Merry Christmas

This is a very special holiday season, as it is Griffin's first Christmas, and although he will not remember these days, I will never forget them. We started by making cookies and sprinkling reindeer food outside in preparation for Santa's visit. Christmas morning was so exciting. Griffin squealed as he "walked" into the room to see what Santa brought him. He wasn't sure why he got so many new toys but he sure has enjoyed playing with them. It was so nice to spend the holidays with our family. But I think it's even more special now as a parent, thinking about all of the fun to come and family traditions to start with sweet Griffin.

Week of Firsts

Griffin has had a very busy week. He's accomplished several milestones and we are so excited. He switched to "real" food for breakfast - he's eating yogurt and Cheerios. He's also started feeding himself small bites.

Griffin also rode in the car for over an hour without crying - THIS. IS. HUGE. He hates his car seat and has from day one. Griffin always whines or cries when we get in the car. I had to keep checking on him to make sure he didn't jump out because he was so content in the back seat playing with his toys. I hope this is the beginning of something new.

Most importantly, he said da da. Scott's has been waiting for this day and I think it was the best Christmas present he's ever gotten (although, he's still jealous that he said ma ma first).

Laughter

Love. His. Laugh.

9 months

Can you believe it?! How can it be true?! How can my little Griffin already be 9 months old today?! Griffin, is just growing up way too fast! We had his 9 month checkup with Dr. Woodrum today. He weighed 21 lbs 2 oz (60%) and was 29.75 inches long (80%) which makes him PERFECT! It was a little sad realizing the next scheduled appointment for him will be when he is ONE!

New at 9 Months ~ baby talk - ma ma ma & ba ba ba talk. Standing up. He will hold onto anything and stand with a big proud smile. He loves to hold our fingers and walk anywhere! He's seriously considering crawling (lots of rocking and sliding) - I think it will happen very soon. The walker is by far his favorite toy, he loves the independence he gets by being able to run through the house. He loves the phone - cell phone, house phone, any phone - and he does NOT like us to take it from him! Griffin likes vanilla wafers and he usually gets one everyday. He also loves watching cartoons when he first wakes up in the morning - his favorites are Timmy Time, Handy Manny and Mickey Mouse club. Thank goodness for the Disney channel!

Griffin is such a sweet and happy boy. I love watching him grow and learn everyday. It's hard to imagine life without him.

Painting

I thought it would be fun for Griffin to try a new activity so we decided to dive right in and try finger painting. Griffin had fun rubbing his hands and feet into the paint. He wasn't quite sure what to think about it - but we made hand prints and foot prints. It's so much fun watching him try new things. Maybe next time I should choose something that doesn't require extra loads of laundry!

Weekend Fun

We had a busy weekend. Saturday, we took a quick day trip to visit Scott's family. Griffin was so excited to see Aunt Kim and play with his cousins, CK and Grace. The girls do such a good job of entertaining him! Also, we were so excited that he got to spend some time with Granny Alice too. He even got an early Christmas present from her - a Gamecocks recliner for his room. I'm not sure who was more excited - Griffin or Scott. We also took a trip to Kidzu on Sunday and Griffin got a chance to play with puzzles, blocks and trucks. It's so much fun to watch him interact with the other children - he definitely likes to be the center of attention (he must get that from Scott).

Christmas Card

Well it's official - my Christmas cards are in the mail. I was so excited to send them out this year and share Griffin's picture with Santa with all of our family and friends. I wasn't sure how he would act with Santa but he did a great job and we got such a cute picture of him smiling on Santa's lap. I hope all of our future Christmas cards are this easy!

Five teeth and counting

Griffin is getting so many teeth! His fifth tooth came in last week so that makes two on the top and three on the bottom. I decided with all of these teeth it was time for him to start making a change from baby food to "real" food. I wasn't sure how he would do with all of the new tastes and textures but he actually loved the new food. This past week he has eaten the same foods we've had for dinner - just chopped up. He's tried turkey, roast, spaghetti, carrots and broccoli & cheese. Before you know it he will be a culinary expert.

Children's Museum

Today we took Griffin to the Greensboro Children's Museum and he had a blast! There were so many activities and new toys to play with. Griffin was amazed at all of the children crawling and running around. He got to play with other kids his age in the Tot Spot - he played with legos, blocks and got to ride in a little car. He also went to the big kids zone and got to sit in a fire truck. He also sat at the news anchor desk and drove the train and airplane. We can't wait to go back!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow

Griffin enjoyed his first snow day. We only spent a few minutes outside because it was so cold. I bet next year he'll be running around making snowballs and building a snowman.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

I started decorating a little early this year but I love the holidays - sue me. Scott was pulling out the Christmas trees before Thanksgiving, but with a little one in the picture it takes FOREVER to get anything done. Fast forward a few weeks and the trees are up, the mantle decorated and the outside decorations are done. Christmas is going to be magical this year especially now that we have sweet Griffin to share it with.