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!