Texas and Mississippi - Christmas 2009

We had a great Christmas this year. We started our holiday season with Elijah’s Aunt Kit visiting on Christmas Eve and Elijah taking his first steps. How thrilled we were. We did start a few traditions this year – going to see Santa and leaving cookies and milk for him as well. Christmas morning was GREAT! Elijah loved opening his gifts! He LOVED the Little Tikes Coupe that Santa Claus left him. He spends a lot of time getting in it, closing the door, opening the door, getting out, and then getting back in again. It is just too cute! Then on Saturday, Dec. 26Th, we headed out early to Mississippi. We started our Christmas celebration with my family in Raleigh. Elijah enjoyed spending time with his Nana, Papaw, Uncle Mike, and Cousin Hannah. Hannah loved helping take care of him. She is going to make a great mom one day. Nana and Papaw went over- board where presents are concerned for both grand kids as well as for us. But we loved it all! Elijah got a thrill going outside and exploring with his Papaw. By the time we left he had a collection of pine straw, pine bark, leaves, and feathers. Our little guy loves being outside. Let me just say for the record, that I beat my husband, my dad, and my brother in Wii Bowling. Love that!!! Then on Monday, Dec. 28Th, we headed to see Elijah’s other set of grandparents in Hazlehurst. Elijah loved all the attention he got from Grandma, Granddaddy, uncles, aunts, and cousins. But he really loved spending time with his Uncle Blake. He had a blast riding in the wagon driven by his Dad and enjoyed the bond fire with his Dad, Uncle Blake, and Granddaddy. Needless to say, he loved all the attention that he received at both houses. We were so happy that this Christmas we were able to have ALL the family members present. That is not an easy task with our two families.:) We are blessed to have such amazing families.

One Foot in Front of the Other

Elijah gave us the best Christmas Eve gift he could have ever given us. While his Aunt Kit was at our house visiting, Elijah decided to take his first steps! What an incredible moment! He took 2 steps and tried a third but didn’t make it. We are so proud of him and thrilled that his Aunt Kit was able to be a part of this very special moment of his life. Unfortunately, we did not get it on video or a picture of it, but the picture posted was taken right before he took the first step. Now that is a Christmas Eve gift to remember!!!!

Special Days

The last couple of weeks have been very special at our house. Elijah has learned to give a hug when you ask for one and there is nothing like that moment. He was saying “Mama” and “Dada” sporadically but now is saying it a lot. It never gets old hearing those words. On Saturday, he added two additional words to his vocabulary, “egg” and “dog”. :) He said egg when he was eating one for breakfast. Then that night when Byron was reading him his bedtime story, he said dog. We said the word first and then he repeated it. He wants to walk badly and actually has started standing on his own without holding on. But hasn't taken that first step yet. Elijah now knows how to blow a kiss. But he does it in his own special way - without the use of his hand. He just puckers his lips and smacks.Too cute! Elijah has two more teeth coming in as well. That will be 14 so far! We are amazed how much he is changing daily and how much joy he has brought to our life! We love him so much!

Reindeer Fun

I couldn't resist the reindeer antlers when I saw them. Poor guy, they are HUGE on him (honestly, they didn't look that big in the store) but we still think he looks too cute!! I figure I can get away with this kind of stuff while he is young. :)

Love This Time of Year

Meeting Santa for the first time and experiencing his first snowfall - what a great week for Elijah! (That is my Dad feeding Elijah the snow. He drove out to babysit so Byron and I could attend Byron's work Christmas party and to pick up some furniture he was taking back to MS)

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Elijah met a very special person this week - Santa Claus! He seemed to like Santa and was very curious about his beard.He wasn't sure if he could/should touch it.Too funny! He was so caught up in meeting him that he forgot to tell Santa what he wanted for Christmas. So Mommy and Daddy told him that they would let Santa know what was on his wish list. :)

Gobble, Gobble!

We had a great Thanksgiving. Byron cooked a incredible meal. It was so delicious and he is such a great cook! Man, I am lucky to have a husband who likes to cook! Elijah seemed to enjoy the food and the day as well. It is hard to believe that a year ago on Thanksgiving, Elijah was only 5 days old and had just got home from Texas Children's Hospital. We had so much to be thankful for then and now we have even more to be thankful for - not only at Thanksgiving but every day.