Xander's First Birthday

Xander's First Birthday party went off without a hitch. We crammed a lot of people into our little house, but there was a lot of support for little Xander. He got a lot of fun things, and things he needed (clothes). The most amazing thing was the cake. A good friend of ours offered to make the cake a month ago. And I had seen her cakes, so I jumped on that opportunity. And it turned out incredible! Just look at that thing. Julie, you are truly amazing! I know Xander doesn't really understand, but we thought it was fantastic addition to his special day. The Dragon Egg was a separate cake that Xander got to go to town on.

Daddy helping Xander open his many presents.

Ready for his cake.

Munching away!

The Aftermath!

After he got all cleaned up, we had his new presents in this basket and he decided to climb into the basket to continue playing with his toys. And he's wearing a new set of his birthday PJ's. Gotta luv the feetsie pajamas!

Thanks to all our family who could make it and support Xander's special day. And those who couldn't make it, we understand, and know you still sent your love.

One year down, craziness!

Xander's First Christmas

Xander's first Christmas he was all smiles. He seemed to have a lot of fun. It was just the three of us, so I think he felt like he had special treatment. The entire festivities included a Christmas Eve party at the Nielsen's where we had our annual Christmas Program. Xander was so cute. He is at that age where he hears any beat and he dances to it. So the family was clapping while Xander was at the "Stool of Shame" and he was bouncing and dancing away. Too cute! Then we woke up Christmas morning to take a picture in the hallway and go and open presents. He would try and play with each toy, before finally moving on to the next. I attached a few photos from Christmas morning. Then we went to the Maxfield's for the traditional scone breakfast and Xander was showered with more toys. It was a great Christmas and next year will be even more fun. We loved having Xander for the holiday.

Christmas Morning with Daddy!

Checking out his new See and Say toy.

At the Maxfield's later that morning opening more presents, wearing his cute new Christmas outfit from Grandma Nielsen.

The Bowl

The Yo-Yo and the Cup

So in Xander's huge bag from Santa, there was this little cup and a tin yo-yo. Xander played for about 40 min putting the Yo-yo in the cup and taking it out, it was awful cute!

We also played a little with the yo-yo and got this footage, it was too fun not to post.

Standing!

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Xander got his first opportunity to sit on Santa's lap and can I say he did AWESOME! I was so proud of my little guy. The Transcript had their annual family christmas party Monday night and of course, Santa was there. So we got in line to get into Santa's Workshop. The Santa was so great. (thanks, Tim!) And Xander got a totally cool bag of goodies. It was HUGE!! He doesn't even realize what he got, and couldn't ask for anything, but man, it was cuter! Here's a few of us waiting in line and then finally him on Santa's lap. I love the one of Xander looking at Santa. That's my favorite!

The Lawnmower

Xander has a toy that's a lawnmower and he LOVES it! It makes him feel like he really can walk. Although, he is close and will probably walking soon. This was too cute not to post. And boy does he "mow". He stops for nothing or no one. He will run you over if you are in the way. It just makes us laugh harder, though. This was back in the beginning of November. Its about a minute, sorry for some of my camera angles.

He has gotten so good he can get it unstuck now. Its pretty impressive!