Nic's 27th Birthday

Nic turned 27 on Saturday. We had a really fun day. First, Nic went to play some basketball at church. He must really love it because he had to be there at 7 am on a Saturday morning! That was nice because it gave Max and I time to decorate the house and cook Nic's favorite breakfast-- Cinnamon rolls and bacon. I also made eggs to make it slightly less weird.

Then we opened Nic's presents. Max got Nic a Baby Bjorn so that Nic can carry him all around Ireland. I got Nic a digital picture frame, a gift certificate for new shoes, and scripture pencils (he always asks for these--isn't he so righteous? ;) ).

Then we went up to my parents' house. We also got to visit with my brother, sister-in-law and Baby Connor. We had a baby face-off, which Max loved. Connor wasn't as thrilled, but we got some cute baby cousin pictures.

Then, it was time for cake. Nic's family always makes Angel Food Cake with yummy frosting for birthdays, so we got the recipe for the frosting from his Grandma. My cake didn't look as pretty, but it tasted good. Nic had a hard time blowing out so many candles! We finished the day off with a very good game of Uno.

Happy Birthday, Nic! You are the best husband and daddy in the whole world. We love you.

5 months!

Max is now 5 months old.

He now:

Eats rice cereal.

Sucks on his toes.

and

Parties with his baby friends.

He's also getting very good at rolling over, and uses it as a form of transportation. He likes to go exploring if I leave the room. I'll come back a minute later and he'll be in a much different place than I left him.
His hand-eye coordination has also improved. He knows what he wants, and has no problem getting it now. He usually wants our food!

Wild Animal Park

On the Saturday after Christmas, my whole family went down to the Wild Animal Park in San Diego. I seriously love to see the animals, and because my parents got us season passes we can go back all year! Hooray! It was a great time, not only because nature is awesome, but also because my family is awesome. Oh, and I forgot our camera, so I stole this collage right off of my sister's blog- Stolen Goods. Isn't it ironic? Don't ya think? ;)

Christmas 2008

We had a really great Christmas this year. On Christmas Eve, Nic's dad and Nigel came over for dinner. We had clam chowder, which is what we always had in my family. I didn't make our traditional recipe though because my mom said it's a lot of work at the last minute, which can be problematic with a baby. So, my sister found this recipe. It was so easy, and totally delicious. I kind of think it's cheating, but I needed an advantage when cooking for my father-in-law. He's a fabulous cook that always presents everything perfectly. It's kind of intimidating. :) Luckily, he brought the salad and dessert, so I didn't even have much to do.

Nic and Max showing off our Christmas table setting--complete with the dishes Dale got me for my birthday.

Dale showing Max his fun new toys.

We had a lot of fun showing Max his gifts on Christmas morning. He indulged us more than I thought he would by actually looking at them, and seeming to enjoy them.

On Christmas evening, my parents and my brother joined us for dinner. It was totally fun. We ended the day by playing Nic's new Trivial Pursuit game, and I have to say that playing with my sister's 15 year old game has been a disadvantage for me. I am much better with the more current questions. So, Sharla, now you and I can totally kick the rears of Nic and Mike, as if we didn't already. :)

Word on the streets is that Christmas will be even more fun next year when Max is stoked for his presents, but this Christmas was so fun and relaxing that it will be hard to beat!

4 months old!

Right before Christmas, Max turned 4 months old.

At 4 months he has started to roll over both ways, but he won't do it as a trick to show people. It's on his own timing.

Max now laughs out loud. His laugh is my favorite noise in the whole world, and Nic is the best at getting it out of him. He also thinks that Peek-a-boo is very funny.

Just a couple days before he turned 4 months his two front bottom teeth came in. He's an early bloomer!