We 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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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?
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?!!!
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!
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.
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.
Another month has gone by and this this little boy just keeps getting cuter and cuter. Each day with Marcus is so much fun. His smiles and good nature are contagious that he seems to bring sunshine to any room he's in. We are learning more and more about Marcus every day, and I can't wait to learn more!
Marcus is now sitting so well on his own that I finally feel comfortable enough to let him sit on his own in the bath tub. Now there are toys in the water and lots of playing during bath time.
It is super cold outside, but we needed to get out of the house. So we got all bundled up for a short walk. Marcus didn't mind the cold. He's always all smiles!
Mommy loves OSU football, and Marcus was all set to cheer on the Buckeyes with her as they crushed the evil Michigan team. Isn't my little Buckeye the most adorable thing ever?!!!
Boston has an amazing Children's Museum that we just love. Grandpa treated us to a visit. Being the day after Thanksgiving...it was super crowded. It wasn't just kids it was all the adults too!
Marcus had fun in the little baby area. He's not quite big enough to enjoy all the exhibits, but we made due with what we could.
Marcus, Mommy and Grandpa...what a silly bunch!
We are celebrating Thanksgiving this year with the Menges' and Grandma and Grandpa Kuder. Grandma and I were attempting to get a good shot of all the kids, but Owen wasn't cooperating very well. I did get this cutie of Marcus and his cousin, Elizabeth.
Marcus joined us for dinner and partook in some mashed potatoes. What a face!
Marcus has the most kissable chubby cheeks. I swear they get chapped because I kiss them so much!
Marcus has discovered his feet. He loves grabbing onto them.
Does it get any better than a beautiful, chubby baby?
Today we got bundled up and took a trip to Drumlin Farm. The boys really enjoy getting to see all the farm animals.
Plus there is always the fun tractor ride.
Marcus is such a doll when he sleeps...it's just that getting him to sleep part that isn't so terrific. Marcus is not a good napper. We spoil him on top of that by letting him sleep in his vibrating bouncy chair. It is a habit that we need to break, especially since he is getting awfully close to the 25 lb limit of the chair!
Marcus got his first taste of juice today. As it happens, a little constipation was in need of some pear juice. He seemed to enjoy it.
While we were all raking leaves, Marcus enjoyed hanging out outside and watching us. He's all smiles this year, but just wait until he's older and we put him to work!
Today we celebrated Daddy's 34th Birthday. Marcus was thrilled to open gifts and loved playing with the wrapping paper.
First was our pumpkin carving extravaganza. With all those pumpkins that we had, there was lots of carving to do. Every year we do elaborate jack-o-lanterns and this year was no exception. Since we had four big pumpkins, there was lots of carving.
This year was Toy-Story themed with Woody and Buzz. Daddy was super proud of these.
Then there was our annual Halloween Family Photo on our front porch.
Then it was time to dress up for Trick-or-Treating. Marcus was our little chunky monkey.
We went around to our neighbors' houses to get some goodies. Marcus didn't know what to make of all the kids running from door to door. It was dark, and as far as he was concerned, it was time for bed!
Our four pumpkins turned out pretty cool...but after all that work Mommy and Daddy decided that next year we are just doing two!!!!
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