Thanksgiving and (almost) one year

Wow. I have lots of neices and nephews, loads of friends with young children, and if I had a nickle for every time I heard a variation of "they grow up so fast!"... well, I could buy a cheeseburger with those nickles for sure. But it never really hit me until Ezekiel how fast they do grow up, how fast they change. One day Zeke is lying there unable to roll his head, the next he is struggling to take his first unaided steps. We are amazed at the journey the last year and a half has taken us on, from conception to his first birthday this weekend.

Catchup

Wow. It has been a long time. I guess that's what "they" refer to when "they" say time flies.

Ezekiel continues to flourish and amaze us. I know I am biased, but he IS the cutest, best behaved baby I have ever come across. Some of my favorite things include his stretch after every nap when I un-bundle him, his constant smiles and his bright blue (though I think they are turning brown) eyes.

He is a chunky monkey, a very healthy 16 pounds, 5.5 ounces.

Zeke has begun to grasp the concept of his hands (did you get that pun?), reaching out for objects and watching, mesmerized, his hands and fingers. He also likes nibbling on his (mainly) left fingers.

Shopping

Ok...so I'm on maternity leave and am enjoying myself immensely. I have been way more busy than I ever thought I would be. I am now taking up the hobby of coupon cutting and shopping. Today at Walmart I saved $18.00 and at Fred Meyer, I saved $12.00. That was so satisfying. The only bad part...it took me 2 1/2 hours to go shopping. What did my son Ezekiel do the whole time? Slept and did not make a peep. He has been absolutely wonderful lately...sleeping, smiling, cooing. We are in love with our son and are enjoying parenting. Here's some of his recent smiles.

New Site

Hello all that have been following our blog....I have a fabulous new site that uploads photos and videos much faster! I will be using that to post pictures and video, but will update the blog on what's going on with us and our little guy. Please, Please check out the new site! www.dropshots.com/betsymiller LOVE YOU ALL!

Our sweet Zeke in his "recliner" just chillin'...

As I(Betsy) am on maternity leave, I will be updating the blog and sharing pictures of our little one with you. In the video below, Michael has begun military training of Ezekiel. He seems to be off to a good start. This was really cracking me up and I hope you all enjoy it! Check out Zeke smiling at Mike...priceless!

Zeke's first time in the Bumbo chair!

Relaxing under his playgym

Superstar!

My sweet angel!

A visit to the doctors!

Mommy and Zeke went to Dr. Greenburg's yesterday for a 6 week healthy baby checkup. All is well and he is gaining weight really well. 12 pounds, 1 ounce! Very nice! He is now 22 inches stretched out and is doing well in every other aspect as well.

In other great news, our "baby-wising" of Zeke seems to be paying off right about on schedule. We had two nights where he only was up once last week and are looking forward to this effect snowballing.

Over the hills and through the woods

To Grandmother's house we go...

We are back in Boise after a fun filled week in St. Louis with Grandma Phyllis and Grandpa Bo, Auntie Em, Uncle Joseph, Auntie Ellen, Uncle John, cousins Katie, Nathan and Matt, along with lots of other good family friends.

We celebrated Christmas and Ezekiel and looked forward to two more little babies in the very near future... Katie and Nathan are just eight short weeks away from Samuel August and Emily and Joseph aren't to far behind with their as-yet unnamed baby girl. Betsy and I are extremely excited for the three little cousins to grow up together.

We ate too much great food (thanks especially to Phyllis and Ellen for the feasts!), and caught up on some sleep.

Zeke did better than we could have hoped on the plane rides. Not a wimper was heard from the laid back little guy. Travel went off without a hiccup.