Today marks seven whole months of sweet baby Judson – and this has, hands down, been my favorite month yet!
Getting to experience the magic and joy of Christmas through my sweet baby boy’s eyes has been so special – and there truly is nothing like it!!
This past month, Judson has continued to love sitting up all on his own, tried lots and lots of new yummy foods this month (he loves sweet potatoes and bananas the most!!), has his first two bottom teeth come in, and loves to babble, giggle, and smile all the time!
He truly is the happiest baby in the whole wide world and brings so much light and joy to us each and every day!!
And most memorable of all, sweet baby Judson had his very first Christmas!
I always knew that this would be a special Christmas – but could never have dreamed or imagined how much joy we would experience getting to celebrate this wonder-filled time of year through the eyes of our baby boy while getting to create special Christmas memories and traditions as a little family!
From going to cut down our own Christmas tree in the NC Mountains, to decorating Judson’s very first Christmas tree, to making our home feel “merry and bright” with lots of happy lights, snuggles and playtime by the Christmas tree, taking Judson to see the tree lighting at Dickens of Christmas in downtown Spartanburg, driving around to look at Christmas lights at night, taking a Christmas milk bath in the farmhouse sink, playing with a baby nativity set, meeting Santa for the first time, baking Christmas cookies with Nana, delivering Christmas treats to all of the neighbors, attending the Christmas Eve service at church, matching Christmas pajamas, visiting the Omni Grove Park Inn, and more – it sure has been a Christmas to remember!
Sweet baby Judson is our sweetest and most precious gift from the Lord – and I truly already have all I could ever want for Christmas in my sweet boys.
I thank the Lord for these sweet blessings in my life every single day – and know that it is not the material things under the tree that make this season so special – but the people you love the most that you get to spend it with!
And I have been blessed beyond measure in the most amazing husband and my angel baby boy – who we truly cannot imagine our live without (even after just seven months of having him here with us)!!
Thanking Jesus today and every day for the past seven months with our angel baby – and just so excited to see what God has in store ahead for baby Judson’s life as we watch his personality come out more and more and see who God has created Him to be!
These truly are the days – and we are just so beyond grateful for every single one we get to experience through sweet baby Judson’s bright-blue eyes!
“This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it!” // Psalm 118:24
We are so very thankful that Judson has been here with us to celebrate his very first Christmas this year as rejoice in the birth of our very greatest gift of all – Jesus Christ our King!
“The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him…” // John 1:9-10
It has been so special getting to experience the wonder and joy of this special time of year and watch Judson’s eyes light up every time he sees the Christmas tree lights, candles in our windows, or the lights outside our home!
It truly is the most wonderful time of year and we have been soaking in every moment with our baby boy and greatest gift that points us back to love and adore our Lord and Savior all the more – the giver of all good gifts!
This has most definitely been the most special Christmas yet, and we are so thankful!
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” // James 1:17
To start off this past month (and the Christmas season!), baby Judson got to pick out his very first Christmas tree this year!
We started a new family tradition and took the red truck up to the NC Mountains to cut our own Christmas tree down! So special getting to make these sweet memories for baby Judson’s very first Christmas and start this tradition that we can carry on for years to come!
Nothing sweeter than spending the evening decorating the tree with our little love for his very first Christmas!
So much fun getting the house all decorated for Christmas this time of year, getting to dress Judson in his Santa smock for church, and spending this Christmas season in our “winter wonderland” with my sweet sweet boys!
We were super thankful for a good report at Judson’s 6-month check up!
Sweet baby Judson is sitting up so well on his own and is such a healthy and strong baby boy – thank you Lord!
He was so strong for all of his big boy shots and I am so proud of him for being so brave! The doctor and nurse kept talking about what a good temperament he has – and we truly have been so blessed with this happy, smiley, and content little blue-eyed sweetie pie!
You will never know how much your mommy and daddy love you, sweet baby J! And ofcourse we got to have our normal “post-shots-cuddle-sesh” with my cuddly little baby bear!
We hosted the college ministry students over to our house for a Christmas party and had the best time! It has been so neat watching Wes follow his calling into full-time ministry at our church and we are so thankful for the amazing college students and young adults God has led to our church community!
It was a special memory that last December, Wes and I went to our gender reveal ultrasound and found out (just the two of us) that baby Mabry was a BOY (and got him this adorable little elephant stuffed animal with his heartbeat recorded inside)!! Such a sweet sweet day and one of my very favorite Christmas memories! And even MORE special that our happy little Santa baby Judson is here with us now!!
We had the best time at this year’s Dickens of a Christmas in downtown Spartanburg! Judson loved getting to see the tree light up and was just taking it all in!
I sure do love our little city this time of year and so happy getting to share this small town tradition with our sweet baby boy!
We did a little Christmas milk-bath for Judson… and it was the cutest thing EVER!
Such a sweet memory I will cherish forever!!
Judson got to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus for the first time and he was all smiles and rosy cheeks!!
We had a grand time doing some festive Christmas baking with my mom (Judson’s “Nana”)
...and someone was napping on the job hehe!
Such special Christmas time memories – especially getting to make the same Christmas cookies my mom has been making since she was a little girl – and now getting to carry on that tradition with my little family, too!
And we had so much fun getting to spend time with my “Santa cuties” delivering lots of Christmas treats and cheer to our neighbors and friends!
Cutest little Santa baby I ever did see!
And the weekend before Christmas, we had the most magical time up at the Omni Grove Park Inn getting to look at all of the pretty Christmas decorations, gingerbread houses, and drinking hot chocolate with the most stunning view out on the back veranda!
Judson loved getting to sit with mommy and daddy in "Santa's sleigh!"
Definitely a new Christmas tradition we want to carry on in the years to come!
Baby Judson loved this precious little nativity set a friend from church gifted him, and it has been so special getting to see the wonder and awe of this time of year through his eyes!
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” // Luke 2:10-11
“And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.” // Luke 2:40
I read this verse in Luke 2 throughout this Christmas season and was so struck by its significance – especially as I am a mama to my very own baby boy now!
I am daily praying that you grow up strong in the Lord, sweet baby Judson, and are full of His wisdom and grace!
I can only imagine what Mary must have felt like – carrying God’s son and holding the light of the world in her arms! What a privilege!
There is nothing quite like a mama’s love for her son – and this particular verse in Luke 2 really pulled on my heart strings this Christmas season as I hold my sweetest little gift in my arms this year!
Thankful for new Christmas insights with Jesus every year as they go by, and just so grateful that God gave us the very greatest gift of all in His Son – Jesus.
And speaking of gifts from God, I am so thankful beyond words for this special small business over here at Emily Mabry Creative (EMC) and for every single one of you who follow along and support this dream of mine that has been such a blessing to our family in this new season for our little family!
Thank you so much for all of your love, encouragement, and orders this holiday season and I am so thankful that so many of you were able to give and receive EMC designs this Christmas – and I have LOVED seeing all of the pictures of your framed designs up on display and being given to those dear to you!
Please keep on sending pictures my way (and tag me over on Instagram!!) - it always makes my day to see EMC designs helping spread even more light, love, beauty, and joy this time of year!
And lastly, nothing I love more than giving and receiving Christmas cards from loved ones this time of year. Merry Christmas from our little family – praying everyone has had a wonderful Christmas full of peace, love, blessings, and joy!
It sure has been a Christmas to remember!
Baby Judson’s very first Christmas!!
...and what feels like my first Christmas all over again too!
Also, for those of you who are new around here to the EMC Blog, you can now find me and “shop with me” over on the LIKEtoKNOW.it app. So if you haven’t already, make sure to download the app and “follow” me there (I put instructions over on my LIKEtoKNOW.it story highlight over on my personal Instagram page @emilyjoannemabry) - where I’m sharing all my favorite lifestyle products, baby items (and cute clothes, of course!), mommy items, and finds!!
You can download the app and follow me here:
I have also added “links” in the captions below where you can click and it will take you to be able to “shop” that specific photo & what you see!!
Now onto some more sweet photo memories over this past month with our sweet baby Judson… precious memories and moments that I hope and pray I will always remember!
Chilly family sunset walk with my boys!
Having so much fun picking out his very first Christmas tree!
Such a sweet new family Christmas tradition getting to go up to the NC Mountains to pick out our tree this year!
Judson loved eating sweet potatoes!!
Judson loved getting to help decorate his very first Christmas tree!
So sweet putting up his “baby’s first Christmas” ornament.
Our big boy was so strong and brave for his 6-month shots!
Allllll the cuddles after his shots!
Giggling his way through dinner hehe!
Sweet boy was soooo sleepy after his 6-month shots for the next couple of days, so we soaked in lots and lots of snuggles by the Christmas tree!
Out and about for a merry little Christmas coffee date!
My favorite view of our merry & bright home on the way back from an evening walk!
Dressed in his reindeer pjs for the first day of December!
We had the prettiest weather and sky for the college ministry Christmas party at our house!
Judson and Red – best buddies!!
Got to visit home while my oldest sister, Carey, and her baby girl (Judson’s cousin), Hannah, were in town for the week after Thanksgiving!
Judson snuggling while Hannah is playing haha - typical!!
Lots of cousin fun!
Playing with an old-timey rattle from my Mamaw’s house – so special! If you know me well, you know my Mamaw was everything to me and I miss her so much. I sure wish she could’ve met Judson – but I know she is here with us in spirit!
One Saturday in December, Wes let me sleep in while he played with Judson AND had my favorite coffee drink for me when I got up! Sweetest little weekend surprise – from the most thoughtful husband!
Took Judson to our favorite pizza spot in town – Venus Pie (and he slept right through it haha)!
Judson trying avocado for the first time!
All dressed for church in his Nativity smock from a dear friend!
Bedtime stories and snuggles with the Christmas lights in the window and outside – so so cozy!
Happiest little baby in the whole wide world!
We’ve been having so much fun making all of Judson’s baby food! And hehe he loves getting his bath time after dinner!
Jumpin’ away and “babababababa”-ing all day!
We were all bundled up for the tree lighting in downtown Spartanburg!
Cheers, mama!!
The cutest little EMC helper!
Helping mommy pack and ship out lots of Christmas orders – oh what fun!
Christmas coffee date with our friends, Kristen and Brewer!
We had the best time!
Can’t wait for these boys to grow up together!
Another little Christmas lunch-date with our friends, Emily and Tucker!
These sweet boys had so much fun sitting in their high chairs next to one another at the Crepe factory!
Little lunch date with my boys after shipping out our Christmas cards!
And after lunch, we went to finish all of our Christmas shopping early this year!! The best!
All dressed in his jammies before heading out to see the Christmas lights at the Christmas House in Inman!
Tried the new Andy’s frozen custard in town!
He LOVED looking out at all of the beautiful Christmas lights!
Absolutely stunning! Going to the Christmas House will definitely be a yearly tradition now!
More cutie shots from Judson's Christmas milk bath photoshoot!
He sure does love reading his Christmas stories - it's sooo adorable to see him trying to read (and makes this former pre-k teacher smile hehe)!!
My parents got to come up to see him the afternoon that we went to see Santa, too!
Baby Judson helped mommy ship out allll of my EMC Christmas orders the week before Christmas!
Judson got to go surprise Papa Carroll (basically Wes’ second dad) at the gym, too!
Carroll means so much to our family!
Having a ball with his brother bestie – Red!
Sweetest little baby handprint ornament next to his first Christmas ornament – these are the days!
Baby Judson loves bananas with his oatmeal!!
Sweet little winter walk on the trails!
Nothing sweeter than baby Judson cuddles in front of the Christmas tree!
Running lots of EMC errands with my little love!
My little Christmas love!
Judson LOVES when we say – “Squash and apples” – and thinks it’s hilarious and just giggles away!!
We had the BEST time making Christmas cookies and treats with Nana!
Got to make the sweetest little photobook for Judson’s first six months and give as gifts to both sets of our parents (Judson’s grandparents) as Christmas gifts – so so special!
Had so much fun delivering Christmas goodies to all of our neighbors and friends!!
Spreading lots of Christmas cheer!
We had the best time visiting the Omni Grove Park Inn at Christmas time!
Such a gorgeous view while drinking hot cocoa!!
So fun seeing all of the gingerbread houses!
And ofcourse Judson slept right through it haha!
The most wonderful time of year in such a beautiful Christmas wonderland!
And sitting by the fireplace was so cozy!
Having so much fun with my boys – click here to see the cutest giggling video of Judson (he laughs all the time – truly the HAPPIEST baby!
Off for a “sleigh ride” with my little reindeer!
He loves his reindeer toy!
And reading lots of Christmas stories!
Our neighbors even made some special Christmas dog treats for Red with his name on them – soo cute!
Always giggling and playing with Red – best buddies!!
Took Judson with us on a little date night to Sofia’s in downtown Spartanburg for an Italian Christmas week dinner – so fun!
I love the way our little city decorates downtown this time of year!!
So thankful for the most amazing husband I could’ve asked for – and so happy to have some time with him home before the new year! Thank you Lord!!
Having so much fun opening presents with his “RaRa” and “Papa Jack!”
Such a sweet night with family!
Two peas in a pod!
A “Papa’s” boy!
Nothing sweeter than reading Christmas stories with my boys while looking at all of the pretty Christmas twinkly lights outside our windows!
The happiest baby in the whole wide world waking up from his nap!
Truly the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas Eve Eve with thai takeout and a Christmas movie with my favorite people!
Went to the Piedmont Club with some of my family and relatives for lunch before our Christmas Eve Service at church!
And then headed from church to spend Christmas Eve at Wes’ Nana and Pop’s house with family!
Christmas morning snuggles because someone was sleepyyyy after all the fun Christmas Eve festivities!!
Such a sweet Christmas morning with family back at home in Charlotte!!
Baby Judson loves his Aunt MJ!
So very thankful for family this time of year!
Judson had so much fun opening his gifts from Santa!
Judson sure does love his “Nana” and “Papaw!”
Our greatest gift of all!
His favorite of all were the boxes and tissue paper – nothing like seeing the joy and wonder through the eyes of a child at Christmas time!!
He loved pulling out the tissue paper!!
Such a sweet Christmas morning!
And ended Christmas day reading the story of Jesus’ birth with Nana – such a wonderful first Christmas for our sweet angel baby boy!
And the day after Christmas, my college bestie, Abby, and her baby girl Halle came over to meet baby Judson!
What a sweet time!
And finally… Judson’s seven-month-old photo! We have continued to be so blessed by your joyful, loving, happy, and content little personality these past 7 months, sweet baby J! You truly are the happiest and easiest baby and we love you more than you will ever know!
Thank you, Jesus, for blessing us with another month filled with so much joy, fun, and laughter with our sweet baby Judson! I am so grateful for these precious days, moments, and memories – and never taking any of it for granted!
Experiencing the magic and joy of Christmas through your eyes this past month has been so special and having you here with us this year made it our very favorite Christmas yet!