Friday, April 25, 2008

Anniversary

Disclaimer--I cannot seem to get blogger to load my pictures in the order I want them, so it might seem a little random. This past weekend, Xavier and I visited Missouri and were able to attend Lauren's bridal shower and the 65th wedding anniversary of my grandparents! It was a great time--a little too busy and short, but I'm so glad we were able to go! Xavier was spoiled by all the attention and seemed to love it--he definitely needed to catch up on sleep when we got back! Now for some pictures...
No gathering of my dad's side of the family would be complete without a hay ride! And it was a full wagon...this is before many even got on!

Xavier and his Aunt Katie65 years! I don't think you would guess that it has been that long from the picture! An entire gymful of people came out to help them celebrate.Xavier thinks Aunt Gayle's flowers are pretty (photo courtesy of Kate!)Xavier and his great grandmaAt Lauren's shower, we were given paper, tissue paper, pipe cleaners, and ribbon to make bouquets. This is what Jamie, Leyna, Lauren, and I came up with!Lauren at her showerLeyna collected ribbonsUncle Jon and Aunt Jamie at the anniversary celebration While we were there, I did some photoshoots of Lauren and Nick, Jon and Jamie, and Aaron and Katie. You can go to my photography blog to see them:
www.rachelhillphotography.blogspot.com

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Caught up

I'm caught up with the photo-a-day blog after our trip to Missouri. I'll be back here soon with more pictures and the story!

www.photoblog.com/rachelhill

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Month six

Dear Xavier,

A few days ago, I packed up your tiny 0-3 month clothes and sent them to your new little cousin Micah. How is it possible that you were once that small and that you have changed so much in the last six months?! It seems like every week you are doing something new. Like someone said about you today, you sure aren’t wasting any time!

Around the middle of this month, you realized that lying in one place was kind of boring and decided to spice things up a bit. Your worm crawl started as halting and awkward, but you are getting a little faster all the time and are often halfway across the room before your daddy and I notice. If you continue to speed up, soon you will catch those kitties you are always chasing!

Every night, you and I read a few books before your daddy puts you to bed. As you get older, you are becoming a little bit easier to read to and you seem to listen a little more. One night I told you that you were a good little reader and your dad has made fun of me pretty much every night since. If you could stop smacking the books while I’m reading, he might be a little more convinced. I’m not sure how much you are retaining yet, because your behavior towards the cats doesn’t seem to have changed since we started reading Tails Are Not For Pulling. But just keep pretending to read and keep your English teacher parents satisfied!

This month was such a special one because you met your great-grandparents in San Diego and got to see all three of your grandparents, plus Aunt Erica. Xavier, if this is one thing that you can be sure of, it is that you are loved! I saw tears from many an eye as goodbyes were said. Daddy and I think you are such a nice little boy, but it’s great to hear it from someone else too…and of course they aren’t biased at all!

We had been worrying about the plane ride to California for a couple of months now, but you did so well! You would have slept the whole way there, were it not for another baby crying and waking you up. It might have also helped that we let you watch the TV on the flight, something you never get to do at home, and there were plenty of girls for you to flirt with.

When we got back from California, you tried some solid food for the first time. After about six days, the current verdict is rice cereal is not very exciting, but you sure do like the oatmeal. You once again showed your independent streak, trying to grab the spoon out of our hands and then, once your hands were pinned down, forcefully swooping your mouth down at the spoon…glad those things are covered in rubber!

When I reach out my arms to pick you up, you’ve started reaching back. I promise you, Xavier, that no matter how old you are or how big you get, I will always be there for you when you reach for me!

Love,
Mommy

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Six Months

Xavier will be six months old tomorrow! I wanted to take some portrait type pictures for his "birthday" but I knew he probably won't be feeling well tomorrow after his shots, so we took them today instead.