Alder's First Christmas

It's hard to believe it is already the new year. Jason is at work (sad...), Alder is spoiled rotten from being with both sets of grandparents for two weeks (;0), and I am trying to get excited about getting back to work myself. Thankfully, I have two more weeks to prepare and relax. We really enjoyed being with family over the holidays and look forward to our next visits.

Ok, so here's the recap: We went to see Paw-paw and Grammy the weekend before Christmas and were joined by Travis, Ana, Uncle Dave, Aunt Jennifer and the Great Grandma's for Christmas Eve and Day.

Here is Alder with Paw-paw after returning from church..notice Alder's cute holiday garb...Jason thinks it's a bit sissy, but that's ok.

Uncle Dave bought two very special gifts for Alder - his very first rocking chair (with a hand-painted dolphin fish!) and his very first sleeping bag. We are very much looking forward to taking him camping here soon with this new gear! These are gifts that he will be sure to use for many years to come. Thanks so much!!

Alder is reaching for the pretty salmon on his new sleeping bag

..and gritting his teeth like crazy works well for taking pictures...it looks like he is smiling! Maybe he is...
His cousin Daisy (2-years-old) also came over to visit. Amazing that a 7-month-old Alder is the same weight and almost the same height!! He really loves being around other kids.

Notice the hammer between his legs - this is an antique...it was Jason's when he was little and seemed to be Alder's favorite toy of all. Notice also that his legs are splayed out and not bent, as if he has a brace on... We have cut back his brace wear from 7pm (bedtime) to 11am - we were leaving it on until 1pm. He is very flexible and does not seem to mind this position of his legs. In fact, the other day, he found his toes quite interesting and leaned right over and began chewing on them!

Alder received a very soft teddy bear from his Aunt Ana and Uncle Travis. He immediately slobbered all over it to show his appreciation. All this slobbering we thought would certainly lead to his center top teeth emerging, but none can be seen or felt yet.


Grammy and Paw-paw gave Alder his 'first lap-top' and uncle Travis showed him how to push the buttons. I think he likes it!

Of course, the very best gift of all is Alder himself...I think he know it too! It really does add a renewed fun and excitement to the holidays to have a child around.

We got our biggest laugh one night before his bath when paw-paw stood Alder up against the couch and we watched him smile and look proud and then...discover his belly button that I guess is often lost in his many folds when he is sitting.

Alder and I went to Birmingham to see my parents on the day after Christmas and returned new years eve. I did not have my camera there, but will hopefully get some from my mom to post soon. This was Alder's fourth plane ride!! Thanks Granna for flying us down. We had a VERY nice and relaxing time!