thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving for our family was a bit different this year. Unfortunately, Chris's back has been acting up and he didn't think he could endure a 3+ hour car ride.  This year we took a 'divide and conquer' approach -- my family for me and Nate, Chris's family for him.

I definitely think that our Alabama trip was a good warm for this one. Nate did great in the car coming and going, slept well in the hotel, and I think he had a lot of fun seeing all of our relatives.  I have so much to be thankful for this year: an amazing baby boy who is so sweet and funny that words cannot adequately express, a husband who is a terrific father and keeps me on my toes, a family that is always there for me and loves me unconditionally, and good friends to talk about it all with. Yup, I'm a pretty lucky girl!

Here are some pictures to help recount the trip that Nate and I made :)

alec's birthday.

My parents, brothers, Nathan and I made the LONG drive last week to go see my little nephew for his fourth birthday.  Time really does fly for the little ones. It seems like he was just a tiny baby!  Our 13.5 hour car ride turned into about a 16 hour drive -- my family has never been one to stick to the road.  We make lots of stops for food and then subsequent stops for bathroom breaks. Ick.

I was amazed at how well Nate traveled.  At fifteen months, I expected tantrums and lots of breaks to let him stretch his legs. Instead, he took incredibly long naps and watched Sesame Street in the van's DVD player.  Put that on my Christmas list! A DVD player for the car would be ideal.  After we got back, we drove around in my car and he kept pointing to the ceiling and saying 'Elmo'.  Smart little booger!

We had a very nice long weekend spending time with little Alec. We took pictures, opened presents, had cake, and the kids played in a bouncy house. So fun!  Here are a few pictures of the family, the fun, and the shenanigans. Enjoy!

sleepy.

Ever have one of 'those' days where you play so hard that you just pass out? Yeah, Nate did!

fifteen months.

My baby is fifteen months old today!  I guess I can't really say 'baby' anymore, since he is a full steam ahead toddler.  Some recent Nathan-isms include:

• We always say "one, two, three" and then tickle him.  When we stop before he's ready, he'll say "two, three" and look at us expectantly 
• The child is in a banana phase. LOVES them and asks for 'nana, nana'
• Nate has learned the difference between things outside and inside.  Tell him to go look for a squirrel and he runs to the window.  
• In the last month, we've had to replace the same drawer lock twice because little hulk has broken it when he pulls it so hard
• Nate is an aspiring grocery stocker.  He takes cans out of our pantry and could spend the entire afternoon stacking and hiding them, if we let him
• We've discovered Sesame Street -- well Nathan has, not us :)  He LOVES it
• In the scheme of his toddler independence, Nate is demanding to feed himself (whether or not he's good at it is a whole different story!).  He especially likes to make sound effects when he tries to get food onto his fork 
• Rocks. The child LOVES rocks.  He will try to hand each individual rock and pebble to you then put them into his pockets 
• Current baby playlist: Gummybear, Fishheads, Britney, Gaga
• Nate has always liked to throw things down the stairs, but lately he is going for big items like his red plastic chair
• Current word list: mama, dada, bye, ball, dog, trevor, honey, shoe, that, pop-pop, three, two, hey, hi, nana, elmo

Nate had his 15 month appointment today and was AWESOME.  I could not be more proud!  Not only is he completely healthy and on track developmentally, he was so sweet and funny for the doctor/nurse.  He didn't cry -- didn't even whimper when he got his shots.   His 15 month stats are:

• Weight: 26 lbs, 9 oz (75th percentile)
• Length: 33.5 inches (97th percentile)

Little man has grown about 2 inches taller and gained 2.5 lbs in three months! Aaaaand finally, monthly baby birthday pictures :)

halloween.

Chris and I have an agreement that we alternate years to choose Nathan's Halloween costume, that is until Nate can help out with the decision making. Last year was my year, so Nate was a monkey ... Chris also decided to join in on the fun.  This year was Chris's year, so they were Batman and Robin :)

Despite the fact that we went all out to be the awesome house with full size candy bars, we didn't get many trick-or-treaters at all.  Maybe next year?  Nate went to both sets of grandparents' houses to trick-or-treat.  Way to maximize your return! Of course, as much as he likes went into his little bag.  Of course, he doesn't really know what candy is yet -- just that he likes to pick things up and put them in his bag.

Here are LOTS of photos from our evening, enjoy!