Riding in my new wheels

Fred bundled Ian up for a ride in his new car from Santa on Christmas morning.

Merry Christmas Ian!

Despite the look on Ian's face, he really did enjoy Christmas!

What a Christmas we had! We spent our first Christmas Eve as a family eating delicious food, drinking hot chocolate, watching The Christmas Story, worshipping our Lord during the candle light service, and simply enjoying the blessing of being together. We awoke Christmas morning with snow still on the ground and were overjoyed to see the sheepish grin across Ian's face as he looked at his new toys. He was cautious as usual when presented with something new, but showed so much excitement each time a present was unwrapped. He played for hours Christmas morning and cried with a heart-wrenching cry when we took him out of his new car for a nap. He loved his musical table, his new talking puppy named "Scout," and Noah's Ark as well. We couldn't have asked for a more wonderful Christmas and thank God for the gift of His Son.

Ian's Tenth Month

So many cool things happened this month with Ian. It was amazing to watch him take his first steps the week of Thanksgiving. And though he stayed a bit wobbly, he pulled himself up after each fall and continued making strides to walk. He learned to give "high fives" and started clapping whenever he heard music or the word "Yay!" We taught him the ever important "Touchdown Auburn" with his arms held high over his head which he does on command. He laughs uncontrollably anytime he hears Fred and I laugh, and we think he even has his own "fake laugh" just to get us started. Ian definitely knows what he wants and has no trouble showing his disapproval. But in his sweet little way, he easily turns his frustration into joy through his precious smile and playful spirit. Ian had his first Thanksgiving dinner, experienced his first Amarillo snow, and had his first visit with Santa this month as well. He's a growing little boy and continues to bring the most incredible joy to mine and Fred's life.

Ian's First Haircut

The finished product
Watching Mrs. Michelle cut his hair

Watching Daddy get his hair cut

Preparing for the big event

For months I've been giving Ian a comb-over due to the foot-long (no joke) strands of hair he's had on the top of his head. I tried to wait until at least a year before getting his first haircut, but the comb-over had to go. He sat so still in Fred's lap (and with the bribe of a biter biscuit which he thinks is a cookie) while Mrs. Michelle snipped a few strands.

Ian's First Christmas Present

Ian received his first Christmas present in the mail from Leigh Ann, Reagan, Charlotte, and John David this week. He had fun unwrapping and playing with his new toy!

Ian's First Visit with Santa

Ian saw Santa for the first time and did really well. Although he looks quite uncomfortable in the picture, he sat with him without crying. His expression seemed to say "You guys sat me in the lap of someone I don't know and then you walk away?"

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Fred and I kept to our tradition of decorating for Christmas the Sunday after Thanksgiving (once Ian was down for his nap). We drank apple cider, listened to Christmas music, and talked about our various ornaments over the years. Much to Ian's surprise, there were so many new things around our house to explore...especially the Christmas tree! Like most babies, Ian is mesmorized by the lights, the ornaments, and all of the sparkling that goes along with it.