I Don't Usually Do This

I have never written down new year's resolutions, much less been strict on myself about sticking to and fulfilling new year's resolutions, but this year is going to be different. I don't usually do this but I feel like having other people read my resolutions will push me to stick to them. So here are my resolutions for 2011:

1. Hug my loved ones every chance I get


2. Tell the people I love "I love you" more often and mean it


3. Talk sweeter


4. Don't be so judgmental


5. Become a stay-at-home mom


6. Don't be in such a rush all the time - slooooow down


7. Do more as a family


8. Cherish time visiting with family and don't worry so much about every little thing that has to get done

These may sound simple enough, but these are areas where I could use some improvement. Now that I know you all know about these, I HAVE to reach them. Recent events have reminded me that we never know when our last day with our loved ones on this earth will be, so a lot has been on my mind regarding how I will live the rest of my life. Thanks for helping to push me along. :)

Merry Christmas to All

Durham's First Christmas

He got a head start on Christmas Eve on the opening presents drill by getting to open presents from Grandma Bug (my mama).

This is his "smile for the camera" look. We were snapping so many pictures and this was the look he would give. Silly boy!
Opening presents from SANTA Christmas morningSuccess! He likes it!

This Christmas I am especially thankful for the simpler things in life. I am thankful for our home, our health, and the love we have for one another. I spoke in church the Sunday after Christmas on "Following Christ in Faith" and it has been such a great reminder to me of the love and gratitude we need in our lives and the focus we should have on Christ. I am so grateful for our Savior and for His Atonement and I feel so blessed to have such wonderful examples around me. This Christmas has made me more thankful for ALL of my family members and for the love and support they offer me. Merry Christmas to all! Lots of love and well wishes to you all!
Love,
Christie

If You Need a Laugh

Durham's laugh is contagious.

Sorry for the weird camera angle, but if Durham notices the camera he gets camera shy and just stares at the camera.

Five Months

Man, the past five months seem like they have just flown by! Where did my sleepy little newborn go? Now he's this big (but still little) boy that wiggles around like crazy when you try to hold him as if he wants you to set him down so he can take off running. He is dangerously close to crawling and sitting up. It will happen any day now. Hopefully I'm ready to be chasing this active little guy around the house! Only time will tell.

I love his happy, positive personality. He is always full of smiles and when he gets to laughing you cannot help but crack up. What joy little Durham brings into our lives. I had always heard that there was nothing better than being a parent, but I don't think I could have ever imagined it to be what it is. Now I can understand the love my mom has for me.

Meses, Mois, Months...

One month...

My poor little guy had baby acne all over his face, could roll himself onto his sides, and was still waking up at least once or twice at night.

Two months...

He was getting stronger and more expressive. No more baby acne and he started to LOVE bath time, splish splashing around in his baby tub. He also blessed us by beginning to sleep through the night!

Three months...

He began responding to faces I would make at him by trying to imitate me and smiling and laughing back. What a fun little game! He's super serious in the picture but his little personality has begun to show and I think we have a little jokester on our hands.

Four months...

Rockin' and rollin' and whatnot. This little dude can ROLL. He learned how to roll himself onto his belly and back onto his back a few weeks before turning four months old. The only problem is now that he can do that he tries so hard to get mobile (a.k.a. CRAWL!) that he gets upset. He laughs and smiles all the time and is a snuggly, happy boy.

This walker was his four month present. He's still a tad short for it by a good 4 or 5 inches so he can't really go anywhere, but he still likes to stand in it like a big boy and play with the steering wheel and toys on the tray. I bet once he gets moving we are going to be chasing this active boy all over!

We also took family photos the day Durham turned four months old, so stay tuned for those!

Going Bananas on Halloween

With our three and a half month old baby monkey, Durham!

The cutest monkey I've ever seen :)


Where's Durham???
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Baby Blessing

Everyone who would like to come is invited to Durham's baby blessing, this Sunday, September 5th at 9:00 a.m. in the Greasewood building. The address is 2002 N. Greasewood, Tucson, AZ 85745.

We will be having lunch at our house around 12:30 and you are welcome to come to that as well. We will give directions to our house at the church.

Hope to see you there!

Love,

Dan, Christie, and Durham