Christmas with Pappy and Nana

So after leaving Gran and Pop's house, we headed south to Birmingham to have Christmas with Pappy and Nana. We watched TV for a little while (Daddy and Nicholas took a nap) before we ate a wonderful Christmas dinner prepared by Nana. Then the present hunt began. First we followed a clue to open our stocking gifts, and yes Nicholas had his own monogrammed stocking hanging on the fireplace. We then opened several wonderful gifts in the living room (Pictures of some of Nicholas' gifts are below.) followed by an adult scavenger hunt. We each read our clues which led to a large box under the memory tree. We all opened our large box which contained smaller boxes with clues. The final clue led us to find the final present of cash! Thanks to Pappy and Nana for letting the adults have fun with a scavenger hunt. Maybe next year Nicholas will be able to participate a little more in the excitement!

So Brad set our camera and we were able to get a family Christmas photo in front of the tree. Nicholas was even awake for the shot!

Aunt Sarah propped Nicholas up to a sitting position, which he was trying to accomplish on his own. Nicholas is definitely a mover and a shaker. I think Daddy and I will have our hands full with this little guy as he gets older.

Here is a cute photo of Nicholas with Pappy and Nana in front of the tree. Nicholas was definitely awake for the present openings here!

This Christmas is such a special one for Brad and me. Last year we were living in Louisville, having to travel home for the holidays. We could not have predicted what this year would hold for us. Not only did we move back home to Alabama, but we are also spending Christmas with our first child. We have so much to be thankful for this year!

Nicholas received his first truck from Pappy and Nana. Even though Nicholas could probably fit into the back of the truck right now, I know he will have so much fun with it when he gets a little older. I think he is trying to show his excitement by staying awake!

"Look at my adorable outfit! I can't wait to wear my overalls and the shoes that Aunt Sarah and Uncle Matt gave me for Christmas. I now will be able to move even more with grippers on the bottom of my feet!"

"After all that gift opening, I finally get to play with Pappy!"

Nicholas was eager to perform his rollover trick for everyone in Birmingham, so we laid him down on his blanket. He put on a show for us by rolling over four times in a row! Afterwards he just laid on his belly holding his head up to look around. His super baby strength just continues to grow and grow!
Here is Nicholas just relaxing with Aunt Sarah. He looks very content!
Wow, what a Christmas! It's time to take a little nap after a day full of excitement.

Christmas with Gran and Pop

So early Christmas morning, Brad and I dressed Nicholas in his "My First Christmas" outfit and drove to Gran and Pop's house. (a.k.a. Grandma Nancy and Grandpa Donnie) Nicholas fell asleep in the car and stayed asleep for most of the present opening. We received so many gifts, but this Christmas was definitely about Nicholas! Below are some pictures of the gifts Nicholas received for his very first Christmas.


Here is a picture of Nicholas in his "My First Christmas" outfit. It is hard to see in the picture, but the hat actually has little bear ears on it. So cute!

Nicholas recieved two special gifts made with love. One is the ABC book that I am holding. Gran spent lots of time sewing and putting this book together. Inside is the complete alphabet with little zippers, velcro, snaps, and pockets for Nicholas to play with as he learns the alphabet. The other gift is the Lucky green Care Bear sitting in front of Nicholas. Aunt Erica crocheted the entire bear. It even has a little heart on the rear end and foot!

This outfit, which says "It wasn't me...it was the dog", is definately fitting for little Nicholas, living in our house with two dogs. I am sure that he will pick up this phrase fast when he begins speaking. Watch out Prancer and Maggie!

Here is Great Grandpa James holding Nicholas for the first time. He has seen Nicholas before, but was nervous about holding him due to his lack of muscle control in his hands. I am glad that he finally had the chance to hold his Great Grandson.

This gift for Nicholas is the University of Alabama 101 book. It tells Nicholas the names of things and places at Alabama, along with things you need to know as a college student at Alabama. Thankfully some of the information about real college life was left out. Nicholas will find out about those activities on his own when he is much older. :) Roll Tide here I come!

Nicholas recieved his first NFL and NHL sports jerseys from Uncle Brian for Christmas. Nicholas will now be the cutest little Titan fan in his Titan's onesie and matching socks. (Pictured below.) He also received a Nashville Predators hockey team onesie, bib, and matching socks. Go Titans and Predators!

Nicholas finally decided to wake up after all the presents had been opened. Here he is on Christmas morning with Mom, ready to head to Birmingham for his second dose of Christmas fun!

Where are you from?

So, Jennifer and I were talking with Nicholas and he wanted to find out where everyone was from. So, please use the map below to add your location. Pictures will be posted soon from Christmas.

Santa Baby

So Brad and I were at the mall on Saturday just looking around. We found a Santa suit, just Nicholas's size, and decided to splurge and buy it. We figured that since all the Christmas gifts would be for him this year, then he might as well dress the part. Here are some pictures of our Jolly St. Nicholas on Christmas Eve at Great Aunt Carol and Great Uncle Carl's house.

Nicholas with Great Grandma Gladys.


"That turkey really got to me. I think I am getting sleepy."


Erica tried to make Nicholas look even cooler in his Santa suit by flipping up the collar, pushing up the sleeves, and unbuttoning the top buttons. All Nicholas needs now is a few gold chains and he would be set for his big night!

Mom, Dad, and Little St. Nick.

"Am I not the cutest Santa ever?"

SuperBaby

Nicholas obviously has some super-human strength. Want proof? Check out the video below. He rolled himself over at 17 days old. We know this "strength" doesn't come from Brad, but it will come in handy for his pro-tennis career.

Nicholas's Weekend Outings

This weekend was so beautiful outside (around 70 in mid-December) that Nicholas had several outings. Brad was off work on Friday, so we took Nicholas to school to see my class. They were having their Christmas party and I knew that they were dying to see Nicholas. I know that I brought him into a whole world of germs, but we can't keep him hidden in the house forever, and I thought Friday was a good day to take him out while Brad was at home and it was so warm outside. Anyway, my students were sooo excited to see the baby (and me I suppose). My sub told me that they had been looking out the window all afternoon waiting for us to arrive. When I walked in the door, the kids just looked at me for a second before realizing who I was. They said they didn't recognize me! I guess I shouldn't be surprised because they have only seen me pregnant, not a somewhat normal size. They started giving me hugs, handing me Christmas gifts and gifts for the baby, and telling me all about what has been going on at school. As a class they wanted to do something for Nicholas, so they each brought in a dollar (which is a big deal for these kids) to purchase a gift for him. It was so sweet. Brad brought in Nicholas, who stayed asleep for the entire school visit, and the kids just loved him. We kept the kids at a safe distance to keep the germs away and strictly enforced the "look but don't touch" rule. I am really glad that I got to visit school and see the kids and catch up with other teachers.

On Saturday and Sunday, Nicholas got to visit with Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Erica, and Uncle Brian. Uncle Brian came in town for the weekend from Nashville, so we took Nicholas over to Grandma and Grandpa's house to visit. Nicholas was happy to see everyone. Aunt Erica fixed his hair into a faux-hawk. (Apparently this is what you call hair that looks like a mohawk, but is not shaved on the sides.) Uncle Brian held him and waited to see Nicholas's great trick-rolling over. Nicholas was not in the mood for performing his roll over, but we do have it on video. I will have Brad post it very soon.

On Sunday night, Nicholas got to attend his first church service. I took him to church to participate in the evening service Christmas sing along and children's/ youth performances. Nicholas was a big hit with all the little kids (they thought he needed a Santa hat to sing along with them) and the adults. Overall, we had an exciting weekend! Below are some pictures from the weekend.

I think this is such a sweet photo of Brad and Nicholas. I will definitely be getting this photo enlarged and put into a frame.

Here is a photo of Nicholas's faux-hawk, courtesy of Aunt Erica's hair styling skills.

Nicholas is hanging out in Mommy's arms, looking very relaxed and ready for another nap.

"Mom, I said I was ready for my nap!"

Bath Time Photos

Bath time is not one of Nicholas's favorite times, but he is getting used to it. Once his umbilical cord stump falls out I think he will like it better because he will be able to actually sit in the water instead of taking sponge baths. Pictures of Nicholas after taking his bath were so cute that I thought I would share a few. Here you go!

With my hair slicked back like this I look like the Godfather.


Is it time to eat again Mommy?


Daddy says my hair like this makes me look like the Grinch baby from the movie "The Grinch." I know I am still a little yellow, but the Grinch?!

Two week Check-up

Nicholas had his two week check-up yesterday. He has grown so much in such a short amount of time! He is now 21.5 inches long (He was 19.75 at birth.)and he weighs 7 lbs. 13 in. (He weighed 7 lb. 1 oz. at birth and 6 lb. 13 oz. about a week ago at the doctor's office.) The doctor said he looked good, despite the fact that he is still a little yellow in the face. His bilirubin level, which is a test for jaundice, was checked again through a blood test, which made Nicholas scream so much that I thought he would cause himself to pass out. Nicholas has had the blood test four times at the doctor's office in the last two weeks, so I can't blame him for getting a little upset. The doctor called last night and said his bilirubin level was okay, not to worry. The doctor saw the little bump above Nicholas's belly button. He said that it is a hernia. He said not to be too concerned about it now, but if it grows larger to let him know. He made it sound like it is pretty common and it would probably heal itself. Well enough about the doctor's visit and on to the photos! Today I am posting photos with various family members. Enjoy!

Photo with Pappy and Nana


Photo with Uncle Matt and Aunt Sarah


Photo with Uncle Brian

Yesterday we took Nicholas to meet his Great Grandma at her assisted living facility. We chose yesterday to go and visit because they were having photos with Santa in the front lobby, and we knew this would be our chance for Nicholas to meet Santa in a somewhat "cleaner" environment. As soon as we walked in Nicholas was the center of attention. (As if I could blame them for thinking my baby was the cutest thing they had ever seen.) He posed, smiled, and did a little sleeping while the cameras flashed from three different directions. We got some great shots of him during this "photo shoot." Here are some of the best photos from the day.

Holding Santa's Hand



Family Photo With Santa


Posing in front of the Fireplace


Nicholas with Mommy, Daddy, Grandma, Grandpa, and Great Grandma

Nicholas has the hiccups...

So, here is my first attempt at adding video to this blog. Hope it works. Enjoy!

Nicholas is 8 days old!

Nicholas is 8 days old today. Hard to believe that we have been home a week. So, I've been off all week, yet I haven't updated this site. So, to make up for that, I will post some more photos. I will also attempt to post a video of a bad case of hiccups that Nicholas encountered earlier today.

Wow, look how wide I can open my mouth!!!

I'm warming up my throwing arm for the big game...

What are these things floating above my head??

Taking a bath is SO overrated. Who needs to be clean?

Could that smell be a dirty diaper??