San Jose Christmas '09 (Part 2)

Since Christmas was on a Friday this year, Panda & Grandma Steph were kind enough to do Christmas at their house on the 26th to allow for us to have a less stressful Christmas day (driving for 2+ hours with a toddler can be a bit hectic). Luke LOVED having Christmas for 3 straight days and it was so nice to be able to take our time and enjoy ourselves and the rest of the family.

Now presenting- the whopping 2 pictures I took on that day.

Panda decided that Luke needed Giants gear. Luke looks THRILLED.

Luke and Uncle Nick.

San Jose Christmas '09 (Part 1)

We drove from Fresno to San Jose on Christmas morning and did gifts at Grandma Carole & Grandpa John's late that afternoon once we all assembled. Again, didn't take all that many pictures but we had a very nice time and enjoyed our traditional Chinese food fest immediately following the giving/opening festivities.

Ready to rock & roll, Santa-style.

Luke (with crazy, tired Christmas eyes) and Aunt Sarah.

Luke adores his kid-friendly digital camera. Uncle Brad adores trying to orally maneuver an orange slice into a beer bottle. Classy.

"Say 'CHEESE' Mommy!"

We Keep Santa Extra Busy.

Since we're Christmas time travelers, Santa was notified in advance that Luke would be one of three places. And because Santa is a very kind, generous man,he made sure to leave gifts for Luke in all three places- Papa & Grandma Chrissy's, Grandma Carole & Grandpa John's and our own home (we did Christmas at Panda & Grandma Steph's on the 26th).

Luke was very excited (or maybe that was more Mommy and Daddy...) to wake up on Christmas morning and immediately open a gift from Santa. And Santa hit the nail on the head with a very cool phone.

He's starting to get less timid with the ripping...

Always appreciates Daddy's help.

Thank you Santa Claus!

Fresno Christmas '09

I was TERRIBLE about taking pictures this year both in Fresno and San Jose during Christmas. I got a few cute ones but not near enough. I have failed as a mother.

Anyway, we were in Fresno from December 22nd until Christmas morning. We had a nice, relaxing time and it's always so much fun to see Luke interact with his cousins. They are so far apart in age (16,11,7,2) but they get along great and always seem to have a good time.

Uncle Dave, Kaylene, Brennen and Maggie (under the hair.)

Cousins (Maggie was being camera shy.)

All four of them almost have the exact same color hair. I LOVE this picture. It made it to a frame on our hallway wall before posting it here.

Righty was a big help in opening gifts. Luke was definitely starting to get into it...

Until he went after Uncle Brian's pile and I had to stop him. Mid-pout here.

Brennen made Luke into a Christmas ninja. He obviously took this duty very seriously.

Luke is ALL about taking pictures. And for some reason- that is his picture taking face.

Uncle Brian, Luke, Kaylene (in psychedelic Snuggie) and Maggie.

I promise that Papa, Grandma Chrissy, Aunt Julie, Daddy and I were, in fact, present but like I said, I was horrible at taking pictures. After the chaos of last year (Luke's shunt malfunction immediately following Christmas) I really just wanted to relax so I mostly just sat, opened my own gifts (thank you!) and watched. I hope Santa keeps me on the nice list for next year...

Christmas Train.

I forgot to post these pictures leading up to Christmas so I have to do it now. Matt and I decided it was time the Henard family had a Christmas tree train so we got a very nice Polar Express version from Lionel Trains. While Luke and I were in San Jose the beginning of December, Matt worked like crazy to get the train up around the tree for which he had to build the entire elevated track.

I was totally amazed when I got home (sometimes I forget how creative my husband is!) and Luke was... completely freaked out. We heard "Maybe we can be all done with the train" about 20 times that week because Matt kept trying to gently introduce it to him. I'm guessing he didn't like the noise and he's just not a fan of things he's not familiar with.

After that initial week, Luke warmed up. He liked being allowed to control it (go figure) so as long as he could start and stop it all will (with Daddy's supervision of course) he was totally into it.

The pictures don't do the track justice but believe me- Matt did a great job. He also made it completely in sections so it stored easily and will be a snap to put together next year. Nice job Daddy!

Luke had to lay on his stomach just like Daddy.

Trying to figure it out through the Christmas gift tunnel.

Happy Holidays from the Henards!

We hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a very Happy and healthy New Year! 2009 has been an interesting year for our little family but we are so blessed to have our fabulous Luke and are so grateful for the amazing progress he's made! We hope to stay hospital-free (except routine check-ups!) in 2010 and look forward to Luke turning 3 (!) and starting preschool in just a few short months. Thank you to all our friends and family who have been our constant support system- without you, Luke wouldn't be the sweet, loving, TALKATIVE little boy that he is today! So "Merry Kissmas!" (-Luke) and cheers to an amazing 2010!

Luke v. Santa '09 (Take 2)

Just because we didn't have an appointment AT Stanford Hospital didn't mean we could go up and shop at the fabulous Stanford Shopping Center across the street, right?! Grandma Carole, Luke and I headed up there on the pre-planned day (set prior to the appointment being rescheduled) and did some Christmas shopping. Grandma wanted a picture of Luke with Santa but was willing to settle for "both her babies" being in the picture if it meant Luke stayed tear-free.

I asked for a Barbie. Luke said "trick or treat!"

I found the trick to getting a 2 year old on board with Santa is a really good Santa. Stanford's Santa was soft-spoken and kind, taking time to talk to Luke and giving him a small reindeer toy and a candy cane (yes!) It helped that I held him the whole time but regardless, he was an amazing Santa and well worth the big bucks Stanford charges to visit with him (right Grandma? Thank you!)

Ho Ho Ho!!