Ten Months & Terrific

That's right - Waverly is 10 Months Old!!!

It sure doesn't seem like this much time has gone by, but the calendar doesn't lie. As of December 27, Waverly is 10 months old!

Enjoying some cantaloupe!

The wee one can now do all kinds of things! She is eating some table food (limited things that Mommy has deemed okay) such as watermelon and cantaloupe, baked potatoes and squash. She really likes melons! Waverly is also trying some of the Gerber big kid foods, like small chunks of carrots and apples. She will eat them off a spoon, but would rather squish them on the plate than eat them like finger foods! Its quite messy!

Waverly is learning all kinds of new things!

Now she can not only stand alone (Look, Mom - No hands!), but she is cruising furniture, too!
It wont be long at all before she's walking.

Waverly is learning new words everyday, too. Since murmuring "mama" at Christmas, she is wearing it out, shouting for all to hear, and getting lots of attention when calling out for Mommy. She will still argue, though, if asked to say it, reverting back to calling me "duck". She loves to yell "Dada!" to get Daddy to pick her up. She can also say "look" and "touch". Her newest words - "No-No" and sometimes "Nana" (which pleases the grandmothers so).

After the Christmas festivities, Waverly has had a ball with all her new toys. She just hasn't stopped! She goes 100% all day long - pausing for short naps and snuggle times! She smiles and her nose crinkles. It's so heartwarming!

My First Christmas

Early Christmas Morning...

Well, Santa needed snow this Christmas to make his reindeer fly. It was a beautiful, white Christmas, but Daddy had to go to work due to the hazardous roads! Late Christmas Eve night, Daddy left for work. Mommy stayed up for Santa! Luckily, Daddy came home early Christmas morning, before Waverly was even awake. Since Daddy had been working all night, he went straight to bed!

When Waverly woke up, we settled down for breakfast in bed. Mommy was very excited for her to go to the living room to see what Santa had left, but Daddy was so tired and we didn't want him to miss out on Waverly's first Christmas. So, Waverly and Mommy played and played. We watched her new movies. At 11:00, I just couldn't wait any longer! Wake up, Dad!

Now awake, our little family went into the living room to see the tree. Waverly crawled at her fastest pace directly to the ball pit! She laughed and giggled, reaching in to get the balls. She checked her stocking to find her favorite bath toy, a duck!

We had saved the presents from Mommy and Daddy for Christmas morning. Waverly opened up special books; one recorded so that Mommy can read to her all the time, and Merry Christmas, Mouse" from Daddy. She loved her cookie monster movie. And what a surprise to find her very own "Winnie the Pooh" laptop!

Mommy and Daddy had special gifts too! Waverly painted a snowman for Daddy, which shines its glory from the center stage of our entertainment center. In true Lickliter tradition, Waverly's gift to Mommy was a big box full of pots and pans and kitchen gadgets.

Christmas morning was just as I wanted it to be. We were all in our jammies, eating breakfast, playing with new toys and watching 'A Christmas Story'. Our morning was perfect - it warmed my heart to know that our little one had a wonderful Christmas, full of love and togetherness.


Nap time...

On the way to Papaw Allen's, Waverly took a little nap in preparation for yet more festivities!

She was excited to see cousin Tanner when we arrived. He was very happy to show Waverly his Santa Clause, who sings and dances!

Aunt Amy and cousin Tanner




Grammy Betty and the Grandkids!

Waverly was tickled to see that Santa came to Papaw Allen's home for her, too! She saw a big girl rocking horse that really whinnies and has long brown hair.





She also went straight for her recliner chair, leaning back to relax!




After some hardcore playing, Waverly was ready for some love from Papaw! Uncle Matt and Aunt Amy were there, too. We'll be glad to get all the aunts and uncles together soon, hopefully next month when Mommy's step-brothers can come in from Tennessee.

All too soon, it was time to return home!

One last gift...

Daddy made Waverly this beautiful, cedar toy box. He plans to install hinges so that the lid can't slam down and smash any baby fingers, but otherwise, its all ready for use! Mommy can't wait to pick up all the toys and have them in one place!

Waverly likes to stand up and dance while holding on to the toy box, though!

What a nice gift! Waverly can use the cedar chest when she gets older too.

Well, Waverly's very first Christmas was wonderful!

We hope that everyone had a safe and happy holiday and we look forward to

seeing you in the new year!

'Twas the Night Before Christmas...

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care;

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;

And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow

Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN!

On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONDER and BLITZEN!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,

With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!

By Clement Clarke Moore

It's Christmas Eve!

Waverly has been such a good girl this year that Santa came to see her!

She was a little taken aback to have this fat, jolly man with the soft white beard pick her up! Not so sure about him! Then, 'Santa' pulled down his beard, and Waverly was delighted to find Papaw hiding there!

She was working hard to figure this out...

Santa asked all the kiddos to come over and tell him what they would like for Christmas.

Then, he handed out the gifts from under the tree.

Mommy and Waverly were patiently waiting...



Waverly helped Mamaw Jean open her special gift - a clock with a picture of Waverly!

She was very excited!

Waverly knew that part of the fun is unwrapping the gifts! She takes her time, making the most out of each paper tear... then she would look up at Mommy to make sure she was doing a good job. What a hoot! She would tear off enough paper to peek inside, and then, what a big smile!

Waverly loved all her gifts! She has so many toys now. Santa brought her a rocking horse, an indoor tent and tunnel, a sea toy and...

an ELMO guitar!
Elmo is certainly a rocker with this toy! But, we just smile and watch her play. She loves Elmo, so it was a great gift!

Waverly helped Mommy unwrap her special gift -

a beautiful frame full of pictures of the wee one. Its perfect!

Really getting into this...

Waverly was so excited! She loved all the hustle and bustle.

"Here, Mom, let me show you how to get things done!"

Ah, Christmas!

Waverly gave Mommy the best present anyone could ask for - she began saying "Ma-Ma"! Its the cutest little words I've ever heard, with a big MMMMM and little "a". Such a sweetheart!

Later, Waverly helped Mommy bake some homemade peanut butter cookies. When they were cool, we placed several on the plate that Waverly made for Mommy and Daddy. A little glass of milk and then the tree was all ready for Santa to see!

After a bath and Christmas story, Waverly wore her new jammies as she snuggled down for the night! She was tuckered out from the day, but just like any child on Christmas Eve, wanted to stay awake for Santa! After singing some Christmas carols, she drifted off...

Go to sleep, go to sleep, go to sleep little baby...

Christmas, Don't Be Late!

It's Christmas Time!

On Thursday night, we began our Christmas festivities at Mamaw Gail's house. It was nice to visit with the family. We had the most wonderful Christmas candies, all homemade, of course! Then, it was time for presents!


Waverly loved sitting with her Daddy and opening presents. Its her first Christmas, and she is already a pro at unwrapping! She loves to tear the paper and has the cutest expressions when she sees the gift!

Dean had a wonderful gift idea this year. He took pictures of the baby and made the most beautiful clocks! Mommy got to open her clock early, since he made clocks for the grandmother's too! Mamaw Gail was so surprised! She immediately took down the old clock and put up the new one. Now Waverly can smile at her whenever she checks the time!


Waverly was so excited! She was happy to receive pajamas, books, clothes and toys. Gary gave her a baby doll that crawls! She likes to give it kisses.

My baby doll!

Waverly may not understand all about Christmas yet, but she is well aware of the joy and merriment around her. She loves to join in the laughter and fun! She shares hugs and kisses. She likes to give and share as well as she likes to receive. She loves to be around her family. That's what Christmas is really all about!

A Christmas Letter...

Waverly's letter to Santa was published in the Anderson News today!

Amidst many christmas letters, Waverly's little picture jumped out at me as I flipped through the newspaper. I hope Santa reads about her wish!

Mommy's Christmas Prediction...

Yes, this is what I am foreseeing.... My little one surrounded by pink toys and clothes...

Uh-oh...

*S*N*O*W* *D*A*Y*S*

Last Friday was yet another snow day for Waverly. She stayed home with Mamaw Jean! What a great day those two had.


Waverly learned that she can get under the kitchen table. She thought that was a hoot! See how tall she is now? We are all waiting for her to stand up under the table and bump her little noggin'!

Pushing Papaw's chair...

Doesn't she look so mischievous here?



Waverly loves to play ball!
She is really good too. She loves to roll the ball to you and have you roll it back. I am so impressed that she is already playing with others so well. Now she is getting the idea that she can throw the ball, but most of the time she is just thrilled to get her hands on it.









Looks like someone unwrapped one of her presents...


In the afternoon, Mamaw and Waverly made some no-bake cookies for Papaw. Waverly helped - I guess she was going to make some coffee for him, too!

No, no! Waverly knows what she is allowed to do and what she's not allowed to do. She will go over to the plant and tell you "no, no" by shaking her head no. Then she just moves right along! She knows she is allowed to play in this drawer, since its full of tupperware. I just adore that little grin; just like her Daddy's...

I guess a day wouldn't be complete without a little candy!

Not that Waverly was allowed to eat any... poor thing had to settle for some Gerber snacks. But she had a ball playing in the candy jar!