New Year's Eve

Good morning to all on the last day of the year 2008! Luke is home from work today, which is great. After Jonah's next feeding, we're going to take a family trip to the grocery store in Immokalee... should be fun! Then this afternoon Luke is going to work on the lawn while I prepare for our little New Year's Eve gathering tonight. The people will be arriving around 8pm, and we're going to have some little appetizers and snacks, maybe play some cards, and usher in the New Year! Here are some pictures and a video...

On the couch yesterday

Jonah and Daddy having a little chat

On the floor

I took this picture this morning... Jonah likes his little toys

Doesn't he look so big?

And here's a video I took yesterday...

That's all for today, folks! We hope you have a wonderful New Year's Eve... love to all of you!

Repeat After Me

I love this video. Jonah is starting to try and repeat sounds he hears... it's so cute! Luke does this with him all the time, and Jonah usually responds this way. Enjoy!

One Year... We Made It!

Yesterday was our one-year anniversary, so we had a nice steak dinner last night. Jonah slept through it, which usually doesn't happen... it was like his anniversary gift to us. :) It was a nice evening. Jonah is doing better today than he did yesterday. I think he was worn out yesterday from Sunday's travels. He seems more himself today, happy as usual. Right now he's laying on the floor next to me, and he's talking up a storm. He isn't as crazy about the bouncy seat as he was before Christmas break, so I think he might be outgrowing it.

Jonah and Monkey in New Jersey...

Luke bought me a brand-new Dell laptop computer for our anniversary, and I love it! It's navy blue and so easy to use. In fact, I'm typing on it right now, and I'm sitting on the floor next to Jonah. It's so much easier to do the blog now because I can sit anywhere in the house!

Our Christmas tree is still standing, as you can see!

Lighting the candles for our anniversary dinner last night

We had steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, and bread... and great conversation!

That's all for now, folks! Have a great day, and love to all!

Kickin' Around the Christmas Tree

I think we took this the first morning in New Jersey... enjoy!

Goodbye New Jersey... Hello Florida!

We're back in Florida now... we got in at about 2:00 in the morning! Our flight was supposed to leave at 6:30, but it didn't actually take off until 9:00, so we got in pretty late. Thankfully, Julie still came to get us! Luke is gone to work, and I'm busy unpacking our things and putting everything away. I've downloaded all the pictures now, so here are a bunch you haven't seen...

Ryan, Jonah, and Mary enjoying time with Pop (yesterday morning)

"You make me feel better when I'm sad."

"Look at me, Uncle Darrin!"

This is as close to Jonah as Ryan would get!

"I sure like Uncle Darrin... he must be an Eagles fan just like daddy."

We still had storytime in New Jersey

Ginny, Luke, Darrin, and I are standing in front of a VERY tall Christmas tree! Wow, Darrin, did you pump that tree with steroids or what?!!!

Jonah and Monkey having a joint naptime.

And last but not least, it was Tucker's birthday yesterday, so I wanted to include of picture of him on the blog... HAPPY BIRTHDAY Tucker!!! We hope you had fun fishing with your dad yesterday!

That's all for now, folks! Have a great day, and love to all!

Darrin, Ginny, & Shrimp Scampi

I'm not going to post any pictures today because it just takes too long... we get back to Florida tomorrow, and this week I will post pictures and videos from Christmas break so you can see what was happening while we were here!

Last night, Luke and I had dinner with Darrin, Ginny, and another couple they know (Dominic and Lauren). It was really nice... Darrin cooked shrimp scampi, and I actually liked the shrimp so he must be a pretty good cook, even though he's an Eagles fan. Dominic and Lauren have a little girl, Eden, who's eight months old and really cute. (Dominic is one of 16 children- isn't that so cool?) It was nice to visit with them and hang out with Darrin, Ginny, and their kids. Dad, I did get a picture of the tree, which I will post on the blog this week. Anyway, so we had dinner together, and then Luke and I sat and talked with Darrin until their mom called to say Jonah was crying for some dinner. Then we drove across the street to go feed Jonah. Upon our arrival, we discovered from Luke's parents that Jonah rolled over onto his tummy while we were gone. Luke and I have yet to see it!

We aren't doing a whole lot today. Jonah is sleeping right now, and Luke and I are both on a computer. This afternoon, we might go to see The Tale of Despereaux while Grammy & Pop Condit spend some final alone time with Jonah. Other than that, we'll probably visit Darrin and Ginny again and then just enjoy our last full day in New Jersey.

I hope you're all having a nice morning. We're keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Love to all!

Merry Christmas!

I haven't posted for a couple days, so I'm putting up a few more pictures than usual. We hope you enjoy them! This morning Darrin and Ginny and their five children came over here for breakfast, and that was a lot of fun. Then around noon we journeyed across the border to Matamoras, PA, to Aunt Colleen's house, where we spent time with more of the relatives. It was a great time! Now we're back at home just relaxing. Hope you enjoy the pictures!

Luke's niece, Mary, holding Jonah

"I have to get a bath even during vacation?"

Watching The Polar Express

First dinner date since Jonah's arrival.. at The Tuscany Bistro in Newton

Picture time... say CHEESE!

Checking out his gift from Uncle Darrin and Aunt Ginny

"I thought I loved the birdie until I saw you."

Aunt Colleen meets Jonah!

Aunt Ginny, Jonah, and Rachel enjoying their time at Aunt Colleen's

"My cousin Zach is pretty cool, I must say."

That's all for now, folks! The videos are going to have to wait until we get back to Florida. For some reason, I can't post them up right now, but I'm saving them. You're all in our thoughts and prayers. God bless, and love to all of you!

Foot Doctor? Really?

Things are going well for us here in New Jersey. We are relaxing but also keeping busy. Luke and I just got back from Bristol Glen, a local nursing home, where we visited one of Larry's living relatives named Lois VanAtta. I think she was happy to see us... we didn't bring Jonah along, but we did bring a picture of him so she could keep it there in her room. We sat and visited with her for almost an hour, and then when lunchtime came we took her down to the dining room and then left. Jonah stayed with Grammy Condit while we were gone, and it sounds like he was well-behaved. Good job, Jonah! When we got back, Luke was talking to Jonah, and he was actually laughing- it was just darling. I will try to get that on video soon.

Tonight Luke and I are going to have dinner at a local Italian restaurant while Jonah spends a little more time alone with his grandparents. That should be nice. Here are some pictures we've taken over the past couple of days. Enjoy!

"Is that really me, Pop?"

As happy as ever!

"Look at the camera, Jonah... good!"

Jonah loves the fire... he's taken a few naps by it already, and when he's not napping, he's just staring!

One of the most exciting parts of our trip so far was my adventure to the foot doctor yesterday, where I had to have an ingrown toenail removed... I know, disgusting! I had to get three long shots with a big needle and then a clip of the toenail. The doctor was funny, though I wasn't in the mood to laugh. What a great memory of Christmas vacation!

Mommy and Son time is always precious

This is the bouncy seat we're borrowing from Aunt Ginny during our stay here. Jonah loves it!

That's all for now, folks! I hope you're enjoying your Christmas vacation. You're all in our thoughts and prayers. God bless, and love to all of you!

Hello New Jersey!

Our travels went pretty well yesterday. The flight was delayed a couple hours, so we had some extra time at the airport, which was fine- it was nice not to have to rush! Once we landed in Newark, we had to sit on the plane for a while, so I ended up walking up and down the aisle with Jonah as he wasn't too crazy about sitting in the chair not moving. He was the main attraction, though I must say that almost every person who sees him thinks he's a girl. The woman sitting behind us said, upon seeing Jonah, "She looks like the Gerber baby!" I've been getting it out there on the table right away, "It's a boy, HIS name is Jonah."

Last night we visited with Uncle Darrin and Aunt Ginny, had dinner with Luke's parents, and just relaxed. Jonah had a very good sleep once we actually got him to sleep. He only got up once during the night- it was awesome. It is quite cold here, about 5 degrees, and very windy. I love it!!! I don't think I can upload a video today because I can't fit it on the flash drive, but I will figure it out and post one tomorrow, or maybe even tonight. Here are some pictures, though...

At Chili's in the airport

"I like this place. It's colorful!"

"Daddy, are you serious? We have to sit here for two hours?"

Still sitting...

Pop and Jonah visiting the Christmas tree

What's going on in the world today?

Time for some breakfast!

"It's been almost 8 hours since I checked the weather!"

That's all for now, folks. Have a great day. You're in our thoughts and prayers... love to all of you!

Happy or Sad?

I don't know when we took this video, but I don't think I posted it yet, so here goes...

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Last night the Diaper Kegger was a success. Jonah and I hung out in the kitchen to prepare the munchies, and the guys sat on the couch, talked, and ate. I think they all had a good time! As I listened to them, I was thinking, "Gosh, men and women are SO different!" :) It was funny. At about 9:00, Jonah and I went into the bedroom to lay on the bed, and we both fell asleep. When I woke up at 11:00, the guys were all gone, and Luke had cleaned everything up, which was so nice.

Today we are packing for New Jersey as we're leaving tomorrow morning. We'll also get the house clean and do some last-minute laundry. We might make a trip into Naples, but maybe not. And tonight we are having a steak dinner, much to Luke's delight.

The guys enjoying Dan's stories at the Diaper Kegger last night

Jonah stayed with Mommy in the kitchen

Taken yesterday- Daddy and Jonah checking out the weather

More Tummy Time (using the Boppy Pillow... one of the dads at the Christmas Party gave us this idea)

Maria wanted to see the back of Jonah's Christmas outfit, so here it is! There are buttons above the "Merry Christmas" but they're hard to see

That's all for now, folks! Have a great day, God bless you, and love to all!

Before the Christmas Party

I took this before we left for the party last night...

We Wish You a Merry Christmas Party

Last night we went to the Christmas party at Dan and Cathy's house... it was a lot of fun, and there were several little babies there! We talked, ate, laughed, and passed Jonah around. He was pretty content the whole time.

Tonight we have the Diaper Kegger here at the house. It is being held for Alex Frain, husband of Beth, who is one of the RDs. She is due in January, and the girls threw a baby shower for her a couple weeks ago. For Alex, the guys are throwing a Diaper Kegger, so each guy who comes will bring diapers and some beer. What a great combination! Jonah and I will stick around to prepare some munchies for the guys, which will be fun.

Luke got to wear casuals to work today, and he looked very nice. Today is his last day of work before our Christmas vacation, so that is really nice. Jonah and I are going to clean the house for tonight and also run to the grocery store to pick up a few last items. Now for some pics...

In the crib... and still excited about the mobile!

During his nap yesterday. Same position as always!

"I'm ready for the Christmas party, mom and dad! Do I have to wear the bib?"

"When are we leaving, guys?"

Napping in the guest room at Dan and Cathy's during the party.

Krista, Katherine, Beth, myself, and Sharon enjoying the fellowship...

That's all for now, folks! Have a great day, God bless you, and love to all!