1st outing

Last Sunday, January 24th, was Allen's first public appearance. Until then he had only been to family's houses and to Ms. Devon's. We went to church. Allen was all dressed up in an outfit Uncle Uli gave him for Christmas. He looked adorable and like a little man! We got everything ready and headed out. Allen did great in the service until... he had a huge blow out poop! Ok, we could handle it, except - we forgot the diaper bag! Christian packed it, and I checked it before we left (even added a few more diapers). It was on the table just where we had left it. Our church, The Heights, is about 20 minutes from home, so we left immediately. I heard enough of the sermon to know that Pastor Gary was encouraging us to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others. I'll tell you this, after having a son, the fact that God allowed his to be sacrificed for us, has an entiredly new significance. I can't imagine doing that even if it would save the world for the rest of eternity. This is major! God loves us more than I love Allen and that is amazing. If you haven't already, think about this. It is crazy good news. Here's Allen in his Sunday best and just at home being cute:

16 lbs

Allen is weighing in at 16 pounds today!!!

Allen is 3 months old!

I can't believe that our sweet baby is already 3 months old. I wish time would slow down! He's had so many changes over the past couple of weeks it's hard to tell which are due to growth and which are due to schedule changes. Allen started daycare last Monday, Jan 4th. He stays at a home in Wylie with two other baby boys while we're at work. When they get a little older, they'll have a great time together. For me, every morning is extremely difficult. I can't stand leaving him! It is not natural for a mother to be seperated from her baby. However, since I have to work, I'm thankful for the job that I have. I love what I do and each day passes quickly. It will be a constant battle to continue doing everything I want with my job and still be the best mommy I can be. Allen has had a cold this week but continues to smile and laugh through the coughs and congestion. What an angel! A couple of days ago he started batting at his toys on his carseat and paymat that hang down.

He's constantly getting stronger and loves to stand up. We're cherishing every moment with him! One of my favorites was last weekend. We all slept late and then hung out in the room for a while before starting the day. The countdown of the top country songs of the decade was on the radio, and we took turns singing and dancing. The #1 song was "Live Like You Were Dying." We did exactly that. What's better than that precious time with our baby?! Here are some pictures to mark Allen's 3 month birthday:

Here are the comparisons of Allen at 1 month, 2 months, and now today at 3 months:

Allen's 1st Christmas

Allen's first Christmas lasted well over a week. It was full of family, food, and fun! He was ready with lots of cute Christmas outfits. Here's one that is a hat from Aunt Diana and an outfit from Uncle Luis and Aunt Deana (it has Rudolf on the booty):

Allen got to meet Santa for the first time! The house at the end of our street had great lights to music and Santa came to pass out candy canes and visit with children. It was a perfect opportunity to get a cute pic with Santa:

Allen got to join in a fun Inman tradition of making and decorating Christmas cookies. Gigi, Alyssa, and Kayla helped out. :)



We went over to Gigi and Grandad's on the 23rd to make a few last minute treats like Special K cookies and butterscoth pretzels. Mom had already made food for several meals and all the best desserts and munchies. Normally we spend the night there, but this year we took Allen home and came back the next morning for our famous Christmas brunch. It is my favorite meal of the whole year! Sausage egg casserole, hashbrown casserole, baked cinnamon apples, homemade bread, and more - yum! We have lots of cute pictures with the Inman family opening gifts. We had a great time celebrating with everyone and were thankful to be able to share time and gifts with them. Here's one family pic. (I'll put others on Facebook.)






That night the plan was to head to the Baez family Christmas celebration, but it started snowing in the afternoon and continued all night. Reports of road closings and accidents kept us at home. It was beautiful and a special white Christmas for Allen's 1st, but it did affect our plans. We went to Christian's parents' house on Christmas day. Unfortunately, Christian's grandmother was admitted to the hospital and wasn't looking good. (More on this later.) There wasn't much Christmas celebrating with this news. Allen and I went back to Mom and Dad's that evening for Christmas dinner; Christian stayed with his family awaiting news. The following day (26th) we enjoyed time at Pop and Judy's. We got to visit with both Lane families and the Gillises. I don't know how, but we missed taking pictures this day. The following week we got special time with cousins! Ian and Timothy came over and hung out one day. Another day we got to spend with Maria, Sue, and Ellis. I think Maria wins the award for getting the most smiles and laughs out of Allen. They had a great time together! This takes us up to New Year's 2010. Allen and I spent special time together. Here he is:
Hope everyone had a special Christmas and a blessed start to 2010!