My
friend Audrey observed once that children grow tremendously on
vacation. She thought it was the new sights, sounds, stimulation and
people. I believed her at the time, it made sense, but I had no idea
how much Liam would grow and change until this Christmas break in Grand
Rapids with our families.
It was
unbelievable what Liam learned in those ten days. Many new things took
place on what we deemed "the morning floor show" where, after many
hours of long sleep, he would be happy and energetic enough to perform
his greatest stunts. During these shows, he slithered on the floor
two and a half feet, and focused on objects while tracing them. On our
last day of vacation he actually grabbed one of his new toys and took
it to his mouth. Now he is almost completely supporting his head.




It
was great seeing the Shotwells, Powers, Harmons, Fitzgeralds, and many
many friends like Ann, Julie, Audrey and Frank, Megan and Steve,
Walter and Neele, Brendan and Nan, and many more. Some of our close
friends have children of their own, and it was nice to see them around
each other.


We
attended many parties and it was fun to see who I couldn't tear Liam
away from! Uncle Dylan was one of these very helpful people, and I was
able to enjoy full warm meals for the first time in many weeks!

We were
happy to see that Liam could be his usual smiling self in a room of
people he didn't know. At one point during my Dad's party, Liam nodded
off in Ann Gerke's arms and slept for an hour!
He met
his great Grandmother Feeley over the vacation as well. She seemed very
excited to see him. It was amazing to see the four generations
together.

It was a
great trip. When we left on New Year's day, Liam slept all the way
home. We made record time, and when we arrived and placed him in his
bassinet for bedtime, we found that he had outgrown it! It's amazing
what happens.
We can't
wait for next year. It will be an exciting time, with Liam walking and
plucking the ornaments off the tree. Maybe then we can start some
traditions of our own.
Thank you for reading! More next week!