Merry Christmas!

So while it is a few days late, Merry Christmas from the Merediths!! 

Knowing I was returning to work on the 27th, I've spent very little time in front of the computer over the last few weeks.  We managed to stay pretty busy, which has gotten easier now that Henry's a little bit older and starting to show interest in what's going on around him. 

A few weeks ago, our church hosted a live nativity scene for children in the Plano area to enjoy.  They had a fairly impressive petting zoo, as well as a little marketplace for kids to work on crafts.  Henry was recruited by a friend to play baby Jesus for one of the 45 minute shifts, which Paul and I thought was hysterical.  We were a little concerned that he would fuss the entire time (no one wants to see a crying baby Jesus!), but he did great and actually seemed to enjoy having a bunch of people come up and "ooh" and "ahh" over him. 

The funniest part of the entire experience was when we stripped him down into his diaper to go place him in the manger, Paul and I were also handed Mary and Joseph costumes.  No one bothered to tell us that if you volunteer your 2 month old to play Jesus, you automatically volunteer yourself to play Mary and Joseph - surprise!!  It ended up working out great, especially when Henry decided it was time to eat (heaven forbid the child go longer than 2 hours without eating)!

Last week, the three of us spent a few days in Pennsylvania with Paul's parents.  One of their friends got Henry a Santa suit, which was a hit!!  It was cute on the hanger, but SO much cuter on this chubby guy....

How could you not love this 10 week old Santa Claus?!? I could squeeze his cheeks just LOOKING at this picture!!

Henry has also started to notice Oscar.  As soon as Henry sees the white fur nosing around his bouncer, his eyes track Oscar until he's out of sight.  I think Oscar's ready for him to play, but I keep telling him to enjoy Henry before he's old enough to terrorize the poor dog. 

And here are a few more pictures on Christmas Eve and Christmas day.

There are not enough words to describe how thankful Paul and I are for this sweet child. And especially on the day of my Savior's birth, I cannot be thankful enough for the grace granted to us by God through his son. 

For to us a child is born,
   to us a son is given,
   and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
   Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
   Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6