Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

This is the face of a happy Maximus Miles on Christmas morning! He had a late night last night. Our Christmas Eve/Christmas church service started at 10:00 PM, and we didn't get home until 2:00 AM! Although Miles was asleep when we arrived at church, he didn't stay asleep long . . . and he didn't go back to sleep until the car ride home! Thankfully, he slept until 9:30 or so this morning. He is taking a long nap right now as well. While he was awake this morning, he got his first taste of Christmas gifts. He caught on quick! Enjoy these photos - I'm sure we'll have more to post before the day is over since there are still more gifts to be opened. Thanks to everyone who sent Miles (and us) something this year. We are so incredibly blessed. Merry Christmas to all!

Maximus Miles' very own Picasa Web Album

Thanks to "Uncle Steve" (Godmama Debbie's huband), Maximus Miles now has his very own Picasa web album, complete with Kellar commentary. We encourage you to check it out at http://picasaweb.google.com/st4526ke/MaximusMiles

When you look at the pictures, you'll see that Miles went to his very first ballet, which was a local production of The Nutcracker in which all five Kellar girls (Sarah, Ruth, Shelby, Mary, and Claire) performed. As you'll see in the pictures, Miles found it to be a riveting performance! :) His take on the show certainly doesn't do it justice. All five of the Kellar girls were outstanding!

Thanks for creating this web album, Uncle Steve.

Laughing

Many of you have commented how much you like the photos of Miles laughing. He is quite hilarious when he lets out his "gut laugh." We have not been able to catch him doing this on camera quite yet (he tends to get shy when the camera comes out); however, here is a video of him giggling with Brian. Enjoy!

Swinging with Miles

Miles has always loved his swing. You may remember seeing photos of him in his swing when he was just a little guy, such as:

To give you some perspective on how much he has grown, here are two pictures of him in his swing last night. He is cuddling the doggie that he received from Godmama Debbie for St. Nicholas Day:

Lastly, here is a video I took of Miles this afternoon when he was in his "I need a nap" mode. (Just so you know, he went down for a nap right after I took this video clip):

Miles and his new tricks

Miles has really been stepping it up in the past few weeks. I've noticed that he has become bored with his normal daily play routine of swing, gym mat, bouncy chair, floor, bed. (I've heard that boredom is a sign of advanced intelligence in young children, but I'll let you be the judge). Therefore, we've introduced some new ways to play (thanks to hand-me-down toys from Aunt Carina), and Miles is feeling challenged again . . . for now at least.

Exhibit A:

That's right, folks! Our four-month-old is walking! I know that the photo makes it looks as though he needs the help of that cloth seat and tray suspended from the doorway, but clearly his legs are holding his weight and keeping him balanced. Clearly. He's even working on his sprinter's lean.

Exhibit B:



Here Miles is showcasing his strong neck and grip. We like to refer to his hands as "meat hooks." Do you see how he is crushing that stuffed animal with his left hand in the first two pictures? He's really living up to his rough-and-tumble Hunter and Smotone heritage!

Speaking of which . . . this week Miles had what you might call his first date. (See where boredom leads?) The little lady is Miles' friend, Rebekah. She and her parents came over for dinner this week, and apparently Miles and Rebekah now think they are in love:



It's scandalous, we know. Holding hands on the first date! Luckily, we have a few years to try to straighten this young man out before he starts thinking seriously about finding his special lady.

For now, we want to let all the ladies know that Miles has more than one similarity to George Costanza from Seinfeld. Not only is he bald, but . . .