Happy Holidays from the Merhars! [2014]

What a Year!

At the ring of the new year we found out we were expecting baby #2, and at 4:30 AM on September 15^th we welcomed Oliver William to the world (8lb 4oz and 21” long).

Isaac, now 4 ½, is a fantastic big brother and was a world-class ring-bearer at Aunt Lisa & Uncle Justin’s wedding in June.

We look forward to another year full of fun and new adventures with family and friends.

Holiday Cheers,

Eric, Christina, Isaac & Oliver

(and Lodi the Doberman)

Christmas 2014

Christmas through a four year old's eyes is pretty magically... the joy of decorating the tree, the mystery of the little elf who comes to visit each day, and the unfiltered anticipation of what Santa will bring!

Alas, our Christmas this year was full of excitement, laughter, anticipation, sharing of the holiday season, Christmas movies, and (of course) many wonderful gifts.

Here's a look at Christmas 2014.

Christmas Eve at the Jabbusch's

Christmas Eve

Grandma & Ollie

Baby's first Christmas

Dad & Ollie

Lisa & Ollie

Justin & Ollie

Christmas Day at Home

Santa came!

Legos were a big hit! Isaac got this set on Christmas eve and was so excited to wake up on Christmas to put it together. In fact, he put it together before opening any other gifts!

Taking it all in...

modeling a few gifts

Santa got a few things for Lodi too

Santa visit part II (at preschool)

Santa Photos 2014

Santa was a big hit this year!

Preschool Pictures 2014 [Isaac]

Isaac had preschool pictures last month at school (age 4.5 years). Here is our handsome guy, looking so grown up!

Isaac goes to a Montessori preschool. This year he is focusing a lot on reading, math, and art. He also takes piano lessons at school. He loves to come home and do "homework" or play with legos.

His teachers say he is at a first grade reading level, and everyday he is reading better and better. It is so fun to watch!

3 Months Old [Oliver]

Oliver is three months old!

At three months old, our big little dude is:

• Using his hands a lot more (grabbing for toys, sucking on his hands for comfort, etc.)
• Rolling from his back or tummy to his side (not all the way over, but a great start!)
• Starting to have a more consistent sleeping schedule, but it's still a little all over the place. At night he usually sleeps at least 5-6 hours, followed by a couple 2-3 hours stretches.
• Smiling and giggling!
• Wearing 6-9 month clothes.
• Holding his head up very well on his own, and pushing up for a little bit in tummy time.

Holiday Weekend with the Merhars

We had a great weekend and visit with Grandma & Grandpa Merhar, and Uncle Jeff. Here are a few photos from our adventures around Seattle.

Lunch at The Crab Pot

Seattle Aquarium

Dinner downtown (Oliver happily asleep with Grandma)

Watching Isaac's soccer practice

Oliver all ready for a holiday party!

There are a few more photos of the weekend in our Google+/Picassa page (click here).

Just a Good Little Winter Weekend

The holidays are here! We got a Christmas tree this weekend and decorated, Isaac had soccer and gymnastics, we escaped to Fremont brewery briefly, and had lots of baby snuggles. Isaac was so excited to help decorate the house and tree, and was also very excited for the return of Johnny, our elf on the shelf.

Here are a few photos from this weekend.

(P.S.: We've added even more photos to our Picasa albums. See photo links to the right.)

Look who's giggling!

Friday lunch date with the boys

Trying out the stoller on a sunny day

O' Christmas Tree

festive

At Fremont Brewery

Tree trimming

Baby snuggles (is that 4 chins?)

Thanksgiving 2014

The holidays remind us how nice it is to be near family. We spent Thanksgiving in town with my side of the family. A few photos of the day:

Our best shots at a family photo...

Eric & Lisa

Ahh... post-Thanksgiving snooze....

Go Seahawks!

 We hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving holiday.