Christmas Day

We had so much fun with Maddox on Christmas morning. He slept in until a little before 8:00, which was great because we were up really late the night before. When Maddox got up he was his usual cheerful self smiling and "talking" up a storm. We headed into the kitchen and passed by Santa's cookie plate to see what the damage was. He did a pretty good job on those cookies...

Look what Santa brought! Santa did not go overboard this year since Maddox pretty much doesn't have a clue, but he did get a few cool things. He got a ball pit that he loves climbing in and out of and a brand new wagon. He also got a toy that is like the dashboard of the car so he can steer it and honk the horn. And Santa brought him a few new pairs of pants as well. A couple of the other toys in the room were gifts he'd opened the night before but that he still had fun playing with on Christmas morning.

"Wow, did Santa bring that all for me?"

Here he is playing in his new ball pit. At first he was a bit skeptical, but after a few minutes he was climbing in and out and even tasting everything as well. He loves crawling underneath things so I think he likes that it has a roof. He also likes that there is a hole in the roof so you can drop the balls through while he's in there. This toy has become a big hit already!

And of course we had to get him a wagon because everyone needs a wagon. He has already enjoyed going for wagon rides around the house. We haven't been able to take it outside yet because it has been so cold lately, but as soon as it warms up, we'll be taking it for a spin.

Playing with his new car toy...

And one of the biggest hits was the new snack cup filled with puffs that Santa left in his stocking. Santa could have saved a lot of money by just bringing a few snacks (have a mentioned how much my little man loves to eat?)

After playing with his toys from Santa, Maddox got a bath and put on his nice clothes and we headed back to Ra-Ra and Poppy's. We had a great time having lunch and visiting with everyone. The adults played Dirty Santa and Maddox, Jackson, and McKenzie of course had a few more presents to open as well.

We really enjoyed Christmas with Maddox this year. Being 10 months old, he really was the perfect age for a first Christmas because he could actually participate somewhat. It was so fun to watch him have fun and play with his new toys. I am sure that it will only get better (and more expensive, haha) each year as he gets older.

Christmas Eve

We celebrated Christmas Eve at RaRa and Poppy's house this year. After going to evening mass we headed over to their house for dinner and presents. We had a great time--it is so much more fun now that there are kids to watch open gifts. Jackson was very excited (and expressive I might add) about opening his presents and he even helped Maddox open his too. Maddox wasn't all that interested in opening his gifts but he had fun playing with them once they were opened (and I am pretty sure that we took out every toy he got from his box so he could play). Maddox also loved all of the boxes that his gifts came in...wrapping paper, not so much, but he loved banging on the boxes and attempting to climb on top of them.

Christmas Eve family photo

Maddox pulling the tissue paper out of the bag to see what he got.

It was a parade of zoo animals!

And a cool activity table! I am pretty sure Maddox opened and shut the laptop on the table about 50 times. That was his favorite part!

Showing Jackson his new table. Aren't they cute in their semi-matching outfits (Thanks, Aunt Jess!)?

Daddy helping him ride on his new car from Uncle Scott, Aunt Jess, and Jackson.

And the biggest hit of the night was probably the beverage tub that I got. Maddox had a great time climbing on it and beating it like a drum over and over again. He had the best time!

Maddox also got some cute clothes and this great hat from Uncle Andrew and Heather. Too bad he keep trying to pull it off, because it looks so precious on him!

One of the sweetest smiles around...

Once we finally got home, we couldn't forget to leave some yummy cookies and milk for Santa.

Merry Christmas!

Meeting Santa

The weekend before Christmas we took Maddox to meet Santa and have his picture made with him for the first time. We decided to try the Santa at the Bass Pro Shop because several people recommended it to us, and let's face it, no one wants to subject themselves to mall traffic the week before Christmas. We were glad we went because it was great! Maddox loved looking at the big fish tank and stuffed animals around the store and he actually didn't mind Santa too much. I never really got a smile, but he didn't cry so I would consider that a success. It was so funny because he would look back and forth from the camera to Santa with this "Who in the world are you?" look on his face. Hope he does this well next year, but something tells me it will be harder!

Waiting in line to meet Santa...The handoff (crossing my fingers that he doesn't cry)...

Dad, I'm not so sure about this. Why are you handing me to this funny looking bearded fellow?

So this is the guy who brings all the toys. I wonder what he'll bring me...That's a cool beard. I'd love to get my hands on it...

And of course we had to get a picture with the big scary bear. Maddox was really fascinated with his claws!

Yummy! Yummy!

Maddox still only has two teeth on the bottom, but he is a wonderful eater! I don't think there is anything that he has tried that he doesn't seem to like (way opposite of both of his super picky parents). I hope he keeps this up! We have been giving him mostly solid foods for the past several weeks and he loves it! He is our little garbage disposal...he just has such a good appetite! Yesterday we went to visit his daddy at work and he ate an entire grilled cheese among other things. His first love is still his bottle, but he is definitely a big fan of food! Here are a few pictures I took of him the first time I gave him one of those Gerber biter biscuits. What a mess!
I guess eating is much harder work now than it used to be. Maddox was worn out after eating that biscuit. This is the only time I have ever seen him fall asleep sitting up in his high chair. And yes, that is his daddy's hat he is wearing...doesn't quite fit just yet.

First Thanksgiving

Yes, I realize that it is almost Christmas and I am just now posting about Thanksgiving, but it's just been one of those kind of months! We went to Mobile for Maddox's first Thanksgiving and had a wonderful time visiting with family and friends. Everyone was thrilled to see Maddox again and see all of his new tricks (like crawling and pulling up). At his Gigi and Grandaddy's house he was fascinated with climbing up on the brick fireplace (anything unsafe of course). He also had fun jumping like crazy in the doorway jumper they had for him. Overall it was a great trip and we look forward to going back just after Christmas.

Maddox also had fun cheering on his Tigers in his first Iron Bowl. He actually slept through the entire first half, but he sure was a cute fan! Sadly his cheers weren't enough, but there's always next year!