26 December 2010

9 Months Old

Matthew is 9 months old.

He
...crawls super fast on all fours.
...loves to go to playgroup on Fridays.
...is a super happy baby.
...is trying to give up his third nap, but having a rough time with it.
...has 2 bottom teeth, and 2 top teeth trying to come in.
...pulls himself on top of everything.
...still gets in the dog food, but he is leaning towards playing with it instead of eating it.
...is a joy to have around.
...is starting to cruise around the couch.

25 December 2010

Matthew's First Christmas

This morning started at 4. Yes 4. Now for those kids that understand Christmas and Santa, and all the excitement I understand starting early. For a kid that thinks like this:


(ie, the box is the best part) 4am does not make sense. But alas, I digress. I was in no mood to get up for real, and Nick was sleeping soundly. So, I employed the heater. Meaning, I tucked Matthew into bed next to me facing the space heater. Something about the warmth from the heater, the fascination of the heater rotating, and the red numbers puts Matthew back to sleep 90% of the time. Luckily, it worked. Until 7am. Nick got up this time. But since sleep was not coming back (elusive devil!) up we all got. We padded into the kitchen where breakfast was waiting.


Another tradition is to get any cereal you want for breakfast (and sometimes a mid morning snack). I'm not sure if Santa brings cereal, or if Mom and Dad do. I'll have to check on that.

After 2 very slow moving parents had added sugar to their systems, it was onto opening presents.

One of the best gifts was the books from grandparents. One from each set, reading a story in their own voices. Matthew was fascinated, and spent the first read through trying to figure out where the voices came from. Stitch spent the time sniffing and checking out the books trying to figure out where the people were hiding.


It was then nap time for all parties. Followed by a delicious dinner of ham and potatoes. Matthew received brand new bowls that stick to surfaces for Christmas. He was happy to try them out.


Nick and I spent the afternoon testing out our new games. Luckily for me, today was my day and I was able to win a little more than I lost.

We had a great quiet Christmas. We spoke with many family members over the phone. I'm very grateful for my little family, and I look forward to Christmas yet to come.

Merry Christmas

And a Happy New Year!

This was taken at Nubble Lighthouse. We were thrilled to enjoy a drive up to Maine with my sister in September.

21 December 2010

Christmas Cards

I love getting Christmas Cards!

I love that I have a great doorway to hang them in!

18 December 2010

Rockefeller Tree

Nick and I have always wanted to go to New York around Christmas time. With only one job to manage around, this year we made it!
First on my list was to see the Rockefeller Christmas Tree.

08 December 2010

Our Christmas Tree

Our Christmas tree is faring well. I'm a little surprised, but so far nothing major. Just a few ornaments (that look like toys) have been played with. A present that makes noise is moved around.

04 December 2010

Games

For as long as I can remember, Nick and I have always been the aunt and uncle that give games for Christmas. We love to play games, and have enjoyed playing games with our nieces and nephews. There's nothing like gathering together around a table to play a game.

03 December 2010

Ornaments

Every year Nick and I buy an ornament for Christmas.

Here's a few favorites:

An angel from "It's a Wonderful Life"; Harry Potter

Belle, my favorite princess; Celebrating our Disney Vacation

02 December 2010

Christmas Tree

Nick and I have started our own tradition when it comes to decorating the tree.

While decorating the tree we watch Christmas Vacation. I love being able to enjoy the chaotic Griswold Christmas disaster while placing ornaments here and there on the tree. We have the movie pretty memorized, so no need to worry about pausing or talking while it's playing. There's something relaxing about knowing that no matter what happens during the Christmas season, I will never have the SWAT team breaking through my windows.

01 December 2010

Three Gifts for Christmas

December is always a time to reflect on the Christmas season and traditions. Traditions that I grew up with, traditions that Nick grew up with, traditions we have formed together, and traditions that we want for Matthew.
One of the things I've disliked about Christmas is how commercial it is. As just the two of us, Nick and I have always been able to put a limit on our Christmas spending, and keep presents to a minimum. This year, we heard about something that's been around for awhile: giving three gifts to represent the three gifts Jesus was give by the Wise Men.
So, going forward, Matthew will get 3 gifts from us, and a stocking from Santa. He will get gifts from family that doesn't count as part of his 3 gifts. And hopefully we will be able to keep Christ in Christmas.