christmas morning

{a sad face because daddy made him take his thumb out of his mouth!}

{tags are THE BEST gift EVER to this 8 month old!}

carter's first christmas

carter's first christmas just had to be PERFECT, because that's how mommy wanted it! and perfect, it was. :)

the festivities started early. there was:

...decorating the house

...decorating carter's room

...acquiring and decorating the authentic, christmas-smelling christmas tree (which we decided should only be adorned with "special" ornaments, in case you notice the sparse-ness of our decorated tree in later pictures)

...a trip to Christmas Lane in Dover

...family dinner and gift exchanging in brooksville

...christmas morning at our house (which merits it's own photo post that is to come)

and

...christmas afternoon in lakeland!

thank you to all who made carter's first christmas special! he received SO MANY gifts--most of which are in this picture!

{wordless wednesday: christmas morning}

MeRrY cHrIsTmAs from z family!

{wordless wednesday: with santa}

8 months!

mommy can't believe that you are 8 months old already! it feels like we JUST brought you home from the hospital! i need to start planning your first birthday party--it'll be here before we know it!

speaking of things being here before we know it...aunt chenelle

(and uncle karl) will be bringing you a playmate this summer! we're all SO EXCITED for her(/them)! :)

...back to the update...

at 8 months, you...

...absolutely LOVE strings, cords, necklaces, remote controls and tags on toys, which can be a little nerve-wracking at times.

...are trying to crawl, but seem to really enjoy holding onto mommy's hands and "walking".

...scream and yell when mommy turns on the water for your bath each night and practically run to the tub once mommy strips you down.

...are sleeping about 12 hours each night and take two 1.5-2hr naps each day.

...are on the verge of needing 9 month size clothes.

...can stand if you have something to hold on to.

...have two, razor-sharp teeth on the bottom (insert aunt nikki: "your kid just bit me, little sh*t") and one tooth on top that should break thru any day now...

...say "mah", "dah", "guh" and "bah", but don't imitate mommy or daddy.

...eat peas, zucchini, pears and apples and average 24 oz of formula each day (which is on the low side).

...L.O.V.E. grandma and grandpa z's dog Friday. when he comes in the room, you light up. i confess, it makes mommy a little sad because Friday makes you happier than she does, but this was bound to happen one day. ;)

{here you are, ready to jump out of grandpa z's arms to get Friday!}

...just recently started sucking your thumb at times other than falling asleep and right before your morning bottle.

...are intrigued by the christmas tree and christmas lights!

...now have a total of three tickle spots: 1) near your armpit area, 2) between your shoulder blades and 3) your thighs.

...have NO IDEA what's in store these next few weeks!! christmas and then BAHAMAS!! this mama will need a bahama mama when it's all said and done!

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other photo faves from this month:

{wordless wednesday: Happy 75 Grandpa Zoodsma!}

{wordless wednesday...baby talk}

{wordless wednesday: It'S AuNt ChEnElLe'S BIRTHDAY!!}

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me and my aunt chenelle on my birth day!

{photo courtesy of aunt nikki...mommy *might've* lifted this off FB}