Merry Christmas!

Photo credit: Linda D.    Photoshop effects: Megan B.

Christmas goodies

I love baking cookies and making sweets at Christmas time. I had a list of Christmas goodies that I wanted to make this year, especially since I didn't get any made last year. Today I crossed the last one off my list! I have a couple plates ready to deliver to neighbors and will take a big tray to our Christmas dinner. The rest are for us!

(clockwise from top left) Spritz cookies, almond bark pretzels, fudge, peanut butter balls, puppy chow

A step in the right direction

Stephen took 3 steps on his own yesterday! I'm sure he'll be off to the races soon.

A big boy

Stephen started using a plate when he eats this week. I did it the first time to avoid a macaroni and cheese mess on the highchair tray. I was hoping his food wouldn't end up all over the floor. He did a great job! At mealtime, Stephen is usually so intent on eating that he wouldn't even think about dumping the food all over. The only time he tries is when it's empty and he wants more food.

The thrill of the chase

Stephen loves it when Daddy chases him around the house. Stephen will crawl a little bit, stop, turn around to see if Daddy's coming, and then take off, giggling the whole way. I got a video of one of their chases.

Stephen's 1 year photo shoot

We went to Sears on November 20 for Stephen's 1 year photo shoot. I had a great coupon and ended up being very happy with the results. The coupon was $10 for the session, with a 10x13, 5x7, 4 wallets, and a single image CD. I was able to get 3 different poses. Plus, they later sent me an e-mail with a great deal for ordering more online, so I got an additional pose. Stephen was very cooperative during the session until the very end, so we were able to get some great pictures.

Advent/Christmas at our house

I love this time of year! So many pretty decorations to put up. It's so much more fun when you have a little boy who admires them as well. Stephen loves the colored lights on our windows. He's enjoying playing with our 2 nativity sets at his level. Here's pictures of a couple of new decorations I made this year.
This is our Jesse tree. Obviously, Stephen has no clue what any of it means, but now I have it made for when he does. The tree is felt. The ornaments are printed out and glued onto felt circles. They're attached to the tree with velcro. So far, Stephen has done a good job of leaving it alone.

This is our Christmas card display. I found the mini ornaments at Target and tied them onto ribbon. The cards are attached to the big ribbons with little clothespins.

I'm looking forward to hopefully putting up our tree soon.