I blame the education system.....

This evening, just a few scant days since Miss Helen and Miss Cathy predicted it, Lily Rose proved that she, too, can walk.

Over at Grandma & Grandpa Leamon’s house this evening, our little princess let go of Mommy’s leg and walked 5 WHOLE STEPS across the room. Very sturdy, steady steps too. This very day, when we went to pick her up at school, Miss Helen commented that she thought walking was going to be very soon. When I laughed and said that I thought (hoped?) it would be at least another couple of weeks, she said she thought it would be sooner. I mentioned that Lily really doesn’t stand on her own very much. Just bolt upright in the middle of the room, without hanging on to something, like I have seen Isaac do. Miss Helen looked surprised and said that Lily had been doing that A LOT today.

Then lo and behold, Lily showed us that she can walk just like Cousin Ike! Oh dear, she's a big girl!

Lily's first Christmas

Lily's first Christmas is past. On Christmas eve night, she gave her mom and dad a very special present, she slept over 3 hours at a stretch! This was amazing! Unfortunately, she was awake for a long stretch during Mom's shift. All in all, she woke up well rested at 6:45.

We had to get ready right away to go over to Grandma's and Grandpa's house for the traditional Christmas morning activities. Grandpa always make a very delicious Christmas Bread for breakfast. We then open our presents starting with what Santa has left in our stockings. Mom and Dad opened most of Lily's gifts but she helped with a few.

Everyone was so generous in buying clothes as she has pretty much outgrown most of her 9 month clothes and has moved onto the 12 month wardrobe. There were a few toys to add to the excitement. Lily was so well behaved and hardly fussed during the 3+ hour marathon unwrapping sesson.

Once we were done with the unwrapping of presents, we went home for a few hours so that Lily could take a nap with Dad. She and I slept soundly for almost 2 hours. It was then time to go back to Grandma's and Grandpa's for Christmas dinner -- turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, peas, and cranberries. It was all DELICIOUS! Even Lily thought it was good, eating her share and then smearing her food in her hair.

By the time we got home, it was time for Lily to go to bed and she was more than ready!

Walking....oh, my!

Lily is getting sooo close to walking. She loves to walk holding on to Mom or my hands. While she doesn't have the balance yet to do it on her own, we expect that to develop any time now. While we were hoping that she would put off walking until much later, we are resigned to the fact that it will be happening soon.

UPDATE: Social Security Number

Hooray!!! We have a Social Security Number for Lily! The great woman at the Social Security Administration office worked some magic and got everything done so that we could get the number. A huge THANKS goes out to her. Now we can set up her bank account and file taxes come the new year.

Lily's Christmas Program

Last night, Lily had her Christmas Program at school. She is the baby on the left side of the lady with blonde hair. If you listen closely, as the camera pans away, a big laugh from the audience can be heard. Lily the Ham started kicking and jumping and dancing to the music. Everyone thought that was very funny. The more they laughed, the more she danced! I believe we have a performer!

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Lily and Santa
Originally uploaded by Lily'sDad.

Lily received a surprise visit from Santa Claus at her Grandma's and Grandpa's house over the weekend. I am not quite sure what she thought be we got some great pictures for the memory book!