Friday, December 31, 2010

New Years Eve

Check SpellingWe flew to Cleveland to spend New Years with family. The first order of business was gift opening, and Marcus was an old pro at this. Can't you see his excitement?!!!

Then we got dressed up (sans socks) for our New Years guests. Marcus is sitting in a rocking chair that was Brian's as a child. Super cool!

Cousin Elizabeth and Aunt Leslie made some fun party hats. Too bad Marcus' bedtime is about 7pm...he didn't quite make it up to ring in 2011...but he had fun otherwise!

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

9 Months

Marcus is already 9 months old. My precious little baby has turned into this precious little guy. We all love spending time with him and we're always encouraging him to meet that next milestone. He is bursting with personality with those smiles and babbles. He is a perfect fit for our family.

9 Month Milestones:
  • Marcus claps his hands, which is so cute. Most of the time this jester is only displayed when he sees someone else clapping, but it is so fun.
  • Standing and supporting all his weight on his own.
  • Has developed a bit of stranger anxiety for people he's not familiar with.
  • Expresses frustration during occasions when he can't reach a toy or Owen won't give him attention.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

The New England Aquarium

Despite a winter storm warning, we headed downtown to the Aquarium for a fun time. Marcus enjoyed strolling around and getting a close up view of exhibits.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Look at me now!

It's hard to tell, but Marcus is standing up on his own in this photo. This is the first time I've seen him do this...he was sitting in my lap and he just pulled himself up. I guess that new toy just needed to be seen!

First Christmas

Marcus was all ready to open gifts on Christmas morning. He just had to wait for his brother to wake up!

Some gifts were a bit big, so Marcus needed a little help unwrapping. But for the most part, he loved the entire paper tearing experience.

Mommy's little Christmas cutie.

Marcus happily hung out in his pod chair. In the aftermath of the gift opening, he was thrilled to play to with the ribbon more than new toys!

I love Marcus in this photo, he always seems to have an eye on his big brother.

And Daddy surprised Mommy with a new car, so we all got bundled up for a drive.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Visiting Santa

Today we went to visit Santa, and it wasn't surprising that Marcus' reaction to the jolly man was less than stellar. Poor little guy probably didn't know what to think of being thrust into the lap of a strange, old man with all that facial hair. Maybe we'll have better luck next year!

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Unwrapping Warm-Up

Before Aunt Cat left, she wanted to open gifts with the boys. Marcus got a taste of what the whole gift opening thing was all about. Big brother, Owen, had to help him get started.

For Marcus, playing with the paper was the best part.

Do they look alike?

Could they look any cuter? We have heard a couple of comments that Marcus looks a bit like Aunt Cat. Do you see any resemblance?

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Christmas with Aunt Cat

Aunt Cat is here visiting. Even though Marcus has shown a bit of stranger anxiety here and there, he took to Aunt Cat right away. Every year I make a photo ornament for Aunt Cat and I was trying to get the boys to pose with her. Not an easy task...but how cute are they?!!!

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Tree Decorating Party

We had our own little Christmas tree decorating party. With a cozy fire in the fireplace, Christmas music in the background and lots of smiles from Marcus, we unpacked all our ornaments.

Marcus was especially fond of playing with ribbon.

After all the decorations were hung, I was setting up my camera for a family photo and had Marcus help me with a test shot. I got this gem. Oh how I love kissing those cheeks!

So very thankful!

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Oh Christmas Tree

Today we went to a Christmas tree farm to get our Christmas tree. Marcus was in the backpack carrier with Daddy and enjoyed the whole experience. Who knows what he thought of us pointing to one tree after the next. I think he just liked being outside with us.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Mama's Joy

Can you just imagine Marcus saying, "Come on Mom...not another kiss!"

Friday, December 3, 2010

Mastering the Art of Play

Marcus is finding his voice. Over Thanksgiving he did lots of babbling. And he's really loud about it too! Then when I showed up at daycare yesterday, I found two other mothers and his teachers gathered around him as he was screeching and laughing with all of them. It was cute, yet a tiny bit shocking the way he was entertaining a whole crowd like that.

Marcus is really into playing with toys. He happily sits on the floor and reaches for all the toys around him. It is wonderful the way he can entertain himself so easily.