Christmas 2010

What a whirlwind Christmas we had. With it being Kellen's first, there was plenty of family & friends who wanted to make sure they were able to spend some time with him. So, here's what we did: On the 23rd, we had the Fowle family over for dinner plus Kacie's sister Nicole. It was nice because not only did we get to see Kacie's family, but Kacie & her sister were able to spend some holiday cheer with one another as Kacie was making a pit stop on her way to Petaluma (where her husband's family lives), and Nicole was leaving for Santa Barbara the next morning (where Kacie's family lives). On the 24th, we left for my Aunt Martha's house about 12:30. Not only were we able to see the Falore family, but my sister's family was there as well so we were able to exchange gifts with one another. Grant was off golfing with my Uncle Dave & Jake pretty much played video games the whole time, but it was nice for my sister, my Aunt Martha, and cousin Julianne to see little Kellen, of course. Then, about 3:30, we drove for Jeremy's parents house where we stayed put for the rest of the evening. Jeremy's brother Matt, and his fiance Katy were up from LA, and we had a great time! Kellen was absolutely showered with gifts!! It turned into a late night for Kellen, but he was a trooper & enjoyed all of the attention. Finally, on Christmas day, after opening gifts from Santa at our house, we drove up to my parent's house where again Kellen was showered with gifts from not only his grandparents but by his Uncle Jimmy & Aunt Aimee! We then left for my Aunt Nanette's house about 4:00 and headed Discovery Bay. There we enjoyed a Christmas feast, lots of great company, and completed the annual Gift Exchange! We finally made it home to our thrashed house...whew! What an exhausting couple of days. Now it's time to clean, clean, clean!

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Christmas 2010

All I want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth

Kellen has two teeth! The first one cut through about a month ago, and the second popped through about a week ago. Both together in time for Christmas. Kellen had some slight discomfort, but we treated him with baby Tylenol & baby Oragel. Nothing kept him from sleeping through the night, phew!

"Mama"

I swear to goodness that Kellen said "Mama" to me last night! He took a really long afternoon nap, and had to be starving when he woke up. We decided to wake him up for his bath, and when Kellen saw me he said, "Mama." Jeremy carried him upstairs to undress him, and I went to prepare the bath water. As I turned away, Kellen said "Mama" again! I really think he is associating me with the word!! Normally, if Kellen was just making sounds it would be more like "mamamamamama, bababababa, or dadadada," but this time he looked right at me and said clear as a bell, "Mama." Even Jeremy agreed! It was very cool. I told Maureen the next morning that we think he said Mama last night. When I got home for lunch he said Mama right away, and Maureen stated that was the first time he's said it all day. I called my mom to tell her, and she said that yesterday when I left to go back to work; as I walked out the door & closed it - he stretched his arms out and said "Mama" then too!

Guess Who I Met Last Weekend?

SANTA!!!
That's right. I met him in the flesh at Valley Fair Mall while his reindeer waited on the roof. My mom and dad kept me company while we waited in a really long line. We got there before Santa did, and the line was already 20 families deep! I was real patient though, and was a good boy so Santa could see what a good boy I am. I must have known something special was happening that day, because I didn't take a nap all morning! Finally, Daddy plopped me in the big guy's lap. I wasn't too sure what was going on at first as this was my first time meeting him. I overheard Santa tell Daddy that I could have anything I want! Yes, he said that! I gave Santa's beard a little tug to make sure it was the real deal. Yup, it's real. I then heard Mommy clapping and cheering me on, so I looked at her & gave her a big smile. A big flash went off, and this is what we got! Great picture, isn't it? Look at that, I'm even holding Santa's hands!

Another Cold?!?

Unfortunately, this is true. Kellen woke up this morning with an awful hack, sneezing, and a runny nose. At 7 1/2 months, this is his third cold!!! I swear this kid can't catch a break these days. I guess looking on the bright side, each cold builds his immunity up more & more. At this rate, he's going to be one healthy little boy! Get better soon my Sweet Boy.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

This year we celebrated Thanksgiving at The Lanes. We had a great crowd that included my parents, Jeremy's brother Jordan (up from LA) with his wife & daughter, brother Andy, his wife Staci, sister Amy, and the neighbor Ed with his son Edgar. It was especially nice since last year I was eating Turkey from a hospital bed. While this year, we didn't have to choose which side of the family to be with since we all came together! It was really cute to see the two cousins together. Kathleen is taking up a storm. Yelling, KELLEN!!!, FOOTBALL!!!, KATHLEEN!!! as well as everyone else's names at every moment she could. So cute!!! In addition, Jeremy and I decided to take the entire week off for some much needed family time. I was also able to get in a shopping day with my mom in San Francisco. We had a great time.

Here are the pictures from Thanksgiving:
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Uncle Matt & Auntie Katy (to-be) are engaged

Last night, Maureen & Al hosted Matt & Katy's engagement party at their house. The bride and groom to-be looked so happy and in love. The Lanes are looking forward to the new addition to the family. Congratulations Matt & Katy!!!

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Matt & Katy for Blog

Kellen's six month photo shoot

Christmas cards are out!! And, the pictures we selected are from Kellen's six month photo shoot. The very talented Kacie Fowle (Kacie Jean Photography) traveled up from Santa Barbara just for the occasion. Here is the link to her slide show. You need the latest flash player for it to work (there should be music as well).

http://www.kaciejean.com/novemberlane

The location we chose was Yerba Buena Gardens in Downtown San Francisco. It ended up being a GORGEOUS day, and the pictures are absolutely gorgeous themselves. THANK YOU SO MUCH AUNTIE KACIE!!!

Makin' Baby Food

We are right in the mix of baby food! I wouldn't say that Kellen is an expert at this whole eating thing yet, but he's learning quick, and his palate is ever expanding. In mid-November, we had Kellen's two buddies, Gianna & Makayla over while their Mommies and I made baby food. The daddy's watched the babies (and football) while we pureed away in the kitchen. It turned out great, we ended up with a ton of food, and had a blast while doing it. All the while being proud of ourselves that we made natural, fresh, healthy baby food for our tikes. Looking forward to the next party!