The years seem to just be flying now. I cannot believe 2009 is coming to an end. Here are some of my most favorite highlights:
January- We found out we were expecting a baby boy. When we saw Hunter on the ultrasound machine we both cried a little and were so excited!!!
February- Josh & I took a weekend trip to Washington, D.C. It was our "babymoon"-- the last trip with just the two of us. A quick trip, but quite special.
March- Josh & I started our childbirth class and I was able to go on a women's retreat with my church.
April- We worked hard to prepare the nursery to welcome Hunter. Josh added a chair rail and painted the room. I was so pleased with how it turned out. It was the perfect place to bring my newborn!
May- Josh & I finished up with the youth group we led in Virginia Beach. We were so blessed by those students and grew together as a couple.
June- The long awaited child was finally born! After 40 hours in the hospital delivery room, Hunter Daniel entered the world. It was a glorious day! We are so blessed by this child every day. My mom and Glen and Paul and LaVonne were all able to come out to Virginia to meet Hunter and spend time with us. It was a good month!
July- We settled into being parents and being sleep deprived! ha! We also decided to put our house on the market to see if we could get any traffic as we contemplated moving.
August- Josh & I celebrated 2 years of marriage by hiring a babysitter for the very first time. We went to the Melting Pot and enjoyed alone time. I was soooo tired and a little bit freaked out to be a part from my baby for the first time, but it was a wonderful date. I also started my blog in August and I have really enjoyed it.
September- Hunter began sleeping at least 10 hours every night; we were debating almost everyday about what to do when Josh's job ended; and we were getting used to being parents!
October- We decided that we were going to move to St. Louis for sure. We began marketing our house even more and showing it all the time. Hunter got quite sick which was a big scare for us.
November- All our belongings were packed up and our move became real. We said many goodbyes, cried many tears, and began the transition to St. Louis. We left Virginia Beach mid-month and started a 2 month road trip across the country. Hunter was able to meet a lot my family!
December- The travels continued! We were in New Mexico at the beginning of the month, Colorado in the middle, and Iowa at the end. Whew!
We have had quite the year. Lots of change in the Hammans family--but it is exciting! Here's to 2010!!!!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Hunter's first food!
Hunter just had his first food! He has been exclusively breastfed for 28 weeks and 2 days. Today, he had his first taste of something else. Hunter was given Rice Cereal with breastmilk and water and probiotics mixed in. He really liked it!
Grandma LaVonne, Aunt Alyce, friends Keri and Ephraim watched as Josh fed him and I filmed. Here is the video:
Grandma LaVonne, Aunt Alyce, friends Keri and Ephraim watched as Josh fed him and I filmed. Here is the video:
and my favorite of the day....
This photo is not edited or changed in anyway. Oh how I love my Nikon D5000!!!
We had a wonderful Christmas in the country. The white ground welcomed more snow all day long as we cuddled inside. The Hammans have a tradition of opening presents on Christmas Eve. The presents were piled so high- all over the house. It took us hours to open everything and even then we didn't get it all done! Hunter slept through much of the Christmas Eve present time, so he had a lot to open on Christmas Day.
Christmas morning was quiet and slow. We all slept in and relaxed. I took about a million pictures of Hunter. LaVonne made her famous blueberry buckle and we gathered around the table for a late breakfast. I was able to talk to my family via skype. Then we all opened our stockings and Hunter opened his gifts (with mommy and daddy's help, of course!). We ended the day by watching A Christmas Story . The Hammans had never seen it so it was fun to introduce them.
We had Christmas Dinner the next day with LaVonne's mom and stepdad. It was wonderful: ham, mashed potatoes, beans, beef with noodles, green bean casserole, and many tasty desserts.
I was so excited for Hunter's first Christmas! He loved the tissue paper the most!
We had a wonderful Christmas in the country. The white ground welcomed more snow all day long as we cuddled inside. The Hammans have a tradition of opening presents on Christmas Eve. The presents were piled so high- all over the house. It took us hours to open everything and even then we didn't get it all done! Hunter slept through much of the Christmas Eve present time, so he had a lot to open on Christmas Day.
Christmas morning was quiet and slow. We all slept in and relaxed. I took about a million pictures of Hunter. LaVonne made her famous blueberry buckle and we gathered around the table for a late breakfast. I was able to talk to my family via skype. Then we all opened our stockings and Hunter opened his gifts (with mommy and daddy's help, of course!). We ended the day by watching A Christmas Story . The Hammans had never seen it so it was fun to introduce them.
We had Christmas Dinner the next day with LaVonne's mom and stepdad. It was wonderful: ham, mashed potatoes, beans, beef with noodles, green bean casserole, and many tasty desserts.
I was so excited for Hunter's first Christmas! He loved the tissue paper the most!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
6 months
Hunter is six months old now~ a half of a year. We are so blessed by him everyday. He is such a happy baby who smiles nearly all the time. He is very social. A few days ago we were in Des Moines with Josh's sister Alyce eating at a Mongolian Grill. Nine-month-old Dorothy was across the aisle from Hunter and they both had a grand time looking at each other and laughing and cooing. It was adorable. Throughout all of our travels he has made many friends.
He had his 6-month well-visit yesterday in Winterset, Iowa. Dr. Amy was wonderful with Hunter. Hunter is still on his antibiotic from his UTI and possible kidney infection. Being on an antibiotic for this long is tough on any body-- but especially a body as little as his. He has not gained any weight in the last month. This was scary news for Josh & me, but the doctor has assured us it is due to Hunter being more active as well as the antibiotic causing his belly to be a little bit upset. Dr. Amy gave Hunter some probiotics to help replace some of the negative aspects of antibiotics. We are hopeful that will help Hunter feel a little better.
Hunter's 6 month Stats:
Weight: 17 lbs, 10 oz. (50th percentile)
Height: 27.5 inches (75th percentile)
Dr. Amy is going to help us get an appointment with a urologist in Des Moines, Iowa so that Hunter can have his final test and hopefully we can put this all behind us. The doctor in Virginia required Hunter to be on antibiotics for 10 weeks in order to ensure all infection is gone before proceeding with the next test, a VCUG***. If this comes back negative- we are completely done with treatment. If it comes back positive, there are different surgical procedures we will be forced to chose between.
We are hoping for the negative results, of course. We would really like to be done with this sickness! Hunter seems like a healthy baby. He is making all of his developmental milestones just fine and his little body looks healthy.
He says, "DaDaDaDa" now. He can roll over and over and over to get wherever he wants to go! Everyday his hair gets more and more red. Could it be that I will have a red-headed blue-eyed boy?
*** In case you want to know: A voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) is an x-ray test where a small tube or catheter is placed into the bladder through the opening where the urine comes out. A special liquid called x-ray contrast is used to fill the bladder through the catheter. When the child's bladder is full, the child will urinate into a special container while on the x-ray table. While the bladder is filling and the child is urinating, x-rays are taken.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Feeling Blessed
In the past month, I have seen so many people who are very dear to me. I have been able to see friends from all different stages of my life:
In New Mexico I spent time with friends from high school and my very loving family.
In Waco and a few weeks later in Houston, I spent time with friends from Baylor.
Here in Colorado I have spent time with friends from Youth for Christ, Colorado School of Dance and friends from the church where I interned.
AND…I have been able to spend time with Josh’s friends from when he was stationed in Colorado Springs.
I have a very blessed life. The Lord has given me amazing friends through all the stages of my life. Everywhere God has called me, he has surrounded me with amazing men and women who have a heart for Him. I have been mentored, discipled, encouraged, and sharpened by so many people. I am thankful for each of these men and women. I know that God has used them to make me who I am and to call me more deeply to Himself.
I am also feeling inspired. Inspired to reach out, to sharpen, to mentor… I want God to use me in other’s lives as I have seen Him use people in my own life.
The time with all these very special people has reminded me of this fact: life is not meant to be spent in isolation. Life is so much fuller and richer when it is shared---and not just in the good times but also in the hard times. The relationships I consider the most dear to me are the ones where we have walked through the real, often painful, places in life.
Dear friends and family who are reading this: open yourself up to know and be known. Take the risk of entering into relationships with those around you. You will not regret it. Because being known brings freedom. We truly are made for relationships.
In New Mexico I spent time with friends from high school and my very loving family.
In Waco and a few weeks later in Houston, I spent time with friends from Baylor.
Here in Colorado I have spent time with friends from Youth for Christ, Colorado School of Dance and friends from the church where I interned.
AND…I have been able to spend time with Josh’s friends from when he was stationed in Colorado Springs.
I have a very blessed life. The Lord has given me amazing friends through all the stages of my life. Everywhere God has called me, he has surrounded me with amazing men and women who have a heart for Him. I have been mentored, discipled, encouraged, and sharpened by so many people. I am thankful for each of these men and women. I know that God has used them to make me who I am and to call me more deeply to Himself.
I am also feeling inspired. Inspired to reach out, to sharpen, to mentor… I want God to use me in other’s lives as I have seen Him use people in my own life.
The time with all these very special people has reminded me of this fact: life is not meant to be spent in isolation. Life is so much fuller and richer when it is shared---and not just in the good times but also in the hard times. The relationships I consider the most dear to me are the ones where we have walked through the real, often painful, places in life.
Dear friends and family who are reading this: open yourself up to know and be known. Take the risk of entering into relationships with those around you. You will not regret it. Because being known brings freedom. We truly are made for relationships.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Josh is 30.
My husband just turned 30 this week. 30! I used to think that was so old!! But now I can see that we are just getting started.
In honor of his birthday, here are the top 30 things I love about Josh:
30. He loves Colorado as much as I do.
29. He looks great with facial hair.
28. He has a sensitive side—one that cries at movies and is moved by music.
27. He started a blog: http://theseminarianview.blogspot.com/ .
26. He likes to play board games with me. Our favorites are Settlers of Catan and Monopoly.
25. He is good with computers. He understands how to set them up and get them working!
24. He is a loyal friend.
23. He is creative. He is currently working on a novel with two of his best friends.
22. He is great with Hunter.
21. He knows how to drive a stick shift.
20. He is very manly and strong.
19. He gives really good back rubs. And foot rubs.
18. He is willing to help out around the house—even after a long day of work.
17. He loves the Lord and wants to reach the lost for Him.
16. He understands my need for girl time and will do whatever he can to make sure I have time for myself.
15. He is smart. Like really smart. If I have a question about pretty much anything he is like my walking google.
14. He can make Hunter laugh so easily. Hunter loves him so much!
13. He has a passion for Theology and Truth.
12. He is a hard worker. He was able to complete his Bachelor’s degree while working full-time and serving in his church.
11. He is willing to listen and work things through—an essential character trait in any marriage!
10. He cares about physical fitness and wants to stay healthy.
9. He will go shopping with me for hours if I want.
8. He loves Starbucks and will go with me anytime I want.
7. He can turn almost any moment into a celebration of some sort. (ex: let’s celebrate the fact that it is Tuesday and it is sunny.)
6. He is following his passion and calling and going back to school…even when it seems a little frightening.
5. He is adventurous. I know life will never be boring with him!
4. He always encourages me pursue my dreams, desires, wishes, and goals.
3. He is always willing to help people, whether it is a physical or emotional need, Josh will always be there.
2. He is a family man.
1. He is a man of God. I can trust him and his leadership for our family.
I love you, Josh! Happy 30! You are half way to 60 now!
In honor of his birthday, here are the top 30 things I love about Josh:
30. He loves Colorado as much as I do.
29. He looks great with facial hair.
28. He has a sensitive side—one that cries at movies and is moved by music.
27. He started a blog: http://theseminarianview.blogspot.com/ .
26. He likes to play board games with me. Our favorites are Settlers of Catan and Monopoly.
25. He is good with computers. He understands how to set them up and get them working!
24. He is a loyal friend.
23. He is creative. He is currently working on a novel with two of his best friends.
22. He is great with Hunter.
21. He knows how to drive a stick shift.
20. He is very manly and strong.
19. He gives really good back rubs. And foot rubs.
18. He is willing to help out around the house—even after a long day of work.
17. He loves the Lord and wants to reach the lost for Him.
16. He understands my need for girl time and will do whatever he can to make sure I have time for myself.
15. He is smart. Like really smart. If I have a question about pretty much anything he is like my walking google.
14. He can make Hunter laugh so easily. Hunter loves him so much!
13. He has a passion for Theology and Truth.
12. He is a hard worker. He was able to complete his Bachelor’s degree while working full-time and serving in his church.
11. He is willing to listen and work things through—an essential character trait in any marriage!
10. He cares about physical fitness and wants to stay healthy.
9. He will go shopping with me for hours if I want.
8. He loves Starbucks and will go with me anytime I want.
7. He can turn almost any moment into a celebration of some sort. (ex: let’s celebrate the fact that it is Tuesday and it is sunny.)
6. He is following his passion and calling and going back to school…even when it seems a little frightening.
5. He is adventurous. I know life will never be boring with him!
4. He always encourages me pursue my dreams, desires, wishes, and goals.
3. He is always willing to help people, whether it is a physical or emotional need, Josh will always be there.
2. He is a family man.
1. He is a man of God. I can trust him and his leadership for our family.
I love you, Josh! Happy 30! You are half way to 60 now!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Takin' to the skies...
Hunter and I just returned from a huge adventure. We left the “road” part of our Road Trip and took to the air—flying from Denver, CO to Houston, TX. Not only was this Hunter’s first trip on an airplane, it was my first time to travel alone with a baby.
My good friend from college, Aimee, got married on Saturday. I knew I wanted to be there to see her and the love of her life exchange vows. I also knew that Josh and I could not afford to both go and that Hunter still only eats his momma’s milk. So I put on my brave hat and decided to be daring.
We left early Friday morning. Not only was I traveling with an infant, I insisted on avoiding all checked bag fees (I still cannot believe they charge for checked baggage—I will have none of that!) thereby forcing myself to carry my bag, my diaper bag, and my baby through the airport security, through the terminal, and on the plane. Whew! My shoulders are still pretty sore. I was so nervous when Josh dropped me off at DIA. I got a little teary, then switched to my super-determined attitude. And it really wasn’t that bad!
Renting a car and navigating Houston was its own adventure, and one I am happy to say I survived and did so quite successfully. I was so excited when I finally got to the hotel, met my friends, and was able to enjoy the weekend.
Having an infant at a wedding is never an easy task. And having an infant at a rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, bridal breakfast, wedding, and reception was quite exhausting. Combined with the lack of sleep the past few nights due to travel and teething, as well as the flight from Denver, keeping up with Hunter during all these events without the support of my husband was quite possibly one of the hardest things I have ever done. I have a new respect for single parents. It is a non-stop job to be the sole caregiver. Hunter is a great baby and it was still exhausting.
During the bridal breakfast, which was at a fancy hotel with formal place settings and elegant tableware, Hunter flailed his arm quickly and unexpectedly and knocked over a glass of orange juice. Orange liquid went all over the table and into the lap of my friend, who was one of the bridesmaids. Talk about humiliation. I could have crawled under the table right that second.
Other than that, though, Hunter did great. He was mostly quiet during the wedding service and even slept through part of the very loud reception. He was quite popular at all the events. I had a blast introducing him to friends.
I experienced a lot of God’s mercy on this trip. Just at the moment I thought I was going to fold under the pressure and exhaustion, a woman offered to hold Hunter during the reception. When I was so nervous about the tiny space I had on the flight, the seat next to me (on a completely sold out flight) was left vacant. When the car rental company refused to help me carry all my stuff plus the car seat out to the car, a nice Scottish man offered to help me. When I needed a private place to feed Hunter, the valet parked my car in the front row.
It was a great weekend. I am so happy for Aimee and Garret and know that the Lord has brought them together. Weddings are such a wonderful time of celebration!
My good friend from college, Aimee, got married on Saturday. I knew I wanted to be there to see her and the love of her life exchange vows. I also knew that Josh and I could not afford to both go and that Hunter still only eats his momma’s milk. So I put on my brave hat and decided to be daring.
We left early Friday morning. Not only was I traveling with an infant, I insisted on avoiding all checked bag fees (I still cannot believe they charge for checked baggage—I will have none of that!) thereby forcing myself to carry my bag, my diaper bag, and my baby through the airport security, through the terminal, and on the plane. Whew! My shoulders are still pretty sore. I was so nervous when Josh dropped me off at DIA. I got a little teary, then switched to my super-determined attitude. And it really wasn’t that bad!
Renting a car and navigating Houston was its own adventure, and one I am happy to say I survived and did so quite successfully. I was so excited when I finally got to the hotel, met my friends, and was able to enjoy the weekend.
Having an infant at a wedding is never an easy task. And having an infant at a rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, bridal breakfast, wedding, and reception was quite exhausting. Combined with the lack of sleep the past few nights due to travel and teething, as well as the flight from Denver, keeping up with Hunter during all these events without the support of my husband was quite possibly one of the hardest things I have ever done. I have a new respect for single parents. It is a non-stop job to be the sole caregiver. Hunter is a great baby and it was still exhausting.
During the bridal breakfast, which was at a fancy hotel with formal place settings and elegant tableware, Hunter flailed his arm quickly and unexpectedly and knocked over a glass of orange juice. Orange liquid went all over the table and into the lap of my friend, who was one of the bridesmaids. Talk about humiliation. I could have crawled under the table right that second.
Other than that, though, Hunter did great. He was mostly quiet during the wedding service and even slept through part of the very loud reception. He was quite popular at all the events. I had a blast introducing him to friends.
I experienced a lot of God’s mercy on this trip. Just at the moment I thought I was going to fold under the pressure and exhaustion, a woman offered to hold Hunter during the reception. When I was so nervous about the tiny space I had on the flight, the seat next to me (on a completely sold out flight) was left vacant. When the car rental company refused to help me carry all my stuff plus the car seat out to the car, a nice Scottish man offered to help me. When I needed a private place to feed Hunter, the valet parked my car in the front row.
It was a great weekend. I am so happy for Aimee and Garret and know that the Lord has brought them together. Weddings are such a wonderful time of celebration!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Firsts
On this trip, Hunter has had many firsts. Here are a few:
1. FIRST TOOTH! On Dec. 4, Hunter's first tooth popped through his gums. It has been a long time coming. Poor little guy. The doc thought his two upper canine teeth would be here a long time ago. They seem to have paused and allowed the "normal" first tooth to make its appearance.
2. Rolling over multiple times at once. This kid is on the move. We did have a little play mat for him, which he has loved since birth. But now he rolls so much we just put down a giant blanket and let him go. He can sort of scoot, but not really. He has figured out how to rotate his body like a hand of a clock.
3. First time in snow! Miracle of all miracles, Carlsbad had a snow day while we were in town. On Tuesday, Dec. 1, Hunter was introduced to snow.
4. First parade: a light parade in downtown Carlsbad. He loved the lights.
1. FIRST TOOTH! On Dec. 4, Hunter's first tooth popped through his gums. It has been a long time coming. Poor little guy. The doc thought his two upper canine teeth would be here a long time ago. They seem to have paused and allowed the "normal" first tooth to make its appearance.
2. Rolling over multiple times at once. This kid is on the move. We did have a little play mat for him, which he has loved since birth. But now he rolls so much we just put down a giant blanket and let him go. He can sort of scoot, but not really. He has figured out how to rotate his body like a hand of a clock.
3. First time in snow! Miracle of all miracles, Carlsbad had a snow day while we were in town. On Tuesday, Dec. 1, Hunter was introduced to snow.
4. First parade: a light parade in downtown Carlsbad. He loved the lights.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Hunter & His Grandparents
Hunter got to spend a lot of time with his Grandma Frances and Grandpa Glen. They are both so good to him. He is a loved baby!!
Favorites
My computer is still dead, but Josh is kind enough to let me use his Mac to upload my photos. The past few weeks have been full of so many blessings and much excitment as Hunter has been able to meet his family and lots of friends! I have a lot of photos to post! Here are some of my favorite photos so far:
This was in the hotel on the way to NM. Hunter is such a happy baby!
We stopped at Baylor along the way:
In the car:
Hunter meets his Great Grandma Mary Pat:
Stacy & Jackson; Kim & Hunter; Tessa & Sarah:
Hunter meets his Great Grandfather Jack:
Hunter meets his Uncle Josh:
Hunter with his second cousin Savannah:
Hunter on Thanksgiving:
Us with my Grandfather Jack:
My cousin Jennifer, my Grandma Mary Pat, and my Mom, Frances
Hunter and cousin Randi:
Hunter learns to open presents:
Snow in the desert!
Hunter's first experience with snow:
This was in the hotel on the way to NM. Hunter is such a happy baby!
We stopped at Baylor along the way:
In the car:
Hunter meets his Great Grandma Mary Pat:
Stacy & Jackson; Kim & Hunter; Tessa & Sarah:
Hunter meets his Great Grandfather Jack:
Hunter meets his Uncle Josh:
Hunter with his second cousin Savannah:
Hunter on Thanksgiving:
Us with my Grandfather Jack:
My cousin Jennifer, my Grandma Mary Pat, and my Mom, Frances
Hunter and cousin Randi:
Hunter learns to open presents:
Snow in the desert!
Hunter's first experience with snow:
Monday, December 7, 2009
Shout Out
On the road again with my boys! Today we left New Mexico and headed north to the land God blessed. As we crossed the border into Colorado, the sun broke through the clouds, highlighting the magnificent mountains. We felt the state welcoming us!
It has been snowing ever since mile marker #5. It is a light snow that is not at all harsh. Ahhh Colorado dryness, how I have missed you.
My son hasn’t favored the dry climate though. His poor new skin has not been doing very well in the New Mexico climate. His cheeks got a little chapped and an area right below his lip was really chapped. We found this awesome product called Baby Balm by Badger that we are putting on his face multiple times a day. It has really helped with the chapping. I know he is going to need it even more in Colorado. My mom sent me a text that it currently feels like 8 below in CO Springs, our first destination. Wowzer that is cold.
We really enjoyed our time in NM. My mom and Glen have a beautiful home that is so welcoming. Plus they have a hot tub. Josh and I enjoyed that just about every night! We were so blessed to see all our family and friends. Carlsbad is a special place. I love the family history I have there. There is a great community of believers there. People that knew my dad live there. People that knew my grandma live there. People that knew my grandparent’s parents live there. Amazing.
There are so many people that Josh & I consider dear to us. We have talked about how we wish we could move our friends from Virginia, New Mexico, Iowa, Texas, Colorado and California to Colorado. We could all be together in the most beautiful land. So what do you say? Wouldn’t that be fun???
It is certainly hard to not be near people who are very important to us, especially now that we have Hunter. But I love how we can pick right back up where we left, and that while we are apart we have the Internet and phones.
I am not always the best at staying in touch with family and friends. But you are all dear to my heart and I praise God for our friendship and for who you are!
It has been snowing ever since mile marker #5. It is a light snow that is not at all harsh. Ahhh Colorado dryness, how I have missed you.
My son hasn’t favored the dry climate though. His poor new skin has not been doing very well in the New Mexico climate. His cheeks got a little chapped and an area right below his lip was really chapped. We found this awesome product called Baby Balm by Badger that we are putting on his face multiple times a day. It has really helped with the chapping. I know he is going to need it even more in Colorado. My mom sent me a text that it currently feels like 8 below in CO Springs, our first destination. Wowzer that is cold.
We really enjoyed our time in NM. My mom and Glen have a beautiful home that is so welcoming. Plus they have a hot tub. Josh and I enjoyed that just about every night! We were so blessed to see all our family and friends. Carlsbad is a special place. I love the family history I have there. There is a great community of believers there. People that knew my dad live there. People that knew my grandma live there. People that knew my grandparent’s parents live there. Amazing.
There are so many people that Josh & I consider dear to us. We have talked about how we wish we could move our friends from Virginia, New Mexico, Iowa, Texas, Colorado and California to Colorado. We could all be together in the most beautiful land. So what do you say? Wouldn’t that be fun???
It is certainly hard to not be near people who are very important to us, especially now that we have Hunter. But I love how we can pick right back up where we left, and that while we are apart we have the Internet and phones.
I am not always the best at staying in touch with family and friends. But you are all dear to my heart and I praise God for our friendship and for who you are!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
5 months old
Wow, I am almost a month late with this post. Here are Hunter's 5 month old pictures! He weighed 17 lbs 9 oz at 5 months old. We took these photos our very last night in Virginia Beach. After a long day of packing and cleaning, we went down to the oceanfront and said goodbye to the Atlantic Ocean. We loved being so close to the coast and are really going to miss taking walks along the boardwalk, watching the waves, and laying out on the sand. VA Beach is beautiful and clean and family friendly. I would recommend it for a vacation if you are looking for a nice beach. Anyway, on to the pictures!
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Thanksgiving In NM
Fall leaves. Healthy baby. Mexican food. Family time. Hot tub. Pies & fudge.
We are having a fabulous vacation in Carlsbad.
Hunter has been able to meet most of the family and he is such a great baby!!! He happily allows everyone to hold him and has a smile for everyone he meets. Today he met Santa and had his picture taken with him. He grabbed Santa's beard. My sweet five month old looked like a big boy on Santa's lap. It was really cute and we will treasure the picture forever.
Speaking of pictures, my computer has decided it doesn't like to be turned on. So... I do not have the ability to upload photos right now. I have about a million adorable ones that will come soon!
We are throughly enjoying family time-- but part of me really feels in limbo. This is a huge time of transition in our little family. It is so fun to be on the road but I feel ungrounded. I want to enjoy every minute of the next few weeks yet I am looking forward to getting settled in St. Louis.
We are having a fabulous vacation in Carlsbad.
Hunter has been able to meet most of the family and he is such a great baby!!! He happily allows everyone to hold him and has a smile for everyone he meets. Today he met Santa and had his picture taken with him. He grabbed Santa's beard. My sweet five month old looked like a big boy on Santa's lap. It was really cute and we will treasure the picture forever.
Speaking of pictures, my computer has decided it doesn't like to be turned on. So... I do not have the ability to upload photos right now. I have about a million adorable ones that will come soon!
We are throughly enjoying family time-- but part of me really feels in limbo. This is a huge time of transition in our little family. It is so fun to be on the road but I feel ungrounded. I want to enjoy every minute of the next few weeks yet I am looking forward to getting settled in St. Louis.
Monday, November 23, 2009
2036
We have traveled 2036 miles thus far on our road trip.
The past week has been a blur. The movers came to our house a week ago today and packed up all of our belongings. The next day they took them all away. After cleaning and a few more goodbyes, we officially began The Great Road Trip of 2009.
Our Jeep Liberty, stuffed full of pack n plays, suitcases, diapers, a bumbo, baby Hunter, Josh, & me, made its way first to our first stop in Dallas, Texas. We had 37 hours (total) to get Josh to Dallas for his military test and approximately 1300 miles to go. Woah that was a tough drive. I don't think it would have been as bad if we would have been well rested. Instead we had just packed up our home and been through an emotional set of goodbyes. We were determined, though, and got Josh there in time. After his test we relaxed for a while in Waco, Texas at my University. Common Grounds, Ninfas, Baylor Bears Lady and Joy, and Good Ol' Pat Neff all reminded me of my days at Baylor. It was fun to reminisce and show Josh and Hunter all around. We even got to have coffee with my good friends from Baylor Karen Hall and Courtney Drew. It was a fabulous evening.
The next day we drove to Carlsbad, NM: my home town. That drive was easy comparatively and it was one I have done many, many times. Hunter did great until the last 30 minutes. He screamed and cried and seemed to be saying, "get me out of this car seat NOW!" Can't say that I blame him. I was really ready to be out of my car seat as well! We had dinner with my mom and her husband Glen and my Grandma Mary Pat.
On Saturday my mom threw a party for Hunter. He met a lot of people and we all had a great time. Then Hunter met his Great Aunt Pam and his second cousins Jennifer and Randi.
Since then we have been resting and trying to recoup from what has been a very long few weeks. Josh & I saw New Moon today while my mom watched Hunter. That was a nice break for us and an EXCELLENT movie!
It is a blast to introduce Hunter to everyone. I am so thankful for Josh's time off and our ability to visit friends and family right now. Tomorrow Hunter will meet his Uncle Josh!!! YAY!
The past week has been a blur. The movers came to our house a week ago today and packed up all of our belongings. The next day they took them all away. After cleaning and a few more goodbyes, we officially began The Great Road Trip of 2009.
Our Jeep Liberty, stuffed full of pack n plays, suitcases, diapers, a bumbo, baby Hunter, Josh, & me, made its way first to our first stop in Dallas, Texas. We had 37 hours (total) to get Josh to Dallas for his military test and approximately 1300 miles to go. Woah that was a tough drive. I don't think it would have been as bad if we would have been well rested. Instead we had just packed up our home and been through an emotional set of goodbyes. We were determined, though, and got Josh there in time. After his test we relaxed for a while in Waco, Texas at my University. Common Grounds, Ninfas, Baylor Bears Lady and Joy, and Good Ol' Pat Neff all reminded me of my days at Baylor. It was fun to reminisce and show Josh and Hunter all around. We even got to have coffee with my good friends from Baylor Karen Hall and Courtney Drew. It was a fabulous evening.
The next day we drove to Carlsbad, NM: my home town. That drive was easy comparatively and it was one I have done many, many times. Hunter did great until the last 30 minutes. He screamed and cried and seemed to be saying, "get me out of this car seat NOW!" Can't say that I blame him. I was really ready to be out of my car seat as well! We had dinner with my mom and her husband Glen and my Grandma Mary Pat.
On Saturday my mom threw a party for Hunter. He met a lot of people and we all had a great time. Then Hunter met his Great Aunt Pam and his second cousins Jennifer and Randi.
Since then we have been resting and trying to recoup from what has been a very long few weeks. Josh & I saw New Moon today while my mom watched Hunter. That was a nice break for us and an EXCELLENT movie!
It is a blast to introduce Hunter to everyone. I am so thankful for Josh's time off and our ability to visit friends and family right now. Tomorrow Hunter will meet his Uncle Josh!!! YAY!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Binky Clips
One of my favorite and most needed items for Hunter has been these Binky Clips. My cousin Chris is incredibly talented and makes them. You know how many times I have had to pick up the pacifier, walk it over to the sink and clean it, dry it, and then take it back to my child who thinks his life is ending in the 45 seconds it took me to go through this process? Way too many. But with the binky clip, Hunter's sucking is delayed no more! I just ordered myself two more for our road trip.
I recommend these binky clips as well as all the other awesome products Chris makes. She is having a giveaway right now, so jump on over to her blog and get signed up for your chance at free products!
Halloween Pics
Well, I am only 11 days behind. Here are pics from Hunter's First Halloween! :) We had some friends over for dinner and handed out candy to the neighborhood kids. It was a fun Halloween! And Hunter looked so adorable. During the day he wore a "My First Halloween" outfit that had a cute pumpkin on the rear. In the evening he wore a skeleton costume sent by his Great Aunt Pam. 
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