"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...