Our Savior was born...

And it seems I get to reap all the benefits; unconditional love, forgiveness, family time and presents, not a bad combination if you ask me. It has created a rather hectic three weeks though, to give you an idea how crazy busy and tired we’ve been, Dad and I forgot about two Husky games—not only did we forget to set the TIVO, we forgot to check the score the following day. I have been spending a lot of time with Dad lately. Mom has been putting extra hours at Starbucks because during Christmas Vacation Dad can’t substitute, and because Mom has what they call the love language of gift giving it is important to keep the income coming. We are so lucky that Mom is both a hard worker and a gift giver, wait until you see some of the presents I got for Christmas.
I could tell that something big was on the horizon because we redecorated the house (which made exploring the top of the coffee table an addiction of mine), Dad put colorful lights up on the outside of the house and we put a real tree inside the house—not sure how that fits the season but it makes it smell good and gives me something else to pull on, so I didn’t complain. Another reason I knew it was a special time of the year was because Dad got a haircut—that doesn’t happen every quarter. Actually I went with him and got my first little professional trim—I was a little nervous so Mom came too with Camden and Ashton for emotional support.
I knew that it was a busy stressful time of the year so I tried to be as helpful as possible. I am pretty much an extra when it comes to assisting with present wrapping. My job was to always inspect the paper, ribbons and bows for durability against slobber damage. I can tell you that Mom bought high quality goods, because as much as I searched I couldn’t find anything that failed my tests.
Our holiday season kicked off with a quick trip to Phoenix for dinner and a gift exchange at Mom’s cousin’s house. Never one to miss an opportunity to shop, Mom and I went up early with Nana, Bop, Mel and the cousins to get a little shopping in before the party. It paid off because when Camden, Ashton and I saw a toy kitchen/grill set, Bop was putty in our hands—it was loaded in the car moments later. After church on Christmas Eve we went over to Uncle Matt’s and Karey-Ann’s place. We had dinner and opened more presents. Then Christmas morning we got up and Nana, Bop and great-grandma Ruby came over and we opened more presents. Then after breakfast (and a long nap), we went over to Nana & Bop’s for dinner, games and to see what Santa left in our stockings. It was a whirl-wind three days.
It is tough for us to be away from half our family for the holidays, but we are trying to make the most of it. In the past couple of weeks we were able to make Sykpe video calls with Biza, the summer roommates, GP & Gigi, and even Cousin David in Slovenia. After only 8 months I not only have loved ones spread out across the country but across the world too—it is great that we can talk face-to-face over the internet. Look us up and give me a call, I’m creating new words daily.

Wrapping took a while, but imagine how long it would have taken if I wasn't around to help.

Everyday with my new mobility I find a new place to play.

One of my favorite new toys from Christmas.

"Yep, this one is for me."

Since I've learned to stand myself up I've stood up on; my diaper box, my crib, the coffee table, the armoir, the couch, Mom and Dad's legs, the dishwasher (open & closed), the sliding glass door, the curtains, the stereo speaker, my new Whinne the Pooh walking toy, and this chair.

Love to all,

Reese

A lot to be Thankful for

I have a lot to be happy about and thankful for.

I was all geared up for my first Thanksgiving; Cousin Camden had given me a quick overview of this holiday. He told me that it involved three of my favorite "f" words...food, family and football and was all because the Indians (now Native Americans) were nice to the pilgrims (who were the first to settle and steal the Ind...Native American's land). Next year if we spend Thanksgiving in Seattle, I'm going to Hannah's home because I'll bet some of those people were at the first Thanksgiving. Mom wanted to start the holiday off right so she went to work to give to other people (while collecting time and a half pay). When she got home we went over to Nana & Bop's house for the three F's. Football was a success because the Packers dominated the Lions like a dirty diaper dominates any room it is in. I got to see almost all my Tucson family, so that was near perfect (missed you Uncle Matt). I must admit though I felt a little deceived by the advertising of the Thanksgiving meal. I had heard it was a spectacle of Turkey, stuffing, yams, potatoes, gravy, and veggies-more than one plate could ever handle. Mom and Dad must have missed the memo because all my tray saw was Organic Green Puffs and the same old oatmeal cereal, washed down with some of Mom's finest. Next year I want the good stuff!

Dad was particularly busy with the camera this week, so I can only assume that means he thinks I've done something spectacular. Mom came home with a new box of diapers and I was trying to see if she had gotten the right kind. The information I needed was on the top of the box so I pulled myself up so I could see it. One thing led to another and now I'm pushing my favorite diaper box all over the living room, standing in my crib waiting for someone to get me, pulling myself up on anything I can reach and taking the customary falls that come with learning to stand and walk. Dad lowered the crib one level, but I can still reach the top and pull myself up. He doesn't want to lower it again because he won't be able to bend over and kiss me while I'm sleeping if he does. Sweet, but I think he is going to have detachment issues when I get older.

We've backed off our 1/2 marathon training for a variety of reasons. Let’s just say I was still going strong and hadn't complained once, which is more than I can say for mi padre. Dad was able to negotiate the running down to three 4-mile jogs a week, which is better than nothing I guess.

My thank you shout-outs:

Thank you Nana, Bop, Gigi and GP. My parents love me so much and I know it is because you love them so much.

Thank you Uncle Rhett for coming to see me last weekend, I hadn't really seen you since Uncle Roy & Aunt Erin's wedding and that was way too long ago.

Thank you Starbucks (& Mom for averaging over 20 hours a week). Our health benefits started December 1st. Thank you Jesus for keeping us safe and healthy while we were briefly without insurance.

Food can be messy, but it is always worth it.
Thanksgiving with Ashton and Camden.

My new favorite toy, my Pampers box.

After every nap I stand up and anxiously wait for Mom or Dad to come get me.

To stretch my legs sometimes I have to put on my track suit and take the walker outside.

Mom & Dad don't always bring me the right toy, so I've learned to take matters into my own hands.

One step at a time.