Mur Crispmas an Happy Nu Yer

What fun we've had this year on Kameen's officially second, but to us, his first Christmas. It all started when I bought a little tree for our house, which we had on the market at the time. I didn't buy a big tree because we were trying to maximize our space for showings. Ah, the joys of selling. So, we set the tree on the hearth and decorated it with all the ornaments we received last year when Kameen was just 5 weeks old. There was no tree last year, and I don't have to justify that to anyone! Kameen loved the tree! It was just his size. He would walk up to it every morning and talk to it. There was one ornament that he just couldn't stop from taking off the tree everyday, which was fine because it was a stuffed snowman. He also took to adding some of his own decorations.

Christmas was somewhat stunted this year by the fact that our house went under contract just one week before Christmas and we were on the hunt for our next house. We were still able to attend a couple of parties and outings. First we went to the Trail of Lights! Kameen was mesmerized by it all.

Then, Chris and I managed to attend, not one but TWO, holiday parties, sans Kameen. We had a nice time at both, and I'm pretty sure we packed on a couple of pounds while we were at it. :)

In the end, Santa was able to stop by and deliver a few fun presents just for Kameen. When we woke Christmas morning, he was so intrigued by what he found under the tree! It wasn't much, but he still had a grand time tearing the wrapping paper. I somehow managed to make a full Christmas dinner, complete with brown sugar & vanilla glazed ham, sweet potato casserole, cornbread dressing, egg custard pie, and pecan pie. My mom brought the twice-baked potatoes and strawberry pretzel salad. Oh and I also made a cranberry upside-down cake with cognac cream for breakfast. It was all very delicious. Stay tuned for my favorite recipes that I made this year. Just because Christmas has past doesn't mean we can't still enjoy a little more holiday fare!

Kameen loved visiting with Grandmama and Grandpapa. He opened all his presents and then played and played. There were books and a table and chairs that was just his size and a singing bus! He is having a grand time still with all his new toys.

On another front, we have a contract on another home. We are excited about moving (sort of). For me it is bittersweet. I know we have outgrown our home, but I will miss it so much. There's still so much about it that I love. I know I will cry when the day comes to hand over the key (January 19th is our closing day!). I hate that I am so sentimental because I have such a hard time with change. Chris and I put so much time and effort into making this house unique, and it was our first home, it's just so sad to see it gone. But, I know we'll move on to bigger and better things. New memories, new paint, and new babies (someday). It kinda all makes sense to start out the new year with a new home! Fun times. :)

Thirteen...Ain't No Thang But a Chicken Wang

Kameen, you are 13 months old today! Mommy did a bad job of posting on your birthday because she was so busy trying to get ready for your party. You had a blast, and you really enjoyed the other kids who came to see you. Since you turned one, you have really been a toddler. You are starting to climb on everything, which scares Mommy and Daddy, but we know it must happen. You are so independent! If I try to hold your hand, you pull away. If I try to feed you, you spit it out. If I don't give you what you want right away or if I take something away, you have started to throw fits. It's actually cute, but we must teach you a better way to tell us what you want. You love playing with your drum and keyboard. You are a little dancer! The best thing you do lately is give Mommy BIG hugs when she asks, and even when she doesn't. They are the sweetest hugs she has ever had! You like to read to yourself. You are really talking a lot these days. We don't understand what you're saying, but boy are you holding a conversation! We try to respond appropriately. Mommy and Daddy are so excited about what you will do next, and we can't wait for more words to come soon. We love you, love you, love you.

Cake and Turkey and Pie, Oh My!

Kameen's birthday, which was November 18 was a fantastic day. I reminisced about the days leading up to his birth, the labor, the moments right before his birth. It was a defining moment in my life, and will always be a special day to me, Chris, and of course, Kameen.

His birthday party was a lot of fun. My sister, brother-in-law, and nephews came down, which was a nice treat. Kameen became a toddler that day! He couldn't have cared less where I was in the room because he was having so much fun with the other kids. Sad mommy heart. I had a great time making and decorating Kameen's blocks-and-legos cake. It was pretty delicious too! Just ask Kameen, who devoured his little cake.







Then, we had Thanksgiving in Virginia with Uncle Malcolm, Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Jamille, Aunt Tonya, Aunt Kim, and Cousins D and Kelsey. Oh the fun to be had on the staircase in Uncle Malcolm's house! It was a great trip, with lots of turkey and shopping.