Ignacius Inchworm

Another Christmas goody was an inchworm that Tripp and I decided looked like an Ignacius.  Ignacius is pretty cool...he even has a ruler on the inside of his body to see how much Tripp grows!

Here's Tripp meeting Ignacius for the first time (Ignacius was a day late...oops!)

Ignacius was very affectionate right away, because I'd told him all about his new pal.  Tripp was a bit  trepidatious at first.

But it didn't take long for him to warm up!

Hey!  This guy's cool, too!

Isn't making new friends fun?

Heck, yeah, it is!

Tripp loved Ignacius so much that he even started chewing on his butt!  Don't worry, that's just a weird sign of affection in our house, and Ignacius loved it.

Looks like Tripp's made another fast friend.  That kid is just so likable!

Freddy the Firefly

How was your Christmas?  Ours was wonderful!

Tripp kindly let me open all of his presents for him, which I thought was really sweet.  He knows how much his momma likes ripping off some wrapping paper!  When all of the tissue paper had settled, Tripp did quite nicely for his first Christmas ever...and one of his favorite gifts was Freddy the Firefly.  Tripp simply could not wait to get Freddy to come hang out in his gym!

"Hey, Freddy, I'm lots of fun...you should come hang sometime!"

The look on his face says to me, "Oh. My. Gosh.  Mom...Freddy came over!  I'm so cool!"

Tripp and Freddy made silly faces at each other while they were getting acquainted.

Then, Freddy cuddled right up with Tripp, which appears to have been a bit overwhelming.

But then he liked it!

"Whachu lookin' at?"

After lots of play time, Freddy and Tripp became best pals.  Freddy even reminded Tripp to show off his outfit, so the whole world could know that Mommy makes him very hoppy...and happy!

Thank you for Freddy, Grandma Tonie!

More Christmas goodies soon!

Get on the floor

Friday afternoon, Tripp and I spent some time hanging out on the floor.  We had lots of fun, as always.

Tripp started out our play time simply amazed that the birdie from his car seat had magically transported itself to his gym.  How did he do that?!?!

Hey, he's even more fun in the gym!  Why didn't we invite this guy earlier?

Total shock and awe...

Time for a "I'm so handsome!" shot...

"Did I look handsome in that last one, Ma?"  "Yes, Tripp, you sure did!"

Don't tell Tripp, but he's starting to lose his baby hair on top.  I'm a little scared at what it will look like when it grows back, since Stella lost her dark baby hair and is now a little blonde child.  Hopefully, it will just grow back like Daddy's, since he's got the good hair in the family.

We couldn't let that baby get over done on his back, so we flipped him for a few minutes.  Looks like he enjoyed checking things out from a different perspective.

Unfortunately, he didn't photograph well on his tummy, so on to his back again!  I like how this is an action shot...Tripp had just smacked the monkey hanging to his right, and you can still see his arm and the toy swinging.

"Whoa.  Did I do that?"

After all of Tripp's amazement, he decided it was time to throw out his charming little smiles.

This one has a little character to it...

"Did you get that silly smile, Ma?" "Yes, Tripp, I did."

"Good!"

The view from above.  Look how big that boy is getting!!

Tripp, you'll always be my favorite baby boy.

We wish you a merry Christmas!

We were so blessed this year with the miracle of a beautiful, healthy baby boy, and we could not hope for anything more.  Our family wishes everyone an amazing Christmas, followed by a new year filled with love, joy and hope.

Happy birthday, Jesus!

Everything's magic!!

Tuesday afternoon, Tripp and I goofed off just a little after Jude came down with a fever and cut their hang time short.  Our delightful session made me wish I could see the world through Tripp's eyes for just a moment.  Everything must be fascinating, weird or scary right now (but my big boy is as brave as they come, so I bet not too much is scary!)

Would you like to trade places with Tripp, too?

Judging from these happy faces, I bet you would!

Tripp giggled, cooed and grinned at everything!  Do I have a funny face or something?

Oh, so sweet!

Tripp, I hope that you are always able to believe in magic, and that the world is always as beautiful to you as it is now.  Don't forget that you are the magic in my life, and always will be!

I looks good!

After his spit up mishap, Tripp decided to try out one of his bibs.  This was mainly because I forgot to pack an extra change of clothes, and I wanted to cover up that huge milk stain (sorry, kid!).

I found his bib very fitting...

Yes, Tripp, this is what handsome looks like!

Could my #1 man be any more good looking?  I don't think so!

Ladies, watch out!

I'm growing up!

Monday, Tripp and I took a trip to the oh-so-fabulous west bank to check out his new buddy, Jude's house.  I took the camera just in case...but didn't see the need to freak out Jude's parents with my incessant memory capturing.  Instead, I took some pictures of Tripp in his fashionable ensemble before we headed out (and before his ginormous spit up, which took something away from the outfit).

Jude's mom will be keeping Tripp a few days a week so I can return to work (not pleased about that one!)  Tripp had a fun visit, and I was very pleased with Jude's parents...they seem like they're going to be great with Tripp!  If I can't be with Tripp all the time, at least he has some great baby sitters!

I just love this little outfit on Tripp...unfortunately, when we put it on, I realized that the 0-3 month onesies are starting to get a little snug on his long body.  And a little snug on his big belly...

Tripp is channeling his body builder friend, Matt, here...future bouncer (Tripp, you better not!!)

I think Tripp is going to be an ambidextrous eyebrow lifter.  He's got the right one lifted here, and I have several other pictures with just the left raised.  Talent!

Here, he's demonstrating the two-eyebrow lift, with slightly more emphasis on the left.

And look how sweet that smile is!

Hi, Mom!

I find it adorable when he sticks his little tongue out...

I love his cute expression in this one...too bad the wrist strap got in the way!!

As you can see above, the 0-3 month onesie may be getting snug, but the pants are another story.  Shortly after that picture, Tripp became very upset when both of his little feet were swallowed by his pants and he couldn't kick them free.  Let's hope his legs catch up with his gut soon!

Roll Out (Tripp's Business)

Since Tripp's triumphant initial three roll-overs, he pretty much refused to even attempt another for a few days.  I was starting to get worried that he was going to stop progressing completely (a ridiculous and unprovoked fear, of course).  You can imagine my joy when he gave the impression on Sunday morning that just maybe he was ready for another go 'round (pun intended).

After a few frustrating minutes,  Tripp finally made it all the way.  I find it interesting that this is the only time he's cried while rolling over, and I'm not sure why he cried this time and not before.

Tripp, you're so grown up!!

Monster, Inc.

These are the final pictures of Tripp in his little monster outfit...which he will never have another occasion to wear *sob*.  Okay, that outfit is super soft and warm, so he probably will sleep in it a pretty good bit, but I wouldn't expect it to show up in any more pictures, unless he's just too cute, which, let's face it, is a real possibility.

After his nap with Daddy, Tripp was happy Momma was home!

So nice to see you, Momma!!

Do that silly thing you always do again!

Oooh, that's a new silly thing!

I think I like it...

Yeah, I like it!

Tripp, you little charmer!  I love everything about you!

Parents just don't understand

It's a good thing that Tripp is so handsome, because he's going to face some challenges growing up.  First major challenge?  His parents are weird.

Since there's a major lack of good pictures with me and Tripp, I tried my hand at self-photography.  I've perfected the art when it's just me, but throw a baby in the mix...and, well, things get a little difficult.

After my pitiful attempt at pictures, I went to Wal-Mart to pick up some much-needed items.  When I came home, I found Daddy and Tripp knocked out.  Zack was starting to wake up here, darn it!  Too slow with the camera!

One of the items I brought home from the store was this pair of gloves.  Apparently gloves are an item that must be tried on immediately.

I forced Zack to take this picture of us.  He obviously put tons of effort into this shot.

I really like this shot (self-photo), but I wish it wasn't so dark.  Oh well, beggars can't be choosers!

Tripp, I promise your Daddy and I will more than likely embarrass you every single day.  We'll dress you up in costumes when it's clearly not Halloween, we'll model accessories as soon as we get them, we'll take tons of pictures of you in pretty much the exact same pose every single day...we'll probably even kiss you in public, scream out "I love you!" as you're headed in to school, and I can't promise that I won't chase off girlfriends that I deem unworthy of you.  Just remember that every time we do something like that, we're actually doing it because we love you so much and are proud of our handsome man.  One day, your kids will think that parents just don't understand, too!