Our First Christmas- Mixed Reviews, I Say.

"Official" family Christmas picture?

Christmas!  Our first.  It was grand because it was our first.  But I have to get real here- it was a very hard season. We both got sick after Thanksgiving, and were sick for a while after that.  I got sick, got better, and literally a DAY LATER got sick again. I was basically fighting a nasty cold the whole season.  Danny did recover from his cold, finally, but then got GOUT.  How does that even happen?  We aren't totally sure, but it can sometimes be brought on by being sick.  Well, there you go.  It was awful and really painful for him.   So, I have to say, that as much as I love the Christmas season, and I loved spending it with my one and only, being sick the whole time was for the birds.  And not the two partridges in a pear tree. 

The other, really hard aspect that capped off a health-challenged season was I suffered a miscarriage after Christmas.  I was about 6 weeks pregnant, and I don't know that I want to go into all of it in this post.  But it was harrowing, painful, heartbreaking, and awful.  We had finally told my family on Christmas Day, and two days later found out the pregnancy was not viable. We were leaving that afternoon to fly to Indiana for my nephew Josh's wedding; we debated about whether still to go, but decided it would be good to be with family, and a nice distraction.  And it was.  It was so good to be with them, and be able to concentrate on something else besides our own heartbreak for two days.  And the wedding was beautiful. 

I couldn't have asked for a better partner than Danny through all of it.  He was amazing and supportive the whole time.  We cried together, prayed together, and he held me even when his tears were gone but mine weren't.  I love this man so much.  

The miscarriage itself happened over New Year Eve.  What a way to bring in 2017, eh? 

With that out of the way,  here are some fun memories from the season: 

I like him.

The milkshake that almost saved Christmas.  Peppermint from Chik Fil'A.

The first of what will be tradition, I'm sure- making cinnamon rolls on Christmas Eve.

Our Christmas Tree, of course!  We got a live one.  Loved it.

Christmas Eve service at Christ's Church in Alexandria, where George Washington attended in his day.  It was the perfect activity for the evening; it was so sacred and beautiful. 

Putting on brave faces to go to Indiana for a wedding.

Yahoo!

Elissa, Jonathan and Adam, so happy to be in the car and out of the cold!

Look at these gorgeous Cannon women!  Elissa was THRILLED to have a sister!

Look at this kid.  I changed his diapers.  Now he's a grown up and getting married and stuff.

The Cannon family- notice the picture of Ethan, on a mission.

This little Sassafrass.

Mom and Dad- always engaged, always caring to spend quality time with those they love the most.  (Of course, this was after the impromptu dance party we had while all the boys were off playing lazer tag after the wedding).

Every time I watch them go, it gets a little harder.

And then, sometimes you have the opportunity to drown your sorrows in a GIGANTIC package of Twix.  (For the record, I did not buy it).

Welp, on to 2017, shall we?