"Walking" in a Winter Wonderland

Christmas round 3 was just as amazing as the first two rounds.

We went to breakfast with Grandpa and Granny and Liam hammed it up the entire time. He kept waiting for someone to look at him and he would just start laughing.

We then went home and had a gift exchange with our little family. Keith spoiled the heck out of me and I was finally able to give him his Banana coat that I got a great deal on and have been hiding for a month. He loved it!
Right in the middle of opening presents, Liam decided to give us his present. He started walking!! Now he had taken 2-3 steps before but this was like 10-15 steps in a row. It was really amazing to see him figure it out and it really is the cutest thing ever. Since then he was been a walking machine. He, like in discovering most new things, gets such a kick out of himself. He always has the biggest smile on his face as his walks back and forth between Keith and I. I can't wait to continue to watch him hone in on his skill.

So anyway, back to Christmas. Liam had one present to open from his parents, a dinosaur ball popping thing. And honestly, I have no idea why we buy he toys. The kid spent 45 minutes (no joke!) the next day with a bowl and a spoon stirring the air. He is also a big fan these days of water bottles, toothbrushes and wrapping paper rolls.

Here are a few pictures of him on Christmas Eve.

 We actually got a cute family picture at my Mom's later that night.

 And a great one with my brothers!!

Christmas Day was full of presents and food at my Mom's again!
We all took home quite the stash.

Liam discovered the football and the Schute boys were happy.

 Keith finally got his memory foam and was happy.

 Liam opening his rug (or more my rug)

 and absouletly loving it for some reason.

 And he was happy!

We are looking forward to a low key NYE with the kiddos, food and pajamas. Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!

Christmas Cheer

Even though Liam is not old enough yet to understand fully what is going on, I like to think that he is really enjoying his holiday so far. It makes me so excited for next year to see his face light up when he opens a present or sees Christmas lights for the first time.
Keith and I were watching SNL last night and Michael Buble came on singing "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." I just had to cuddle up to him and smile and realize how much of a merry little Christmas we will have this year. So much to be thankful for and to smile about. I can't wait to spend many more Christmases with my family.

These two pictures are a little late but I just love them. This was Liam's rough day. He had a flu shot, fell and hit his nose and lip and was then traumatized by Santa. After all that, he still looks pretty cute.

Also, here are a few pictures of the house. Decorations are pretty sad this year, but I still thought I would share. No tree as I didn't want to chase Liam taking ornaments off of it all day long!

Christmas Round 3 starts Saturday. Christmas Eve mass and then cocktails and appetizers at my mom's. Followed by presents and dinner on Christmas day.

I would love to get to Tiles to see the lights sometime in the next couple of days, however last night the line of cars was backed up to the highway. I guess we will wait next year for that one.

I hope that everyone is having a wonderful holiday season thus far!

Christmas - Round 2

We had round 2 of Christmas yesterday. This time it was the Schute/Diemert get together and it did not disappoint.

The day started with brunch at 11. We got over there a little early to help my dad with his Ipod. Liam decided to start his day with a bang! He has been standing on his own for a while now and lately he is pretty much walking. He can hold one of your hands and cruise along or walk around the coffee table so fast it will make your head spin, but he still needs a little bit of a security blanket. He is still a little scared to do it on his own. Well on Saturday, he actually took 4 steps to me all on his own. It was amazing and you could tell he was so proud of himself.
Shortly after that, Keith was holding him when Ceil walked back around the corner. Liam looked her right in the eye and said "Hi!". Two huge accomplishments in one day. The kid deserves presents and that is just what he got. ;)

So back to the subject at hand. We had a HUGE brunch at 11. Then, since it was gorgeous out, we headed down to Forest Park with all the dogs and putted around there for a bit. I kept thinking it was Christmas and was so confused to see the Boat House so crowded.
We then ventured back home and played board games, ate more food and eventually got to the presents. Liam actually helped unwrap his, as well as others and got some great stuff. Followed by more food with dinner at 7. I think the plan was to go see the lights at Tiles, but it was way past Liam's bed time and we had to scoot home. Overall a great Christmas. Looking forward to round 3 in just a couple of days.

Here are some pictures of our awesome day!

Oh and on a side note, Keith and I got a night out on Saturday. We went to Waterstreet Cafe for dinner and it was absolutely amazing. We then got to hit up the Iffrig Christmas party for the first time in like 5 years. It was great to see all of our friends before the holidays!

Hands Full

I haven't posted lately and that has been for one main reason. My hands have been full! With what you ask? Well a wiggling, crawling, standing up, faster than heck 10 month old. The child is crazy these days. I was just thinking the other night how I haven't taken any pictures in the past couple of weeks and that is because I can't. If I get the camera out, Liam either wants to grab it right out of my hand or he has already made a mad dash into the kitchen straight for the dog bowl, and I have to put it right back down and chase after him.
It has been so much fun watching him though. He is starting to stand on his own and I have even seen him take a step or two. He has actually started to use some of his toys in the fashion in which they are intended instead of just banging them around or putting them in his mouth. And his is starting to love his blankie. At night when I put him down, he gets comfort now when I "tuck him in", pulling the blanket up to his face and rubbing his check with it or giving it a little chew.
So I apologize for my lack of posts, we have been busy! But we are having a lot of fun that's for sure. :)

Here are a few pictures that I have been able to sneak in.

Santa!

Liam was not too thrilled to meet Santa last night. I hate to laugh at my child's expense, but this picture is just priceless. I couldn't imagine his first encounter with the big guy any other way.

A Few Funnies

Liam has been all smiles and laughs these days. He really does get a kick out of himself and when he knows he is being funny, well that is just the best!
Here are a few pictures of the ham. (And I apologize, most of this are from my phone and not of the best quality.)

His new favorite thing to do is play in the cabinet with all his food, bottles etc. The other day he decided playing outside of the cabinet simply wasn't enough!

Usually he just sits on the floor and investigates each new thing he finds. Every time he finds a bottle he throws it back so hard expecting it to be full. Too funny.

His other favorite thing to do is play with the can of puffs. He uses his teeth to take of the lid and then put it back on and starts over again. Every once in a while, he sticks his whole arm in there and grabs a handful, but usually only eats one and the rest end up all over the place. Had to share this next picture because of that and because I don't think it gets any cuter than the outfit he has on. :)



Christmas Came Early This Year

Well sort of. We celebrated Christmas with Keith's family the day after Thanksgiving since 4 out of the 5 siblings were in town. Christmas at the Costello household is pure chaos. It's not bad, it is just completely different from what I am used to. At our house, we spread Christmas out as long as possible. Each person slowly opening each gift, making sure everyone in the room can oh and ah over it before the next person gets to open theirs.
I guess when it is 7 children under the age of 8 opening presents, I should expect a whole different scene. Everyone gets their gifts all at once and all at once they are all opened. Just as fast as it started, it is over and there you are amongst 5 rolls worth of crumbled up wrapping paper wondering what the heck just happened.

Really though, it was a lot of fun. I wasn't sure how Liam would handle the chaos or if we would even sit still to open any of his presents, but he was a champ. He took turns sitting in mommy and daddy's lap opening presents and actually seemed genuinely excited each time he got a new one open. After it was all done, he ended up with 7 great new toys, each one making more noise that the next. :)

Here are some pictures from our wonderful early Christmas.

 We are ready for presents!!

 And so are the "big" boys.

 Opening #1.

 Not too sure about it yet...

 I love it Mom!

 Aunt Kristen and cousin Braiden.

 See... pure chaos!

 This wasn't his gift, but he sure did love it. I think I know what Mom and Dad are getting him for Christmas.

 When Kevin and Kyle opened the Thor hammer and Captain America shield, they squealed. Yup, that's right, those were from Aunt Jackie and Uncle Keith. :)

 Liam and cousin Carly sharing.

 Uncle Keith and his godson Colin.

Getting treats from Uncle Kenny.

All in all we had a great holiday weekend. I think Liam is still exhausted from all the "running" around. The kid has been taking some power naps, but I am not arguing!