Dad's Texas Trip

Andy had to go to his National Sales Conference earlier in the week and I called in Grandma and Grandpa Hogan for reinforcements. They got here on Friday, Andy left on Sunday. After Andy left the the furnace went down (little did we know that while attempting to fix our drafty fireplace,we had actually turned off the gas to the furnace instead b/c they were mislabeled) and James sniffles became a full fledge cold with a nasty cough and a very anxious mommy. All ended well with a great time had by grandparents and some much needed help for Mom.

James, trying to sleep and stay warm without the furnace working -I think grandpa put about 5 blankets on him...

Day Care

James went to daycare last week for the first time. I woke up dreading the thought of handing him over to someone else for the whole day but then...Andy informed me that the pipes were frozen and his car needed more repairs and I was actually grateful that we had a place for James to go so we could figure out the rest of the stuff. It is hard to digest all the dollars signs required before 5 am. Anyway we got James off and I didn't cry. By noon the car was fixed, the water running again and I missed James. I held strong though and didn't pick him up until 4, when I proceeded to hug and kiss him as if he had been gone a week.:)

He doesn't look to sure about this whole daycare business...

But then he is so excited, you get a little drool with that big smile :)

First Haircut

Grandma and Granpa Garrison were here this weekend and graciously watched James while Andy and I ran errands for most of the day and then went to dinner and a movie. It was wonderful to see them, have them be able to spend the day with James, and of course have some alone time with Andy.


After they went home, we decided today that James hair was getting a little too Don King, so we trimmed it. He didn't care a bit and now he is even more handsome.

The results of Dad's work...I think he looks great

Random Cuteness

Eat your heart out Hefner!

Hanging out in my big boy chair. What is up?

All tuckered out...again....

New Years Day

The 3rd leg of the Garrison Holiday Tour took us to my Aunt Ceretea's in southern Ohio, where I must say we were too tired to even think about getting pictures. We ate great food, exchanged presents...which we had to send home with G&G because there was no more room in our car...and then left the next day. It was a short visit but great to see Ceretea again.

Then FINALLY, we were home! It had been 10 days since I had slept in my own bed and I was so excited to be home. We sprang the dog from the kennel, went to the grocery to load up on all the essential carbs (no vegetables yet!), and spent the next four days in our pjs watching college football and an occassional basketball game. It was heaven!

I know you are not supposed to let your kids watch TV, but he seemed so happy watching the games!

This is what you call puppy-baby bonding!

After a long day of games, James is all tuckered out.

The Hogan Christmas

Our next stop on the Holiday Tour brought us to Fenton and the Hogan house for Christmas Day. Although it was his first Christmas, James showed little interest in the festivities (He did like the Christmas tree lights).   Thankfully Grandma and Murphy (G&G Hogan's yellow lab) kept him fully entertained.  

Aunt Ami, Uncle John, and a very warm James (in case anyone was wondering why he was in only a onesie in the middle of December)

Uncle John loving on his nephew.  Who knew he be so into the kid?

At this point, everyone is opening presents whiles James and Murphy look on...bored...James did get to play with a stuffed chocolate lab (seen above) and enjoyed hanging out with old Murph.

After all the presents were opened Grandma and James hung out on the floor and cooed at each other.

Christmas Eve

This leg of the 2009 Garrison family Midwestern Holiday tour put us in sunny Lansing, MI for Christmas Eve - we were able to spend some welcome quality time with Andy's family and friends.

My brand new Christmas outfit - I'm sure all wear this every year from now until.... tomorrow

James and Uncle Paul Bunyon (aka Joey), along with Mrs I, who made sure all three of her boys knew how much she would LOVE a grandchild of her own

James is sporting the customized threads that Aunt Kate had tailor made in Milan

James and Uncle Joe - filled with holiday cheer

Graduation Day

Andy's mother Kris decided to go back and pursue her Bachelor's degree almost 15 years ago - through many long years and an enormous amount of hard work, she finally accomplished her goal of having the fourth degree in the family (all three children, and now Kris - we could not possibly be prouder!)

As an added bonus, Andy's grandparents Dick and Sandy were able to make it up from Tennessee for the event, and also celebrate an early Christmas with everyone.

Kris, Dick and Sandy

Andy and the graduate - nice work Kris!

Great Grandma Sandy and James - she finally gets to hold James and it took a SWAT team to get her to let go!

Great Grandpa Cahill - can you see the family resemblance?

It gets hot when everyone wants to hold you - however that is no excuse to not wear proper headgear

Thanksgiving 2009

This year was spent in Great Grandma Hogans and then onto Great Grandma Childress - James was finally able to spend some quality time with the Hogan clan, and he clearly stole any and all attention away from the turkey

The newest addition to the Carpenter family, Alex joined his older brother Anthony in September

Aunt Deb holding James, and I'm holding Alex -
these guys like to party

Funny how babies tend to bring all the attention down to the floor!

LONG AWAITED UPDATES

Hello again everyone! I know that is has been a very long time since I have updated you on the happenings in the Garrison house but after Thanksgiving hit, I got a little overwhelmed with the holiday season. I am going to make up for that now. So even though the dates of the future posts all say January 4, make me happy and just imagine in your mind that they were posted as the events occured. Thanks!!