First Christmas

{I really love this picture of Miles looking at Jesus - so sweet!}

We had a wonderful Christmas! Thanks to Miles we woke up early Christmas morning and after he had his breakfast and a clean diaper we headed for the presents. Miles didn't really get the whole ripping into the paper thing at first, but caught on just in time to rip into his last gift (see above).
After we had our own little family Christmas we headed to my parent's house for the traditional crepe breakfast. I can't remember a Christmas without crepes! I made some fresh fruit sauces while my dad busted out what seemed like hundreds of crepes. After breakfast we exchanged gifts with my family and got to talk to my little brother, Andrew, who's on a mission in Hawaii. For those of you that are wondering he's doing really well and will be home in October 2010!
After chill'n with my fam for a few hours we decided it was time to go home so Miles could take a much needed nap. The kid is a nap snob and will only nap in his crib (he'll have to learn to sleep at grandma's soon enough though). After Miles' nap we headed over to Gabe's parent's house to finish off our Christmas day feasting with the traditional crab & shrimp dinner. Afterward we exchanged gifts and sat around watching the kids go crazy.
Miles was so spoiled, but then again so were we :). We had such a great day and hope all of you did too!

Major Milestone #10

I'm not really sure when to count this milestone, because it happened so gradually and he hasn't really mastered it yet. Last week Miles started to take his first steps. He would be really brave and enthusiastic about it one day and then not really care about trying it again the next. If he really thinks about it he can walk a pretty good distance, but most the time he will take one or two steps and then dive into you. I really think he'd be walking all over the place if crawling was so easy and efficient.
It actually makes me sad that he is so close to walking, because walking is big boy business and I'm not ready for my baby to be a big boy yet.
Here's a little snippet of him walking behind his Christmas present from Grandma & Grandpa Lucero.

11 Months Old

Miles is growing up so fast! He has learned some really fun things this month. I know most of you are probably bored of these posts, but I have to document these exciting (to me) events.
Miles...
12.2.09
-has mastered the art of waving.
12.8.09
-will do a little jig when he hears music.
12.10.09
-top tooth #2 popped through. Total number of teeth, 4.
12.18.09
-loves it when I brush his teeth.
-has been sleeping through the night for over 2 months now!!
-pushes his cars around on the floor - SO CUTE!
-knows how to open all my cupboards and make a huge mess with everything inside.
-eats pretty much anything/everything.
-is getting so much better at drinking from a big boy cup, without spilling.
-will not sit still for anything! He tries to wiggle away while I change his diaper or get him dressed.
12.19.09
-will finally say "mama" when he points to me. I love it!
12.22.09
-can walk!! He doesn't do it all the time but if he really thinks about it he can do it.
-can turn the lights on and off.
-top tooth #3 popped through. Total number of teeth, 5.
12.23.09
-will play peek-a-boo with me. He covers his eyes and everything...SO CUTE! It's my new favorite thing.
12.24.09
-top tooth #4 popped through. Total number of teeth, 6!

Why We Celebrate

May we always remember the true meaning of Christmas.

"To catch the real meaning of the spirit of Christmas, we need only drop the last syllable and it becomes the Spirit of Christ."
-President Thomas S. Monson

Dedication

If any of you lack motivation just take a lesson from this man.

A Post NOT About Miles

I can't believe it is already the middle of December! Let's rewind about 7 months...

It was a rainy, blustery day in May. I was all dressed and pressed, ready to walk across that stage after 5 long years. Yes, I have taken you back to my graduation day. A day I had awaited with much anticipation, a day that seemed to take forever to finally arrive. As I stood there taking pictures in all my glory with my sweet 3 month old baby all I could think was, "Yay, I'm done. I'm finally done. I don't have to do anything but love on this sweet little boy for 8 long months."

Well those 8 long months are quickly coming to an end. I start first internship rotation January 4th, 2010...which mind you is only 2 1/2 weeks away!! I have been instructed to contact my first preceptor by this Thursday to coordinate everything for the rotation. Holy smokes time really does fly when you're having fun!

I have been experiencing an overwhelming sense of excitement, sadness and extreme fear. I am excited to get back into the groove of things and feel productive again (since I don't get dressed til about noon everyday). However, I am extremely saddened to have to leave my sweet Miles for so long everyday, even though I know he will be well taken care of it is hard to think that I wont be the one doing it all *sniffle & sigh*. Most of all though I am so scared! School feels like so long ago, I honestly don't feel like I know/remember a single thing. What if I show up and my preceptors think I'm a joke because I don't know half the stuff I should?

Hang on I'm having a mini panic attack...

Wow, what a scary thought!

I do have some good news though. Remember how I was supposed to drive all the way to Davis county for months (Jan-April)? Well, I worked with my director about a month ago and we had things worked out for me to go to Box Elder county instead. Not quite as far, but still through the canyon - boo. Then, yesterday I got a call. Jennie (my director) told me that Logan City School District called her and "begged" for an intern. Lucky for them I was eager to stay in Cache Valley and not have to commute through the canyon all winter. So needless to say the Lord out stretched his hand and gave us this amazing blessing! We will save oodles on gas $$, I will be safer (I'm a terrible snow driver), and most importantly the time I would have spent commuting I can now spend with Miles :).

Wow! My life is about to change; drastically!

Little Chef

Miles: Hey mom, while you were making dinner I decided to make dessert.
Mom: mmm, looks delicious. Make sure you stir it up good!

Things I've Learned ::Part 3::

1. When people say, "cherish every moment, they grow up so fast." They aren't kidding!!
2. Mobile babies require lots of energy, but holy smokes they're fun.
3. You can take on the world when your baby starts sleeping through the night!
4. Babies are just as bad as puppies when it comes to begging for food.
5. If Grandma offers to take the kiddos for a few hours - let her!
6. Have lots of fun during the day so you don't feel guilty about the relief you feel when bedtime rolls around.

7. Never, I repeat, NEVER leave the house without wet wipes!
8. Take advantage of any snuggles you get.
9. Never, unless under peril of death wake a sleeping baby.

10. Always keep the camera within arms reach. You never know when you'll come across "the cutest thing you've ever seen".

Like these sweet faces I get when I go get Miles after his naps.

Curls

I absolutely LOVE these little curls!!Just when I thought he couldn't get any cuter!
Miles, you may never get another hair cut!