We're making it legal!

It's official! Brendan and I are engaged. Brendan found the one, the perfect ring, the day her proposed, with the help of Garrett. He said it was burning a hole in his pocket. It was very sweet, and the ring fits perfectly. The ring is from the 20's; it's Art Deco. The stone is a 1/2 carat, and there are beautiful engravings on the band.

Family Time

Garrett had fun last weekend with his Rizzo/Stephens family. His Aunt Hannah is about to pop any moment, and bring new cousin Vincent Ralph into the world!

Garrett met his Uncle Tim for the very first time; he's home from Iraq for a few weeks. Cousin Mia was happy to see Baby Garrett, and is looking forward to being a big sister.

Garrett laughed and laughed with his Aunt Amanda.

He is so comfortable and sociable with his family; there's no question he knows who his family is.

Fresh Face Baby!

You don't have to say it; Brendan and I know we have the cutest baby in the world. I'm entering Garrett into baby picture contest, and of course he'll win. :)

Because Garrett is so sweet and mild-mannered that I am able to take him to one of my classes. He plays in his stroller and observes the class. My teacher's voice is so animated, that it's like taking Garrett to storytime. Garrett is so entertained by behaviors and voices of the class. After an half hourish, he starts babbling a bit. Suprisingly, he's not too much of a distraction. He does get a little impatient by the latter part of class. I'll give him a break; he's only a five and half month old baby in college. I guess he can brag about that later in life.

First Solid Food!

YUM! Rice cereal is so tasty!

So it's official, Garrett has tried his first solid food--rice cereal mixed with breast milk. Yummy. He's not 100% estatic about it, but he's getting the chance to explore new textures and flavors.

Funny Bunny!

Hey, you're pretty funny!

Garrett has the sweetest belly laugh.

Ha, Ha, ha!

Ho, Ho, ho!

Merry Christmas, Love Garrett

We had a very Merry Christmas. Daddy and Mommy loved all of Garrett's gifts, and he loved the wrapping paper! Garrett enjoyed the Christmas tree. He often cooed at the lights. Garrett's the handsomest little man, and we were finally able to capture his sweet smile on camera.

I love this picture-- my little Michelin Man! This expression is so Brendan. Garrett is like a Brendan mini- me, but I think he has my eyes.

Garrett is such a sweety and so thoughtful and observant. I can see the wheels turning in his head when he's trying to figure something out. That usually involves tasting; he tasted a tree branch in the front yard, after batting at with much determination.

We had very nice, cozy Christmas with just the three of us, though we made a feast for at least five--very tasty. We visited family online, on Christmas Eve (webcam) and in person a few days after Christmas, in Raleigh. Garrett was delightfully social and patient. Brendan and I enjoyed spending Christmas together for the first time; joined by our little sugar plum, of course. I think we received a record number of Holiday cards, between the three of us we have about million family members. The more the merrier!

this is the life

Garrett is one cute man.

Brendan and I are often taken back by how darn cute he is; everyday it seems that his cuteness has reached his peak but then he gets even cuter. He's laughing more now and smiling all the time. It's hard to catch the smile on camera because he's so fascinated by the camera.

He does funny things all time. I like to call him my funny bunny, among many other things. Garrett likes to chew on whatever he can fit in his mouth, like the face of his toy lion and

the beak of his favorite stuffed ducky.

Garrett love his toes and feet to tickled and played with; his feet are always a key to smiles. We recently

saw "Happy Feet", which I thought was fitting. He has now sat through three movies in the theatre-- not awake the whole time, of course. Garrett is such a happy and good-natured little man.

He has officially discovered how to grab his toes. I'm sure he will soon figure out how to stick them in his mouth.