Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Halloween!

Dear Vinny,

Tonight we took you out trick-or-treating for Halloween. We dressed you as a little devil and you were absolutely darling. Unfortunately, you didn't nap very well all day, so you were very tired. But you were in that slap-happy mood that you get in sometimes when you're tired, so everything was hilarious.

We took you around the neighborhood, and everybody agreed that you were absolutely adorable. After we were done, Daddy put you to bed while I gave out candy. I met a family who just bought a house down the street, who have a daughter who's just about your age. We'll have to get together with them after they move in!

You are a sweet boy and I love you!

Love,
Mommy

Monday, October 22, 2007

Visitors

Dear Vinny,

This past weekend, your Aunt Ginger and Uncle Johnny came for a visit. They brought you a present that you really enjoy: it's a singing "cookie jar," where the "cookies" are shapes. Anytime you put your hand in it, it sings. You like to push the nose on the face, because that makes it giggle.

On Friday, you and Daddy took your aunt and uncle on a trip to the Smokies. You got to see all the fall colors. Then on Saturday we all piled in the car and took a long road trip. First we stopped off in Chattanooga. You had a lot of fun when Daddy put you in the backpack and carried you around. Then we went to Stone Mountain near Atlanta. We went on a train ride, but it was kind of dark by that time, and I don't know how much you enjoyed it. But you were a good sport, despite the fact that the train was very noisy. It did kind of freak you out whenever they blew the whistle on the train.

On Sunday, we went over to Tia and Uncle's house, where you got to meet Tia's family who were visiting from California. You really enjoyed all of them, but when Tia held her nephew, you wanted her to hold you, so then when she and I traded and I was holding her nephew, you wanted me to hold you again. So I guess you wanted our attention all to yourself!

You can have my attention anytime!

Love,
Mommy

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

Cute Face

Dear Vinny,

Daddy has taught you how to make a funny face. Basically, you squish up your face and then you smile really big. This is supposed to make us laugh, and it works. It's your idea of a joke.

Sometimes, you do it at the most inappropriate times, which makes it even funnier. For example, you drop your milk and then you turn to me and make your funny face.

It is so incredibly cute, and I think it's wonderful to see your developing sense of humor!

Love,
Mommy

Monday, October 08, 2007

Birthday Fiesta!

Dear Vinny,

On Saturday, we had your birthday party. Lots of people came to help celebrate your first birthday with us. Granny and Granddad came on Friday night and entertained you while your parents and Tia and Uncle cooked for the party. Grandma and Grandpa came on Saturday afternoon. You took a nap just before your party.

You were a little confused by all the people who kept arriving, but you seemed to enjoy the party overall. There were plenty of people there who you already knew: Amelia, Burt, their parents and grandmother; Mommy's boss and his family; and Aunt Mary and Uncle Wayne, who came down from Harlan just for your party. You also met a lot of new people: Mommy's colleague Vickie, Mommy's former boss George, and George's boss Ed and his family.

I made you some special gluten-free, egg-free cupcakes, topped with whipped cream, but you didn't really know what to make of it. I think you liked the sweetness of the cupcake, but since you'd never actually eaten any type of bread before, you weren't quite sure what to do with the cupcake.

You got all kinds of loot for your birthday. Granny and Granddad bought you more things than I can remember: a lot of clothes, some toys, and a super deluxe red wagon. Grandma and Grandpa, and Mommy's sisters and their families all chipped in to give you a fun activity table, which Grandpa put together on Sunday before they left. Aunt Anne gave you a fuzzy, stuffed sea turtle, which you really enjoyed because it was so soft. And of course, Tia and Uncle made all the food for your party as your birthday present.

Mommy and Daddy's present to you was a backpack that we can carry you in. It is bright red and has lots of straps. I think you will really enjoy riding along on our backs.

This first year of your life has been full of wonder and joy, and we were really happy to celebrate it with you, sweet boy. We're looking forward to another fun year!

Love,
Mommy

Friday, October 05, 2007

One Year!

Dear Vinny,

Today you are one year old!

It is hard to believe that it has been a whole year since you were born, but so much has happened since then. You have nearly tripled in weight (from 7 lbs 11 oz to 22 lbs 3 oz) and you have grown nearly 50% taller (from 21.5" to 30.5"). You can hold your own head up, sit up, and crawl, not to mention sleep through the night without waking up every three hours. You smile, you babble, and you point to whatever interests you. You say "mama" and "dada," and "ning-ning-ning" when you're really unhappy. You flirt shamelessly with everyone. Your laugh is infectious and your smile is worth more than all the money in the world! You love to eat refried beans, and sweet potatoes, and chunks of pear. Really, you're not a particularly picky eater, which makes you a real joy to cook for. I enjoy watching you try new foods.

Tomorrow we are having a huge party for your birthday. Granny and Granddad, and Grandma and Grandpa are all coming for your birthday fiesta. Tia is cooking all the food, and Mommy is making a cake shaped like a sombrero and some gluten-free, egg-free cupcakes for you! You are going to be the center of attention. It is well-deserved, sweet baby boy. You have been a wonderful addition to our lives, and that merits a big celebration!

I love you, little one!

Love,
Mommy

Monday, October 01, 2007

More Travel

Dear Vinny,

This past weekend, we went to Kentucky to see your great-grandma. She's very sick and she may die soon. So we took this opportunity to see her, even though we hadn't planned on traveling this weekend.

On Saturday morning, we left you with Grandma while Daddy and I went over to see her. Then in the afternoon, we decided to take you over there. It was a hard decision to make but I think it was good. Great-grandma enjoyed seeing you and you definitely cheered her up. She likes babies and you are one of the most charming babies out there.

On Saturday evening, you got to stay with Grandpa while Daddy and I went out to dinner. And then on Sunday we all returned home in the afternoon. It was an exhausting weekend but I'm glad we did it. It means a lot to me that great-grandma got to see you one more time.

Love,
Mommy