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!

Nice Family Visit and Christmas at the Mission Inn

 

We had a great visit with Nic's grandma, Aunt Rose, and Uncle Jim this weekend. We don't get to see them very often because Nic's grandma lives in Oklahoma and his aunt and uncle came in all the way from Florida. They got to meet Max for the first time. We spent most of our time just hanging out and playing 90's Trivial Pursuit.
On Saturday night we went to look at the Christmas lights at the Mission Inn. They are gorgeous and it really put me in the Christmas spirit!

Rolling Over!

This weekend Max rolled over. I'm so glad I have a video and witnesses because he hasn't done it since.

I guess he was just showing off for our visitors. We had Nic's grandma, Aunt Rose, and Uncle Jim in town.

Grandpa

My wonderful grandpa passed away this Friday. He's been very sick for a couple of years now, so it doesn't come as a surprise, but he will be missed. He was the kind of grandpa that you couldn't wait to go visit as a kid because he would make you feel so special and loved. He knew how to bring the family together. It was obvious that he treasured his family, and he was a great example to me. I'm so glad to know that our families are eternal.

Three Months Old!

So, this is also a bit late, but my baby is now three months old. He is such a dream baby. He is so sweet, and I feel like his personality is coming out more and more every day.

At three months, he can reach out for, bat at, and grasp toys. He can also do a baby push-up.

My Birthday-- Way Late!

So, we've been having so much fun lately that I can't believe I haven't sat down to blog about it yet. For my birthday a few weeks ago, my father-in-law threw me a fabulous 25th birthday party in Laguna Beach. He invited my whole family to come stay at his adorable inn , The Tides, for the whole weekend! On Friday, he planned a lovely day of relaxation for me complete with a haircut, facial, and massage. Then, on Saturday, my family and I enjoyed a beautiful day in Dana Point. We played croquet in the park, soaked in the beautiful scenery, and then ended the day by having a fabulous dinner party. It was really a great weekend, and it was so sweet and generous of my father-in-law to plan it all!

My actual birthday was in the middle of the week, and Nic and I went to have Thai food. Then, instead of cake we went to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Nic put his engineering skills to work, and fit all 25 of my candles in a peanut butter cup. It was so funny!

I feel like 25 seems so old! Of course, getting older is better than the alternative, and life just seems to get better all the time.