"Christmas Morning" at our house

We opened presents at our house a few days before Christmas since we were out of town on Christmas day. Perry was awake quite a bit earlier than Mills, so he had to wait (which wasn't a problem since he didn't know there were any presents waiting for him) for Mills to wake up. The plan was to feed Mills a quick breakfast and then do presents. When Mills woke, Alex got him out of his crib and changed his diaper and from that point on Mills was an absolute wreck. He started throwing the BIGGEST fit we've ever seen from a 14 month old. He wouldn't eat, wouldn't snuggle, wouldn't calm down despite everything we tried--to the point I had to just put him in his crib for a while. He calmed down some and I went back to get him, this time he was much better off. It's kind of crazy to realize, but we think the whole incident occurred because of Alex getting him (instead of me) and that he changed his diaper first thing (a new thing that Mills detests). Wow! Anyways, he definitely spoiled our happy little plans for a while, but eventually we were all ready to see what was waiting.

 Perry had been asking nearly every day to open his stocking, so he was excited to hear that it was finally time.

 helping Mills open his stocking

It was a pretty simple and sweet Christmas for us. We are mostly thankful to be celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus. 

Another Day...

Another half-undressed Mills

Caroling

Last night Perry and I joined a group from our church to go caroling. I wasn't quite sure if Perry would enjoy it, but I felt like he would. Boy was I right! Besides being a really neat time of fellowship, it was so sweet to see little Perry singing and having fun. He was the youngest caroler there, but he had a big presence! His favorite spot to get was front and center and I'm certain all the people thought he was simply adorable...doesn't every mom think that? Every time we finished at a house, he would say "we go to another house?" He didn't want it to end. I can't wait to do it again next year. I feel like it was such a blessing to the people we visited, as well as all of us who participated.

not a good picture, but you can at least see my little guy

14 months

one of the many gorgeous pictures from our photo shoot

Mills is 14 months old now. He's walking behind push toys or when holding my hands and has taken 2-3 small steps on his own. It won't be too long before he's walking!

 Here he comes!

He cut another tooth on the bottom. His morning nap is still variable...he can take it or leave it. He stopped nursing this month. One day he decided that he didn't want to nurse again and that was that. Not the way I envisioned it ending, but I'm glad it was on his terms and not mine. He loves pushing trucks and cars (or anything--sippy cup lids) around on the floor. He's clapping, pointing, and waving. I've heard one "bye bye bye bye" and he's kind of saying "uh-oh". He has a terrible habit of digging in his diaper. I have a feeling he'll be the kid who takes his pants and diaper off in his crib. I usually find him with unsnapped and unzipped pj's in the morning and the other day he managed to get his sleeve off and twisted up around one arm.

 seriously??

unsnapped and unzipped...and pointing :-)

Mills and Perry are playing together so much more. I guess Perry's decided that Mills is cool enough now. Mills continues to be such a sweetheart. I've had several people tell me lately how affectionate he is. He's my little cuddle bug and I love it!

Early Christmas

We had an early Christmas celebration with my mom since Helen and Jeremy were in town at the beginning of December. I was sick with a stomach bug all of Saturday and Sunday, so I wasn't a great photographer. We opened presents on Sunday evening. Perry had fun opening his gifts and gave lots of fun expressions.

excited about his remote controlled car

a doctors kit!

Mills was not fully awake at this point

After opening the inside presents, Perry and Mills had one big surprise waiting for them outside...a bounce house!

 first sight of it

he was quite excited!

 So happy! Mills wasn't as fond.

 stocking time

cute picture of H and J

lunch at Rollin in the Dough

All the Leaves are Falling Down

Perry's been singing a song that he learned at school called "All the Leaves are Falling Down". It's to the tune of  "London Bridges Falling Down". The lyrics are:
All the leave are falling down, falling down, falling down
All the leaves are falling down
It is Fall.
Take the rake and rake them up, rake them up, rake them up
Take the rake and rake them up
It is Fall.
Make a pile and jump right in, jump right in, jump right in
Make a pile and jump right in
It is Fall.
Perry is so cute when he sings this song! This past weekend we did exactly what the song says to do. I, of course, had my camera ready.

 Perry liked throwing leaves at everyone...

Mills wasn't too sure about playing in the leaves...

But everyone had fun laughing with Daddy...

Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving day at the farm in Mansfield. It was the most gorgeous day and I couldn't have picked a better way to celebrate--beautiful location, fun family, and delicious food. Most of my cousins were there and between the three of us with kids, we had seven kids...all boys!! The bigger ones had a blast chasing and hiding and squealing together. Cathie prepared an amazing meal that was enjoyed by all. Thank you Richard and Cathie!

 Quick wagon ride before we hit the road

Perry wanted to play outside the entire day. What little boy wouldn't!?!

 Ryan and Ira took us for a ride on the Mule 

Happy Thanksgiving!

On Friday we headed up to Hot Spring Village to check out the new house and spend the weekend with my dad and his family. We had a really great weekend and enjoyed being with my grandmother, aunts, and Dad and Sheila. Perry made quick friends with the dogs and Mills loved all the extra arms around him.

 watching the LSU game

 beautiful view from the back balcony

 Perry kept saying that he wanted to go play in the water

 cutie pie!

this was our view every night

We have MUCH to be thankful to God for!

Brothers

I love Saturday mornings and I love these cute boys! 

 Sweet brothers!

 They really do love each other :-)

watching Daddy do the yard 

I really needed to take a shower, so I left Mills in his crib with a FEW toys. Perry decided to give Mills every book and trinket that he could reach off of the bookshelves. Thanks Perry!

Perry 3 years

I've neglected to post about Perry for the past several months. There is so much happening with our big boy, mainly in the way of language. I wish I could remember every funny and interesting thing he has said. He is talking SO MUCH more now days and it's such a joy to hear what's on his mind...most of the time. We've definitely heard some interesting commands and complaints that I could do without.
Some of my favorite quotes and things that come to mind are:
-He sometimes refers to himself by name. "Oh no, Perry Burke made a mess". He's not doing that as much anymore.
-He's learning so much at Bible Study Fellowship. He told me, "Adam ate the fruit and play hide and seek with God and Adam obey (probably meant "disobey") God". "God help Noah build a boat".
-If we interrupt or are not paying enough attention to him, he'll say, "No, no, no, no, stop, wait a sec..." and then proceed to say whatever is on his mind.
-"Oh my, oh dear, what happened?"
-"I sit right here, and you sit right there, and I talk to you"
-"No, I need do that by e-self" That's a big one these days! He wants to do almost everything by himself...such a big boy!
-"I neeeeeeeed two candy corn" or "I neeeeeeed two jelly bean". He always asks for his treats in twos.
-Sadly, he's calling Mills, "Mills", instead of "baby Mills". We hear a lot of "No, Mills, that MY choo choo".
-When he does something praise worthy (usually pooping on the potty) he'll say "I really, really proud of you!" or "Momma really, really proud of me!"
-As he pushes a buggy or walks around the grocery store with me, he says "Oh, excuse me" to everyone with a big smile on his face. It's one of the cutest things ever!
-He's been saying "Oh, sorry" all the time to us, even when it's not warranted, and if something happens, he'll say "it's all my fault", even when it wasn't! It makes me so sad to hear these things, so I always reassure him that he isn't responsible and explain what happened. I think he's mostly just saying something that sounds appropriate in an effort to sound mature :-)
My all-time favorite quote:
"Oh, I know! Momma feed (baby) Mills and Perry Burke watch a show! That's fun too!" This was probably his first long sentence. It has become a common thing to hear and he always says it with great enthusiasm like it's the grandest idea. He would watch TV all day if I let him.
Other things:
Perry is a total potty champ and has been for a while now. He wears a diaper at night and stays dry most of the time.
He's growing! Everyone has been commenting on how much taller he is and I agree!
Perry is getting into action figures and super heroes. I honestly thought this wouldn't happen with my little boy, but I'm learning that it's just instinctual. Even the cute little cow we got at chick-fil-a was re-named "Super cow to the rescue".
Perry likes to put his Crocs on all by himself now. Even if he's struggling, he does NOT want anyone to help him.

Looking cute on school picture day

13 months

Millsy,
Here are several things to note about the past month:
You are much more of a risk taker than Perry was. You love sliding down off the couch while holding onto my legs, being thrown around, and "dropped". For fun, you like to collect items (balls, rocks, toys) and throw them a basket. You are standing alone for brief moments and taking steps while holding my hands. You say "mama" a lot. You have another tooth on the bottom (7 total)! Naps are pretty much down to one (even though I keep trying to get you to take two). I guess you are ready to be a big boy. You certainly are starting to look like one!

You love to rock

Collecting