Wow, how is it already 2011? Sorry it's been so long since I've updated this blog, but the last two months have been a blur. We had a wonderful holiday season, filled with lots of firsts for Tate and joyful family gatherings. Tate is 11 months old now, with 7 teeth and a few independent steps under his belt! Ken has gone back full-time with Sara Lee and I am still enjoying my job in the UW Cancer Clinic. Every day I learn something new, which I think is a blessing.
Our biggest news is that we're putting our house up for sale this month, in an effort to get one step closer to building our home on our 3 acres in New Glarus. Our plan is to move into an apartment for the next year or so until we can solidify our building plans and save up some extra money. When we're ready to build, we won't have to worry about risking two mortgages or not having the new house ready to move into once we close on our current house, etc, etc. So we've been very busy getting the house ready to sell and hoping that, even with the current market, someone will love it and we can move on! Prayers for a quick sale are much appreciated!
Halloween weekend we went to the Henry Vilas Zoo with Tate and enjoyed some of the last sunny weather in Madison:
The cutest giraffe in town! We had fun towing Tate around the block in his wagon on Halloween evening:
Tate's first taste of pumpkin! Not too impressed... but he did have fun playing with the pumpkin guts and squishing them all over:
Tate's first haircut!!! He was so good and didn't even cry or fuss. He had fun honking the horn and holding onto the hairdresser's comb for her:
Tate loves his lovey-dovey donkey:
Tate also discovered the joy of climbing stairs at Mimi & Papa's house over Thanksgiving. He had no trouble going up the stairs, and seemed pretty unafraid of launching himself back down, much to our chagrin. The "down" technique is still a work in progress:
Becoming a Yoga Master in his sleep:
Tate was very excited about this crocodile walker; he does circles around the kitchen and living room and seems very proud of himself while doing so:
I could not resist posting this picture simply because of Tate's jowls; love 'em!
HI MOM!
Tate loves to pull himself up onto anything and everything, but the kitchen chairs are his current favorite. "Look at me go, Mom!"
Tate has discovered two joys in life: Zoey's water bowl and toilet paper. Needless to say, lots more messes for Mommy to clean up ;)
Tate's first time in the snow was sort of anti-climactic; it was too cold and we went inside after 10 minutes. Dad had to shovel the driveway without our moral support:
Here's one of our Christmas card photos; at least half of us are looking at the camera ;)
Mimi and Tate practicing walking and looking pretty dapper with a little extra bling on during the Winkelhake Family Christmas celebration:
Over Christmas weekend we were celebrating with the White & VanDevander side of the family. Here's my brother-in-law Mike & my nephew Tyler snuggling up for a nap:
Tate says, "Auntie A, you're silly... I wish everyone would stop sticking bows on my head!"
"Zoey loves to keep me warm in the car while we head back home; she's one of my best buddies":
Here's Tate showing off his new reindeer pajamas from Grandma & Grandad!
Tate says, "I am a night owl, Mommy! It's play-time!!!" And then he proceeds to pass out 5 minutes later ;)
Here's a quick video of Tate's very first steps!!! Sorry it's sideways ;(
Here's wishing you all a very Happy & Healthy 2011, with many blessings and new adventures!
XOXO,
Meredith
