Busybodies

What a busy few days we've had!

Last week a new friend of mine asked if I'd like to make a trip into the city with a few girls and their little ones to enjoy the free admission day at Shedd Aquarium. I have to admit, my first inclination was to say "no, thank you." It actually sounded terrible trying to either (a) fight the traffic into the city, find a place to park, etc. etc. or (b) figure out how to get to the aquarium via public transportation with a baby in tow. However, I decided it would probably be good to step outside of my comfort zone here. Besides, I would get to spend the day with friends and also feel like I accomplished something by taking Tanner somewhere different.

We decided to take the train downtown. What a motley crew we were -- barely arriving at the station in time -- with strollers, diaper bags, backpacks, blankets, sippy cups and sack lunches. We made at least a few people chuckle as we tried to get all of our belongings onto the train before it pulled away. Once we arrived at Union Station, we re-bundled everyone up (did I mention it was like zero degrees outside?) and walked the few blocks to Millenium Park to see their ice exhibit. Afterwards, we caught two different buses and finally made it to the aquarium! What a trip! I was already exhausted by the time we got there, but so proud of myself for making it! The hardest part was getting on and off of the buses -- especially when my stroller decided that it would no longer fold or unfold easily. (By the end of the trip, it wouldn't fold back up at all!) Sadly, the aquarium was pretty disappointing, but we didn't let that dampen our spirits. I think we all really enjoyed each other's company and just getting outside in the fresh (but cold) air for a little while. We all said that we would definitely do it again.






Jon caught up with us on the train on the way back since it was the same train he takes home from work. I was SO glad. For one thing, I couldn't get my stroller to fold up anymore and was dreading having to get all of my stuff off of the train. Secondly, there was an accident at one of the stations ahead of us, so we had to stop and get off a few stops early. Jon got a cab to take the two of us and Tanner back and Evelyn's husband came to pick up everyone else. It was so nice to have him there to take care of everything -- I'm so lucky to have such a great husband! It ended up being a really long (but fun!) day. We were both asleep on the couch by 8:30!

On Saturday, I drove home for Lisa's baby shower. I am just so happy for her and glad that I was able to make it -- I got to see a lot of old friends. The best part of my day, though, was coming back home to my boys. This was Jon's first experience taking care of Tanner ALL day. I was actually gone from about the exact time he leaves for work in the morning to when he gets home at night. The first thing he said when I walked in was ... "It's been a REALLY long day. I don't know how you do it." It made me feel really good to know he spent a day in my shoes and realized that it is truly a difficult (but rewarding!!) job. A few minutes after I got home, Tanner woke up, so I ran upstairs to rock him back to sleep. I had MISSED him! And I think he missed me, too -- he was so happy to see me! I just relished the sweet time I got to spend with him as he fell back asleep. Ahhhhh ... motherhood.

We had to snap some pics of our little man dressed to impress for church this morning. Enjoy!!

One more thing...

Jon found out yesterday that he was accepted to the University of Chicago's Graduate School of Business.

Congratulations!

We're so proud of you!!!

He's BAAAACK!

Tanner has been having a much better week this week. I feel so lucky to have my little blogging community full of moms with encouraging words! Thank you for your comments and emails after my last post! He was just delighted with the new sippy cup I offered him last Friday afternoon and has been happy to play with it and sip from it since. Now I feel guilty for not offering him one sooner. All those meals of clumpy oatmeal cereal with nothing to wash it down with -- poor guy! Ahhh ... the mom guilt -- it's always there. :)

We had a great weekend and ended up going home to Michigan at the last minute to visit with our siblings -- Pat, Kat, and Eric. Tanner was just tickled to see them, as were we! We stopped to pick up Eric from the airport on the way home and I got to hear all about West Point during the whole trip -- every nosy sister's dream! On Saturday night, my mother-in-law made a fantastic Valentine's dinner for all of us -- it was so nice to have that time together!

Those are pretty big muscles, Uncle Eric. You must go to the gym like I do.

Tomorrow night, Jon's cousin, Shannon, is coming over for dinner. She works on the Jesus Christ Superstar tour and her show is in town. I can't wait to see her and hear all about her travels and, even better, her visit to the OPRAH show this week! I'm so so jealous!!

I have been reflecting a lot today on how much I love staying at home with Tanner. I'm so thankful for this season in my life. I've just really been enjoying both of my boys so much lately. Hope you are getting a chance to enjoy the ones you love, too!

Valentine's Day

I asked him to be my Valentine, but I was denied.





"Grrrrrrr," he said. "No kisses for you!!"

I'm trying not to take it personally, but it does hurt a bit. I mean, I do spend all day trying to make him feel loved. I feed him, clothe him, play with him, act like an idiot just to try and get a laugh, wipe his stinky bottom, bathe him .... I could go on and on. Yet still, my little bubby is not satisfied. He is bored with me, bored with his toys, and has been grumbling, wining, and groaning CONSTANTLY for the last three days. CONSTANTLY!!! From 7am to 7pm. I don't feel any teeth buds. He doesn't look or act sick. Let's just say it's been a long week.

Despite all that, we did get a glimpse of the Tanner we all know and love for about 90 seconds last night when we exchanged Valentines. He got a new little piano that I totally guilted myself into buying for him yesterday afternoon at about 4:00 -- I couldn't let his first Valentine's day go by without something special. It's a good thing Santa isn't the one distributing Valentines -- because if that was the case, Tanner would definitely have been on the bratty list and wouldn't have gotten a thing. I put a bow on it and didn't give it to him until yesterday evening after Jon got home. He just LOVED plunking those little keys and making music.

He's already playing chords ... so advanced!

Oh, Daddy! This is such a good gift! What would you like to hear next?

Tanner's smiles and laughs were matched only by my squeals of delight as I opened my Valentine from my boys. Jon made me several coupons to use for diaper changes, dinner clean-ups, sweeper cleanings, back massages, and all-day-out Saturdays. (I got three of each one.) I was so excited!

We finished the evening with deep-dish Chicago-style pizza from our favorite pizza place, a yummy dessert I had whipped up earlier in the day, and a movie rental. We watched Amazing Grace and I thought it was pretty good. A little slow at times, but I didn't fall asleep, which is usually my measuring stick for how good a movie is.


Hope You Had A Happy Valentine's Day!!

Need A Good Laugh?

Need a good laugh to get you through the middle of the week? Check out these cute commercials.

My Stinky Boy

For the past few days, I've turned on the morning news and listened to the weather person excitedly tell me that we're in for a "wintery mix." From the tone in his voice, you'd expect something nice, like a few snowflakes mixed with sunshine. However, what this term really means is a mixture of rain, snow, and ice. This was a picture of my backyard early this morning. Since then, I think we've gotten about 5 more inches of snow!! Our morning activities have been cancelled and my little munchkin and I have been enjoying a morning at home, just cuddling and playing together. It is so nice to actually be stuck inside and makes me realize that we've been way too busy lately! We're supposed to have playgroup this afternoon, but I'm pretty sure we're not going to make it. Of course, I ran out of wipes early this morning after Tanner's second poopy diaper, so I will have to try to make it down to the Walgreens at the end of my street for some reinforcements. Kind of makes me wish I had a stash like Shelby's in my closet! :)

Speaking of dirty diapers -- Tanner totally tried to foil my workout plans yesterday. I've been taking a yoga class at my gym on Tuesdays and we arrived just a few minutes early yesterday so that I could drop him off in the childcare room. As I took off his coat and hat, I smelled something stinky, so I turned him around to smell his fanny and make sure it was him. (You never know when there's other little ones around!) Of course, he had pooped all the way up his back. No big deal, I went outside and got our diaper bag and then headed to the baby changing station in the bathroom. Tanner had a great time rolling around naked on the little changing shelf while I tried to give him a sponge bath with the few wipes that I had. (I know -- I will be stocking up today.) It's a lot trickier than it sounds trying to wrestle with your 7-month old who is literally trying to put EVERYTHING in his mouth (his pants, his shoes, the wipes holder, etc.) and keep him from falling off of the shelf AND staying away from the poopy diaper and all of the dirty wipes you've used. ANYWAYS ... when I finally got him clean, with a new diaper on, I reached into his diaper bag for his backup outfit. If only I had remembered to put a new one in the other day when I took the old one out. At least his pants were still clean. Tanner was just so pleased with himself as I walked him, shirtless, back into the childcare room. He had the biggest grin on his face and was totally trying to show off his muscles. I couldn't help but laugh. The other kids were totally jealous of his amazing physique. :) We ended up going back home and getting him a new outfit, then heading back to the gym.

Just in case you're ever feeling self-conscious about your thighs ...

All that time at the gym is really paying off!

Hope all of you are staying warm and cozy with the ones you love!

Hash Brown Quiche

Okay, I hate to brag, but I'm going to. I just made the YUMMIEST dinner ever. Well, breakfast-for-dinner to be more exact. I made a huge ham on Friday night and had LOTS of leftovers, so I diced them up and made two yummy recipes out of them. Last night I made B-Mama's yummy Pretty Penne Ham Skillet, and tonight I made Hash Brown Quiche, courtesy of Paula Dean. Here is the recipe if you want to try it. Just to warn you, it's totally NOT healthy, but it's oh-so-yummy. It literally melts in your mouth.

Hash Brown Quiche
3 cups shredded frozen hash browns, thawed and drained
4 Tablespoons butter, melted
3 eggs, beaten
1 cup half and half
3/4 cup diced ham
1/2 cup diced green onions
1 cup shredded cheddar
salt and freshly ground pepper
sour cream

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Gently pat dry drained hash browns. Toss them with butter and press into bottom and sides of 9-inch pie plate. Bake 20-25 minutes until golden brown and starting to crisp. Combine remaining ingredients, pour over crust, and return to oven. Lower oven temperature to 350 degrees and bake for 30 minutes. Serve with a dollop of sour cream.

5 Years...

... and he's still lookin' hot!

He's gonna kill me for this!

Special Day

Yesterday was quite a special day for me -- my 28th birthday and my 5 year anniversary! Needless to say, I got double the lovin'. My birthday spoiling actually started on Friday and lasted for several days!

On Friday, Tanner and I met Jon for lunch and he treated us to my favorite -- Cheesecake Factory! It was great being able to see him in the middle of the day like that. We are definitely going to meet him for lunch more often. Later that evening, after Tanner was in bed, I thought Jon and I were just going to have a normal Friday night. He had rented a few movies and I had just sat down to relax after finishing the dishes from dinner. Little did I know that my parents were on their way to my house to surprise me! The doorbell rang around 9:30 and there were my mom and dad -- standing outside my front door with a giant chocolate birthday cake in their hands. I couldn't have been more surprised!

4 layers of lovin'

We spent all day on Saturday just relaxing with my Mom and Dad. We all woke up and visited over coffee, then went to see our new house and ended up at my favorite local breakfast place for brunch. We also opened presents somewhere in there -- a swimsuit from Jon, goggles from Tanner (I've been wanting to swim some laps at the gym), a nice watch, photo album, cookbook, and Willow Tree figuring from my parents. That night, my parents babysat while Jon and I went to see Juno (every bit as good as all of the reviews say it is) and then went for dinner at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. On Sunday, we all went to church together, and then out for one more meal, and finally said goodbye to my sweet parents. We also vowed not to eat out at anymore restaurants for a long time -- we were both quite stuffed by the end of the weekend! (Not too stuffed to enjoy just one more slice of that chocolately goodness, though!)

Tanner and his Grandpa. I think they totally look alike here.

Don't worry, Tanner. Mommy will eat an extra piece for you. :)

Me and My Boys.

Tanner and Grammy. (I know -- she's in PJs in just about every picture on my blog. She does wear normal clothes -- once in a while. :)

A birthday nap with my cuddlebug.

By the time yesterday rolled around, I wasn't expecting any more special treatment. But Jon had one more surprise up his sleeve -- a rose for each year we've been married. Gosh, I'm lucky!

Good News

Something new has been sprouting here in the Hall house in the past few days. We are very excited to announce ....

TANNER IS GETTING HAIR!!

We think the growth is stimluated by kisses. :)

Tired Baby

It's been a busy week and poor Tanner has taken several of his naps right in his car seat. I couldn't help but snap a picture of him peacefully dozing yesterday on our way home from MOPS.

This morning we had bible study at church. He fell alseep in the car on the way there and then slept for another hour in his carseat once we got there. Afterwards, we went to lunch with a woman from my bible study group and her daughter. I was so excited when she asked me if I'd like to go. It's always so great to make a new friend. Tanner fell asleep again on the way home for another hour and a half. When he woke up, I asked him if he wanted to go to Target with me to get some groceries.

You can't be serious ...

I think I'll take that as a "no."

Prunes, Prunes

Prunes, prunes, magical fruit
The more you eat, the more you .... (well, you know)



Tanner's new fave. I actually watched him lick his lips the other day just to make sure he got every last bit of the sweet stuff in his mouth. This makes for quite an interesting experience come changing time. Just ask Jon, who changed his first diaper today in about 6 weeks. I don't think he was quite prepared for what he encountered, now that our T-bone has become a regular solid-foods eater. :) Too funny.



Today was a great day. I had a hair appointment this morning, and I came out every bit as blonde as I had hoped, with a new short 'do if I might add. Jon loves it. I'm still getting used to it. Anyways, my stylist was WAY pregnant and we had fun talking about pregnancy and labor and all that interesting mommy stuff. Made me want another one ... all in good time, though. After my appointment, I had a day to myself while Jon and Tanner bonded. I went to Starbucks and read for a while (The Pillars of the Earth, which is fantastic so far). Then, I went to see 27 Dresses, which was very cute. I drooled over James Marsden for most of the movie before realizing that he looks a lot like Jon. (At least I think so!) I felt completely spoiled having so much time to myself today, and then truly blessed when I walked in the door to see my two smiling boys. Ahhhhhhh.....

So, remember when you were young, and you just had to have Doc Martens because everyone else did (or maybe saddle shoes for some of you older folks :). And you totally had to get a Pogo Ball, because everyone else was getting one of those, too (again, pogo sticks for the older ones). Or maybe you were just dying to take tennis lessons at summer rec because you just knew that anybody who was anybody was going to be there. Well, sadly, I've regressed to my childhood -- except instead of wanting things for myself, I'm wanting them for my son. Everytime we go to playgroup at someone's house, I find a toy that I'm sure Tanner just has to have -- to promote his brain growth and physical development, of course. Well, now the thing is Kindermusik. Every baby is doing it. Several of the kids in our playgroup are signed up. Other moms I know casually work it into conversation that their child (infant) will be attending the Friday class, there are only a few more openings, etc. etc. So, I decided to look into this new fad. I mean, I would LOVE to be able to take Tanner to this class -- it's all music and books and dancing and generally sounds like great fun. However, it is only 2 months long and is quite expensive. So even though I can't justify spending that much on the class, I still want it for him! It's like I'm all caught up in this peer pressure thing again except it's mommy pressure -- and I have a feeling it's only just the beginning. God help us!

Our Puppeteer

The other night, I was in the middle of getting Tanner ready for bed, and I needed to do something really quick, so I asked Jon to come in and watch Tanner for a second. This was what I found when I walked back in the room. Actually, I think I just stood in the hall for a few minutes and watched before I interrupted their fun.

Tanner was getting a little bedtime puppet-show from his daddy! No wonder he can't help but smile from ear to ear whenever Jon walks in the room. He literally wants nothing to do with me when his dad is around. He won't even nurse when he's in the room -- he'll nurse for like 2 seconds then look around to make sure his dad is still in the room, give him a huge grin, then nurse for two more seconds, etc. I guess I can't let this make me jealous -- I completely understand Tanner's love for the guy!

Just Weighing In

Warning: neurotic ramblings ahead

For once in my life, I actually feel okay with my body. I mean, I know that it's far from perfect, I'm still about 5 lbs heavier and definitely somewhat rounder than pre-baby. But for some reason, that just doesn't bother me right now. I've never felt so comfortable in my own skin as I have since giving birth. Nevertheless, with the start of a new year, I find myself at a crossroads. Do I continue to love my figure and feel good about this body that bore my son and continues to nurture him? Or is being okay with a few extra lbs "letting myself go?" I mean ... I can't really use the "I just had a baby excuse" for much longer -- it's been over 6 months!

We are only 10 days into the New Year and already I'm fed up with the media and our society's obsession to lose weight. I feel like my first, habitual reaction is always "I'm so fat." Then I take a step back, stop and think, and say "Be good to yourself." (my inner yogi coming out :) Maybe it's because, year after year, I've jumped on the bandwagon just like everyone else and used my weight as a measuring stick for self-worth. I'm determined not to do that anymore. I want to exercise to make myself feel good instead of just working out to lose weight. I don't want to feel guilty about every morsel of food I put into my mouth. Am I living in a dream world or is this really possible? Will loving my figure as it is make me a happier person or will it land me on a future season of "The Biggest Loser?"

On a sidenote ... I was able to go to a Vinyasa yoga class at my gym yesterday. Boy did it make me miss my old yoga studio in Colorado! I guess I was a little disappointed, but I will continue to attend the class every week. I think I was just hoping for something a little more intense. I wish I was able to have an intense practice by myself at home, but it's just not the same. Any yogis out there with suggestions?

Proud Mama

After my last post, I procrastinated just a little bit more until Jon finally shoo-ed me out the door. "You'll feel better if you just go," he said. He was totally right. It was great to just get out of the house for a little while -- and working out wasn't so bad, either. I'm not sure if exercise was the perfect medicine, or if it was coming home to see my little lovey in the bath tub, having a ball splashing around with all of his toys.

Are you SURE I have to go to bed after this??

AHH!! I just got splashed!!

We ended up spending the night doing our own thing. Jon worked on his essays and I started reading The Red Tent again. My MOMs Club has a book club and that is their book for this month. I've been wanting to join, so I figured this is the month to do it! I've read The Red Tent before -- several years ago -- and I think this might be the first book I've ever read twice. I just LOVE it, though, and am already half-way through. If you haven't read it, it is a MUST -- probably my favorite of all times. I can't wait to discuss it with my book club!

Today was THE day -- I took Tanner to the gym with me and left him in the child care center there for the first time. I don't know why I was so hesitant to leave him in the first place. It only costs me a dollar an hour, and there were literally 3 kids in there the whole time with 3 adults watching them. Our gym has a television screen on every piece of equipment and there is a channel that has video feed from the nursery, so I was able to check on him throughout my workout, which was really nice. When I went to pick him up, the girls said I wasn't aloud to take him unless I bring him back tomorrow. They loved him, which makes me feel good. I was definitely a proud mama walking out of there. Yay, my sweet Tanner! Thank you for being so good so mommy can have some time for herself!

Well, I better get going. I'm sure my boy is going to be waking up from his nap any time now. Hope you're having a wonderful start to your week!

His Newest Love...

Mirror, Mirror, on the wall, who is the handsomest of them all?

Winter Blues

I can't believe it's already Saturday. This seemed like such a short week -- probably because Jon only worked Wed-Fri and is already home with us all day again! We're not used to seeing so much of Daddy, but we love it! I have to admit, though, that I've had ENOUGH with football season and can't wait until it's over. My goodness, it is ALWAYS on!!

Tanner had his 6-month appointment on Thursday. What a rough day that was for him! He weighs almost 20 lbs and is 27.5 inches long -- placing him somewhere around the 85-90th percentile for weight and 75th for height. My little chubby wubby. Most of the appointment went well, but he had to get several vaccines and a flu shot. He was not very happy by the time we left. The next morning, he woke up with a fever -- his first ever, and just wanted to snuggle up with me all morning. I didn't mind. :) He was so cuddly in his new Georgia pjs from Aunt Lauren and Uncle Daniel. It just broke my heart to see him so miserable, though. He's also been REALLY congested lately, which wouldn't be that big of a deal, but when you block your only good airway with a pacifier, then you have problems! Needless to say, he hasn't been sleeping very good at night, which usually means he ends up in our bed by morning! Having him in our bed doesn't seem to bother Jon, but I do NOT sleep well, so I'm anxious for the little guy to be feeling better again!

The weather here has been SO COLD, but is finally starting to warm up just a little. I haven't seen the sun in I don't know how long, which is starting to wear on me a bit, but I guess I better toughen up -- spring is still a long time away! I'm definitely feeling a touch of cabin fever. My intentions were to begin taking Tanner to the child care center at the gym this week so I could start working out, but somehow I managed to talk myself out of it each day.

Wed: Let's just wait one more day for Tanner to have all of his vaccines.
Thurs: Kids are still out of school, the daycare will be crowded.
Fri: Tanner didn't feel good this morning. Better wait until next week.

I don't know why I'm having such a problem leaving him! I leave him in the nursery at church several times a week. Monday is THE day, no excuses. I wonder if I'm just subconsciously coming up with excuses not to work out. Do you ever notice that the longer you've gone without working out, the harder it is to get back into it? UGH!

No big plans for us this weekend. We had our inspection at the new house today. Everything looked good, and Tanner and I stopped by at the end to look around again. I'm so excited to move in! We'll have so much more living space than we do right now in our townhome. Jon is supposedly going to spend the weekend working on essays for his MBA applications, but right now I'm seeing football on the television screen again -- Hmmmm! I'm wishing we had something exciting or fun to do tonight, but it seems like we do the same thing every night, regardless of whether it's a weeknight or weekend or whatever -- feed Tanner his cereal, give Tanner a bath, nurse Tanner, put Tanner to bed, make dinner, clean up dinner, watch tv, go to bed. I'm feeling a little depressed about this right now... Any suggestions for how to make another evening-in a little more exciting?

Well, the house is suddenly very quiet, and I have a feeling my boys haven fallen asleep together for a winter's nap upstairs. Maybe I'll just make my way to the gym and get a few endorphins pumping -- get rid of these winter blues.

One More Thing...

Oh yeah ... I forgot to tell you. We bought a new house last week! We got an amazing deal on a great house in a great neighborhood with lots of kids and young families. We are under contract right now and will close at the end of February. I can hardly sleep at night thinking about what colors I want to paint each room. We're so excited!

Out With the Old and In With the New

How can it be that Christmas has already come and gone and the New Year is upon us? I always have mixed feelings at this time of year -- sad that all of the Christmas festivities are over, but excited at the prospect of a fresh start in the new year. I grew up watching Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea constantly with my sisters. In the movie, Anne's teacher says to her, "Tomorrow is a new day, with no mistakes in it." I think it's so refreshing to think that tomorrow we start a new YEAR with no mistakes in it.


My new year's resolution usually revolves around weight loss, but this year I've decided that my resolution is to spend quiet time each day with the LORD. (during which I'll be sure to pray about some weight loss) I wish that I didn't have to actually make a resolution to do this -- that it was easy to carve 15 minutes out of my day to spend with the one who loves me like no other, who has blessed me immeasurably. Why is this so difficult? I can easily spend 15 minutes a day blogging, blow-drying my hair, reading a good book, exercising, even doing the dishes!! Why do I feel so restless and uncomfortable when I sit down with nothing to do but pray and read God's word? I hope that through committment and prayer this time with God will become truly enjoyable and fruitful.


We had a fantastic time at home with our families this past week, taking no less than 232 pictures of our little Tanner opening presents. (I know -- there's something wrong with us.) The week started with a wonderful celebration -- my sister, Katherine, and Jon's brother, Pat got engaged on December 22. They have been dating since Katherine was in 8th grade and Pat was a freshman in high school -- so almost 9 years now!! I'm SO happy for them and they are so happy together. Pat took Katherine on a scavenger hunt that ended underneath the Hall's Christmas tree, where the train came around with a ring in one of its cars. The proposal was so well thought-out and planned, and very romantic if I do say so myself -- with one of the clues involving Katherine selecting one of two new dresses to wear for a fancy dinner after the proposal -- just like on The Bachelor!! They are hoping to get married sometime this summer -- I'm just waiting to be asked to be a bridesmaid (Matron of honor, of course). I told Kat that my calendar does have a tendency to fill up quickly, so she better ask me soon ... :)

Congratulations, Kat and Pat!!

Christmas morning was very fun, but a little hectic. Since my house is no longer filled with small children, but adults instead, nobody wanted to be awoken before 9am. We quickly opened presents, ate our sticky cake, and headed to Grandma and Grandpa Hall's house for Christmas part II. We warned Tanner on the way there that Santa only comes once on Christmas morning, so not to expect more gifts from him at the Halls -- he would have to be "Little Boy of the Year" for Santa to come twice. I guess he must have been pretty good, because Santa had left even more presents for him to open -- my goodness! :) He had much more fun opening gifts than I could have ever imagined, but seemed to have the wrong idea as far as what to do with his gifts -- wanting to eat everything instead of play with it!

Reading "The Night Before Christmas" with Grandpa, a Hall Family tradition.

Yummy

I hope we didn't overstimulate him ... :)

His favorite gift ...

What a happy little angel-baby!

Once again ... eating his presents.

Trying to be cool with Uncle Pat.

So serious. Thank you so much for the Tiny Diner mat, Uncle Steve and Aunt Christin.

We spent the remainder of the week enjoying time with our families. Grandpa Hall got a new poker table for Christmas, and we spent several nights playing Texas Hold 'em for small amounts of cash, which was a great time (especially since I won a few dollars on the last night!). We also got to see a movie one night while our parents babysat -- The Great Debaters. It was really good and I think we enjoyed it even more because we haven't been out alone together in a long time! We were also able to visit with a few old friends who also welcomed new little ones into their families during the past year. It was so fun to see Tanner interact with their kids. He LOVES other babies!

Jon, Kenny, Tanner, and Trey

I caught this one on the fly ... how CUTE are these dads??

Kennedy and Tanner

He is SUCH a flirt. Check out that hand-grab!

The happy mommas and mommy-to-be.
Lisa, Rachel, Michelle, Tanner, and Kennedy

Well, Tanner is up from his nap, so I better get going. I'm sure you're tired of reading by now! I hope you have a BLESSED NEW YEAR!!