Merry Christmas!

It is not quite Christmas yet. However, Bill and I are so thankful for the gifts we have already received. We have a wonderful family and many wonderful friends near and far. There are no words to show the appreciation we feel for the love and support you have given us this year.

The best gift we received this year was Michael. We are very blessed to have him in our lives. He is such an amazing, loving, and happy little boy. He has a way to bring a smile to your face. It is also really incredible how well he fits in our family. Although our wait was long, it proves that God's timing is perfect.

I will more than likely not be posting until after the New Year. Bill, Michael, and I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Getting ready for Christmas

The past few weeks we have been doing a lot to get ready for our first Christmas with Michael. We made and decorated gingerbread houses at church. We have also decorated the inside of our house and put our tree up. We decided to put a small tree on a table this year for two reasons. First, we thought it would be safer for our rambunctious little boy. Second, we will be headed to New Hampshire to visit Gamma and Papa after Christmas, so the tree will not take much time to take down when we get home.

This past Saturday we had breakfast with Santa at Michael's day care. We were not sure what Michael would think of the jolly old elf. However, we were pleasantly surprised. We let him approach old St. Nick on his own terms. We put him down and he walked right up to him and held his arms out for Santa to pick him up. He sat on his lap and babbled to him a bit. He made the sign for cookie (his favorite sign). We are guessing that he asked Santa for lots of cookies. Then, he smiled really big for his photo op.

We are really looking forward to Michael's first Christmas with us. Here are a few pictures. Check back in a few days for his Christmas pictures and his picture with Santa.

Our Gingerbread House

Decorating Our Tree

Hanging Ornaments with Baba

"Oooooooo" (said with a high pitched squeal of joy)

A Christmas Kiss for Mama

(no mistletoe required)


Our Tree Before the Finishing Touches

Thanksgiving Trip

We took Michael to Alabama for a long Thanksgiving week. The Friday before Thanksgiving, we stopped at Karl & Kim's (Bill's cousin) house for a couple of nights. We had a lot of fun with them. Michael really enjoyed playing the banjo with Karl.

We headed to Alabama on Sunday. While in Alabama, Michael got to meet his great grandparents and his many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He also got to meet a few of his Mama's friend from home including his Aunt Gennifer (Mama's lifelong friend).

Michael enjoyed most of his trip, excluding the 12 hour car ride home strapped in a car seat. Who could blame him?? While in Alabama, we successfully weaned him from the bottle. He is now on a diet of "real" (solid) foods. He has not had baby food or the bottle for over a week. YAY!! It is amazing how much this little boy can eat! To say the least, he had a wonderful appetite while we were gone.

Michael also loved riding the tractor, staying up late, and being spoiled rotten.

Here are a few pictures from our trip:

First Thanksgiving

I really like this eating thing.

Riding the tractor with Papa

Driving a tractor is very serious business

Michael's new buddy.... Papaw

Playing the banjo with Karl Michael & Uncle Doyle

Taking Pictures with Aunt Mary

Papaw, Mamaw, Gamma, Papa, Mama, & Michael

(4 generations)

Matt & Michael

Swinging with Uncle Tim & Aunt Mimi

Rainbow, a sick week, and plans

Just over a week ago I came home and there was a bright rainbow over our house. Bill went inside to get the camera and we took some pictures. We took pictures of both the rainbow, the fall foliage, and Michael.

This past Saturday Michael started getting sick. We ended up taking him to the "doc-in-a-box" because they were the only ones open except for the emergency room. He had a 103 degree temp. They misdiagnosed him with a sinus infection and ear infection. Bill ended up taking our sick little emperor to our family doctor on Monday. Michael was very miserable. He had hand, foot, and mouth disease. The doctor told us not to let him go back to day care until next Monday, so Bill and I have been taking turns staying home with him and trying to get him to eat and drink. As of today, we seem to be on the downhill side of this. Michael is talking, eating, and drinking. These are things he tried not to do for the past few days. Also, as you can tell by the picture, his sense of humor is back, too.

We leave for Alabama soon to see all of our family and friends that we haven't seen in years. We are looking forward to it, but are wondering how Michael will do on an 11 hour car ride. Since he is a seasoned world traveler, we are sure he will do fine.

Here are a few pictures:

Yep! He is feeling better.

The picture says it all.

Playing in the leaves

Down our road

Tree in front of our house

Rainbow over our house

Fall & Halloween

Over the past week, we have had a lot to do. We carved pumpkins on Thursday night. We took Michael, Joseph, and Joseph's friend Justin trick or treating on Friday night. Michael caught on really fast and really liked people giving him candy. However, some made the mistake of letting him reach in the bowl and take what he wanted. He didn't want to stop. He also tried to go into some people's houses. However, all in all we all had a good time.

We took Michael to a fall carnival at his day care on Saturday. Then, we went to the carnival at church tonight. He had fun at both.

Also, tonight Michael said a new word while we were at church. When he was ready to leave, he said, "home."

Earlier in the week, it was time for Michael to go to bed. I told him to go get his blankie. Bill tried to hand him the blankie he uses in his bed. However, he passed right by Bill and without missing a beat started dragging my Alabama blanket to his room which is a big chore for a little boy. He has been sleeping with it ever since.

Here are a few pictures from this week:

I love fall!

Our little monster

Isn't he adorable?!?

Our jack-o-lantern

Playing at the church carnival

What have they done to me??

Roll Tide to all and to all a goodnight!

There isn't a whole lot to update you with. I have started back to work full time and Michael is in day care. He seems to really like it. His teachers are very happy with how fast he has caught on to everything. He is also getting used to me dropping him off in the morning. This week he didn't cry and he waved good bye when I left. One day, he even pointed his finger towards the door as to say, "You go now!"


Last weekend, Michael and I both had colds so we stayed inside most of the time. Bill now is recovering from the same stuff we had. Yesterday, we had pajama day and didn't leave the house. We watched a lot of football. I am very happy that my team is still undefeated! Roll Tide Roll!


We are in the process of weaning Michael from the bottle. He has started to self feed using a spoon. Since he had his surgery, he has learned how to suck. He had no suction before because of his cleft. Now, he is able to use a regular sippy cup. He has started to eat more solid foods and is more open to trying new foods. I think day care has really helped Michael with these things.




I am posting a few pictures. They are of him just after church today and the others are of him eating mashed potatoes. As you can tell, he loves them!

Gamma rattles on...

The week of Sept. 28 th Felice had to return to work...half days the first week..so given the excuse that Michael's surgeon had not yet released him to start to Day Care the Gamma asked the Papa if he thought he could do his own cooking,washing & cleaning and oh, by the way could he also tend to the cats for around 2 weeks... Papa agreed that the Gamma could venture south, back into the land of warmth, for awhile and take on the ever so big burden of tending ( hugging, kissing, feeding, rocking, dancing with, hiding with, laughing with, & plain just loving on) Michael..YEAH!!! So , the bags were packed, the puppy bed loaded up..and Gamma and Chloe headed south, across Mass.,Conn, through NYC, across the New Jersey Turnpike, across the Delaware River bridge..(makes you wonder why George Washington stood in that tiny boat ) ,through the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel, though our great capital..Washington, D.C. and finally into Virginia...all just to get to Michael!

Started out Mama (a.k.a.Felice) was still a little sick and had to return to the doctor for her own follow up on Monday..she had blood drawn and was on the receiving end of yet another shot of antibiotics...Bless her heart! We accompanied her to lend our moral support..Michael and I did a very good job...we looked at everything in their office..(almost) touched most of it and played demolition derby with a mayo stand and the walls of the exam room..when that seemed to be getting on Mamas nerve..we decided that the roll of paper under the bed..(stretcher) would make great art paper and worked on our penmanship for a short time...

Tuesday, Mama went back to work and after breakfast, a short round of "Sesame Street" ,Michael and Gamma went to the church and played on the playground...Michael loves to swing!

Thursday, "Mama" and I accompanied Michael to see Dr. Rhodes, @ VCU, for his post-op follow up..She was very tickled with our young gentleman ,as was everyone that he shared his winning smile with.Michael was given the "go ahead" to eat whatever he wants..and permission to start attending "school" ..now, if we could just get him to "want" more than his bottle and BANANA PUDDING....(just between you and me...I think he could be very close to turning into a "banana pudding cup"! Ha!!)

For a family outing Baba (a.k.a. Bill), Mama , Michael and I went to the "Chesterfield Berry Farm" ..There were all kind of things for the children to play on..Michael's favorite turned out to be a long train compiled of 50 gal. drums turned sideways, with wheels attached and hooked behind a tractor...he rode this 2 times..I believe he would have stayed all day , given the chance..most of the other things like the "bouncy" rooms..where not to his liking at this time..he will more than likely enjoy them next year...They had animals to look at and feed..he liked the rabbits ..however the big old tom turkey caused him some concern he was watching it very closely when it picked the most opportune time to let loose with a very LOUD "gobble,gobble"..Michael, swiftly became his mamas third leg, no, old Tom was definitely not a favorite.... A large sippy cup of pumpkin milk shake seemed to smooth over any traumatic turkey business..

Young Joseph comes over to play and it tickles Michael to death! He loves playing cars and ball with him!! What a neat guy to have as a Big cousin and just next door!

With his doctors say so Monday morning Michael was up,dressed and fed before the crack of dawn! And off for his first day at school!..I was lonesome..no young fellow to kiss on and sing to..however, the Gamma had instructions to check him out at 10:00..(hey, that's long enough for anybody on their first day!) It was reported that Michael had fun playing with the other children..but wanted nothing to do with their food...actually threw some rice at his teacher..(don't worry each day has gotten better)I picked him up & off we went to visit Aunt Carrie in Charlottesville on her day off..What a day we had!! First to the apple orchard ..where a wagon ride was had..and a sippy cup of apple cider slushy! YUM! Then to the "swirly" park ,afterwards to eat at the "Nook"..4 little slivers of carrot , 2 tiny nibbles of grilled cheese and maybe a bite of french fries..and a whole sippy cup of milk...he was a very big flirt with his Aunt Carrie... blowing kisses and waving...We had a wonderful time! Thanks Aunt Carrie!

School came around again the next day and each day he has stayed longer and is doing better... he has found out he also likes graham crackers..and there has been no more food throwing...that we know of..His Cousin Maggie works at his school and has helped keep a check on him..he tries to leave with her....he even takes his nap on a mat without bars..imagine that!

Papa is flying in to spend the week-end . Sunday, Chloe , the Gamma and the Papa will return to the "shire" and watch the blog and listen out for the web cam and telephone in case the "little emperor wishes to call..

I guess this old Gamma has rattled way to long and now for the pictures....I hope you enjoy them 1/2 as much as I do...I could not decide which ones to leave out..so I put most of them in...

Oh, Boy..Banana Pudding!!!

Gamma & Aunt Mary say I am a true southerner.. 'cause I "LOVE" banana pudding

Aawh..all gone...


Chesterfield Berry Farm

A big red bucket with a seat belt...?
I have a steering wheel..
It's a train!!! This train driving is very "serious business" I like trains!!! Look...Baba..they have animals!
"My Buddy...My Baba"



I love it when Joseph comes over to play!!

Who is cute in their Elmo house shoes?
I like playing crash cars with Joseph
It makes me laugh & laugh!!


When the air is crisp and the leaves are just starting to change..you can smell the faint smell of a neighbors grill...and in the afternoon just before the sun goes down..Baba & Uncle Joe get home from work, Joseph joins them in the yard and I don't think my Mama can get my shoes on me fast enough because I can tell our male minds , young and old, are in tune with one another...and just like a urgent whisper in our ears we can all hear the thought...
FOOTBALL!!!!

"HIKE"


I am playing with the big boys now! Touchdown!! And football would not be complete without

the Saturday SEC games on t.v.

The Crimson Tide rolling over the Georgia Bulldogs..
And Gamma dresses me to root for
The Auburn Tigers!!! A growing boy needs a good breakfast
before his first day of school... "Hey, Mama did you realize its still dark out here?"


"What do you mean?
I have to hang up my coat and you are leaving!"

Aunt Carrie

& the "swirly park"

now thats fun!

Aunt Carrie and Gamma

took me to the apple orchard

by Monticello I really liked the wagon!! "Bye now!"