Where to begin??

So, we've had SO much happen! I'm so behind on blogging because we've been SO busy and things have been very hectic!! Since I last blogged, Kelly and I celebrated our wedding anniversary (Dec. 10)! Happy Anniversary to us!

We've also had some tragic events. First, our family (Lindsay and Michael) lost a daddy. It was so sad and very unexpected - words really aren't enough. We ask everyone to remember the Pirani's in your prayers.

The day before that tragedy Rocky was hit by a car and ran away. It was TERRIBLE!! It was the night it iced in Little Rock. We had EVERYONE searching for him in the ice and sleet, but we couldn't find him. (I'll never be able to thank all our searchers!) I was just devastated - I mean HEART BROKEN!! Before Max, Rocky was our child. He's been our sweet puppy for more than 4 years. The next day, we continued to search and put up signs. Kelly was up at daybreak searching for him before heading to work. I was so sad that my puppy (who is an inside dog) spent the night in the freezing cold - hurt. At about 1:30 in the afternoon, we found him! As I write, I still can't believe we found him alive. He was hurt and had to have surgery on both of his back legs. He's healing great. One leg is in a cast and we go back once a week for it to be changed. He should be out of the cast after 8 weeks - ugh, but it could be SO much worse.

Sweet Little Rocky Before the Accident.

During all of the drama, Max continued to reach milestones. Poor little baby. I swear he saves these milestones sometimes to use to make his momma happy! I would be on the phone or doing something related to Rocky and look over to find Max sitting up - which meant he pushed himself from a laying position into a sitting position. It wasn't until we found Rocky that I actually saw him put himself into a seated position. It's SO funny and I hope to get a video soon. When laying on his tummy, he puts his legs into the splits (I tell you what - Max is VERY VERY flexible. I've never seen anything like it!) Then he uses his hands and "walks" himself upright into a sitting position. Amazing!! In addition to rising to a sit, Max LOVES playing patty cake. His Sugah taught him that game! He will just start clapping his hands and breaks into a HUGE grin when you start singing patty cake. It's ADORABLE!! We still aren't crawling (in the traditional sense), but he tries. He slinks around the house. He pushes up on his knees and then pushes forward on his hands. It's almost like watching a frog swim. I'll try to catch him in the act. He rolls EVERYWHERE. So, even though he isn't really crawling, he is getting where he needs to go! (I have to vacuum ALL the time now-not fun!)

Woo Pig Sooiiee

We also went to the dr. for his 9 month appointment. He's definitely slowed down a bit. He weighs 23 lbs, which is in the 80% and measures 32 inches, which is the 98%. His head is in the 98% range too. We are eating ALL the time. We're even eating some table foods off of mom's plate. He really likes rice (Riceland Rice of course). His aunt Shannon's hashbrown casserole is a favorite too. Crackers, rolls and bread are definitely becoming a staple when we're out to dinner or at the dinner table.

My Little 9 Month old!

Of course, we had our first Christmas!! It was wonderful being in PB with all the family. Max went out to dinner with his best friend Harper to celebrate their first NYE. It was LOTS of fun!!

First Visit with Santa!

Opening Presents with my dadChristmas in PB
Sugah and two of her babies - watching the boys and eating cheerios. What a life!
Max and Harper's NYE's Party

We hope you all had a Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year!!

9 months Old!

Max turned 9 months old on Wednesday. I really just can't believe it. He is just so stinkin' cute!! His little smile really melts my heart and I love when he "talks" to me and hugs me. He usually has A LOT to say - he must get that from his mom. He has started a new thing where if I try to hand him to someone he grabs a hold of me with both hands and won't let go. He started it at Thanksgiving. I think he may have gotten overwhelmed with all the people. He cries sometimes when I leave the room. It's so sad. We go to the dr. on the 19th so I'll be able to update more then. We are still sleeping through the night (when we are at home). We've just started eating a real lunch on a regular basis. He snacks a lot throughout the day. We still take our 10:30 and 2:30 naps and sometimes we take another one around 5:00 or so. Max still isn't crawling but he has started making some strides towards being a crawler. He still rolls ALL OVER the place. Now when he is on the hardwoods, he uses his hands to slide his body forward and backward (usually backwards). It's really funny to watch. He occasionally attempts to army crawl and tries to get on his knees. He really tries to crawl when he is in the bath tub. It is the most he has ever tried to crawl or get on his knees. We've decided it is due to the weightlessness of the water. It is GREAT and EXTREMELY cute! Now he'll even put weight on his legs and stand with assistance. He's just getting to be such a big boy. We can't wait for his First Christmas! Here are a couple of pictures. Enjoy and have a maxalicious week!!

Trying to crawl

Best Friends!

7!

That's right our 7th tooth poked through. I would have included this in yesterdays blog but the left lateral incisor didn't make it's appearance until today- he was working hard last night. I guess I just needed a reason to blog and post more pictures. And silly me, I thought we were taking a break from teething - I guess he's getting use to these teeth popping up all over the place!! Also, we are getting SO much better with using a sippy cup. I felt a little hopeless for the little guy but I'm hopeful now. He almost looks like a pro. Thanks Christina for the Nuby! Enjoy these pictures of Max riding the horsey at Joe and Gayle's. TOO cute - maybe this means he'll love horseracing as much as his big pop?

Is that Kelly's face or what?

Ride little horsey!!Sweet Baby Boy!!