8 Months Old!

So, I haven't been the most well-put together mama here lately. Christmas seems to have become a lot more work than it used to be for us. Between buying presents, Christmas parties and hosting the holidays at our house this season, we've had little time for anything else. Luke turned 8 months old last Wednesday and I honestly forgot about it until the day arrived. We had 3 Christmas parties this week so I didn't have time to write on his little board and take pictures. Luckily we had some time today, so I did get a few photos only a couple of days late. 

At 8 months old, Luke is quickly growing out of "baby" and into "little boy." For the past month, he's been on the verge of crawling so many times. This morning, for some reason, it just clicked and off he went. He still has no teeth, but eats yogurt bites sometimes. He still hates solid foods for the most part and is still accustomed to only baby food. He's saying ma-ma now, and still screams for his dad most of the time. He loves his little red car that his Grammie and Papaw Kestner got him for Christmas. 

I think we're ready for Christmas. We went to the store super early yesterday, in order to avoid the huge crowds out shopping and I got all of our groceries for this week. The amount of food I purchased is on the verge of being ridiculous. It'll be only Dillon and I on Christmas Eve (and hopefully the Wyatts will join us that evening) and then my parents will be down on Christmas day. I'm not quite sure who I bought the $200 worth of groceries for, but I hope that we can enjoy all the goodies. I've made Chex mix today and have the dough in the fridge to make Kifli cookies (a Hungarian cookie recipe that my Grandma Estep used to make). Tomorrow I have cheeseballs and sausage balls and hashbrown casserole... and even more the next few days! It's a lot of work, but I've enjoyed the ability to host Christmas this year.

My heart is very full this year being Luke's first Christmas and with all the blessings we've received this year. I can't wait to see what 2014 holds!

Not quite sure what he was doing here... but I just caught him one day doing this "yoga" pose

In his little red car!

At the Feaver's Christmas party last night... I thought Dillon would take more pictures but we were too busy having fun!

Happy the Dog!

Luke says "I remember this from last week. I can rip off this paper and get a gift, right?"

I'm 8 months old now!

I tear up looking at these pictures... he's growing so fast :( 

Luke loves Christmas!

Ready for Christmas on Wednesday!

Merry Christmas #1

This weekend we traveled to Virginia to have Christmas with Dillon's family. We had an awesome time with everyone at the Christmas party Saturday night and getting to show off Lucas! We also went ahead and did presents with Dillon's immediate family since we'll be staying in Asheville this year and since we were all together. Everyone got great gifts this year and enjoyed spending precious time together! Luke loved opening presents and I think he liked the wrapping paper better than the presents. 

We also got to visit some today with my aunt and her husband and son. We had a great lunch and Luke loved meeting Christine! 

It does make for a short weekend when you're traveling. We're all tired this evening and have lots of cleaning to do. Next weekend I'll be getting groceries together and preparing for Christmas here. 

Luke did great this weekend and kept pretty true to his schedule, bowing out of the party on Saturday way before everyone left.  He has a pretty terrible rash on his neck and chest from drooling so much with teething, plus a harsh cold that's making him hoarse (I actually typed "horse". He's not turning into an animal, just losing his voice.)  I think I'll be taking him to the pediatrician in the morning to see if there's anything we can do for the rash and to make sure the cold isn't anything worse. 

Another busy week ahead and we're all looking forward to Christmas. I'm taking off some time that week, so I'm looking forward to it even more! 

Hanging out where we usually do... in the kitchen around the bar.

Chores still have to get done, even on vacation :P 

Christmas bounty

Granny arrives at the party

Luke and his great granny

Luke fell asleep early.

Jordyn does gymnastics!

Present time!

The only picture I have of Dillon opening gifts, he took all the pictures this weekend!

The hottest hot sauce ever

Luke opens his first present

He's pretty sure he likes Christmas

His gift from his great granny!

Luke's first car!

Chris and Bo hang out with Luke!

Close up!

More presents! Thanks Auntie Christine!

Merry 1st Christmas!