Such a Handsome Christmas Gift

Once again, Robbie Durham has outdone herself and has taken some amazing photographs of Zander.

Everyone agrees, I am the perfect gift.

Such a handsome fella in my Santa hat.

All wrapped and ready to be placed under the tree.

Absolutely adorable stocking stuffer.

What's with all these lights mom?

Hmmm, what do I want for Christmas? Let me see....

Merry Christmas - 2009!!

Zander's First Christmas

Saying Goodbye to a Special Friend

During the first two months of my life, a very special person entered my life. He had eagerly awaited my arrival for months and was so excited to hear when I was born. I'm not sure who was more excited in his house - he or Granny Linda.

Mr. Robert and I met for the first time November 7th.

Over the next two months, we became dear friends and Mr. Robert was quick to tell MeeMee that she was not allowed to come back without me, even though she did it anyway. Mr. Robert was diagnosed with lung cancer around the time I was born and went downhill very fast. He died Tuesday, December 9, 2009. This may seem kinda grim to put on a baby's blog, but for those of you that know us best, this is quite appropriate for our family. We were quite close. This is my final tribute to a wonderful man and my way to remember you always Mr. Robert.

As a retired US Marine (GYSGT Drill Sargeant), he was buried December 11, 2009 with full military honors.

Granny Linda needed a little loving and a hug after the service.

Ms. Donna couldn't be left out. She needed a hug too.

Uncle Wade needed a break and I needed a nap!

Meet my wonderful family - Aunt Becca, Uncle Wade and my amazing mom. I love you all so much!

Hummingbirds will abound next spring. We'll think of you often when we see them.

Mr. Robert promises to protect and watch over me from heaven. There's a special star in the sky twinkling just because of him.

*****ZANDER*****

MeeMee's First Babysitting

Mom finally felt the walls closing in around her and needed to get away by herself for a couple of hours - even if it was to go to WalMart to buy groceries. So, MeeMee had the pleasure of spending some one on one time with Zander. He is so awake, alert and is such a happy baby, except when he is hungry. When he is hungry, he thinks he should eat right now, not when you are ready, but when he says so.

He was cooing with me for the first time.

What are you doing MeeMee?

I'm so cute!!

Meeting Uncle Mac

Mama and Aunt Becca took me to visit Aunt Bill and Uncle Mac recently. I had not met Uncle Mac until this particular Sunday afternoon. He is quite the character and loved to hold me and tell me stories. I get the feeling there is a lot he could tell me and even more that he could teach me. Hang in there Uncle Mac. I look forward to growing up with you in my life.

Uncle Mac is going to tell me all of the family secrets.

Zander and Lady

Lady really doesn't know what to think about this "toy" that Marj keeps bringing to her house. That "toy" is Zander. He monopolizes the time that she thinks she should be spending with MeeMee and Marj.

Lady is sniffing this "toy" out.

And Zander is checking Lady out. "Why is this furry critter sniffing me?"

"Mom, she's licking my head."

"Who me? I didn't do anything?"

"I just wanted to talk to him."

"I better get down before daddy gets the fly swatter."

"Ok, she's gone. What is that up there mama?"

"Can I watch TV?"

"I need to rest."

"Uh oh, she's back and she wants to talk on your phone mom."

We sure do have fun at MeeMee's house.

Meeting Marlee

Marlee finally got her wish!! Zander's mom and MeeMee brought him to see her so that she could hold him, feed him, burp him, and cuddle him. She was in heaven. She'll be another cousin in line for babysitting privileges in the year's to come!!

Look at that smile!

Smile Moo...

That's better!

Special Friends

It was a great day in Edgefield when we stopped by to visit with Mr. Robert Mundy and give him a chance to see the new baby. His first words were "he looks like Stanley and Wade". He is so right. I really see Wade when I look at him. Given that Wade looks so much like his dad, it is a given that Zander would look like both of them.

We love you Mr. Robert.

Meeting New Family Members

After having his photo taken, Zander had the opportunity to spend some time with his MawMaw, Uncle Bucky, Aunt Sally, Jordan, Bea and Addison. They were all happy and excited to finally get their hands on him and spend some time spoiling him for several hours while they waited on MeeMee to come and pick them up.

Addison was checking out the new baby.

Bea is practicing her babysitting skills. She had just won her division in her school's beauty pageant the night before. Congratulations!!

Even Jordan took his turn bonding with Zander. Jordan is a tenth grade football player and had played a winning football game the night before that would carry his team to the state championship game the next Friday night - which I am happy to now report - they are State Champions for the second year in a row. Congratulations!!

Jordan looks mesmerized by Zander.

First Trip to Edgefield

Zander visited Edgefield for the first time for a photo shoot with his parents. Robbie Durham was the photographer for the day and once again she managed to capture some really cute pictures. I understand that she had her work cut out for her because Zander wanted to eat and they wouldn't stop and feed him. He's not a very happy camper when he is hungry.

A celebration of wedded bliss.

The perfect gift from God.

Let's see - what do I want for Christmas?

A new look for Santa Claus!

Precious!

A stocking full of love.

All dressed in Christmas lights!!

Warm Snuggly Blankets

Zander has such warm snuggly blankets. I tell him all of the time that I want one just like his. He loves to snuggle up in his blankets and sleep for hours...ok, two hours...then he's starving again, or so he thinks.

This warm snuggly blanket was a gift from his "Aunt" Tina.

He looks like a little man already.

There's nothing better than a snuggly blanket and a boppy for a good nap.

His favorite pose - fist up to the side of his face.

Sleep tight little man.

Happy Halloween

Zander was two days shy of three weeks old for his first Halloween. His mom dressed him in a precious pumpkin outfit that his "Granny" Linda gave him for his first Halloween. He was precious.

He is just precious sitting beside this huge pumpkin.

You can't help but love this little fella. He sure has stolen my heart.

Happy Halloween Zander and may you enjoy many many more in the years to come. I look forward to enjoying them with you.

MeeMee