So our little Stetso doesn't turn 6 months until next week, but who are we kidding, we all know I won't get around to another blog by then, so let's squish in the New Year and his 6 month blog into one post.
This holiday season was clearly a special one to us. We decided to go to Indiana to visit the entire Schaefer (and Bull Schaefer) crew at Aunt Becky's house, then head home to Chicago for a quiet Christmas night and New Year, only to hop back in the car and get to Cleveland for little Christmas. Our Reilley side decided we would celebrate Little Christmas this year, which was something I didn't know existed until my mom googled it. Apparently it is a widely celebrated day around the world. The short version is many cultures keep up their trees until Jan 6, which is the day the 3 kings came to the baby Jesus and presented him with their gifts. After this day it is ok to take down your Christmas decor.
While in Indiana we were able to go out to eat TWICE! Once for dinner, and again the next morning for brunch. Going out to eat was such a standard practice for Brad and me before we had Stetson, that it has become one thing I miss, so when we are able to do it now, it's quite a treat. Both times, Stetson was a so perfect! He took his bottle and then took a snooze while the adults caught up. I gotta say, every month he is more and more fun and perfect:) I don't know if he could get any more perfect. Also while in Indy Stetson was able to meet his cousin who is only a little more than a month younger than him. I was so excited for these two to meet, I hope they are able to form a close bond that stays with them throughout their lives. It also gave me an opportunity to see how different the two babies are. Korben - his cousin- is so cuddly and calm. He likes to be held and, loves to just swing and smile, while Stetson needs to MOVE. There is no cuddle time in his busy life, and the swing is for napping - put him in it any other time and forget about it. Obviously I love my baby's sense of humor, and I have a hunch I may know where he gets his "active" personality from, but it would be nice for him to cuddle with me every once in a while. I will say this, he did take the time to cuddle with Grandma Chris - which was super cute.
After a brief (and much needed) stay back in Chicago, we hit the road again to see our family in Cleveland. My parent's had a family party for us on Friday and the Reilley Grandparents were nice enough to baby-sit on Thursday so Brad and I were able to visit our buddies at the Ironwood. We wrapped up the weekend by opening presents on Saturday. My dad made two amazing breakfasts for the whole family and my mom could not get enough of holding Stetson so I had both arms free for a better part of the weekend, which was a nice change, although I was anxious to squish my little one once he was done entertaining his grandparents. On top of all this Stetson was able to meet my Poppy and his Great Grandpoppy! As most of you know Poppy (and Gammy) have been very big parts of my entire live, so it was very important to me for Stetson to meet him. Although he is having trouble seeing these days, it was worth it to at least get this photo of the two of them together. Words can not express how lucky I am to have such loving grandparents, and to have one of them meet my son. It takes my breath away. I am even more lucky knowing Stetson will have a similar relationship with both sets of his grandparents. Awww man, enough of this mush, I'm getting all worked up and it's only nap time:)
On that note, the New Year always reminds me of how Brad and I got together on that fateful night at Zeki's bar in San Francisco. We then continued to visit Zeki's regularly throughout our relationship. It was because of Zeki's bar I met one of my best friends in the world, Kelly, and in turn met several other of my forever friends, like Shawn and Andy. It obviously made a huge impact in my life, hell, we named our dog after the bar. There was one constant with Zeki's and that was Maho. No matter how my day was going, or how my life was changing Maho was there for all of us. With either a free drink, a corny joke or just his infectious laugh that made me feel like the funniest person on the planet. Maho bought me a cake for my birthday and another when Brad and I got married, neither were expected, and it just proved what a thoughtful man Maho was. Maho passed away a couple months ago, although I have not seen him since I moved to Chicago he was such a bright part of my life for many years. I know he will be greatly missed by his friends and family and I just pray he passed as comfortable as possible.
Till next time, peace, love and ALWAYS hug those close to you and never let go...
Brigid, Brad, Stetson and Zeki
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