Monday, December 15, 2008

Welcome Home!!

Waiting for Erik!

The signs welcoming him home. (There was another that said "Erik, You Rock")

The first hug is the best hug!

Father and Son!!

Man and Otto

Wow!!! The Welcome Home ceremony was amazing and we were so lucky to have Doug, Barbara and Amanda with us. Watching the soldiers walk in (especially Erik!) was quite a sight. We're so happy...well, happy doesn't even describe how we feel with Erik home! One of the most memorable moments happened this morning when I asked Garrett "Where's Daddy?" and he looked up and pointed to Erik. Daddy is finally home. 

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Happy 1st Birthday, Garrett!

Happy Birthday!

A year ago today (with Erik on the phone with me), Garrett was born. Doesn't seem like yesterday? What a blessing this little boy has been to us. We love you, Garrett!

We would also like to wish Barbara and Doug (Erik's parents) a Happy Anniversary!

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Back in the MO

3 generations
(We were at Scarlett and Reid Denson's new house for dinner)

Papaw Barkley and his boy

This was a half mad, half smile.

Groves, TX - FLW, MO: 13 hours 
Many thanks to Dad for helping Garrett and I get home. It's great to be back in MO...although it's incredibly cold and getting G into his car seat whilst all bundled up is a challenge. :) Our days are filled with playing, unpacking our 6 months in Texas and getting back into our MO life. 

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Goodbye, Texas! (well, at least for a few weeks)

The car is almost packed and we are hitting the road in a number of hours. To all our friends and family in Texas, thank you for sharing this time with us! We loved getting to visit and spend time with you all. 

Saturday, November 22, 2008

(early) Birthday Boy

At this point, we were pretty sure he was going to eat the plate!

And he tried, too!!

Frosting gotee - it'll be all the rage next year.

Mommy and the birthday boy in his new 'Nantucket' hat - thanks Grandma Seholm!

The 'before' shot.

These uploaded in reverse order...oh, well! You get the idea! We celebrated Garrett's 1st birthday a little early so the grandparents, aunts, soon-to-be uncles and friends could celebrate with us. It was a wonderful day and a wonderful party. Garrett played with his friends that came, had a blast opening presnets (tearing the paper) and of course - eating his birthday cake (baby's first sugar!!) We'll celebrate again on the day (December 11) and when Erik gets home (yeah!!!) Can you believe our wee-man is going to be 1!?!

*To all those who came today, thank you for celebrating with us. The day wouldn't have been the same without you!! We hope you had as much fun as we did. 

Thursday, November 13, 2008

...and counting.

Can you believe *it's* almost over?! I certainly can't. Garrett and I are getting ready for our journey to MO where we will anxiously await Erik's return!!!! In the meantime, I'm planning Garrett's first birthday party (part 1), getting ready for my grandmother's visit and Thanksgiving!! 

My dad has taught Garrett to make a '1'. So we say "Garrett is going to be one" and he proudly holds up his little pointer finger, then our response is to do the same. So random times during the day, Garrett will hold up his '1'. He's also fond of finding my nose. So when anyone asks where their nose is, Garrett is eager to help them find it!

Monday, November 3, 2008

Tag...I'm it


Beth P. tagged me (thanks!) so here's 7 random/weird facts about me:
1) When I was a little girl, I decided I didn't want to speak with an accent (Texan or any other kind) so I practiced speaking without one.
2) I have a small obsession with eBay.
3) I can't stand having water on the floor.
4) I prefer classical/instrumental music over music with lyrics because I'd rather be left with my own thoughts than with the thoughts of someone else.
5) From college until I married Erik, I've had 9 roommates in 7 years.
6) While at Baylor, I sang the National Anthem at basketball and baseball games.
7) I like orange more than pink. But I like green the best.

I'm supposed to tag 7 people, but really I don't know 7 people to tag so if you're reading this and you have a blog to post it on, consider yourself tagged by me. 

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Garrett and cousin Trevor

the cousins

Garrett and his cousin, Trevor, met for the first time this weekend. They are a few months apart. Trevor, Carolyn and Brian came to Texas for Barbara's surprise birthday party. It was an awesome celebration...Amanda did a knock-out job!!! You should have seen the place...once I get more pictures I will post them...maybe even a video if I can figure it out.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

The big boy shirt

I love this kid's hair!

This is Garrett in - what Erik and unca Jason call - his Big Boy shirt (compliments of Aunt Amanda and Jason). Because...he looks like he's like a big boy...I can't believe how much he has grown! He now says "ma ma" a lot and he imitates just about everything, although he has his favorites. He's also trying to stand up by himself (meaning he lets go of whatever he's holding on to, ie: me, the couch, etc). Tonight he stood and then instead of going 'boom' to his bottom or grabbing for something, he just sat gently - with purpose, if you will. I'm his mom - I was impressed. In mommy news, I've been reading up a storm and also knitting - alot. So if you get a scarf for Christmas it's the result of me channeling my creativity.  :)

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Toofers!

Two of Garrett's bottom teeth are in!! One is a little further along than the other, but I can feel both of them. As much as I would love to post a picture of them, he won't let me take a long enough look. I'll keep trying. Yeah!

Monday, October 13, 2008

Forever and yesterday...simultaneously

As Garrett takes his nap, I'll tell you all about a few firsts that have taken place the past few days. Yesterday was the first time I'd taken Garrett to the nursery at church. While I didn't have any expectations as to his behavior, I was shocked at the actual outcome. The instant I set him down on the nursery floor, that kid took off to play, climb and find anything that he could put in his hands or mouth on. Stunned by his Independence, I went over to give him a hug and kiss and was rebuffed!! He arched his back and hollered in protest. 'No kisses for you mom, let me play!!!' So I did... After church was over I went back in to get him and as I newly expected, he didn't want to leave. He had played the entire time and never noticed I was gone. I really am proud of him...he loves other children. He's most happy when he's around lots of people. 

Okay the other first...he finally is clapping his hands together!! 

Other family updates: Erik will be coming home 'soon'!! We can't wait to have him home. It seems like forever and yesterday simultaneously (if that's possible.) We thank all our friends and family for their prayers and unyeilding support and love. 

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Friday, September 19, 2008

New Mexico - the farm

Hey, doggies!! 

Great-Grandma Rike and Garrett. They are buddies.

Quite a pair!

Looks like he's divising a plan!

Great views of New Mexico mountians.

Due to Ike's little visit to Texas, Mom, Garrett and I took a little trip to New Mexico to visit my aunt (mom's sister), uncle and grandmother. Our first stop was their farm in Lemitar, NM. The weather here in unbelieveable. Cool and zero humidity. We love it!! We are on our way to Albuquerque this afternoon. 

Friday, September 5, 2008

Exciting!!

Garrett was crawling on his hands and knees today!! He just decided to finally do it. Granted, he goes back and forth between his new move and his old ones...but he is a determined little guy. He's also a pro at standing/pulling up on the furniture...and my legs. Lately he's been pulling up in his crib, pack-n-play and the couches and then walking...yes walking...around the primeter. Mind you, he's holding on for dear life, but he's still walking...okay, maybe wobbling is a better term. I can't belive how much he's done in these short few weeks.

Pictures and maybe a video or two (if I can figure it out) soon!!!

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Happy Anniversary!!!

On August 28, 2005, Erik and I were married in Franklin, Tennessee in the presence of our dearest family and friends. What a blessed day!! Erik, I love you more than you could ever imagine. You're a wonderful husband and father. Happy Anniversary to us!

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Dinner!

Hee hee...mom let me have the spoon!

"I can't believe I ate that whole thing"

Choosing his next move carefully...

I love this boy!! Or as my dad would call him...our man-baby.

All clean!

Tonight I let Garrett 'try' to feed himself. Which was really him holding and waving the spoon about after each bite. But he was proud of himself, none the less. His little personality is getting bigger and bigger each day. Not only is he a strong little guy, he is strong willed. He never gives up...specifically when it comes to crawling. He's scooting all over the house and climbs over anything and anyone (ie: me). Sorry for the lack of updates...I'll be better. :)

Sunday, August 17, 2008

He did it!!!

Garrett started creeping yesterday! While I was at Wal-Mart, my mom called to say that Garrett was using his arms (and one leg) to creep on the floor. I witnessed it myself a few hours later. So he's officially mobile with crawling and...(gulp) walking down the road. Our baby is growing up!! 

Friday, August 15, 2008

Having a ball

The boys - Garrett and Judson

Today Garrett and I went over to our friends house and it was such a joy to see how much fun Garrett had with Judson and Jagger. Thanks for having us over, Meagan! I knew Garrett was a social little guy but I had no idea just how much!! The minute he sat down with the boys he started laughing and giggling and doing his little happy dance. It was fun.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

28 is Grrreat!!

The new birthday dress...Erik got me this dress for my birthday!

The full effect...

My favorite little man and mommy.

Saturday I turned 28! I can't believe it...because I still feel 18. And speaking of eights...Garrett turned 8 months yesterday (Monday). Erik is the master of picking out cards and making birthdays special. So, thank you, my love for making my 28th birthday special. The Seholms and the Barkleys also made it great too! I'm so blessed to have such a wonderful family...I love you all. 

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Thank you, my sweet boys!



My sweet boys - Erik, Garrett and, of course, Charlie sent me these beautiful birthday flowers. (Shamless Self Promotion - - My birthday is Saturday, Aug 9!!!) So thank you, my men, for thinking of me and making me feel so special. I love you!!

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Garrett and Arlo

He's getting to be such a big boy!!

Mr. Giggles...in a cute baby way not a creppy clown sort of way.

Playing with his new friend, Arlo - my sister-in-laws little puppy.

Garrett showing and sharing his toys with Arlo.

This morning as we were packing up to head back to my parents house, I put Arlo in the pack-n-play for few photos with the wee man. Garrett LOVES dogs and cats...especially Arlo. He's baby sized and easier to pet and play with than the larger varities. Garrett and I camped out at the Sehoms a few extra days as Edouard made it's way through the SE Texas coast. Thanks for letting stay, Seholms!! We had a blast!!

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Crazy...off the wall post

My new hair!! I mean it's all mine, it is just shorter now.

Me having fun with Mac Photobooth. The next three pictures were all taken with the Photobooth application. (see below)

Andy Warhol-esque "Baby Mama"

What?! We look so weird. Garrett has a huge head and tiny arms. 

On our recent trip to Paris...or not. This one didn't work as well as the others.

So you may be asking, "what have Kristin and Garrett been up to lately?!" Well, I won't keep you in suspense any longer...we've been a little under the weather. Our July was filled with colds and painful (at least for me) ear infections. We are both starting to feel much better. Garrett is still on his quest to crawl. Any day now, buddy? He's SO strong...he knocked me in the face a few times this weekend and has become something of a Ninja Baby, using his paci as a nunchuck. I'm warning you now!! He's so great. I love being able to witness all these moments. Such a sweet boy.