Second Christmas - Hiller Style

The Hillers had a second Christmas Day celebration since we were out of town for the actual day - so Saturday we had a big breakfast and opened presents with all the cousins. I think it worked out well because then everyone got to spend time with their in-laws and parents on different days. Here is a cute pic with all of the cousins - Ethan, Noah, Evie and Claire.


Yes, that is a purse (well, my gift card holder turned into a baby-sized purse).

Phil was looking posh in his new scarf - I had to take a quick pic!

Mom or Dad?

One fun discussion with the family over Christmas was - who does she look like? My mom busted out this flash from the past - a photo of me (yes, poster sized) at about 6 months old (so not an age-appropriate comparison... but still, very cute!). I guess I wouldn't stop crying so they took the picture anyway - I have this big tear rolling down my cheek.

I think Claire looks more like Matt - but maybe she has a little bit of me in there after all~

Christmas at the Johnsons

We went to CA this year (we do every other Christmas with the Johnsons) and Claire got to meet two of her uncles for the first time - Erick and Kenny. And we got to meet Erick and Megan's daugher Lily - she is already six months old! We can't let that much time pass again before we all get together!

There were babies everywhere, which is a change for our family. It's fun to have the girls all born within about a year of each other - they will have cousins to play with when they get a little bit older. McKinley was ready to play - but Claire is just too little still.

Now that's a good man!

We dropped in on Jacqui and Jeff Scott while in Salt Lake - Jacqui had her little girl Eliza just days after I had Claire, so we got to meet our little ones for the first time. I just had to snap a shot of our hubbies on diaper duty - gotta love it!

Trip to Salt Lake

We had our Vanguard Media Group holiday party up in SLC, so Claire had her first plane ride and trip away from home. My first plane ride was when I was 16 years old - Ali Steed and I went to EFY at BYU... so Claire is already ahead of me on her adventures.

We got to see Becky and her family, and see the lights at Temple Square. That is getting to be a tradition for me and Matt - our first trip together as a couple was to SLC where we went to tour the lights. It is such a great way to get in the Christmas spirit, and to actually experience snow and winter (compared to the 50+ degree weather in Vegas that passes for the winter season).

Shannon, Claire, Becky & McKinley at Temple Square

First Flight! Claire didn't make a peep!

Merry Christmas

She wasn't too excited about her Santa hat...

Meredith!

Meredith - I have not received one call or email about your baby boy! And my old number for you is now some old mexican guy :) I know you are not the best emailer, but send me some news for goodness sakes! I have been wondering for weeks about the baby.

And yes, I just dedicated a whole blog post to you, so you better call!

All in a Hard Days Work

Working from home has been a challenge, but we are starting to get a pattern down. Matt has been able to be home a lot too, which is nice. This is his slow time of year, since the weather keeps people from getting their cars detailed (yes, we actually have had rain the past two weeks).

When it's just me and Claire, I drag over the ottoman and lay her next to where I have my laptop set up, or today I tried out her little chair (the Bumbo, for those who speak baby product) so she was up close and personal while I worked. She isn't quite ready to stay in it very long - but her neck is almost strong enough I think. I just get paranoid - I even had a dream that she fell over in it, so I'm probably being overly cautious.

One unpleasant side effect from being back at work is that I think my new laptop is giving me carpul tunnel - the fingers on my right hand have been numb for about 2+ weeks now, and that's the only change I can think of. I need to go see a doctor, but who do you see for that kind of stuff? I brought a keyboard home from the office so I can use what I'm used to - that's all I need is to have to get surgery or something and not be able to use my right hand.... Let's hope that doesn't happen. Any ideas anyone?

Thumb sucker!

We are trying really hard to not let Claire be a thumb sucker, but she has been going after her fingers, and now thumbs, with a vengeance lately. She is very dedicated - and never gives up. I have to literally pry her hands (yes, both hands) out of her mouth to put in her pacifier. It is pretty cute though, I have to admit.