Merry Christmas

Merry Merry Christmas from our family to yours....

This Christmas holds special significance because it's Miller's first Christmas. We hope to create many traditions and memories as a family to continue for years to come. It's also Miller's 9 month birthday today!

FAMILY pretty much sums up our Christmas holiday. Miller was surrounded by so many friends and family this Christmas. It all started on Sunday when Omi and Grandpa came into town from Knoxville. We continued our Miller family tradition on Christmas Eve by attending the Candelight Service at Johnson Ferry followed by a party at my parents home with all their closest friends. Miller was a sweet trouper and even stayed up until 10:00p.m. That's our party baby!

We had to get home eventually so Santa would make a visit. Landon woke up first on Christmas morning to get the breakfast going while I squeezed in a few moments of extra sleep & a shower too. Miller slept a little longer because of such a LATE night. After a yummy breakfast, we all gathered by the tree to open gifts. Miller was of course fascinated with all the wrapping paper, boxes and bows. I'm sure they all tasted so good.

The festivities continued when we all gathered at noon over at my parents house for more food and gifts. Uncle Clay was excited to greet our Christmas baby. I love watching Miller being passed around from lap to lap. He just studies everyone's expressions and looks for pens in pockets, zippers on jackets, and buttons& earrings to play with. We gathered downstairs for more gift opening. Landon and I felt so blessed to have both sets of grandparents and Clay all together in one room. It made life so much easier on us to have everyone in one place.

When we returned home later Christmas evening Landon read Luke 2 to Miller. We so want Miller to know the real reason of Christmas and not to get "wrapped up" in all the gifts and commercialism of the season. Of course, Miller sat there and played with his new toy train, but we started a tradition that will one day be appreciated.

It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

Twas the Night Before Christmas

Millery Christmas to All

Twas the night before Miller’s first Christmas and all through the house
The electrical sockets all had those plastic plugs in their mouths.
Miller’s stocking was hung by the chimney with care
In hopes for some gifts or perhaps some pureed dinner affair.

With Miller all nestled all snug in his crib
And visions of sweet potatoes smeared all over his bib.
With mommy in her A D Pi shirt and I not wearing a cap
Had just settled down for our mild southern winter’s nap.

When out from the nursery there arose such a clatter
I fumbled out of bed to see what was the matter
I stepped on Jackson’s tail and ran into the wall
To the nursery I dashed, which is just down the hall.

The night vision baby monitor gave off its green glow
To illuminate Miller standing up on his tippy toe
When what to my wondering eyes did appear?
Miller was cutting two teeth and the pain was severe.

His eyes how they twinkled his dimples so merry
His cheeks were like roses and his nose like a cherry
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow
And his two new incisors were was white as the snow.

We numbed up the teeth with some sugar plum Novocain
To make the house quite so as not to drive Santa insane
For the hour was close for the very fit, slim man to appear
To place in our stockings some fun Christmas gear.

So on Miller’s first Christmas there was a little drama
To which I say he should save for his mama
But though he can’t speak he wanted me to write,
Millery Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Written by Landon:)

Round of Applause

I felt like quite the accomplished mom today....I received a round of applause with each new thing I did for Miller. He clapped when his bottle was mixed to perfection and served in a timely manner. On the changing table, he showed his appreciation for excellent diaper changing skills by putting his hands together again. Miller even applauded during meal time when his food was served at just the right temperature. The fruit dessert put those little clappers into overtime! I guess I'm really pleasing the little man. He's been showing off his new little talent all day. It's too cute to watch his chubby little hands with dimpled knuckles clap away. I'm just happy he appreciates all the things we do for him (wink,wink).

We had the biggest time by the Christmas tree this afternoon. Miller explored and climbed over the packages and even tried to help move daddy's present behind the tree.

He's shuffling around on his bottom to explore new things...AND there are lots of things this time of year for him to get into. I'm dreading having to look into those baby blues of his and tell him no. It's hard enough to take something away from him that he shouldn't play with. We'll be babyproofing in no time!

Double Date

Miller and I met our friends Paula and Jack today for a little mommy & me date at Mellow Mushroom. Jack always greets us with the biggest grin...he's such a social baby. It was Miller's first time in the high chair out to eat. We used to put his baby carrier on top of the high chair, but now that he's sitting up it so much easier to dine out. Jack and Miller dined on cereal bits in their matching high chair covers while the mommies chatted. There is so much for the boys to look at in a restaurant...other children, T.V.'s, waitresses. It definitely beats a quiet afternoon at home and Miller loves to be on the go.

Miller observed Jack's cereal skills so hopefully he too will have perfect aim in his mouth! We turned the high chairs so the boys could face eachother...it was just months ago that they did the same thing in their Bumbo seats! They played with eachother's toys, hands & feet. What fun!

After such a playful lunch, my worn out baby fell fast asleep on the way home. As you can see, he is just barely squeezing into his car seat these days. Feet are hanging out the end of the carrier and I can barely lift it in and out of the car. A new conversion seat is on Miller's Christmas list so hopefully he can hold out for a few more days. No cookies, eggnog, fruitcake,or gingerbread on this baby's waistline for at least a week!

Beware of Men in Red Suits

Who was that strange man mommy? I can only imagine that's what Miller was thinking.



My good friend Heather sent me a few pictures of our Santa visit on Friday. She's Miller's photographer and took some paparazzi shots of our Santa visit. I didn't even realize she was snapping away. Thanks Heather!

I forgot to mention in my last post that at the very last moment of sitting on St. Nick's lap, Miller started to cry. Was it that he sensed he had to leave such a jolly lap? Or was he scared of a stranger in a red suit with a tummy that shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly? I think it's the latter! I've heard from friends to expect this reaction for the next two years or so. Our Santa pics will only get more interesting as the years go by.

Just thought I'd include the after shot. Don't you just want to comfort the little guy?

Jolly Old St. Nicholas

lean your ear this way! Don't you tell a single soul what I'm going to say:Christmas Eve is coming soon;now, you dear old man....Whisper what you'll bring to me;tell me if you can.When the clock is striking twelve,when I'm fast asleep. Down the chimney, broad and black,with your pack you'll creep. All the stockings you will find hanging in a row. Mine will be the shortest one,you'll be sure to know. Daddy wants a pair of skates, Mommy wants a sled. Jackson wants a new soft bed ,yellow, blue, and red. Now I think I'll leave to you what to give the rest.Choose for me, dear Santa Claus;you will know the best.

We had a fantastic time introducing Miller to St. Nick this afternoon. We were joined by Grandmama & Poppy, friends from high school Mandy, Chad & Anna Thrasher and Anna's grandparents..Randy and Pam which have been family friends for years. While we were waiting in line, Miller was happy to see his friend Meg and her parents Heather and Jim. "Uncle Bob" a name affectionately given to Mr. Chambers when we were kids growing up got to meet Miller for the first time. Mr. and Mrs. Chambers were in line with their granddaughter Rachel. It was a party!

It was a first visit for both Anna and Miller, so it was fun to share in this experience together....
Everything was in our favor, no lines, perfect weather and great company. Not to mention... a well rested and happy baby. I always love watching the varied reactions of young children to Santa. There are many screamers, a few huggers, and lots of indifferent feelings. Miller loved touching the fur on Santa's jacket. He was taking in the whole experience, but chose not to look up at Santa. I think he was just putting up with the whole experience but not thrilled by all the strange faces. Since Miller can't communicate yet, we put in a good word for our little guy and made sure our address was listed in Santa's GPS navigation system.

After lap time and pictures, Miller and Anna got to meet the beautiful white horses pulling the sleigh rides. Anna and Miller got reacquainted and just stared at one another!

Party in my Crib

This is how I found our little man when he was supposed to be napping today. Running errands and squeezing in Christmas shopping here and there have really messed up our afternoon routine. Miller fell asleep for 15 minutes on the way home from the mall today and then didn't want to go down for his 2:15 nap. He cried for 20 minutes or so and then everything got strangely quiet. I clicked on the video monitor and saw two knees bent in front of the screen. My heart skipped a beat because I envisioned our baby hanging over the side of the rails. I ran up the stairs and flew open the nursery door only to find a huge grin greeting me. Almost to say...Look what I discovered mom!

After capturing a picture or two, I laid Miller on his side as to say "night night". He didn't want any of that. In protest, Miller sat right back up and got on his knees gumming the crib rails. His body language said "No nap!" Eventually he calmed down..and I kept stalking the camera to make sure he stayed in his crib. We lowered his mattress tonight just in case he tries his new trick in the morning!
Other exciting news includes Miller cutting two more top teeth. He now has four central incisors on top. Miller really did get his two front teeth for Christmas!

Great Tannenbaum

It may only be a 9 ft. tree, but it's a huge tree to our two admirers in the Fokens' house. I can only imagine that when we tested the lights for the first time, it was like watching Macy's great tree being lit from the perspective of our tiny tot! That is what is so wonderful about Christmas this year for our family. Everything is new and fresh for Miller. I try to experience the whole thing through his eyes. What a privledge to share in the wonderful season of Christmas with our son!

Jackson and Miller are in hog heaven around here lately. They both sit near or around the tree and stare at the lights and ornaments. Jackson gets excited each year because it gives him a taste of what he used to know outside..climbing trees and hunting birds. Now, he entertains himself by climbing fake branches and stalking shiny bulbs...such a ferocious hunter indeed.Landon likes to narrate what Jackson is thinking as he crouches to pounce on a bulb like we are watching an episode of Animal Planet. There's never a dull moment around here!
Miller loves his furry feline friend and watches Jackson climb the tree. He giggles and stares with great anticipation as to what Jackson will do next. It never fails...I'll place Miller in the center of our family room and he rolls and moves over to the tree to grab or kick at the branches. Today he was successful enough to kick off a bulb! That's how we've been spending our days. We're loving watching our "two" sons play and entertain themselves with the tree.

3 Cheers for Cheerios!

Miller is now eight months old.Where have the months gone? I will probably say that every month but time really does fly by when you're having fun. Last week, we started introducing Miller to Cheerios. We got it on film just for kicks in the future months. He didn't quite know what to do with the tiny o circle floating in his mouth. Miller made a funny face when it was time to swallow. At least he didn't choke...my worst fear. I've heard from other mommies that it just dissolves in their mouths. We'll keep practicing.


With the addition of Miller's two new top incisors he should be well on his way to chomping this new treat. I just discovered Miller's tiny new toothy additions this afternoon. Of course, he hardly lets me open his mouth to take a good look, but they're in there. I've noticed he's been sucking his thumb a lot and putting anything and everything he can find to chew on in his mouth. Poor baby with sore gums. We're thankful he hasn't been fussy..we'll keep crossing our fingers on that one!

Saturday Fun

Auntie T came to see Miller and mommy yesterday. She was in town for Thanksgiving and just had to come visit us. We're soo glad she did! Auntie T spoiled Miller with an early Christmas present. Miller loved opening the gift with mommy's help and we all played peek a boo with the tissue paper. He was surprised when he saw a new Leapfrog interactive drum. What a perfect gift! Miller loves how it rolls on the floor... another enticement to encourage mobility.So far, he leans forward on both hands in the crawling position and reaches for it. He hasn't quite grasped how to coordinate hands and feet. Miller loved all the hugs and cuddles Miss T gave him. Can you tell that we don't know whether she an auntie or a miss yet? We can't wait to see what Miller decides to call Terra.

Another highlight of the day was when Miller got to play with Allie. Shane and Lisbeth joined us for an early evening dinner at our house. The guys got to see all the fun of Allie and Miller's play date this time. Both babies stared, smiled, and reached for eachother! They showed all the beginnings of a great friendship.

Happy Thanksgiving

We have so much to be thankful for this year! Yesterday we all gathered at Grandmama and Poppy's house for a traditional Thanksgiving feast. We all brought a dish to make it easier on Grandmama. It's a lot of work when you have to prepare everything by yourself. We're blessed or I should say I feel lucky that both Clay and Landon LOVE to cook so it takes pressure off Grandmama and me:) Clay made an amazing sauteed mushroom salad with bacon vinigarette dressing. Landon made his family's famous sage dressing that everyone raved about!

Grandmama decorated the table beautifully with glitter pumpkins, candles, and ribbon. She loves to make the table pretty. Miller had a special turkey placemat and the pilgrim people salt shakers at his place setting. He had his own special dinner to eat..... he's loving the addition of meats this past month, so we fed him turkey and rice & sweet potatoes.

Our entertainment of the evening was watching Miller play with new toys. We're hoping that reaching for unfamiliar toys will entice our little guy to crawl and it's working! He was enthralled with the dump truck's wheels! After mom's pumpkin cheesecake dessert, we put Miller to sleep and Clay, Landon and I went to see a movie...a Miller family tradition. Thanks Grandmama and Poppy for sitting this one out and babysitting...so thankful for all your help!

Miller's Ultrasound

This week, one year ago, we found out that our baby was a boy! We kept the secret written in an envelope all to be revealed at a special dinner.

I'll always remember the technician's comment that the baby had long femur bones. Hmm, I wonder where he gets that trait? I stared at our little miracle on the screen and just adored the profile shot.

It's so unbelievable to see your baby for the first time. The envelope sat on our mantle for a week taunting us to open it. Oh the anticipation!

We were thrilled when we read," It's a Boy!"

Toys Galore!

Miller enjoyed his time with Meg and Jack yesterday. The babies & mommies got together at Heather's house for a little floor time. Heather set out a blanket with toys galore. Miller couldn't believe his eyes! He immediately got to playing and exploring. I got lots of ideas for his Santa list:) We've been somewhat resistant to bring all kinds of toys in the house that take up precious space, but I saw how important they are to teach him fine motor skills. They also give him incentive to lean over and reach for a toy in crawling position. Well, he face plants too! Anything to just get closer.

Miller marveled at Meg's dancing and twirling baby Elmo. It's so fun to watch him play and interact with the other babies. I'm loving being his momma and am thankful for friends to share in this wonderful time in life.

Deck the Halls

It's that time of year again..out come the Christmas decorations! I always love the way a house looks all decorated for Christmas. It's so warm and cozy. We've decorated everything except the Christmas tree and outside wreaths. Don't want the neighbors to think we're crazy for decorating so early. The funny thing is..my partner in crime Crysie, pictured to the left, decorated last weekend. She always gets a jump start on the season. In fact, she has been known to pop in the Christmas CD's Nov. 1st, right after Halloween in anticipation for Christmas! Crysie LOVES Christmas all the way down to her holiday socks.

Ryan and Crysie came over for dinner on Saturday night. They are very special friends to us because they set Landon and me up on our first date 5 years ago this month. We've shared all the joys of singlehood & young marrieds. They're such a neat couple..we always laugh the night away because Landon and Ryan are so boisterous and funny. Miller enjoyed the hustle and bustle around the house and entertained us with all his squealing during dinner. He was so engrossed in all the conversation!

Fall Portraits

I couldn't resist....

Just a little preview of our Fall pictures with Heather last week. She took some pictures of our family for our Christmas cards. Recently, she started her own business...HDportraits. Visit her website at http://www.hdportraitsonline.com.

More to come!

Belly Buddies

Miller had a big time at Brooks' house today!

The boys had a fun time staring at eachother, tugging at toes, and rolling all over the floor. Brooks and Miller were friends long before they were born. They were "belly buddies" who met for a weekly birthing class through our doctor's office. We enjoyed our time with Todd and Whitney. They made the class so much more enjoyable! Whitney and I shared tips on what to register for, what to eat & avoid, what to pack for the hospital etc. It's fun to mommy chat now on schedules, feeding and even monogramming. Brooks is just about to turn six months and is the same size as Miller. Miller enjoys a pal that he can look eye to eye with and smile:) It's like he's saying...look mom it's someone just like me!
We're excited that Brooks has moved up to Miller's nursery class at church. They will keep eachother entertained on Sunday mornings..oh the joys of boys!

Hoo Hoo is the talker?

Our little guy had the best time in nursery today. My mom takes him to Johnson's Ferry nursery on Tuesday mornings for her Bible Study. It's a little play date for Miller. He usually gets so excited that he skips his morning nap altogether or just snoozes for 20 minutes. Part of me wishes I got a little comment card about his morning happenings..who his new friends are, how his demeanour was etc. I wonder if I could schedule parent/teacher conferences? Is that high maintenance or what? A follow-up on his behavior and progress:)

Well we got some very interesting comments about our little guy today....

The ladies commented today that he was "very vocal" & happily shrilled the whole morning away while the other babies were napping:) One lady said," Wow he's got some lungs!" My mom even said she could hear him down the hall as she was approaching the room just shrieking and laughing! I wonder what all the other babies thought about their interrupted naps? When I went to pick him up around noon, he was still talk- talk- talking away.

After lunch of mangos and carrots, Miller settled in for a long nap. He had to give those vocal chords a rest & catch up on a lot of missed sleep.

Fun & Games

Just learned a cool new trick on Picassa for making photo collages. I just chose a few of our favorite photos of the little guy. We've had so much fun playing over the last few days. Miller is at that fun interactive stage. He loves to discover new things. He just loves when I hide something under a blanket and leave it there for him to discover. He works and works to uncover the toy. Another fun game we play is hide mommy or baby under the blanket...that gets him so giggly:)
Recently, Miller has discovered opening and closing drawers and pulling out paper, envelopes, stamps, pens...whatever he can get his hands on. It's a little game we play... He pulls the knob and opens the drawer and then I close it and he opens it and we keep playing. I have to really watch that he doesn't close his chubby hands in the drawer!
It takes effort to stop what you are doing ( there's just so much to do ) and just sit on the floor and play. There's nothing more rewarding than seeing Miller smile and just laugh out loud. The other jobs can WAIT!

Last Day of Swim...

Miller and I finished up our last Oh Baby swim class yesterday. We had so much fun with all our swimming pals especially Meg and Jack. It's been about time for Miller to retire his speedo swimwear for the season as they are growing too tight on his little tush. Landon insists that Miller will have big boy trunks next summer.

We will miss our "Grand Old Duke of York" song and routine and the "Wheels on the Bus" exercise too! I know I gained stronger arm muscles throughout the course of the class as Miller got heavier and heavier to lift. He loved splashing and bobbing and staring at all the other babies. What a fun experience !

Moo and Boo!

Our little brown cow wishes everyone a Happy Halloween! Grandmama and Poppy joined us for Miller's first trick or treating experience tonight. We kicked off the night with our traditional Halloween pizza feast...we've done this ever since I was a little girl.

Miller loved playing with his cow tail! His cow socks ended up in his mouth so we decided to take them off. He was fascinated looking at his little costume in the mirror. I don't think he recognized himself. After pizza and pictures, we all headed outside to set up our chairs to greet everyone. We brought along Miller's exersaucer to entertain him. We enjoyed hanging out with the neighbors and seeing their little munchkins. Miller loved seeing all the Snow Whites, Disney Princesses, Ninjas, turtles & Nemos.... the list goes on and on!

He was such a little trouper squealing and greeting everyone. After an exhausting night of sitting in his saucer all dressed up, it was time for our little cow to retreat to bed. I don't know who had more fun..Miller or daddy. As I'm typing, Landon is still out "trick or treating"!

Pumpkin Carving Time!

This afternoon we carved our pumpkin in preparation for Wednesday. When we scouted it out at the pumpkin patch, we had to find just the right size for Miller to fit into. I got the idea from my photographer friend Heather. She did this with little Meg when she was four months old...it was adorable!



I knew it would be challenging to fit our 20 some odd pound baby into the pumpkin, so we cut the hole very large at the top. Daddy scooped out the seeds and alot of the gunk. It was just the perfect size for Miller to sit criss-cross in.


We were suprised he didn't feel all squished in the pumpkin. He enjoyed his time and even began "gumming" the rim with his mouth. I guess it serves as a teething toy too!



After our carving adventure, mommy scooped up her slimey little pumpkin and dried off his gooey back. It was time for a warm bath after all his pumpkin posing.

Happy Halloween!

Knox-vegas

The oh -so -creative coined phrase that daddy calls home. We loved taking Miller on a spontaneous trip up to Knoxville this weekend. We packed up the car and left early Friday afternoon during Miller's nap time. He did great on the ride up...mommy entertained him with peek a boo under the blanket and we took along his new favorite catepillar toy that plays classical music.

On Saturday morning, Miller entertained us with a "throw food on mommy" breakfast. He constantly moves his arms and legs when I feed him. Miller caught the bowl with his hand and oatmeal went flying all over the floor, bumbo and mommy. I had to call daddy for an extra set of clean up hands.

We loved touring Omi and Grandpa's new home in Knoxville complete with an amazing backyard that Miller will love to play in one day. Aunt Laurel and Chad joined us Saturday night for an early Fokens Thankgiving dinner. Too bad we couldn't puree the turkey for Miller to enjoy. He sat on Aunt Laurel's lap the entire dinner opening his mouth and staring at her fork as she ate...We have a healthy eater on our hands!