Caleb's First Christmas

 From the moment we first put up the Christmas tree, Caleb knew there was something special about this time of year.  It only took me about twice as long as usual to put it up, but it was worth the effort - Caleb loved looking at all the twinkling lights and glittery ornaments.

 

 

[Please disregard the disheveled nature of the ornaments and beads at the top of the Christmas tree.  The lights on the top third of tree went out after I had already decorated it.  After emergency surgery to replace the non-working lights, I never quite found the time to re-decorate the tree.  I wonder why... ]
With the addition of shiny paper and sparkly bows on the presents that began piling up under the tree, Caleb really loved looking at the tree.  He did not realize that these presents were for more than his viewing pleasure until a few days before Christmas when he was able to open his first gifts. We only had to show him one time how to grab the paper and pull to open his gifts.  After that he intuitively reached for the bows or paper on every gift placed near him.  I've concluded that the ability to open presents must be innate...either that or babies just grab and pull everything near them...Regardless, by the end of Christmas Day he was an old pro at present opening.   He loved it.  And he hasn't even quite realized yet that the things underneath the wrapping paper can be more fun that the paper and bows themselves!

 The present opening was fun, but, by far, Caleb's favorite part of Christmas was spending it with all of his favorite people.  He loved showing off with his infectious smiles and baby giggles and squeals.

Caleb still must have been fixated on some wrapping paper on the floor.

Talking for Aunt Beth and Cousin Kayla

Laughing for Mamaw

Playing with his new toy from Ra Ra

He loved Cousin Rebecca's curly hair!

Laughing for Daddy

Meeting Aunt Bernice

Being silly with Peepaw

Mommy's sweet baby

 After Caleb went to sleep, the fun continued at all of our celebrations:

"Is it my turn yet?"

 I would say that Christmas was a success and that Caleb has found his love for Christmas.

2013 Christmas Cookie Decorating Contest

 Ever since I was little, my family and I would decorate cookies each Christmas.  It's a family tradition that I will always remember with fondness.
When I got married, the tradition continued at my house.  We have also added a competitive spin to things.  Each year, after the last m&m has been perfectly laid and after the last sprinkles have been meticulously sprinkled across colorful icing, Tony peruses our artful edibles and selects three winners.  The first place winner wins....well, nothing - except rights to brag the entire year.
As always, the competition was fierce.

 Whatever helps the creative juices flow is allowed, including:

 Decorating in your PJs...

 And singing and "conducing" Christmas carols.

This year's cookie entries.

If I was a betting woman, I would have put money on the reindeer at the left corner (with all the m&ms).  Incidentally, this was my best entry, calculated for a sure win.  In the past that has been how Tony decides the winning cookie - the one with the most m&ms wins.  One thing I should remember about my husband, though, is that he does not like to be predictable.  So this year the winner was not the one with the most m&ms (and I would have lost my bet).  Third place went to the Christmas tree in the middle (the one with the most m&ms).  Second place went to the strange cookie off to the far right - the one that looks like a snail.  And the winner of the 2013 Christmas Cookie Decorating Contest was the sleigh on the bottom left.  I  like to call it the psychedelic sleigh.  Alas, I lost again, and my mom claims the right to brag about her expert cookie decorating skills.  

Caleb gets the Best Baby Award because he napped the entire time during all of this commotion.  He's already served notice, however, that next year he plans on joining all the fun.

A Gaggle of Geese and a Fussy Baby

What do a gaggle of geese, a cold November day, and a fussy baby all have in common?  They all apparently do not hinder a good photographer from capturing some cute pictures!
Last month, Tony, Caleb, and I all headed to a local neighborhood with a lake for an attempt at making our first official family photos.  There were geese waddling about, and it was a pretty cold day.  And Caleb wasn't too happy about all the changes of positions and posing.  Or the wardrobe changes.  (Note to self:  for all future photo shoots, just pick one outfit for the baby and never change the clothes of a baby in the front seat of your car on a cold November afternoon).  Based on all of the fussing and crying, I was certain that we would not have any good pictures.  On the contrary, our photographer worked her magic, and the results were some quite lovely pictures, if I do say so myself.  Here are a few of my favorites:

Here we are watching the geese go by.

I just love this one.

In order to keep Caleb from a complete meltdown, Tony had to swing him every now and then.

I think this one is so lovely and artistic.

From looking at all of these pictures, you would never know that our baby wasn't a perfect angel during the photo shoot.  I think this picture sums up what the majority of the afternoon was actually like:

Caleb crying, me getting stressed out (doesn't it look like I was cussing?  I promise I wasn't!), and Tony being Mr. Laid Back (as usual).  It's amazing what a good photographer can do!
If you're looking for someone to capture your next memorable event or to take your yearly family portrait, I highly recommend Alison Umbarger Photography.