The End of 2009

So we wrap up December with a few great photos - I got to take Drew to a gymboree music class to try out and see if we want to sign up - he is mesmerized by the bubbles and we got to sing, dance and make all sorts of music....Drew really likes clapping. We got lots more pictures with his girlfriend, Jorga, but the pics are on Autumn's phone - one of these days I am going to get them. I think we might start classes after the month of February - we will try a few more types in January and then lock in on his favorite.

Unfortunately, during this month, we lost my uncle Neal (Dad's brother) to pneumonia. He had been quite ill and when he got sick it took over his body. We pray for him to watch over us - I was so sorry that I couldn't get a chance to say goodbye or spend time with his family at the funeral but Dad and Suzette were there and shared our love with them. It is amazing how you can't just jump on a plane these days with a little on in tow.

Just a few days before Christmas we were able to get a picture of Drew with Santa - he visited our Country Club at Kid's Craft Night and Santa brought his wife - I think Drew is quite the ladies man as he definitely preferred Mrs. Claus to Santa...

We have spent the holiday just hanging - we have found a new Nanny - Tiaira - she is great with Drew and we are looking forward to the new year starting off with new fun things to learn with her. Drew came to Christmas Eve service with us at church - he was great and silent eating his cheerios. When it was time for communion, John carried him and he hammed it up all the way to the altar smiling and laughing for everyone to point and smile at him....or it could have been his bib reading: "If you think I am cute, you should see my dad.".....we're not sure - either is fine for us.

Drew also got some gifts from a few folks - here are a couple of pics of Drew opening gifts. Thanks to those that sent 'noise' toys - you won't be forgotten....we will have to find out how to 'repay' you :)...We took a quick video of his excitement to open the gifts (see below)....or should I say....eat the paper :)

We are looking forward to Monday morning when we leave for Maui - we have a great dog sitter that stays with the Dogs so they don't take over the house. We will leave here before God turns on the lights :) and travel to Maui via Dallas where Auntie Lala (Laura), Auntie Eenie Weenie (Erin), GG (Grandpa Greg) and Nana join us for the 9 hour flight over - More pics to come of the great family time we will have when we meet up with Cousin Maddie, Uncle Jeffy and Auntie Angie - it will be Drew's first time to meet them - we can't wait! Merry Christmas to everyone and we will talk to you in the New Year when Iowa and Texas both win their bowls!!!!

6 months old!!! WOOHOO!!!

In preparation for Drew's big 6 month milestone - we had our first "REAL" playdate :). Jorja and Autumn came over - Autumn had Jorja about 3 wks after Drew was born. We had lunch and played, comparing toys and milestones.....Yes, Drew is about a billion more pounds than most kids his age....

Drew started sitting on his own around 5.5 months of age - he is trying hard to read his books and 'over achieve' the milestones expected for his age - He just started getting on all fours looking at us like, 'now what?' - we don't want him to crawl to early as we have a 9 hr trip to Hawaii in a few wks - I think just sitting will do just fine :). He is well into all of his vegetables now - even eating several yummy fruits and such at every meal. Pls note, no more mullet - the rest of his little reddish blonde hair is coming in full steam ahead....We are now in 12 month clothing and into wearing little pants and tops now - even some shoes - always fun to come home from work and see what little outfit he has on....John says boys don't wear outfits so instead, which clothes he has on....

So - Drew turned 6 months old this past Saturday - he is growing up so fast. We went to a friend's holiday open house and took some pics - he was all dressed up in his new Christmas clothes (you know, to pick up the girls).....after being quite the ladies man - he wanted to return to naked times and pj's - yes, he is very warm blooded - he prefers to be naked - or is that him just taking after his father???? Rob and Tracy's daughter, Lyla, played with Drew most of the night, helping feed him, play with him, change him - he even went to sleep in her bed (of course she thought this was the most special). Yes, Lyla is 3 in this picture and Drew is almost the size of her....We got some not so great news....Maggie is leaving us.....she found a job downtown that helps her move towards a career utilizing her business degree vs. a job - we knew she was just too good to be true - we will miss he dearly and will ask her to come visit often. So we are on the hunt for a new nanny......looking and looking and looking - this certainly not a great time to look versus the end of summer but we have faith that we will find another Angel to care for Drew!

So for our 6 month check up - as guessed....large and in charge. Drew topped out at 30 inches in length and now that he is more active - he is down a few pounds to 20.5 lbs. I know, that is still very tall and big but a little lighter than we had thought. His motor skills are still very advanced according to Dr. Thind and everything else looks good - he got some more vaccinations and his flu shot....

I never uploaded the pics we got taken at Target in Dallas in Sept - they are FANTASTIC!! Here are a few we got - I have the larger ones all digital to give to folks - hard to send since they are so big - will have to put on CD's or zip drives and mail for X-mas!! Notice his Texas football pic!!