Sam is SEVEN Months Old!

Sam is now seven months old and is very mobile. He can scoot or roll to anywhere he wants and he is trying to figure out this thing called crawling! He loves his Johnny Jump-up and he likes to go out and see his friends. He also likes to smile so big you can see his tonsils! He loves Bible Class and watching the kids in our group at church. It won't be long before he's running around like them so we are enjoying it while we can.

Sam's First Christmas

We got Christmas kicked off right in Gulf Shores and continued the festivities all the way to Jackson where Sam's Uncle Curtis, Aunt Beth, Cousin Aubrey and Cousin Rylan had arrived to spend some time with everyone at PopPop and MamaNise's house. The boys enjoyed playing in the exersaucers while Aubrey made a Gingerbread house. Then they had a little fun rolling around on the floor. We opened LOTS of presents and then Aubrey taught the boys about the Rockin' Santa Clause. We were sad to see our Garrisons go back to Erie, PA but we had a wonderful Christmas in Jackson.

Sam's First Vacation

We got to go to Gulf Shores, AL the second week in December with Chris's family. I know you're thinking, "The beach in December?!" but it was so much fun! It was a long trip but Sam's Auntie M got to fly over from Texas and drive with us. The weather was fabulous in the mid 70's and sunny all week. And since it was the off-season we didn't have to worry about crowds-we had the place to ourselves! Sam really enjoyed the sound of the ocean-he went to sleep everytime we went. But he did not care for the chilly water. We went fishing but it was really just "jelly-watching" since nothing was biting. We also saw a pair of cranes making a nest on one fo the small islands in the harbor. We had a picnic at sunset the last night we were there and the seagulls kept trying to figure out how to steal our food. Sam even ate some peas on the beach! The last day we were there, Chris decided he just had to go in the water even though it was the coldest day that week! Then he decided that I should go in, too. Auntie M told Sam that "Mommy + Daddy = WET KISSES!" We had a wonderful time and enjoyed an early Christmas with the Gilberts.

Sam's First Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving in our new house. Deanna's parents and sister Cindy got to come and spend some time with us. Sam took a good nap with PopPop while MamaNise, Deanna and Cindy made lunch. Then he got to watch some football with his dad. Can you guess which team they are rooting for? We had a great time. After our lunch we continued the tradition of making candy for Christmas- PopPop tried to let Sam sample a piece but Mommy caught him in time!

Sam Tries Baby Food

Sam has recently begun to eat with a spoon-or at least atempt it! He loves sweet potatoes, peas, squash and bananas. He is not so crazy about pears, peaches or prunes! We definitely have to feed him right before bath time because as you can see he is not the cleanest baby when it comes to meal time.