A White & Merry First Christmas

As you know, Christmas takes a lot of preparation.  And before you begin any serious present opening, you really need to stretch your muscles...

Once Wade was nice and limber, he was ready for Christmas to really begin! 

After the three of us (plus Annie) opened presents, the Brueckmanns came over for brunch.  In the afternoon, we spent time at the Lesingers'.  We were very happy that the Emsleys drove in from Indiana. 

 

We went back to Waterloo on the 26th to visit again and to conquer the sledding hill on my youth.  Wade got to try some sledding of his own (minus the big hill).

Eight Months Old

Wade was 25.5 pounds on his 8 month birthday earlier this week.  We shouldn't have been at the doctor for 8 months, but he was back for another case of pink eye and surprise, another ear infection (#4).  Luckily he continues to be a happy baby who fusses very little and doesn't seem to mind things like pink eye or ear infections.  (He doesn't so much like the eye drops though!)

This week he got a letter from Santa in the mail and then he met him in person!  What a big week!  He didn't even know the guy existed before this!

Wade wasn't too sure about the visit to Santa though.  Santa was a great sport as he never stopped smiling but we couldn't get Wade to smile no matter what we did. 

Would you call this crawling?

Wade has been moving around on the floor a lot lately and I captured this video this morning.

I guess it's crawling, or perhaps "army crawling."  He's not quite up on his hands and knees, though he does sometimes get on his hands and knees and rock back and forth.  Either way, he knew what he wanted (that dog kennel!!) and it definitely motivated him to move from point A to point B.

I think Ryan and I better start baby proofing.  I don't think the outlet covers that we installed are going to be enough for much longer.

It was a Happy First Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is always a little tiring, traveling from one giant meal to another but you can't complain when everyone is happy and healthy.  It's always nice to spend time with family and the food was delicious!

Wade enjoyed lunch at Grandma and Grandpa Lesinger's house in Waterloo.  He took a nap after lunch and then played with lots of fun toys before we headed to the Brueckmanns' in Manchester for dinner.

Time for dinner!  "Yes, I have two Thanksgiving bibs", says Wade.

On Saturday Wade, Annie, and I sat on a blanket outside and watched as Ryan put up the Christmas lights.  It was such a nice, sunny day.  We haven't put up our indoor decorations yet, but we couldn't pass up the opportunity for the outdoor decorations.