Evan's 2nd Christmas

Evan didn't really know Santa was coming as many times as I explained it to him but he did have fun. Santa gave him a few toys and he was given some clothes from Grandma and Grandad.

James gave Evan this cool mug.



Evan is moving up in the world. James and I gave him his very own racecar suitcase. Now we can pack his clothes in something other than a laundry basket when we travel.







Chirstmas dinner was at The Ballard household this year. Here is Maryn saying "Cheese!"



Evan having a good time.



I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Happy Birthday to Earlene (aka Grandma)! Grandma's birthday isn't actually until tomorrow but since we will be driving we are wishing her a happy birthday today!

Baby Christmas Party

We had fun at my Mom's group Christmas party! Evan has been touch and go with eating lately but he had 3 helpings of the food there! I am sure he was stuffed when we left.

I jokingly said we should have jello shots for our "wild baby group party" and Lindsay actually made them! That was fun but the shot was just as disgusting as I remember. The food was great, everyone there is such a great cook men and women. Speaking of men, all the husbands joined at this party and it was really nice for everyone to get together.

Here is Evan playing with his buddy Vince. Vince and Evan met at Library Story Time months ago.




Evan's friend Hailey is wondering why he keeps poking his finger through that wooden dowel. Hailey chose the wonderful rocking unicorn.




Evan having way too much fun.

Odds and Ends

There are a couple things I meant to post but with holidays and Evan's birthday the days have slipped by.

First and most importantly, my friend Tina, whom I have been friends with since 8th grade, and her husband John gave birth to their beautiful baby Nate on Thanksgiving!

The day before Thanksgiving, James, Evan and I stopped by Tina's house to pay her a visit. As soon as we arrived her water broke! It was very exciting! Later that night in the early AM of Thanksgiving Nate graced us with his existance on Earth. Welcome little Nate!



Secondly Evan visited Santa Clause! Evan was more interested in why everyone was staring at him instead of Santa himself. He started to get fussy when the "elf" kept repositioning him but we managed to get a pretty decent picture with Santa Clause. I wonder what Evan asked him for?



Another bit of big news is that Evan took his first steps last night! I was sitting two feet away and he stepped out into the open right to me. He isn't quite ready to walk yet but he is now ready to make that great leap into open space!

Ride Retro Rocket!

Here is Evan enjoying his present from his Mommy and Daddy. It is a Radio Flyer Retro Rocket. The rocket has sound effects and lights and vibrating seat upon "blast-off" Very cool. Evan doesn't quite know to push himself forward with his feet yet, but he loves to sit while we push him. The sleeper he is wearing is a warm comfy gift from his cousin Tracy.

Evan is One Year Today!

1 month


2 months


3 months


4 months


5 months


6 months


7 months


8 months


9 months


10 months


11 months


1 year


Evan is not a "get my hands messy" kind of guy so I am afraid I don't have any "cake smashed all over baby's face" 1st birthday pictures. I thought maybe there would be a miracle and he would some how find the frosting and cake delicious enough to dive right in. The extent of the frosting forey was his finger and the bit of icing you see here on the tip.

I put the rest of the cake on a spoon for him and he definately seemed to enjoy the cake more than the super-sweet frosting.

Family, friends through the years and friends with whom I started this new journey into parenthood came to celebrate Evan's birthday with us and we greatly enjoyed sharing the day with them.

Life is certainly a fun adventure with Evan and I am looking forward to the many "faces" of his emerging personality!

Do YOU Like Fig Newtons?

I like Fig Newtons.



I bet you like Fig Newtons, don't you?



You eat them like this.



Just shove them right in.



They are a bit crumbly.



That is why you should get the whole thing in your mouth at once.



Throw your hands in the air for Fig Newtons!