"We'll take a cup of kindness yet for days long ago."

Erin spent her first New Year's Eve at home with friends. We hosted several families with young kids for a potluck pizza dinner from 5pm to 8pm. Our evening was complete with party hats, Cheerios and chocolate martinis.

Guests included: (from L to R in photo)

• Ella and her parents, Melanie and Alex, plus Opa from Germany
  
• Gareth and his parents, Rebecca and Chris
  
• Erin
  
• Eric and his parents, Lauren and Mark

Alas, other pals, Gabriel and Richie were sick. 

Happy New Year everyone!

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, 

And auld land syne!

(Robert Burns, 1788)

Click here: For a full translation of Auld Lang Syne

Cousins

We were delighted by a visit from Stacey's first cousin, Monica, her husband, Ross and their baby daughter, Claire. Monica is the daughter of Stacey's Uncle Peter, her father's oldest brother. Both girls have inherited the blue eyes -- one of our family's best traits! 

Also worth noting: Brian, a diehard Yankees fan did not make Monica remove her Red Sox hat. He felt it would have been in poor form since it was her first visit to our home. 

Oh Christmas Tree!

Erin and her loot.

Note: the ornaments and lights are only hung half way down the tree. 

Our sweetie realized her parents would lunge at her from the couch 

if she put the lights in her mouth. We're a couple of Pavlov's dogs!

Erin's 1st Christmas ornament

Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Santa in the bath

Erin enjoys tasting the bubbles... which makes her look like she's got a white Santa beard.

Fancy Footwork

Since spending a week in Maine with family, Erin has mastered walking. It is her primary mode of transportation. She's got a mean pivot.... worthy of any basketball court.

Erin & Santa

Gobble Gobble

We had a lovely Thanksgiving getaway to visit Aunt Judy and Uncle Woody.

We aren't even remotely in charge anymore.

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Look, Ma! No Hands!

Erin took 10 steps in a row today. I guess that's walking!  (And if you haven't heard, Erin says "hi Daddy.")   

Walking in the Park

Uncle Steve Comes to Visit

Buzz... Buzz.... Happy Halloween!

Life is Rosey

Erin update

Erin is growing so fast these days. She has 3 teeth now with more coming. She is fascinated by these little white hard things in her mouth. And she loves to touch other people's teeth too.

Her hair is getting longer and has started to cover her ears. Not enough to use a barrette or anything.

And Erin is now standing unsupported which is very funny to watch.

She will stop holding on, so she can do something with her hands, like play with a toy or touch her head. After a few steady seconds she realizes that she's not holding on... and ends up plopping to the ground. Not a far trip, so no injuries.

Her expression is like "holy cow, what am I doing.... I can't stand on my own... I'm gonna fall over..... whoaaaa." Plop.

We think walking is in her near future.

Erin's Godfamily

Erin with Uncle Darren

Photos from visits this summer

Swing Time

Little Dippers!

Blue

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Erin and the family celebrated Grandma Ruth's birthday with her favorite meal, spaghetti and meatballs (expertly prepared by Uncle Ed!). Yum! Yum! Yum!!

What a Week!

While Mommy was away this week on her first business trip since Erin was born, Erin learned to pull herself to a standing position. She's proud as can be and eagerly looks to Mommy and Daddy for "hurrays" each time.

And if that wasn't enough excitement, Erin's first tooth is coming in.

By the way, Mommy survived her trip to Nashville, but spent 8 hours trying to get home. Lots of delays due to bad weather. Ugh!

Our 5th Anniversary

Mommy and Daddy celebrated their 5th anniversary brunching at Le Chateau, the location of their wedding. Erin enjoyed the day playing with Tyler, Brett, Carter, Aunt Meredith, Uncle Scott, Nannie and Dad-Dad.

Monkey Business

Crawling right on time! 8 months old today!

Sunday on the Swings

Sunday afternoon with friends, Maddie, Richardo and baby Gabriel. (Brian is taking the photo.)

School Days

Alex, potential future boyfriend??!! What a cutie!

Our new friend arrived! Meet Gareth Harper.

We are delighted to welcome our new friend, Gareth Harper into the world. He was born today to our close friends, Rebecca and Chris.

Erin's "First Steps"

Green Beans Aren't So Bad