Christmas in Clarksville

It really is starting to feel more like home over here in Clarksville.

One reason for that is because it's Christmastime.  And these Hillises are ready.  Just a little more shopping and wrapping to do.

We've had the opportunity to make so many new friends that there has been a different event almost every night of every weekend.  We have met so many great people here through the military, through Army dentistry, and through church.  William has been such a trooper going down in his pack-n-play at someone else's house on at least three occasions now so mommy and daddy can make friends in our new town.  Of course it's not ideal to keep your child from his own comfy crib on multiple nights, it's great for Matthew and I to be able to take advantage of all the events going on during this celebratory season.

The phrase "Ma in her kerchief and I in my cap" could perhaps be applied if you saw us.  I may or may not tell you if we have or if we have not been wearing really tacky Christmas attire to get in the spirit.

We have also been thoroughly enjoying this Free Advent eBook from Desiring God, and trying to read together most nights.  It's been incredibly thought-provoking and has readied our hearts well.

We got our first real decorations last year when we were living in our first rental house in Colorado.  So it was fun to break those out this year in our first ever home.  Some of you will recognize things you've given me that are all around (although I didn't photography every item). I cherish them for how they make me think of you.

First wreath

Musical vignette.  Found an old drawer that became a manger.  Found some free vintage graphics to create the framed 'Do You Hear What I Hear'.

Decorating with deer... why not add 'As the Deer' lyrics and sheet music ribbon? :)

I don't have a Christmas table runner, but I do have a large red curtain and a giant bow...So now we have a dining room table that's turned into a big present.

For Advent

 

Lighting a candle for each Sunday leading up to Christmas day

Stockings hung by the... new bookcase... with care

Shepherds crooks

Nativity tree

Converted a portion of our dine-in area to an office space / music station!!  See: speakers.  Cue: Dancing in kitchen.  (!!!)

It's nice having somewhere convenient to put the computer so it's out of baby's reach

Oh yeah and here is William while mommy takes pictures :)

He's trying to chew on this toy from my dad

Back to Christmas decor...lights!

Fake snow from an old felt tree skirt turned plain-side-up

 Matthew and celebrated 5 years on Saturday, December 15th.  The day was very special.  <3

Getting our fancy leftover lunch on while William sleeps

Low key morning just talking and all sharing sappiness with each other :)

We took William and went to see Rockette's in Nashville, poke around Opryland a bit, and then back to C'ville for Christmas party with friends.

In Opry Mills Mall

Checking out fish tank

Grand Ole Opry...

Rushing to get back to Christmas party...quick pic in parking lot

Blueberry Monster

Here are a few snapshots of William to give you a quick update of his activities and show you some of his new quirks.

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He is starting to get better at feeding himself, so we are starting to give him more challenging things to practice with. 

Some foods are messier than others.  And blueberries, I'm finding, are in the messier category.

First goatee

Lunch may have gotten a little messier...

...but it's a whole lot more fun

Sharing blueberry treats

Then this came out of his mouth.  It was like a grand finale.

He is getting much more involved in our daily activities.  Like pushing his arms through his sleeves more on his own.

"What are these, mama?"

Sometimes I think I've unintentionally taught him to pose

 He is also... "filling out" ... shall we say.

 ...and even more talkative...

...and even cuter...

 ...and still playing with his toes...

...and still the happiest baby you ever saw...

...and still reaching for everything in sight, that he can reach...

Below is what he looks like from our perspective.

I would take one from his perspective, but it probably wouldn't be too flattering...

We're also getting more structured with our daily activities as he is catching on and having slightly more wake time.  We start the day with books and snuggling and end the day with daddy time, bath time, a song and a prayer and a paci and blankie bear (did I just rhyme?).  In between there is lots of laughing, games, rolling around, music, eating, dancing, napping, and for mommy cooking / picking up / errands / to dos / phone calls / laundry / playdates.  I'm sure as he grows different things will be introduced into the routine, but for right now, we laugh...a lot.  I really don't know what we are laughing at, but we can't help ourselves.

And part of the new routine is more tummy time.  In the past two days he has started not only putting his head down, but bending his legs beneath himself and pushing up that bottom.  He wants to be mobile so badly.

And as a last little thing, as of yesterday he can officially pick up his paci and put it in his mouth right-side-up.