Happy Birthday, baby boy!

Dear Ethan,

It is hard to believe that one year has past since you entered our lives. Your Daddy and I love you so much and thank God everyday for you. It amazes us how much you learn each day, and we love to see the excitement on your face when you think something is funny or you are excited. You are so smart, and we both enjoy watching you learn new things everyday. Just looking at pictures from the last year, it is amazing how much you have grown and we love to see how your personality has developed. You have brought so much joy to our lives. Thank you and Happy First Birthday!

This year has gone by so fast. Daddy and I are looking forward to the many years to come.

We love you with all of our hearts,

Mommy and Daddy
12-30-2010

December 30, 2009

December 30, 2010

Mommy and E-man's adventure

Ethan and I went to Florida on Tuesday morning and came home Wednesday evening (which turned into night with all the delays). My grandmother and grandfather moved out of their house, so my parents, aunt and uncle, cousin, her husband and son all went to clean the house out and get it ready to sell. So I decided at the last minute that I wanted to go also. I wanted Ethan to meet his Great-Grandma Hojem. We had a great time, even though it was a short trip. E-man and J-man (my cousin's son) had a wonderful time playing and unpacking boxes that we had just packed. The played cars, colored a picture for Great Grandma to hang on her new refrigerator, went to the palyground near house, and "helped" us pack and clean. It was an adventure, because I flew on the plane with Ethan without Chris. It was really okay, until it rained in Texas non-stop yesterday and we were delayed 2 hours in Florida, and then when we finally landed in Houston, we sat on the plane for 45 minutes before we got off. It was an adventure, but well worth every minute!

Merry Christmas to ALL!

We had a wonderful Christmas! On Christmas Eve, we went up to my parents'/brother's house. Grandma read me 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, just as my grandparents would read to me every Christmas Eve.

Christmas Breakfast pancakes and berries, Yummy!

Santa Claus came!!!

Look Santa found my shoes and gave me an orange and candy cane at my door!



This was the first gift that E-man opened. It was from his Great Uncle Eugene. A huge dump truck and blocks--how could you go wrong. It has turned into a favorite and he really enjoys putting everything in it and then dumping it other places of the house. I am finding things everywhere. We had a great Christmas, both sets of Grandparents and all Ethan's aunts and uncles came over to celebrate. We had a wonderful time. Santa brought Ethan a little swing set for Christmas. We have used it a little bit, but it has been so cold out, it has only been in 15 minute blocks. I think we will use it a lot once it gets warm outside.

Our visit to Santa

On Tuesday, we went to the mall to visit Santa. When we got there, Santa was a lunch, but we got in line anyway. Which in the long run was a good thing, because the line just got longer as we waited. In total we waited for an hour and 15 minutes. We took Grandma and Grandpa Lehmann with us, which was a good thing also, because they were able to walk E-man around and entertain him while Chris and I waited in line.

Ethan did pretty good. He wasn't to sure what to expect, I think. He kept looking at Santa and then at us. The picture above was the best one. It is half a smile. He walked right up to Santa (holding my hand of course) He can walk about 8 steps on his own before falling. We are looking forward to our first visit from Santa tonight. More later....Merry Christmas!

month eleven

Ethan is still moving around on all fours. Each day he 'stands' for a few more seconds. I know that one of these days he is going to figure out that we can walk and we aren't going to be able to stop him. This month we enjoyed Thanksgiving and Mommy's birthday. He talks continuously, Chris and I are not sure what he is saying most of the time, but we can tell that each sound does have a particular purpose. He has to be in the mood to eat veggies, but loves fruit. He would eat blueberries, bananas, and mandarin oranges for each meal if we would let him. We are looking forward to the next month of E-man's first year. It is amazing how fast time flies.

Christmas Tree Shopping

Today we went and picked out a Christmas tree. There was a little chill in the air, but better then last year when it was chilly and raining. Ethan wasn't really interested in the trees. He did enjoy playing peek a boo behind the trees. We got the tree home, we didn't decorate it, because it was nap time. We saved the decorating for tomorrow.