A Mover and A Shaker

Riley is defiantly an active baby. If she is awake, she is moving. She does not want to sit and hang out anymore, she would rather be on the floor crawling or standing at the coffee table. She is ALWAYS smiling or laughing and loves to clap now. When she is tired she now likes to be held while you stand, no more sitting to comfort her. She likes to be held upright with her head on your shoulder and rub her back.....although, she LOVES to sleep!! She will take 2 naps a day (Usually the morning one at GiGi's is 2-3 hours!) then another afternoon one (1/5 hours), and then she will sleep from 7:30-9ish!! We are really blessed that we have a baby that "sleeps in"!! But many evenings I spend about 15 minutes (6:30-6:45) pacing with her, just to make her happy when she is getting tired.

Last weekend we went to Aunt Kerry's work to see Santa again. We loved him, although Riley was in need of a nap and so we did not get a smile out of her, but she did get her hand stuck in his fake beard and almost pulled it off!! We went to Aunt Nicole and Uncle Mike's house on Friday for dinner. Riley enjoyed playing with her cousin Gavin and visiting with her new cousin Jack. It was fun to just hang out and chat. Then today Riley and I went to visit her "Aunt" Hollie and LOVED seeing her again. Hollie took a lot of pictures and I can wait to see them. Riley was telling me on the way home that she really wishes I was better at getting together with Hollie, so I assured Riley that it will be one of my many New Years Resolution!!

We are looking forward to my 10 day break from work. I can not wait to spend every day with her. On Tuesday night we are planning to go to Grandma and Grandpa Bouchs house, Joe and I are heading out for a much needed evening out together, while Grandma and Grandpa take over. We will all sleep there, so that Joe and I can enjoy our night out and so we don't have to wake her up when we get home. Riley is really looking forward to spending some much needed time with them and to having a sleep over with them!!

Then on Wednesday we will head down to my parents house for Christmas Eve. We will sleep there and then do Christmas morning/afternoon with them. We will then head back to the Bouchs for the evening of dinner and presents. It will be a BUSY three days.....but we will have the whole next week to relax and rest!! We are all looking forward to spending time with both of our families. Most likely this will be the last Christmas that we travel, starting next year we are hoping to begin our own family traditions at home.

Riley enjoys standing up in her crib and throwing all her paci's over. She then will talk until someone comes in the room. And when you go in you are meet by her just smiling at you!! It is a beautiful sight!!!

Here are a few photos and a video.

Before bed one night she was crawling around while we were getting her pj's and bottle ready, and she stood at the humidifier and peed!! It was pretty funny and look how proud she was!!
A quick family picture

Enjoying a visit from her Uncle Tommy

Visiting Santa at Aunt Kerry's work....we were in desperate need of a nap. But she still liked him.
Until her hand got stuck in his fake beard.....she almost ruined Christmas for all the other kids in line!!
Aunt Kerry holding her after the Santa visit.

Our new "gate" to help keep her away from the tree and tv.

Being a big girl and sitting at the table.

This is how you are greeted when she wakes up!!

When she had just learned to stand in her crib....this was about 2 weeks ago.