Though quite cold, we spent New Year's Eve touring the Columbus Zoo Wildlights display. The Zoo does an amazing job every year, and because they keep the indoor exhibits open, we tolerated the weather by slipping in the indoor aquarium and manatee exhibit (while sipping on hot chocolate, of course!).
Not only beautiful, over half of the lights are energy-saving LED lights. Gotta love that!
This is how the little bear spent the first half of the evening.
Our family, all bundled up!Our original Christmas Day plan was to travel to Matt's hometown after spending the evening at the Noskers. But because Matt was still sick, we postponed our trip until the 26th.
In addition to celebrating Christmas with Matt's family, we were also celebrating Matt's sister's union to her now-husband! On the evening of the 26th we attended the rehearsal and dinner, and on the 27th we celebrated Christmas and later attended the most beautiful winter wedding. More pictures from that coming soon!
Here are a few pics from our Christmas celebration with the Hoopers.
Did someone say more presents?
Mom, I don't need your help, I know what I'm doing.
Another Christmas? I really was good this year!
How does this work, hmmm, let me see.
Grandma & Grandpa, oh-no-you-didn't! This sled is AWESOME!
Bring on the snow!
Giddy-up, Rudolph!After opening all the gifts and indulging in a delicious brunch (thanks, Mom!), we all enjoyed my favorite part of Christmas Day - naptime! I think we each slept for at least an hour. It was wonderful.
The day ended with a tradition that has been in place for over 15 years. Every year we celebrate Christmas with our dear friends, the Noskers. We always have Christmas dinner at their house as they so graciously host a feast for about 20 friends and family. We love celebrating with them, and though Matt was unable to attend (still suffering from the flu), we were grateful to have dear friends and family together on this wonderful holiday.
I just woke up.
There were sugarplums in my dream. Don't worry. They were manly ninja fighting sugarplums, but sugarplums nonetheless.
And now I'm ready for round two!
Hey, mom, what do you think of my Christmas outfit? 
You do? You really like it? Because I think I look like a snow bunny. And it's not even snowing.After celebrating Christmas as a family, we headed to my parents' house to celebrate Christmas with them.
As you might imagine, the afternoon was all about Henry.
He received a proper spoiling, and we are extremely grateful to my parents and sister who loved on him all day long.
Whatcha lookin' at? These are mine (and so are the hot Santa pajamas - don't hate).
So what if the box is bigger than I am, I'm gonna open it!
What's all the fuss about? Opening presents is a piece of cake. 
Hey, is this an eco-friendly toy car? Alright! My mom's gonna love this.
Not only good for the Earth, but good for the teeth.
I can't help it. I like to eat things.
Now, Opa, if you would have just read the directions the first time, this thing would be put together by now.
That's what I'm talkin' 'bout.
Outta my way!
Check ya later, dude.It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.
Though Matt was sick the entire day, we began our first Christmas together on our couch, in our living room, just the three of us (well, four if you count Jaeger, and I guess, five, if you count the baby in my belly).
Henry is nearly nine months old, and it seemed like the perfect age for him to celebrate his first Christmas. He enjoyed the actual art of ripping open a present, and it was a joy to watch him discover new toys, books, and gadgets. He scarfed his way through many delicious goodies, and he babbled his way through new thoughts and ideas.
We would not have had Henry's first Christmas any other way.
Only on Christmas is everyone this happy before the sun comes up.
Santa was here!
Tissue paper? Who needs that? Let's get to the good stuff!
I prefer to eat my presents. Oh, and check out my mom's new green Bible. She likes God and the Earth.
Hey guys, don't forget about me.Wednesday we celebrated our first Christmas Eve together with Henry. Unfortunately, Matt started feeling queasy around lunchtime, and by early evening, the stomach flu had consumed him. It was a bittersweet evening without him.
While Matt stayed home, Henry and I went to dinner with my sister and parents. Following dinner we attended a beautiful candlelight service at our church. As I sat through service, praying for my husband's health and thanking God for my precious son, I realized that this has been the absolute most blessed year of my life. It has come with its own set of challenges, some of which I have yet to overcome, but God has remained true to us each and every moment. I am so grateful.
Henry with his Opa and Oma.
The gang: MoMo, Henry, Me, Opa, and Oma
Isn't he so handsome?
Sometimes I still cannot believe he is mine.
Cheers!Thank you, Lord, for a blessed year.
We are so grateful for this wonderful family, and we are beyond excited to know that our family will be expanding next year.
Thank you for the good news.
As we approach 2009, we continue to pray for the good health of our families, we pray for the health of our unborn baby, and we pray for the health and well-being of all those we have come to know as friends.
We are forever joyful.
Amen.
