Long time, no post!

We swear there's a good reason we haven't had a new post in over six weeks. A very good reason, in fact - we got a new camera! Clay gave Tracy an awesome new camera which we used to take pictures of Sam's FIRST CHRISTMAS!...and then it took us months to get around to loading the software, uploading the pictures, and loading them into the blog. Okay, maybe that's not a good reason.

Nonetheless, here are some of our favorite pictures from Sam's first Christmas, taken on our new camera...

Even though we headed for North Carolina for the holiday, we had to put up a tree and decorate our house for Sam's first yuletide season. Sam loved the twinkle lights! We celebrated with Chip & Phy and Aunt Mere and Uncle Mike here in Jacksonville the weekend before Christmas, then made the drive up to Greenville where we celebrated with Nana & Papa, Aunt Kati & Uncle David, and all the Swarming Stricklands and Crocker family. Sam had a great time. Santa brought Sam lots of books, blocks, rings, and his very own mini Radio Flyer wagon. It was a very special first Christmas!

Since Christmas, Sam has had a lot of fun! At Christmas, he could sit up but he still toppled sometimes (thankfully, he has a very tough noggin). Now he's not only sitting up all alone, but trying very, very hard to crawl! He'll go after things only to end up on his belly, kicking his legs and reaching with his arms, wondering why he can't move where he wants to go!

He has 3 new tooth buds, which cause him GREAT distress, but aid in eating new foods, which he's doing everyday now. We've moved beyond mere cereal to all kinds of veggies and fruits. Sam is a big fan of squash - who knew? He hates bananas, loves avocados (who doesn't?), and especially loves to grab the spoon and put the food in his mouth himself. Much like his mom, he has a strong independent streak!

He's talking up a storm (Lord knows what he's saying, but he REALLY means it!). We think he maybe (perhaps?) has said his first word, which is Annie! When he sees Annie, he says "Ahh-eee." At first we thought this was a cute coincidence, but when it kept happening we figured maybe he actually figured out Annie's name! Mom and Dad aren't disappointed that his first name wasn't Mama or Dada...we think it's pretty awesome that the little lad loves his doggie!

Here are a few of our favorite post-Christmas pics. More to come, we promise!