We're ready for you, Santa!

I found this sign hanging on our office door.
While Erik was finishing up, Max and I set out milk and cookies for Santa. I know Max won't know any different now, but it's fun to start traditions. We don't have a fireplace in our house so we set it near our Santa display. I hope he can still find a way to make it into our home!

We wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for a Happy New Year! I have a feeling 2009 will be a good one!

Santa Lucia...take 2

Gail sent me a picture of Vivian as Lucia. My camera (phone) didn't work out so well that night. this was during her entrance to the music. Thanks for the picture, Gail!

Santa Lucia

On December 13th we were able to celebrate Santa Lucia with Grandma Gail and the Boer's. I was introduced to this holiday a few years ago and was finally able to see it in action this year. Vivian dressed as Lucia and Ethan was a star boy. Vivian was thrilled to wear the Lucia dress and it was fun for us to watch, she did great!

We had a great meal afterwards and rice pudding for dessert. We opened presents and just had a really nice evening. It was a great kick-off to our holiday season.

Max opened his birthday present from The Boer's and he got his very own pair of big boy jammies! They are a little big but are so cozy. He's standing very well on his own now and has taken a few steps. No more than two at a time for now. He seems to think it's more of a fun "falling" game. Max had his one year check-up and here are the stats:

Height: 32 inches

Weight: 23 lbs 4 oz

Head: 18 1/2 inches

He's growing all over and doing great! He's not loving the change to regular milk...but I am! Formula is pricey!!!!!! He'll adjust. Since turning one he's changed into a sneaky and mischievous little man. He already throws tantrums (and objects), he's clobbered me several times (and his hands are huge so it hurts!), he drops his head to the floor when he hears no and does a fake cry with a droopy lip and all. Excellent performance! He sure is a charmer though.

Man, I love that kid.

Happy FIRST Birthday Max!

Today Max celebrates his first birthday! I can't believe he is already one, it really does fly by. I can't imagine life without this little boy and feel so lucky that he is a part of our family. He has the funniest personality and makes us laugh every day. He is very 'boy' and loves to explore. He loves cars, wheels, his dog, his cousins, babies, wind chimes, learning new things (and expects you to clap when he does), balloons, slides and so much more. He makes everything fun! I took this of Max this morning after he woke up. We had balloons leftover from his party yesterday and this boy LOVES balloons. He got tangled up in them and crawled around trying to get them off of him. He's officially ONE in this picture!
Since our computer crashed I had to steal some pictures off old blog posts. Here is is at just a couple weeks old as I tried to take a cute Christmas photo. Then, I couldn't capture the right shot. Now, I think it's adorable.

Max at about 20 minutes old. He's so chubby, but what do you expect at 12 lbs 3oz? He had rolls everywhere, even on his face.

Yesterday we had a great party for him at Andrew's Park. It was pretty cold but I think everyone had a good time. Max's family and friends all came and Erik and I were so thrilled with the turnout. Thank-you to everyone for all your help and time to come to Max's party. He was exhausted and it took about 30 seconds for him to fall asleep last night.

We've been practicing blowing for the big moment, which he can do, but wouldn't perform. He wasn't happy until he saw me doing it. Luckily, his cousin Teagan was able to blow out the candle for him. He hadn't taken a nap yet and we were pushing 3pm. He fell asleep, snuggled in his grandma's arm, shortly after.

Happy Birthday Max! We love you very very much!