The Monkey's First Christmas!

Jason has had a busy few days!

On Christmas Eve, I took the day off.  When Dave got home from work, we whisked the monkey over to Babci and PopPop's for a fish-filled feast.

Jason spent most of his Christmas Eve trying to get Stella to come over so he could pet her. He is definitely a dog lover. Maybe next Christmas we will get him a furry friend of his own!

When we got home, Jason went right to bed so Santa could come and fill his stocking. 

On Christmas morning, we plopped Jason down in front of the Christmas tree to shower him with presents!

Eyeing his first gift with suspicion.

Giving it a quick pat...

Making a break for it! 

Playing with Daddy's shoe instead.

Dave and I ended up opening most of Jason's presents for him. He got clothes, Jammies, food, soap, hand puppets, a toy elephant with accompanying blocks, and his favorite Gerber puffs!

Quick photo op with the stocking Babci made him. Santa filled it with lots of goodies!

 

After some playtime, Jason had Christmas breakfast! He was eating big fistfuls of scrambled eggs. I think he ate more than I did! It was both impressive and gross.

After a Christmas morning bath, we went over to Grandma and Grandpa's house for Christmas lunch. Jason was nice enough to take a nap while the grown ups were eating. Once he was well rested, it was time for presents! Jason loved all his presents, especially some new Dr Suess books and a super cool tricycle! 

I didn't take any other pictures on Christmas Day. Bad Mommy.

We had Christmas dinner at Babci and PopPop's house. Babci made a delicious Beef Wellington. It was Baby's First Filet! Jason loved it. He definitely has a taste for the finer things!

After dinner, Jason Skyped with the Ashcrafts. He got to see all his little cousins. Theo taught him the value of tidying up gift wrap, which is a very important part of the holiday season.  Sadly, it was way past Jason's bedtime and he got super cranky. We had to cut the gift opening short so the monkey wouldn't have a meltdown. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

This morning, Jason was in a great mood and was so excited to play with his new toys! 

New blocks! Check out the pirate ship in the background!

Jason loves this high tech train. Funny story, the train talks with a Chinese accent. That's not a joke.

Having fun with his new pig hand puppet!

All the excitement caused Jason to come down with a severe case of the sillies!

Tis the season

Jason is ashamed of his mommy because she hasn't updated this in so long. 

Disappointed Jason

Jason had a great time celebrating his first Thanksgiving! He got to meet all his little cousins, and broke his very first plate by tossing it onto the floor before dinner had even started! Nice job, Jason!

Jason recruited his Uncle Mike to try to take family pictures for our Christmas card. Unfortunately, many of them look like this:

Peace On Earth?

After Thanksgiving, it was time to get holy! Jason dressed up like the Pillsbury Doughboy and took a quick dip.

Probably the worst family picture ever taken. I literally LOL when I look at it.

After the formalities were over, we headed to Cosimos for the best calamari Uncle Andy has ever had.

Reunited.

There was also cake. 

Yesterday was Jason's surgery, and he did super. The surgeon said it was a large hernia, but not nearly as difficult as the first one. He was drowsy for most of the afternoon, but is back to his normally rambunctious self today.

Good as new!

Skills

Jason has learned how to do so many new things recently!  He learned how to push himself up to a seated position from his belly, and he's pulled himself up to a standing position a few times!  He also waves bye-bye when he knows people are leaving. Sometimes when we make kissy noises at him, he'll try to do it back.

He came with us to Barton Orchard for some fall fun. 

He still prefers puréed food, but he's starting eating some of our food too.  So far he's had pulled pork, grilled cheese, chicken tikka masala, cod (his favorite!) and some other yummy things.  

Post-church breakfast at the Daily Planet.  We offered him bites of omelette and French toast, which he politely declined. 

Jason dressed up for his first Halloween and was pretty gosh dang cute.

Jason is excited for his christening, and can't wait to try some calamari at Cosimos afterward.

Ring Bearing, like a boss.

This weekend, Jason was honored to participate in Aunt Val's wedding. He had the important job of being carried up the aisle while "holding" the ring box.

The morning of the wedding, I left early to meet up with everyone at the venue for some hair and makeup prep.

End result. 

Unfortunately, Jason had been nursing a nasty cold for the week prior to the wedding. He was cranky while Dave got him dressed in his little suit, and when Dave arrived at the wedding, he opened the car door to see this:

Seriously, Jason?

Dave quickly cleaned Jason up with wipes and tissues, but our little ring bearer was stinky for the rest of the day.

Fortunately, the vomiting was an isolated incident, and Jason charmed the crowd as he fulfilled his ceremony duties. He was well behaved during the vows, and kept himself occupied by taking off his show and chewing it.

Awwww.

Then it was party time! Jason got a nice round of applause during the introductions, and enjoyed looking at all the pretty girls. 

After dinner, Jason had pretty much met his limit. Babci and PopPop whisked him off for his very first sleepover at their house, which allowed Dave and me to enjoy the rest of the festivities. Jason spent his time away from home making friends with Stella the dog, going for a nice morning walk around the neighborhood, and being adorable.

Reunited!