A Merry Christmas it was!

Christmas is always better with kids around, and its best when its a baby like Holly! We had a great time at my parents and enjoyed being spoiled - well, mostly Holly, that is! Here are some pictures from the last month or so.

A visit to see Santa. Since I can't get my scanner to work with my new computer, you just get to see the unprofessional (free) picture, not the one that cost a fortune!

Hanging out at home and finally gave Mama a smile when she had the camera.

Grandma loves this picture! She bought this bear just so we could get a picture of the two of them in the sleigh. Holly's not spoiled or anything, right?

Opening a present on Christmas morning. She maybe got to two of them before she decided that a nap was more important and missed out on the fun of ALL the other toys she got!

Modeling the fur kitty hat that Aunt Darla and Uncle Troy got her. She doesn't appear to be too impressed, but it sure is cute on her. That's Grandma in the background, for all of you who don't know that already.

Chillin' out with Mama and watching a little Jeopardy on TV.

How great is this smile?! What a beautiful, happy little girl I have!

Walking around a little with the toy that Sean and his mom gave us. Usually, she just plays with all the stuff on it. I think it surprised her the day she figured out she could actually stand up and walk around with it, too!

Obviously, things are going great here. We are having such fun and Holly is learning new things every day. She recognizes several phrases, including "Where's Mama/Grandma/Grandpa?" "Where's the kitty/doggy?" "Come here" or "Come to Mama" "Stand up" and "Jump!" - her favorite, I think!

Holly is far more willing to part with a smile or a giggle for someone, which were difficult to get out of her earlier. Her personality is definitely showing more now, too. She is still such a happy, content baby that it constantly (and pleasantly) surprises me.

Holly is pulling up and standing just about anywhere and has been for a while. She has started standing for 3-5 seconds without holding on to anything, but only when she is either concentrating really hard on something and is very still, or when she is not paying a bit of attention and it just happens. Not steady on her feet yet, but getting there quickly! She loves to walk with help from Mama and would rather stand at the coffee table and DO nothing (other than look really proud of herself) than sit and play on the floor. She really wants to stand and play, but hasn't figured that out yet!

The girl can pack away the food, too! She may eat me out of house and home before I can even get her eating grown up food. She loves Cheerios, muffins, and Olive Garden breadsticks, along with lots and lots of baby food.

I have to go back to work 4 weeks from today and the closer it gets the more I wish I could just stay home! At least spring break and summer vacation are right around the corner. Ah, how our priorities change - for the better, of course! We are having a great time and I am loving every minute of every day with my little bear.