I decided to catch a few pics of this happy baby today. He was sharing his smiles and loving his funny daddy. Hope his smiles are contagious for you too!

David’s been working with Colt trying to teach him how to crawl (I don’t know if I’m ready for that yet though!). This is about the extent of his crawling ability right now. So, not yet, but I guess it won’t be too much longer . . . I’m not pushing it though 🙂

Well, we just got some pics back from our 3rd Christmas! Our first Christmas was in SC with the Miles’ on Thursday(Dec. 25), then Friday with the Curry’s, then Saturday with the Steven’s (my mom’s side of the family). It was amazing that so many of us were able to be there this year. This is one of the best turn outs yet. I suppose because the date worked well for most, and also because so many of the out-of-staters were able to come! It was good to see everyone for sure!

Colt and Uncle Heath! Contrary to what you may think, Uncle Heath LOVES to give kisses to Sarah and Colt 🙂 Not much has changed apparently, since my parents say he used to kiss me so much that I would cry when I saw him coming! haha.

I love this picture of Sarah! It’s so “her.” She does this all of the time!

Wonder if this hurt Santa’s lap?

3 of the 4 new babies added to this family this year!

It’s strange to have a pic without Colt, but he was napping 🙂

The whole gang – we were missing Adam, Olivia, and Tiffany though! I see Santa, but where is Uncle Dale?

Colt didn’t seem to be too fond of Santa, but Sarah didn’t seem to mind. . .

Santa had his hands/lap pretty full!

Colt really loves bathtime now that he can sit up and enjoy the water! He splashes everywhere! I had to guard the camera from all the water 🙂 ” Rubber ducky, you’re the one. . . you make bathtime oh so fun!”

And of course, all things must go in the mouth – even Mr. Hippo, who doesn’t quite fit!

All clean and happy!

Prune feet from playing in the bath so long! I remember those days 🙂

Dressed and ready to go! Colt’s new fascination is pulling out his pacifier and trying to get it back in his mouth. It’s amusing to watch, but it’s rare that it actually makes it in his mouth the correct way!

Well, thanks to all of you who have reminded me that I haven’t posted in “forever.” It’s only been 11 days . . . but a lot has happened in those 11 days! Colt did get better from the ‘ole nasty croup. He still coughs, but atleast it’s not all day everyday . . . and he’s back to his normal happy self and eating again! Yay!! We moved last Thursday, and it’s been harry scary around this place! The appartment is really nice! Very clean with new floors, carpet, and paint. I was so excited and thankful for the Lord blessing us with this place. One of the first things that came to mind when I walked in was, “it smells good!” Our last appartment (which I was thankful for as well) had a weird smell all the time – of course I was pregnant on top of that, but it always got to me! I am the type A personality that won’t rest until the mess is gone, so it’s been a busy few days. It’s really taken shape though, and it’s starting to feel like home again. We are pleased. Colt is doing great! We have very nice neighbors and lots of kids running all over the place!

Sorry, I don’t have any pics of the appartment or us from the last week, but these are from the WV Christmas (after we came home from SC). So, just to please you all . . . I’ll post these and then some more recent ones later. I just found my camera yesterday anyways 🙂

My handsome hubby and wonderul daddy with our little man

Colt had a special Christmas meal too! He started off with some homemade rolls (actually just my thumb – but he got in the close range of it).

And some yummy sweet potatoes (which he did actually eat). It’s funny because I haven’t given Colt any baby foods or cereal yet (except for that one time -which I posted about), and he’s doing great! The doctor said he would wait until 6 months since he’s doing so well with just nursing, but David and my dad were always trying to feed him something! David would feed him something every meal if he could. And Gramps. . . well that’s another story. He was keeping Colt for us while we were taking care of some stuff and getting ready to leave last week, and I came home a little late . . . . worried that Colt might be starved and crying because it was past his feeding time. No worries though! Gramps (my dad) had fed him like 5 different things – baby foods, fruit, juice!! Of course, Colt got a little rash but who knows what from?! It was hard not to laugh . . . Colt and Gramps are big buds though!

Not too sure about this new taste. . .

And of course Colt had to wash his food down with a drink!
The whole gang (minus Uncle John and Aunt Donna’s children who live pretty far away).

Our growing family! It’s doubled it’s size this past year . . . but that’s how we like it!

Mamaw and Papaw with their hands full and surrounded by the little ones!

The grandkids (with their special someones of course!) and grandparents

We all received the surprise of our lives yesterday! You remember a few posts ago when I said it would be nice if the newest little Miles would arrive before we left? Well, he came on December 23 . . . but they didn’t tell us then. They just brought him over when they came on Christmas Eve! We didn’t think he was real, he was so precious and new! It was almost surreal . . . We were having a family get together, and DJ and Julie (the parents) were coming to stay until after Christmas, we just weren’t expecting them to come straight from the hospital and bring little Connor Reese!! The baby is beautiful, absolutely perfect. . . and the Mommy – she is WonderWoman! I couldn’t have done it!!

I believe he was 7 pounds 10 ounces and 18 inches:

Obviously. . . this is the big brother, Cort Walker Miles. I thought that was so neat to have the footprints on the shirt too!

Cousins having fun!

Caily loves her veggies 🙂 She’s a really good eater actually. We had just met little Connor for the first time right before this picture was taken.

The 2 brothers –

Isn’t he a cutie?!

Cort, Caily, and Colt – 3 of the 4 grandchildren – with Grandma and Grandpa!

Just to show you how warm it is down here on Christmas morning . . . Colt’s outfit:

Last night we went to the Lamb’s home for a delicious southern dish – Frogmore Stew. It has become an annual Miles/Lamb Family tradition . . . which we absolutely love!! They are just such a beautiful family and so sweet! We really enjoyed the meal (it was shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and corn cooked to perfection) and visiting with friends.

When I read these verses during my quiet time yesterday they struck me in a new light. . . maybe because it’s the Christmas season and so many get caught up in the presents and forget what it’s really about? I hope they are encouraging to you as well, and do not let a day go by without thanking the Father!

Luke 12:15, 22, 31-34 “And Jesus said to them, ‘Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give to the needy, provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where you treasure is, there will you heart be also.’ “

The girlies did some serious cookie baking and decorating today!! We are making goody baskets to give out when we go carolling tomorrow night 🙂 I think I will now appreciate homemade, especially “home-decorated,” cookies even more!

Caily is sicky. . . pray she’ll feel better soon! She hasn’t slept well in several days. Her Daddy is really hating it too. She’s definitely a Daddy’s girl! Sweet boy and his Daddy ~

These first 4 pics don’t really go with this post, but I finally caught Colt playing with his toes and watching/talking to his hands . . . it’s so funny to watch them discover new parts of themselves that have always been there 🙂

I can’t count the number of times I find Colt doing this in his crib at naptime. He’ll be talking to his hand before he goes to sleep and then I’ll hear him again when he wakes up. Cracks me up!

Okay, now on to the big family dinner from Friday. It’s a rare occasion to have all 4 boys and their families together at the same time. We had lots of fun, and of course a great meal!

The 2 beautiful expectant mothers – Julie is almost 39 weeks and Jody is almost 19 weeks! We are hoping the newest little Miles arrives while we are here! What a great Christmas gift!! The 4 brothers playing some Rook! The older boys whooped up on the younger brothers this time. . . I don’t doubt there will be a rematch before too long!

Precious Caily and her beloved “horse.” She loves animals and can actually recognize a lot of them! I was reading her a book about animals and she recognized a HIPPO!! I couldn’t believe it! She’s started talking, and most of her words are animals and the sounds they make. She is so pleasant and happy! Hardly ever without a smile. . . I’ll try to catch some on camera though 🙂

Caily found Mama T’s shoes. . . but she needed some help to actually walk in them 🙂

I love this pic! The 2 cousins were watching a Christmas movie and being so good! Cort is going to be a great big brother (very soon too)!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS ~