Christmas Photos...no easy task

This is Riley's first Christmas, as you all know.  I was so excited about this, that I had to do the typical "mom" thing and buy her a red dress to take photos of her in.  We had her all dressed and ready this past weekend.  She looked cute!  We propped her in front of the Christmas tree, got the camera ready...and, well, she took off.  For an eight month old, sitting still is not their top priority.  We tried toy props, a Santa hat, I tried making funny noises in the background, clapping our hands...everything, and yet nothing worked.  She either smiled at me and not the camera man, or didn't smile, or was off crawling and touching the tree.  Eventually, she got fussy and had enough!  I don't think we got one photo that is Christmas card worthy.  I was a little disappointed, as I wanted that perfect photo.  But, at the end of it all, we got a whole bunch of pictures that actually describe Riley just perfectly.  This is our daughter, and the pictures say it all.

This ended up being our favorite from the several that we took.

Little Helper

Now that Riley is awake longer during the days, and requires more of my attention, I am always finding things to do while she's around with me.  I used to do many chores and things while she was sleeping.  I don't have that luxury so much anymore - so I tend to do most while she's awake.  For instance, now she helps me fold the laundry!

After taking these pictures, Riley fell down with the laundry basket landing on top of her.  She cried.  I comforted her.  (This is a common occurrence in our household now that she's mobile.)  I figured she was bound to learn eventually that laundry isn't fun...so, she might as well learn it now, while young!  Haha.

Our bundle...of joy!

Yesterday, Riley and I went out walking.  This is a standard around here - we go often.  However, now the wardrobe is different.  Since it's that time of year for cold weather, we have to bundle up before going outside for our walks.  Riley looks so stinkin' cute when I get here all bundled.  And, she actually smiles when we get outside.  She loves it!

All dressed and ready to get out there...

Buckled in and bundled!

Riley smirking

Our precious bundle of joy!

Visit with Ian & Julie

We recently met our nephew, Jackson.  He's such an adorable baby boy!  Aaron and I had so much fun holding him and giving him lots of love!  What a sweetie he is.

I was able to have a visit with Julie last week in Maryland while she was staying with my parents.  It was a fun, indoor, day.  We were able to catch up and swap baby stories.  :)

Jackson sleeping on my shoulder

Auntie Abby and Jackson

Julie, me, Jackson and Riley

No luck getting Riley to look at the camera...

Mommy and Jackson

Riley being an active butterfly

Mr. Cutie

This was when Riley pulled Jackson's sock off

I love that Jackson fell asleep with his arm like this...haha!

Then, this past Sunday we got together again (with Ian and Aaron this time).  They stopped for breakfast while driving to their new home.  Yup, they just moved to New Hampshire.  Congratulations you guys!

Auntie Abby and Jackson

I just love him!

Auntie burping Jackson...

Cute outfit!

Ian and me

The little family - Julie, Ian and Jackson

(Once again, the camera man is not in any photos!)

Fun with a scarf

When Emillie and Hannah were over, they were playing with Riley and a scarf.  It was cute seeing them put it on her.  She looked all cozy warm!  I got a couple cute photos of Emillie and Riley together. 

Hannah decided to tie the scarf on Riley's jumper, and she got major static hair!

8 months

Riley is 8 months old!