Chicago Christmas {A Merrill Tradition}

Snuggled up on the couch after church.

Ryan and I started a tradition when we were dating of having our 'own' Christmas. I decorated his bachelor-pad apartment with stockings and garland, and we exchanged gifts. After we were married, we continued this tradition with a full Christmas dinner and stocking/gift exchange before we leave town to visit our families. Its one of my favorite things about Christmas each year!

My handsome men.

Morning snuggles.

Of course Hunter's favorite thing was the tissue paper!

This year, we held Christmas on Sunday December 23. We started with cinnamon rolls for breakfast, church, and then an afternoon of gift exchange and cooking. For dinner I made: Roasted Pumpkin soup, twice baked potatoes, cider-glazed bacon green beans, rolls and Prime Rib with a berry punch. I have to admit, it was one of the best meals I have ever made. AMAZING!

Christmas Feast!

We like to hang our stockings on the speakers...our yule log is on the tv :)

Entry way.

After dinner we held a group skype with my family in Maryland and California. It was so fun to be all together and open gifts together-- almost as good as being there in person. We finished the night with packing for our Utah Christmas (I was very proud with the minimal packing I did and fit everything, including gifts and my madela in my carry-on bag).

Hard to see but this is my mom, dad, brother and then sister, nephew, grandma, brother in law, aunt and cousin.

Hunter skyping.

Baby H {4 Months}

My happy boy!

December 1, 2012
18 lbs, 3 oz (95%)
26 inches long (85%)

Grabbing things like crazy - pulling them down, often to his face- His perception has gotten better and he has figured out how to put things in his mouth if they are hanging in front of him.

Loves his stroller blanket- I had no idea that he would love his tag blanket so much! Its bright colors and black and white and he loves holding it and chewing on it.

Loves baby Sophie- He can chew on Sophie and play with his chew rings all day. Its a lifesaver for days he is in his carseat while we run errands.

Rolls for days- I can not get enough of his chubby legs, belly, and arms! I think Ryan is jealous of how big Hunters arms look! Haha.

Rolled over 1 time so far-We are still working with him to have this be more of a regular occurrence but he is one the move!

Loves his Johnny Jump Up- His dad has been working with him for over a month to figure out this toy! Hunter is finally starting to get it. He turns more than he jumps, but he loves to be in it!

Such a happy baby- he is so happy and content all the time. If he is fussy, its for a clear reason, and usually because he is tired.

Sleep Training- we trained him over Thanksgiving at my parents house. It was the best holiday gift ever!! Now he goes to bed when I lay him in his crib for 12 hours each night. He still wakes up to eat, but at least he goes down without a fight and is taking regular naps during the day. Halleluiah! I am a new mama!!

Supported Sitting- He loves his bumbo and sitting up to see what's going on!

Clothes - he is wearing 6 mos/6-12 mos clothes already!

love that face!