We spent Christmas afternoon w/ the Ross/Honea/Ross families and we had a blast! We always have so much fun unwrapping stockings and sliding some personal jokes into the general gifts as well. Really, it's all payback for some very awkward moments years and years ago. Kristie and I realized we might not have many more years to get these jokes in because eventually, Zach will be aware of what's going on around. But until then . . . =)
Steve showing off my mad parenting skills . . . somehow when I changed Zach's diaper, I put both legs in 1 pant leg . . . mom of the year award right here!
Nate got a teething ring! Zach modeling Pops's driving hat Zach and Nana getting in a fine after dinner snack of wrapping paper . . . Zach and Uncle Awesome enjoying some teething comfort
I'm not sure why exactly I have this need to post month old pictures . . . but somewhere in my mind is the thought that if I don't post pictures from all of our important events, that I will forget that they happened. Unlikely, but since I listen to the voices in my head far too often, here are pictures from our Christmas(es).
First off, Christmas morning at our house. *Disclaimer: We do not get dressed up all cute for Christmas morning. Someday, maybe I will start washing my face and putting on some makeup before the photo frenzy . . . but at the age of 25 that still seems like over doing it . . . maybe 26 year old Hilary will feel differently about it (but probably not . . . ).*
Greg got me a remote for my SLR that allows us to operate the camera from in front of it. First family self-picture with no timer!
And while this remote is super fun, it is not magical. I does not make your child face the camera despite how many pictures you take (in fact, Zach is staring at the remote in Greg's hand)
Nor does is keep your dog from invading said child's personal space.
But Greg's smile is nice.
Just thought I should point out something redeeming from the gross fest.
Zach got some sippy cups and spent a better part of the morning trying to figure out what they were for. Banging yourself in the head? Chewing on? Pouring water into your eye? As you can see, he did finally get the hang of it.
And Greg's contribution to the stockpile of pictures that morning. This is our back patio. Apparently the dying leaves on the blueberry bush were beautiful. Not that I can mock . . . have you seen my photog skills?
Oh, and here are Zach and I on Christmas Eve . . . he was looking quite studly =)
Zach meeting (great) Aunt Christy, Michael and Nate
Watching TV with Michael (keep in mind he was only 4 months old when this was taken)
Greg and Michael playing battleship . . .
Everyone playing Taboo
Brenden and Zach hanging out during "Elf"
Allie and Brian
Nicole and Zach
You can't tell in this picture, but Aunt Christy was getting Zach to really, really laugh!
Greg, Brendan, and Brian. Besides all of their faces being odd . . . this picture is funny b/c Brendan is nowhere near that tall . . . he was getting in a good vertical jump!
Though the purpose of our trip to California was a very sad one, it was wonderful to be with family and for Zach to meet many of his west coast relatives.
Here he is with his (great)Grandma Nancy. He is the first great-grandchild in my dad's family and marks the beginning of the next generation to look forward to growing taller than Grandma!
This year for Thanksgiving, we were able to spend it with my family. Mom and Dad hosted all of us (Mom's entire immediate family) and we had so much fun EATING all day long. Despite having both my digital camera and camcorder with me, I only managed to get 2 pictures. Both of the same thing, no less! Oh well . . . I learned my lesson and took a bazillion (yes, literally) at Christmastime.
Unfortunately, I didn't get everyone's faces in either of the snaps (and Zach was napping during this time, too!) . . . so for your viewing pleasure, both of my Thanksgiving pictures. Try not to be overwhelmed =)
I've probably said this before, but Thanksgiving is my all time favorite holiday. I love the cooking and the baking and the eating and regret for finishing your plate, the family time, the constant tally of how many times the story of the uncooked oyster dressing is mentioned. I love it all! I have so many fond memories of Thanksgiving growing up and how my parents made it a day all about family and spending time together as well as recounting how many things we have to be truly grateful for. This year was no different! Now if only I had the pictures to prove it . . .
December is always a busy month. It's supposed to be. With all the shopping, wrapping, baking, decorating, partying, and family-ing (just needed to make that flow . . .) December seems to always fly by and then, before you know it, it's the next year. I wish I could say that this year was no different, but it was. On December 2nd my Grandpa Tom Baumgartner passed away from a heart attack. The following days brought about many tears, much preparation for a flight to CA, reunions with family (some of which we hadn't seen in years) and remembrances of a wonderful man. It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do.
We named our son after him and I'm sitting here in tears now knowing that they will never meet. Here at least.
"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." (John 11:25-26)
Grandpa had a true faith in Jesus Christ that he lived out in his actions and love towards others. We do not grieve as those who have no hope, for we will see him again in heaven. And I pray that someday Zach will share that same faith and that when his days on earth end he will meet his great-grandfather and they will worship our Savior together.
We haven't abandoned the blog . . . fear not! There are pictures, videos, and poorly written anecdotes aplenty coming your way soon. And what better way to start off the year than to catch a glimpse of this little dude:
We spent Christmas afternoon w/ the Ross/Honea/Ross families and we had a blast! We always have so much fun unwrapping stockings and sliding some personal jokes into the general gifts as well. Really, it's all payback for some very awkward moments years and years ago. Kristie and I realized we might not have many more years to get these jokes in because eventually, Zach will be aware of what's going on around. But until then . . . =)
Steve showing off my mad parenting skills . . . somehow when I changed Zach's diaper, I put both legs in 1 pant leg . . . mom of the year award right here!
Nate got a teething ring!
Zach modeling Pops's driving hat
Zach and Nana getting in a fine after dinner snack of wrapping paper . . . 
Zach and Uncle Awesome enjoying some teething comfort
