A Christmas Chuckle.

Just when you thought Christmas couldn't get any sillier...

Merry Christmas!

Wishing everyone a Blessed Christmas and Happy New Year!

Danny at the Pink Palace

Danny and I went with the Moms and Tots group from church to the Pink Palace Museum. They have an annual display called "The Enchanted Forest". It includes themed, decorated Christmas trees like this Disney tree. There's also a number of mechanical winter animals and elves doing activities. Danny's favorite was the train display which he intently watched for quite a while. Finally there were gingerbread houses that different people donated. Some were really detailed- the Parthenon, castles, cathedrals, and more. The whole display was just the thing to get us in the Christmas spirit.

Danny at the Winery

Danny and I went with my friend, Sandi, and her 7 month old daughter, Mia, to the Old Millington Winery. It was a short drive and a good winery. We (Sandi and I, no, not Danny) tried a number of different wines including Strawberry, Blackberry, and Muscadine grape. It was a fun little outing.

Danny Gets a Haircut

I finally got up to courage to cut Danny's hair (while he slept). It was getting so long and I was tired of the "what a pretty girl" comments. I thought the blue clothes would be enough, but I guess not.
I think it turned out pretty well, though there are still a few fly-aways. Now he looks like such a big boy!

Danny the Frontman

When we got the tripod out last week to take our family picture, Danny found a different use for it- a microphone! He loves to "sing" into the handle. We really do have a future rock star!

Christmas at the Zoo

Every year the Memphis Zoo does a special Zoo Lights display. They're open later in the evening and have different activities. Since it was in the 60's, we thought it would be the perfect night for another zoo outing. The petting zoo was open, but all the animals were sleeping- including Dasher and Dancer (real reindeer). We saw a magic show and sang with caroling elves. Visiting the herpetarium was probably the neatest thing we saw since the nocturnal snakes and lizards were moving around and eating.


Danny met Bamboo the panda mascot. He was too busy trying to rip its fur off to look at the camera.


At the cookie decorating tables, Danny discovered how much he likes sprinkles.

Paul had a close encounter with a tarantula.

Mama and Danny visit with a little owl.
Nothing like animals to get you in the mood for Christmas!

Christmas Comes Early for Danny

Ahma, Grandpa, and Uncle Ben sent Danny his Christmas present early since we'll be in PA. Paul and I spent the evening putting to together, so when he woke up Saturday morning, he found his Fire Truck!At first he only wanted to push is around (is anyone surprised?). But later he also discovered he could climb on it and propel himself backwards. Now all he needs is a hat. :)

14 Months

We can't believe Danny is 14 months old! He's turning into quite the little boy. So in celebration of 14 months of life, here's 14 adorable things that Danny does.

1) He runs and flops onto any mattress that's on the floor.
2) He bobs his head up and down whenever he hears music that he likes (especially rock).
3) He says "bubbles" (well, it's a little closer to "babao") and blows.


4) He finds empty bags and pretends to eat something out of it. He even pretend shares with Mama and Dada.
5) When he sees something he wants, he points at it and says "Disss! Disss!"
6) Since he doesn't know how to play with other children, he just stands really close to them and gives a goofy grin.


7) He holds onto his dada's legs and cries every morning when Paul goes to work.
8) He laughs at the strangest things.
9) He is always ready to travel which he shows you by playing endlessly with suitcases.
10) He shakes his head "no", but doesn't always mean it.
11) He sleeps in funny positions.


12) He talks on the phone, or anything else with buttons, like a calculator or remote control.
13) He will explore any new place (restaurant, office, park, etc) and will undoubtedly get everyone's attention in the process.
14) He runs full speed to us just to give hugs.

Snapshots of Thanksgiving

We spent a lovely long Thanksgiving weekend in Wheaton with my parents and brother. Danny found all sorts of new things to get into, rarely the fun toys which Ah-ma had gotten him. It was nice to have so few responsibilities for a few days. Thanksgiving dinner was delicious as always. We got to see a number of dear friends. We even got to watch TV that you can pause! Really, it was a wonderful time spent with the people for whom we are most thankful.

Danny Goes to Cosley 2

While in Wheaton over Thanksgiving, we couldn't resist taking Danny to Cosley Animal Farm again. We bundled Danny and the whole family up to enjoy the afternoon.

Danny especially loved the duck pond.

And hanging out with Uncle Ben.

He wasn't quite sure what to make out of the goats.

But he knew just what to do with Santa! I was afraid he would be upset when I handed him over so some strange man with a fake beard, but he saw the cameras and turned on the charm. What a little ham.

Danny Update

Danny is feeling much better now, though he's still extra cuddly and needing mommy. Too bad Paul and I have both taken turns getting sick too. The family that plays together pukes together. I'm quite the pro, but Paul broke a 5 year streak of not throwing up. Looks like we're over the worst is over now.

Poor Danny

Poor Danny woke up in the middle of the night last night and started throwing up. He was so tired he would wake up, puke, and fall back asleep before I could get him cleaned up. It is absolutely heart wrenching to watch him since he doesn't understand what's going on. Danny kept getting this panicked look on his face like he thought he was going to die. He just kept wanting me to hold him, so I got to be the spit bucket. I went through about 9 shirts and every hand towel and wash cloth we own. He slept a lot today and seemed to be feeling a little better- not throwing up any more, but a slight fever. Please pray for a quick recovery.

Danny in the Kitchen

Danny has been quite the "helper" in the kitchen: Cooking...


(I hope you like eating shapes for dinner.)

arranging the pantry...

straining, ummm, himself in the colander.

Danny and the Bubbles

Danny has been less than pleasant in the bathtub lately. He just wants to get up and walk around, or nurse, or both. Our latest solution is to "bathe" him in the sink. He sits on the ledge, splashes around, and we try to soap him up the best we can. It turns everything wet, but at least he's not screaming. Danny has especially been enjoying the bubbles that Auntie Fern sent for his birthday. He holds up the bubble wand to my mouth and makes blowing noises with his. He just can't get enough of the bubbles.

Danny "Kills" a Cockroach

So we have a minor cockroach problem. They had disappeared for a while, but have recently reappeared. The worst part was when I opened my pantry to find a giant cockroach right next to the cream of mushroom soup. I let out such a blood-curdling cry that Paul didn't know what to do. Paul has been very brave and is actually a real pro at killing these pests with his flip-flop.

Last night, Danny saw Paul kill a small cockroach on the wall with his sandal. After he put it down, Danny ran over, got the sandal, went to the place on the wall where Paul killed the cockroach, and started pounding on the wall trying to "kill" a cockroach. Just like his daddy.

Danny and the Purse

Danny likes to carry around a little pink purse. Sometimes he puts legos or other small objects in it. Most of the time he just drapes it on his elbow and runs around happily. It's very cute and would be disturbing if he wasn't already such a ladies' man.

An afternoon at the Botanic Gardens

We decided to take advantage of the beautiful fall weather (meaning over 70 degrees) to visit the Memphis Botanic Gardens. We had a leisurely stroll through the park, and especially enjoyed the Japanese Garden. There was a pond filled with giant koi, two bridges, and bright red foliage.
Danny on the bridge.

Nursing by the burning bushes.

Danny leading the way.

Danny and the Umbrella

Danny has found a new favorite toy- the umbrella. He brings it over and flinches as we pop it open- then grins with delight!

Danny the Monkey

Danny has turned into a little monkey- in more ways than one. Now that he's mastered walking (read: running) he is climbing up onto anything he can. He stands on his tip toes and reaches onto the table. We're losing more and more places to put things.

Up, up, and away...



Danny also is giving new meaning to the phrase "Monkey see, monkey do". He's been imitating us in all sorts of things. Wearing my oven mitts. Putting on shoes. Carrying the laundry basket. Brushing his teeth with my toothbrush (which was only cute until I realized that it was disgusting). He even put the splint for my infamous trip to the ER on his little pointer finger. Danny is just soaking up so much new information, and trying to master new skills. Makes me really reconsider what I'm modeling for him.

Danny the Rock Star

For Halloween, we dressed Danny up as a Rock Star. He wore jeans and a jean jacket (with a tight white shirt underneath). His hair was spiked up with gel. He carried a little guitar with a homemade strap. For a few seconds, he even wore some sunglasses. He was adorable!


We took him to our church for a little party. He kept trying to take the candy out of the buckets. He even played a game, throwing animal shaped bean bags into an ark shaped bucket. They had a costume contest- and Danny won! Since we're in Memphis, it old makes sense that a "baby Elvis" should take the prize.