Christmas Day {on the Ice}

 

 (walking on a frozen pit where in three months I'll need a boat or a life jacket only freaks me out a little)

 (my first time ice fishing was a bit slow, as in not a single bite!)

 (her first time on ice skates!)

(grandma, getting her skate on)

On Christmas Eve...

 He makes milk rice (because, it's tradition)

 We take pictures in front of the tree (because, it's tradition)

 We open presents one at a time (because, it's tradition)

 He gets excited to open a toy when everyone else is opening clothes (because, there was a mix-up)

He blows bubbles and makes silly faces (because, that's our LJ)

 He plays with the baby (because, he's a great Great Grandpa)

 She holds the baby (because, she loves him so)

He shows the baby how it works (because, he's an awesome big brother)

We go home full, tired and happy (because, we're blessed).

Our Family Christmas {in pictures}

For the record:  

L's favorite present - toss up between her very own Bible (with the Old Testament, too) and the Bandaloom.

I Man's fave - the bow and arrow. 

LJ's fave - the wrapping paper, hands down.

Conversations

After falling down in the Church parking lot...
D:  "Are you OK?"
I Man:  "I think so."
D:  "What did you hit?"
I Man:  "The ground.

I Man:  "Well, this is awkward."
Me:  "What?"
I Man:  "This."
Me:  "Do you know what awkward means?
I Man:  "No."

L:  "Look Mom, It's Rubby Thursday!"
Me:  "You mean, Ruby Tuesday?"

While brushing out some serious bedhead...
Me:  "I Man, what happened to your hair?
I Man:  "Well, it was unfortunate."
{Me:  Laughter}

I Man:  "L, there's a spider on the stairs!"
L:  "Where?  Maybe it's venomous."

While playing Guess Who...
I Man:  "Does your person have naturally curly hair?"
{Me:  Laughter}

I Man:  "Is that LJ's birthday mark?"
Me:  {laughing a little} "Yep."
I Man:  "It looks like feet."
Me:  "You're right, it kind of does!"

Eight Months

LJ is eight months old today, and while I wouldn't say these eight months have gone fast, I do find myself looking back and wondering where the time has gone.  He is still the sweetest baby ever and a joy to have around.  Right now, I love the way he gets soooo excited when he grabs and reaches that one thing that he's not supposed to have (think cell phone, TV remote, baby food container...).  Right now, I love that he's so content to just sit.  Right now, I love that I Man can get him to belly laugh like no one else.  Right now, I love that it's L with whom he loves to read books.  Right now, I love that he goes to sleep well in his own bed, but can still fall asleep in my arms.  Right now, I am having a hard time believing this baby is eight months old...

LJ continues to eat and sleep the same way he did in Month Seven. Firsts this month include eating Cheerios and fruit puffs (neither of which he can get into his own mouth), his first Thanksgiving, his first trip to the A Team's house and his first encounter with a Christmas tree.  He can now click his tongue, anticipates the tickle when you play 'This Little Piggy' or 'Here Comes a Mousey,' jumps so hard in his exersaucer that he can move around the linoleum while in it (yikes!), knocks over towers of blocks that we build for him, and makes it his mission to splash all of the water out of his baby bath by kicking his legs.  :-) 

(This is where he spent much of his first Thanksgiving.  Out of the way and yet still where he could see us (because if there's anything this baby does not like, it's being alone!).  He was such a good baby that Great Grandpa asked, "does that baby ever cry?")

(not sure about the new hat)

(helping A5 celebrate her 5th birthday)

(with his 'babysitter,' thanks A3!)

(After we put up the Christmas tree, I sat LJ near it to get his picture.  He touched it and made a horrible shocked face (second picture) before starting to cry.  Ha!)

Aren't babies sweet - when they're sleeping?