Almost Crawling

I predict one more week. We’re up on all fours, rocking back and forth, scooting backwards, and now Junebug has added the occasional hand and knee moving action. Anyone else want to make a wager?

Swinger

One of Em’s favorite pastimes.

Blue Ridge Getaway

In lieu of a wild and crazy New Year’s, we headed up to the mountains the first weekend of 2009. The Mackintoshes accompanied us and props to Todd for finding the perfect house. While the cabin was a good hike from town, it had a beautiful view of the river – and if that wasn’t enough, the hot tub was the perfect way to end our days.



Emmy and Britton seem to be getting off to a good start. They still play in parallel, but I think before we know it, they’ll be having good times together! And Britton has already started showing Em the ropes – she shared her Puffs, and Junebug is now totally addicted, but it’s an addiction Mommy and Daddy welcome. We can now get through dinners out thanks to those puffs of whole grains and fruits.

Christmas in Athens

Our families are so large, and there are so many people to see, it’s inevitable that there’s someone we have to see after Christmas. My dad and stepmother met Emmy and I in Athens for a holiday lunch at The National. The food was yummy, company good, and I think Em would have to say the presents were superb! Thanks for helping to make Em’s first Christmas special. We love you guys!

Legwarmers – Not Just An 80’s Fashion

Baby’s First Christmas

As usual, Christmas was filled with family, eating, and of course, presents! It’s wonderful having a little one around again. Our family has been without small children for some time now, and I think now the holidays are going to get livelier.

Christmas Eve we took a chance with little Em, and took her to a lovely service at All Saints where the Children’s Choir performed. She almost lost it, but then gave in to a peaceful slumber. We then came back to the house for a simple dinner of shrimp thermidor, and finished up the night with an energy-filled game of Catch Phrase. The usual suspects were present – Auntie Kens and Zack in town from Chicago, Sugar Gram, Uncle Hanky, and Drew’s parents, Mimi and Papa, fresh in from Ireland. It’s really wonderful to have all of those that we love close for the holidays.

Christmas morning the rest of the fam joined us for breakfast. Poppie and Pop-pop were missed terribly. All of the “firsts” without Pop-pop – birthdays, Thanksgiving & Christmas, and so on – are tough, but I think everyone is doing a good job getting through all of them, especially Mom-mom.



Later in the day we stopped by Grandpa and Grandma Moore’s house, and it was great to see everyone. We finished up the day with Christmas dinner at our home. Drew’s three brothers came up for the evening and a few days after, and we had a great time with them. Sadly, Grandpoopah & MH weren’t able to make it up, due to a broken fibula and other medical issues. They were greatly missed!

I look forward to coming years where Emmy understands Christmas, and all of the wonderful things that go on around the holiday. This was the first of many great Christmases to come.

Santa & Emmy Rendezvous

I remember visits to Santa from my childhood quite fondly – but I also recall the agony of having to wait in line for hours to see the big, jolly guy. Drew and I decided to make Emmy’s first Santa visit as smooth as humanly possible. The brilliant minds at Phipps decided not to long ago that appointment-only visits were wise – and we couldn’t agree more! We breezed in for our 2pm appointment, waited about 10 minutes in line with Barbara and Britton, and then placed Junebug on Santa’s lap. She wasn’t too sure about the new round man, but was intrigued by his beard, so much so, that we couldn’t get her to smile for the camera. But I still think the pic is pretty cute.