Fun with Bean!

Garrett is a man who likes to have fun, lots of fun. He likes to play in his new exersaucer. One of his favorite past times is pulling Daddy's glasses off his face and chewing on them. He loves to laugh and grab and lunge at Mommy or Daddy.

Other fun past-times are rolling, from side to side and back to belly. He's mastering new skills all the time. You can really see his wheels turning. Recently his babbling seems to have taken on real meaning; he look at something intently and babble, like he knows what he's talking about. I'm sure he does, in his own language.

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!