Merry Christmas!

We had a wonderful Christmas! We braved the crazy people and the traffic at the mall and took Mia to meet Santa. She was absolutely perfect. We waited in line for about 20 or 30 minutes and she never once protested.



We went to church on Christmas Eve morning with Papa and Rhonda. It was a first for Mia and I believe a first for Clay and I as a couple. Mia and I spent most of the time outside listening to the music, singing and sermon. She was awfully tired and could not get comfortable sleeping on my shoulder.



After church we went to MeMe's and Mia had a good time with her cousins Erin and Reagan. She slept through the present opening but loves all her gifts.



Later that afternoon we visited Grandpa and Janice. Mia spent most of the time on Janice's hip and was all smiles. Janice gave her sweet potatoes during dinner and Mia gobbled them up. She also gave her a little taste of the yellow part of a deviled egg but Mia didn't like that too much at all. She was awake for the gift opening this time and shortly thereafter the day caught up with her and she was tired!



I gave Mia a bath and then Clay read The Night Before Christmas. We had bought the book for her and are starting a tradition of reading it every Christmas Eve. Mia loved the illustrations and between the pictures and watching her daddy read, I am not sure which one she liked the most!



We woke up Christmas morning to see what Santa left for Mia. It was so exciting! Santa left her a sweet Build-a-Bear named Claire. She is so soft and sweet and was wearing white satin bloomers, a red sweater and a white fuzzy hat. Mia loves the sound and giggles that she makes. He also left her a set of sippy cups to try for the first time and a cute teething toy that lights up and makes cute boingy noises.



After opening presents we headed to Papa's house. More excitement, delicious brunch, and more present opening. Mia missed the present opening again. All this Christmas excitement was wearing her out. She had a 2-hour nap at Papa's and she really can sleep through anything!



Mia had a great time seeing her Papa, Rhonda, aunts, uncles and cousins. She was showered with lots of attention, hugs and kisses. All the grandkids made handprint ornaments for Papa's tree and also drew pictures to make their very own Christmas plates. Clay did Mia's for her and it turned out so nice. Her little handprint looked adorable and I can't wait to see it on the tree next year.



That afternoon, GranE, uncle Danny, Emily and the kids came over for more yummy food, family time and present opening. It was nice and crowded! Joshua wanted to help bake apple pie so badly and there just was not enough room in the kitchen. Clay was helping me in the kitchen and I was quite impressed with his apple pie making abilities.



Mia slept through dinner and missed half of the present opening because she was hungry. Everyone in the whole family was very thoughtful and Mia got lots of toys, clothes, books, and very special Christmas ornaments. There's no way she can get bored, that's for sure!



In none Christmas related news, Mia is eating more rice cereal. We started feeding her twice a day and she is actually swallowing it all now. She tries to grab the spoon and feed herself and makes lots of Mmmm noises and shows that she is very pleased with the new grub. She recently tried applesauce and at first made a sour face but took to it immediately. I am very excited about making her food now.



Mia LOVES to play with her feet and as you can see she also loves putting them in her mouth. She cracks me up. She is so funny! She's a very happy and comical baby. She loves to laugh and squeal and is even rolling over a bit more. She's still getting stuck on her arm but with practice she'll "get" it. The other morning I went to check on her and she was sleeping halfway rolled over. She amazes me everyday!