Family Christmas

The weekend before Christmas, was spent celebrating with Mark's side of the family.  Good food, good times.  Little Bear seemed to enjoy it overall.

Opening his first gift

Grandma Jean reading him a story

Love this little face - so handsome! 

Loves his new activity center

First Time in the Snow

Once he figured out how to walk in the boots, he had a great time

I love the snow suit.  It's Columbia brand.  I got it for only $10 at a consignment store

Little Bear and Brother Shadow playing in the snow together 

A Week at Grandpa & Grandma's House

The week of Dec. 10, Little Bear and I headed to my parents' house for the week.  My mom had had back surgery the week prior and we were gonna help her out for the week.  It was a good week other than Little Bear got a fever mid week and then got a yucky cough and snotty nose.  Overall his mood was fabulous through it.  He had one night where he barely slept despite me having him in bed with me.  But, the next night he was in his own bed and slept through the night.

Playing with G'pa and G'ma's Christmas tree

We went to my parent's church so my mom could walk around for some exercise and Little Bear  had fun running around too

Learning to use the broom

Listening to G'pa practice the trumpet for a program

Learning to open the door

Loves the Rockin' Horse

Having breakfast with G'pa

Relaxing in bed with G'pa and G'ma having a snack

My Dad and I made a Gingerbread House

Hiding behind the door

Eating at Wendy's - he ate a whole kid's meal cheeseburger and half the fries

Walking in G'pa & G'ma's garden

Playing with G'ma's walker she used during back surgery recovery

Seeing Santa Claus

Last weekend we took Little Bear to see Santa Claus at Bass Pro. Other than the almost 3 hour wait, it was a fun time. We got our card that got us in the line and then left to go eat. When it was finally our turn, we stood in line. Little Bear did so well! I thought he might cry because he's gotten a bit of stranger anxiety.  However, I played with him and tried to keep him entertained. When it was time to sit on Santa's lap, Little Bear was so happy!  He got his picture taken with the same Santa last year when he was just 3 weeks old. It was fun to see the difference. I think we'll make this an annual event.

It looks like he's looking Santa straight in the face telling him exactly what he wants

12 Months Old

It was a challenge to get these 12 month pics, but I managed to find a few good ones.  Mark and I had our own little private birthday celebration with some more cake and the opening of a present.  For lunch on his birthday, I took Little Bear to Chic-Fil-A and he had some chicken nuggets and waffle fries.  It was fun. I love you my Little Bear!  You make your mommy and daddy very proud.  You're practically running now and are starting to get a mind of your own.  You love, love, love being outside and get so mad when I try to put in back in the stroller when we leave the park.  You're smile lights up a room and you're really starting to communicate with us.  For some reason your new favorite word is "milk" (or signing it at least).  Both of us aren't ready to wean, so for now, we'll keep breastfeeding.  I'm really wanting to do it through the winter to give him a potential added immune support.  We love you so much and are so happy God gave you to us.  May you continue to grow and develop on track like you have so far.  We're looking forward to what this next year has in store.

loves to clap now

I helped him blow out the candle

feeding momma some cake

He loved his cake

So very happy!!!

Enjoyed tearing the paper - I don't think he realized he was opening his present, but it sure looks like it

working hard

Happy 1st Birthday

Well, it's official - our Little Bear is 1 year old.  We had a party at our church with family and a few friends.  We had BBQ and some yummy cake.  I asked my brother to help me with putting the cake together.  I'm really pleased with how it turned out.  It tasted so very yummy!!  I got a ton of compliments on it.  I made a smaller smash cake just for Little Bear.  After everyone had eaten, we had a special dedication ceremony.  At our church we dedicate our children to God and then when they're old enough to make they're own personal decision to follow Christ, they are then baptized.  Since we wanted a very personal dedication, we had our own little service, but also participated in the dedication service in our church the next day.  My dad led the dedication and did a marvelous job!!  The day was overall so fabulous.  Little Bear had a blast and really enjoyed the cake.  I tried to capture the day as best as possible, so enjoy all the pictures.

Cones are made of fondant, rocks are candy chocolate rocks, dirt is crush oreos

One of the construction trucks was a load of candy bars

enjoying some BBQ

Baby Dedication

Time of Prayer

A special "Eternal Treasures" box my dad made - in the box we're putting my grandfather's bible and Mark's grandfather's bible - and anything else that has eternal value. On top of the box is Little Bear's name and birthdate

Having fun opening gifts

quick family photo - loves his own set of keys

slightly perplexed by the feel of the cake

Didn't take too long to shovel it in his mouth

Happy birthday boy with green frosting successfully smashed all over his face

Feeding momma some frosting

too cute!

Mark joining in on the fun of "cake in the face"

Christmas Tree Shopping

The Friday after Thanksgiving we did our annual tradition of looking for the perfect tree for our family.  There is a Christmas Tree farm not too far away from us.  We enjoy going to this place cause they take you out to the fields in a tractor-pulled trailer, serve hot chocolate, and have a little store.  It was rather cold this day, so we bundled Little Bear up.  He had his moose hat and mittens on and looked totally adorable in them.  I wore him in the carrier for a bit, then put him down so he could roam around.  He had a blast.  He's gotten so incredibly good with walking to the point where he's almost running.  He even had a little hot chocolate that I cooled off with some water.  He loved it.  We've gotten the tree all decorated and so far Little Bear isn't destroying it.  When he starts grabbing at something, we tell him, "No."  He then shakes his head no as well.  It's rather cute.