A White (Sandy) Christmas

We spent Christmas in St. Petersburg, Florida, with Glenda's family. Oliver's dressed up for a Christmas Eve party. Alhough you can't tell from his Santa outfit, we were enjoying 80 degree weather. Quite a change from the chilly northeast. :)

Oli's cheeks, as you can probably tell, are GROWING. He's a hefty little guy who loves to smile, squeal, and squirm with laughter.

Hard to believe this was the day after Christmas. No snow, but white (and sandy) nonetheless.

I love this picture of Glenda and Oli - the waves, the ocean breeze, and Oli laughing in the warm sun.  It was a beautiful day.

Thanks, Jasmin, for this picture. You made this Christmas special.

It was fun watching Oli enjoy the beach for the first time.

Check out Oli's beach figure - three love handles and no six pack. People tell us he looks like he hasn't missed a meal. Yet the little guy still got the attention of all the ladies. Lucky man. :)

In case you don't remember, this was Oli in the same hat four months ago.  What a difference! As you can see, the hat's become a snug looking helmet-type-thing.  Notice how much looser the chin strap was.  There's a reason we call him "gordito" (i.e., "little chubster").  

Grandma and Grandpa Hayden sent a new hat just in time!  Thanks for the Christmas gift! We love it.  Bula bula bula!

6 Months Old

Oliver is 6 months old today! He is sitting up and eating solids (so far butternut squash, carrots, banana, and sweet potatoes). He loves bouncing, playing in his exersaucer and his jumper. He rolls over several times in a row and squirms in every direction to reach whatever he wants. I think we'll get a playpen soon! 

This was today at Books A Million.

Eating sweet potatoes...

Eating bananas... 

Thanks to the exersaucer I can now get dressed, cook, fold the laundry, play on the computer, etc. without him screaming to be picked up. It keeps him busy for at least half an hour.   I love it!

Brian bathes him a few times a week; what an awesome daddy!

This is Lake Ella where we walk at least once a week. It's so peaceful!

The past 6 months have been full of joy, tears, exhaustion, laughter, many changes and challenges. We have been amazed at what a blessing being a parent is and at how much you can love someone. We ask each other almost every day "How is it possible that I love him more today?"

MY FAVORITE SEASON

I know it's almost Winter, but I just have to share why I love the Fall.

-The colorful leaves are beautiful.

-I love hearing the leaves crunch as I step on them.

-Drinking hot apple cider with Brian at night is so relaxing.

-We got married in the Fall.

-Going for walks while drinking hot chocolate is fun.

-Getting ready for the Holidays is super fun!!

Believe it or not this is Florida.

I love to walk by these trees every day.  (Click on the picture.)

Our Christmas tree is up, we're ready for the Holidays!

This was at a Festival a few days ago.

Thanksgiving Day

My mom's turkey is sooo juicy and so yummy!

Oliver wanted to try some.

We had a great weekend! Uncle Rigo, Grandma and Grandpa got to spend lots of quality time with Oli while Brian and I enjoyed some much needed sleep and even went on a few dates.