Happy New Year!

We celebrated the final day of 2008 with a delicious meal with Uncle John and Aunt Tabby.

Hamilton loves sitting in Aunt Tabby's lap.

Table food is creeping into his diet. Here he is enjoying a green bean--then what he does with that bean when there's something else he wants to get his hands on.



Hamilton isn't sure he wants what Uncle John is offering, but he's willing to try.

What is that deliciousness?!?



Uncle John made a new friend.



Doesn't he kinda look like the kid from A Christmas Story?



Lovin' all of the attention.

He's asleep now...but we'll see if he decides he'd like to be present for the ringing in of the New Year (I'll tell you that he'd be waking up his momma if he does).

Good night and may God bless you abundantly in 2009.

Sleepcrawling

So, we haven't been able to get a picture of this (maybe we'll see if our camera has a nightvision setting), but thought you'd want to know of Hamilton's newest tricks.

Sleepcrawling and sleepstanding.

It's true. While in his sleep, he begins to crawl across the crib. Sometimes he stops, other times he continues until he hits his head against the slats and wakes himself up. On occasion, instead of hitting his head, he'll grab the slat and pull himself up--all while still sleeping.

And the fun continues...

First Stop on the Great Eastern Adventure

We're taking a break from the Hamilton posts to do a joint Aurora/Chicago Whitney post. You see, Freeman's brother, William, and his family are on a week-long journey to Maryland and New Jersey and stop #1 was in Chatham, IL today. Although there was a bit of excitement in getting here, we all enjoyed having five of the seven cousins together (Emily and Allison, we missed you, but hopefully we'll see you soon).

Grammy and the gang.

Everyone enjoying presents and playing.

Ready for a yummy dinner (while Hamilton naps).

Lots of cuddling and kisses.

Then the Aurora Whitneys head on their way to stop #2 -- The Merrills in MD!

Fun at Dr. J's

For all of those cousins who remember all of Uncle John's "rules," Hamilton learned the last one first--"Forget all of the rest of the rules."

During a Christmas Eve visit...

...he wrestled Santa...

...and he ate and drank wherever he wanted (thanks Uncle Mike for the great cup, he LOVES it).



He also very much enjoyed the reindeer covered bag full of goodies...

... and cuddling with Aunt Tabby and talking with Uncle John.

Photo Update

I don't know whether or not we've expressed lately how thankful we are for our family--and how much we see them anymore!

Oompah teaching Hamilton how to use a cell phone.



Learning how to select the best organic milk with Tant Amira (followed by a yummy lunch at the Whole Foods Cafe).


Hamilton enjoying a favorite new pass time...exploring his toy box.

Hamilton still loves his jumperoo, but insists on standing on the outside of it. This series shows his sitting down strategy (he then proceeded to crawl towards me to get the camera).

Hamilton trying to be like his daddy!

First Glamour Shot

Maybe it's genetic. Maybe it's because he's a first born. Maybe it's because we've logged over 1,000 photos this year (don't ask how I know). Whatever the reason, Hamilton is quite comfortable with the camera.

So much so, he's getting ready for that senior photo (tilt your head slightly...gently put your hand under your chin...now look at me....good).

Thanksgiving

We spent a fabulous couple of days out in Lombard with our family for Thanksgiving. We had so much food and time with family--we have much to be thankful for.

Mariam made some fabulous turtle treats to snack on in preparation for the meal.

Hamilton believes someone laying down is an invitation for climbing.

This really sums up what a lot of the day was like--Hamilton getting lots of good loving from his aunts, uncles, and Oompah. Notice how few of those yummy turtle treats were left.

Even Taita took a break from preparing a delicious feast to give a little love.

Freeman brought a little bit of Texas to the Thanksgiving meal--some Big Red (thanks Rhonda)!
Hamilton pretty much wouldn't nap with the party going on. Don't be fooled by the pathetic tired eyes, he was having a blast!

A Dad and His Dude

So what are Freeman and Hamilton up to when they've got time together? All kinds of things.

This Saturday morning was something we've not done in a while--Daddy and Dude day (a.k.a. Jenny says "please-get-the-baby-out-of-the-house-so-I-can-finally-sleep" day).

We spent the morning traveling by bus (the #62 to the #22) up to the north side of the city. Some of you will recognize the State Street/14th Place stop:Once we got to the north side, we went to one of Freeman's favorite places, Reckless Records:Hamilton was helpful in looking for good records and compact discs, and we managed to find two out-of-print CD singles to pick up. Hamilton really enjoyed watching all of the people flip through the vinyl and the music that was playing. After that, we walked down Broadway to stop in to CVS looking for coupons for Jenny.

Then, on to lunch at Chipotle. I had the barbacoa burrito, Hamilton ate some banana. He also found much entertainment in climbing all over the wooden bench we sat on and attempting to scale the seat back to touch some shiny metal just beyond his reach. To cap it off, he was able to chew on a napkin while climbing and found himself being fawned over by the restaurant staff. What a time we had.After that, we went down Clark Street to the eyeglass store to get an adjustment on Freeman's glasses, and then back home via the CTA. A great day out for 2/3 of Team Whitney!

All Boy

It's a good thing there are dads and uncles in this world! I've realized that I am really good for comforting and nurturing, but they are much better for encouraging Hamilton in things like...


...playing catch...

...and climbing...

Now, for those of you who got nervous watching the second video...I promise that we recognize that we have an adventurer on our hands and he's really never out of our sight. In fact, most of the time, we're spotting him (like in gym class).

But we do love that little adventurous spirit!

Flying Saucer?

So, today Hamilton was playing in his jumperoo and I looked over there and couldn't see his legs!

No, this is not Photoshopped (and Grammy and Taita, this is not what it looked like when I told you he was trying to get out of the jumperoo that one time).

So I got a little closer to show you all his new little trick.


Everyday there is something new...and I love it!

ARM no longer MIA

I realized recently that I had no pictures of Hamilton with my youngest brother, ARM (short for AbdelRahman Murphy). Well, that changed today.

Here he is showing the little dude my dad's cool new iPod Touch.














Here's a little trick ARM was showing HIW (initials are not nearly as catchy).












Just a little word about the difference between old pros and newbies. When I feed Hamilton, it involves taking off anything that might be stained, setting him up in his booster seat and really working to keep his hand off the spoon (lest the food end up in my hair).

Watch my parents take on the same challenge...

...on the lap, no bib, with a completely cooperative grandson.

Children's children are a crown to the aged,
and parents are the pride of their children.