Thursday, November 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving!

Ryan and I have never suffered for lack of blessings, but this year in particular we have so much for which we are thankful. A beautiful son, an amazing new house, a generous and loving family, and tremendous friends are just a few we can name. Happy Thanksgiving indeed!!

This year, Ryan and I hosted Thanksgiving at our house. Although I was very nervous and admittedly downright pessimistic about our ability to "do" Thanksgiving, almost everything turned out great. Ryan made two fantastic turkeys (one roasted, one deep fried) and we had quite a spread of food. Making things even better was having Ryan's parents, all of Ryan's siblings and their families (minus one nephew - we missed you Matt!), as well as my Mom and Dad over. It was the most beautiful chaos I have ever seen!! I would go on, but I'm so exhausted that instead I'll just post some pictures.




Patrick helping Daddy and Mommy make stuffing!


Prettiest darn turkey!!


The full spread: Roast turkey, deep fried turkey, mashed potatoes, fried apples, stuffing, cranberry sauce, yifta, creamed onions, gravy, rolls, salad.


Naptime on Grandma Trish with Cousin Lillian.


Hanging out with Aunt Liz

Grandma Trish and Papa Mike with all but one of the grandkids (plus Liz and Kevin)

Patrick says "Papa Mike gave me some pumpkin pie crust and I LOVED it!"


Patrick with Grammy Dorothy and Grandpa Phil

The aftermath: Head Chef Ryan conked out with Guinness in hand.


Mommy and Patrick are pooped too!

Thanks so much to everyone who helped make our first Thanksgiving in our house a success! It was so much fun for us to host - hope everyone had a great time!

Monday, November 16, 2009

First Cereal

After weeks of hesitation on Mommy's part, Patrick got to try cereal for the first time last night (and Mommy didn't even cry!!) He wasn't quite sure about it - more ended up on him than in him, but it was a good first attempt. It was an adventure trying to get the spoon past "the gates" - as soon as the spoon got close, Patrick would swoop his arms in and try to grab it. And when he was done, he was DONE. Mouth wouldn't open, started crying, etc. Eh, we'll keep trying! Here are a few pics:


Yummmmmmmmmm!

Ummmm, not so sure about this.


Quick, the gates are closing!!!



Happy little cereal eater!



Looking like a fighter pilot with all those straps!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

5 months old

Little dude is 5 months old! Patrick turned 5 months on Sunday - I cannot believe how fast time flies! The last month has been such a fun one, it is amazing how much of a little person he’s becoming! Patrick:


  • Is a very chatty monkey. Although we know better, sometimes we’d swear he says “Hi” when you say it to him.

  • LOVES animals. Daddy taught him to pet the cats, and he is very sweet to them. They are very tolerant of him. He is getting to know the doggies better too, and tolerates his foot cleanings from Guinness pretty well.

  • Still hates baths. We tried showers too, but he doesn’t like those any better. Boys!

  • Successfully switched to the medium flow nipples and can chug down 6 oz of bottled breast milk at a time.

  • Is VERY interested in what Mommy and Daddy are eating. Looks like we’re going to be trying cereal soon!

  • Started rolling and can roll from tummy to back like a champ. He will roll the other way once in a while, but much less often.

  • Has started getting a little wary of strangers. With people he is used to, he’s fine. But when he’s being held by someone he doesn’t know or see very often, especially when he’s tired, his little bottom lip goes out and he starts to cry.

We're having a little trouble adjusting to daylight savings time. We have tried to explain to him that when we "fall back" grownups like to use the extra hour for sleep, but he then explained to us that babies like to use that extra hour to play!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Trick or Treat!!!

Yesterday was Patrick's first Halloween and first time Trick or Treating, and it was a so much fun! We joined Liz, Luke, and Annabelle for Trick or Treating in Peoria. Patrick was such a trooper being carried all over the neighborhood without any fussing at all. He was lucky to have his cousin Annabelle with him because Annabelle may just be the best Trick or Treater EVER. She was incredibly efficient and polite. She made it so much fun and had us cracking up all night. Thanks Liz, Luke, and Annabelle for a fun evening!

Ready to go:

Daddy and Monkey:


Gotta hold hands when crossing the street:


Patrick, Daddy, Uncle Luke and Cousin Annabelle: