, but Santa won out...

Have you ever seen the Will Ferrel movie ELF? This picture reminds me of it so much! I guess it is true that you are never too old to visit Santa!

Santa asked Wesley to stay put for awhile while he chatted with Jackson.

Soon, Wesley was able to move Jackson closer as Santa gave him a high five.

And laughed with him!

Wesley got off Santa's lap as they continued to talk about all that Jackson wanted for Christmas. He guessed correctly that Jackson wanted cars and tractors.

Jackson showed Santa his Elf on the Shelf and Santa immediately took it from Jackson and started hugging it. He was so glad to see his little friend!

They finished the conversation with a Happy Jackson (and a Happy Mommy and Daddy)

I know that usually Santa's helpers come to parties like this, but I am convinced this was the REAL Santa. No one else could be that special!


After visiting Santa, we went to the craft area where Jackson made some new ornaments for the tree and got his face painted.

Mommy and Jackson making a Christmas tree ornament

So cute!

Now, we are working on a candy cane ornament.

I had to include this picture for Wesley. Wesley is always saying that I do the "Jablonski look" He says my mom and I both stick out our tongues when we are working hard on something. He has even commented that Jackson does this on occasion too. Guess I can't argue with him now on that! He caught us in the act!

Jackson and Da-Da making a wreath ornament.

Wesley and all the kiddos!

Jackson wasn't a fan of the entire face painting so we decided just to paint him a red nose like Rudolph.



As Jackson and I were waiting on Wesley to finish up some things with the teenage volunteers, I gave Jackson some “coffee” (really just an empty coffee cup). He proceeded to share with the blow up Tigger and Pooh!

Celebration of Lights

Wesley volunteers a lot with Northside Hospital. Every December, they put on an event called Celebration of Lights. Usually, Wesley helps with the prep work because we are out of town on the actual event day. This year though, we were around so he went and helped all day today.

Jackson and I joined him after naptime. It was so cold tonight but they had shuttles driving everyone from the parking lot to the heated tent. I think Jackson enjoyed the golf cart right most of all!!

After seeing this family photo, I wished we hadn't already printed our Christmas cards - look how happy Jackson is!

Teens from the Alpharetta YMCA help out each year at this Celebration. Wesley got in the picture and Jackson wanted in too! He just crawled right up and smiled for the camera.

I don't think he wanted in the picture as much as he didn't want to be away from his Da-Da!

One of Wesley's traits that I most admire is his servant heart. He was out at the Hospital all day helping out and even stayed to clean up. I am so grateful that Jackson can see his Dad serving and that he wants to join in! Wesley is so patient with him and let him help put up the final tables.

Look at the smiles on both of their faces!

Philip's Shower

Tonight was Philip's shower with my friends from Grace Chapel. With second babies, we usually go out to eat at a local restaurant, Provino’s, and enjoy eating dinner together and celebrating.

Priscilla and Katey arranged the evening and it was so much fun! We were once again shown how much Philip will be loved by our church family.

Here are some pictures from the night:

Ann, Cheryl, Amy, Priscilla, Ashley, Kate, Ashley, Leanne, and Katey

Amy, Jen, Leanne and Cheryl

Katey, Kate, Leanne, Ann, and Ashley

Priscilla and Katey gave me this adorable basket. It was full of the necessities including a UT pacifier, UT onesie, and UT burp cloth monogrammed with Philip's name!

Ashley Wyatt found this at GAP and had to get it for Wesley...I mean Philip!

Kate made this adorable diaper cake for Philip. When I showed it to Wesley when we got home, he said we couldn't use it - it was too cute. Then we showed it to Jackson who proceeded to start taking it apart! Oh well, at least I got a good picture!!

Kate also made me this Brother's sign for Philip's room. I had seen it at Christmas Village and she steered me away from getting it. She is so crafty she made me one. Isn't it awesome!

In case you can't see all the words, it says:

With you as my brother,

the baseballs flew further

the rocks skipped forever

and the stars didn't seem so far away.