December Happenings

Our December calendar was packed full of events before the after Thanksgiving meal nap. I have been busy working. After Nicholas recovered from the EAST Austin Studio tours, he has been hanging out with Lil' D, doing some much needed stuff around the house (more on that in another post), and helping to get ready for Christmas. We have both been very busy at church with Sunday school, church council, and youth events. We took Lil' D to the Christmas Party for his second visit with Santa. He's not too sure about Santa.
We went to my work Christmas Party. Aunt La La played with Lil' D. It was nice to go out just the two of us, something we have not done lately. AND we have a picture of just the two of us!

I was also helping with the Church Christmas pageant again this year. Unfortunately, I missed the pageant due to an impromptu trip to Dallas. My grandfather passed away on Friday at the age of 84. It was a small funeral, mostly just family, and I gave the eulogy. I will miss the way his face lit up when he saw me, even when he couldn't remember exactly who I was.

After coming back to Austin mid-week, I have been busy catching up at work. We are scrambling to finish getting ready for Christmas. I am hoping to get to some holiday baking this weekend!

SOTH Christmas Party

Two Sundays ago we enjoyed our church's Christmas party. Lil' D was excited and fresh after a nap!

The theme of the party was "Away in a Manager." There was a Sheep Herding area for Lil' D and his friends!

There were crafts--creating a nativity ornmament garland keepsake. Pastor Heidi read a Christmas story.

There was a sing-a-long of pageant songs, and lots of yummy cookies!

And, of course, there was a visit from Santa! It was Lil' D's second trip on Santa's lap.

Ten Months

At 10 months, Lil' D loves to cuddle, give kisses, is starting to give hugs, and flirts with everyone he sees! He puts himself to sleep at night and sleeps for an average of 10 hours. He eats three meals a day with snacks. While he eats lots of delicious food that Mommy makes, he is starting to notice if what he is eating is different from what is on Mommy and Daddy's plate. He loves dogs, especially Halley. He says "woof-woof," "Ma-Ma," "Da-Da," and something similar to ball and dog. He can be found crawling all over the house, throwing a tennis ball, putting things in containers, reading books, exploring the kitchen cabinets, eating, and spending time with family.

Lil' D's First Christmas Tree

Thanksgiving came and went. We had a great time. Lil' D discovered a new found love of all things turkey. There was no Christmas decorating in our house the weekend after since we were out of town. Plus, I think Nicholas has an aversion to decorating before December. Something about not enjoying one holiday before moving on to another. The first week of December came, and I was itching to get a tree; however, now that it is December, rain has come to Austin. Not so perfect weather for picking out a Christmas tree. I convinced Nicholas to go, anyway, to the Home Depot down the street...just to check and see how the trees looked.
Of course, we ended up getting a tree, Lil' D's first!

The tree had been slightly covered from rain, but we left it in the garage over night to dry a bit, just in case. On Sunday (during naptime), we rearranged the living room to make a semi-baby proof spot for the tree. When Lil' D woke up, we started the next generation tradition of cutting the bottom off the tree!

Lil' D helped a bit.

Watching Daddy

Hmmm...I think I understand, now. Let me try!

While we (Nicholas) brought the tree, Lil' D had a grand ol' time playing by himself.

We put the lights on a decorated the tree after Lil' D went to bed.

Dallas Thanksgiving Visit

We visited Dallas the weekend after Thanksgiving. We left Saturday morning. Lil' D slept the whole way like the good little traveler that he is. We stopped at David and Brenna's to see the progress of their house. Nicholas and Lil' D chased the chickens.

Then we visited the Dallas Arboretum. It was cold and windy! Then we went to my parents house.

Practicing some of Daddy's yoga moves.

We drove to Arlington to have dinner with the Dellinger's and meet the new baby!

Saturday night we stayed in a hotel in Arlington. Sunday morning we met Justin and Baby for breakfast. I enjoyed some baby holding time.

Then we went over to my parents house. Aunt Dana and Baby A read some books.

Then we went to Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop.

Lil' D did NOT cry!

Afterwards, we had lunch with Logan, Kendall, and Baby A. Then we headed back to my parents house for the Lil' D Show!

Hooray!

Callie wants to play, too!

Come on, Callie!