9 Months!

It is rare that I get a cute picture these days because my little guy is always on the move so I decided to post some videos.

We spend a good bit of time opening and closing doors these days...

William's new walker. We took it to my grandfathers (he lives in a retirement community apartment building) and let him walk the hallways. I think everyone was jealous that his walker played music.

I can't believe that we are at the 9 month mark! I'm not sure how much he weighs b/c we don't have a well-baby visit this month but my guess would be around 17 lbs. He is starting wave, although never when we want him to (we really aren't sure if he is trying to wave or clap). He is still not much of a talker-especially around other people. He's a shy little guy. He continues to be a great sleeper (6 p.m-6 a.m.-Lately he's been getting up once at night but we are working on that-"cry it out-take 2" starts tonight) His naps are starting to get better. He has always been a 45 minute napper and these days we are getting 1 1/2 hour-2 hour naps. He has become quite the picky eater despite my very best efforts at creating a good eater. He is eating all kinds of finger foods. He loves to feed himself. Whole wheat toast is a favorite these days. We are excited to see what new things the new year will bring!

Happy New Year!

Bike Ride...

 We went today and bought a bike seat for William (and a cute little helmet) with some of our Christmas money. Of course Ryan couldn't wait to install it. It was a little chilly but  a beautiful day for a bike ride.

We also enjoyed some time in our new red wagon!

And then it was time to warm up inside and have some fun playing in an empty box.

Santa's Reindeer

Caroling in the Park

29 years ago a very pregnant Mia was at home chatting her mother (who was in Holland) when she went into labor. The entire neighborhood, including my dad and brothers were at Caroling in the Park. She had to call my grandfather in Homewood to come over and find my dad at the park. A few hours later I was born! 28 years ago I attended my first "Caroling in the Park" at Triangle Park and I'm pretty sure that I have not missed one since then. It was always so exciting when you heard the fire engine coming up the street. The only thing that has changed are the people that attend, and many of those are still the same. There are still donut holes and hot apple cider.
So, despite William having a horrible cold, I bundled him up and we headed to the park to see Santa and sing some carols.

William looks pretty miserable....

He soon fell fast asleep...

William's First Christmas

Santa definitely visited our house this year! William must have been a very good baby boy because Santa brought him alot of toys!

                                                             

                                                              William was very good at helping to unwrap presents!

Daddy bought William some surprises that Mommy didn't know about....a parachute set, a foam bowling set (the kind you would find in your PE class at school),and a 60 inch beach ball!

Mama Mac and Daddy Mac stopped by Christmas morning with more toys!

Then it was off to Uncle Robbie's and Aunt Rachelle's for some fun with the Cather family and more presents to open...

Then after a short nap (for William) we headed over to the McClendon's and opened MORE presents...

It was definitely a fun first Christmas!

December Happenings

We bundled up last Friday night and headed to Zoolight Safari. It was a little cold but we enjoyed it.

Riding the train...

Lunch with Aunt Jenn and Aunt Brooke for my birthday...

McClendon Family Lake Weekend

We had a great (but cold) weekend at the Lake with the whole McClendon Family. (Somehow I managed to only get a few pictures-none of the aunts/uncles & cousins-sorry)

Santa- Take 1

William had his first visit to the Alabama Theater tonight...and also his first visit with Santa. There were no tears so I would call it a success. We had to move fast for fear that there would be tears so the pictures did not turn out too cute. We are planning on seeing a few more Santa's so by Christmas we should have a cute picture of William and Santa.

David Jackson

Heath, Jennifer, and Daniel welcomed baby David Jackson into the world this morning. He is 8 pounds 8 ounces and 20 inches long. Mom and baby are doing great!

Daniel is going to be a great big brother!!

Mama and her two baby boys

A proud Oma feeding baby David his bottle

He is absolutely perfect!

Sinterklaas

On December 5 each year people all over Holland celebrate Saint Nicholas Eve. For the Dutch, Sinterklaas is not just the man dressed in red who gives presents, he is a generous person who helps everyone in need.

Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet

The entry of Sinterklaas into Holland is a big event. I can remember going to see him arrive on the bow of his ship. He arrives with his white horse and his servent Zwarte Piet. One of the songs that the children sing is...

"Sinterklaas kapoentje, gooi wat in me schoentje, gooi wat in mijn laarsje, dank je Sinterklaasje”. Roughly translated it means: “Santa Claus little rascal, put something in my little shoe, put something in my little boot, thank you little Santa Claus”. Maybe I'll sing it for you sometime.

Finally the big day arrives and on the night of December 5 he magically appears at every home in Holland by knocking on the front door. Kids will find a big bag outside full of presents often wrapped in a special way or completely hidden around the house. They are then sent on mission to find their Saint Nicholas surprise in a treasure hunt with little notes with hints hidden along the way.

With the help of some clues Daniel and Megan found Sint's bag in the dryer.

That evening exhausted but happy children put out a shoe in front of the fireplace and put a carrot or a turnip in it for the horse of Saint Nicholas.
The next morning, they may find a gift in their shoe, boot or wooden shoe. Often, this is candy, a chocolate letter with the initial of their first name, marsepein or almond pastries.

We celebrated on December 6th this year. It was William's first official "Sinterklass."

William got his own pair of wooden shoes!!

Sint brought Daniel some cool Dinosaur pajamas and  a dinosaur book. Matthew got a big container of chanage to help him pay for a big boyscout trip next summer. Megan got some cute washcloths and of course some cute kitty pajamas.