Emerson's First Christmas

It will take a series of posts to get caught up after Christmas, but here's the first! We had a great Christmas! After spending the weekend prior in Toledo, we hunkered down in Columbus for a few days. Mia, Poppy, Auntie Jessi, and Uncle Jared all stayed at our house on Christmas Eve. We had a lovely evening, an early mass, followed by our yummy Christmas Eve dinner. Steak, shrimp, rolls, salad, etc. GOOD stuff! We played trivial pursuit and turned in by midnight. Jared and Jason stayed up for PlayStation until 2ish. This is why they got coal in their stockings. Christmas morning came too quickly! We were all a bit tired, but enjoyed a relaxing morning with coffee, fruit and cinnamon rolls. We exchanged gifts...and as you may have expected, Emerson made out! I made a turkey dinner, which was delicious! All the traditionals. Emerson got some great new toys for this next phase of development that's coming on oh-so quickly. He got musical mats, toys, some great books, a rubber alphabet playmat, adorable clothes, including a colts jersey and an OSU jersey. He also got some really cute Baby's 1st Christmas ornaments. On the 26th, we packed up and headed to Lancaster for a night with my Dad's siblings and mom. Emerson got to finally meet Great Aunts Beth and Laura, Great Uncles Jeff and John, and Great-Great Aunt Norma. We also got a visit from Santa that night! (those pics are coming in the next post...my camera died). Most importantly, Emerson got to meet his one and only cousin on my side of the family, Harper! Harper is Jared's 10-month old daughter. We loved having her for a few hours and can't wait for the next visit!

After a couple days of Christmas mayhem, we were glad to be at home for a few days.

Hanging out with Elmer

Trying out some of the new toys! He's very excited to grow into these!

Christmas Eve before Mass
Christmas day fun!

Dec. 26 with all the Linebergers (more to come!)

Here are two of my favorites from Christmas Day. In addition to constantly talking, Emerson is making lots of fun new faces, including this one. He sucks in his bottom lip, and puffs out his cheeks. It's irresistible! He's getting new hair as well, major growth in the last couple weeks! Could it be due to the squash I put in his oat cereal? Maybe! Either way, I want to eat his face off. He's sporting his new PJs. My family has a tradition of new PJs every Christmas Eve. The monkeys seemed fitting for Emerson. Along with new food and new faces, Emerson also has a new habit of singing himself to sleep. Whether he is being rocked, or alone in his crib, he will sing/moan until he falls asleep. He only does this when he's tired, so I'm sure it's a self soothing tool he's developed. He is exploring his voice constantly and will growl, squeel, and sing. We love every little mutter he makes.