Fred Joseph Woolison

Spring Break is AWESOME!

2011-03-17T22:54:00.000-05:00

What a fun spring break Fred has had so far! A road trip to Tennessee to see family, a day with Grammy and Fred's Mama, and a day at the zoo with Aunt Holly and Cheyanne- what a blast!

SNOW and playing...

2011-01-12T17:05:00.000-06:00

After a fun day in the snow, Fred took a nap with Mrs. Christina. Fred was wiped out!

Fred and Katie playing in the snow.

Fred's Dad working on the snowman.

Fred, Katie, Fred's Dad, Mr. Jimmy, and Mrs. Christina working on the snowman.

Fred's favorite thing to do (and still- the snow isn't completely gone yet), is to stomp around in it and look at his footprints!

The snow this past Sunday was a rare treat- althought we've seen more snow since Fred's been born than we've seen in years. Fred is so in love with the snow, it's been very enjoyable watching him play! He loves all things dealing with snow- especially Frosty!

Christmas 2010

2011-01-04T12:46:00.011-06:00

The Christmas holiday was kicked off by going to the Victorian Christmas service at our church, then going caroling at a nursing home in the area with our church's youth. Fred had a great time caroling and visiting with everyone! After caroling, Fred did his own show in the parking lot with his dad's top hat.

On one of the first days of the break, Fred went with his 2nd cousins, Cheyanne and Addison, to get pictures done with Santa. He was very impressed with Santa's trains while we were waiting...

especially when he realized that he could control them.

Unfortunately, one of the the kiddos was not excited to leave the trains and go talk with Santa Claus.

Fred's Christmas was a very special and busy one! He was opening presents for 3 days... only because he would open one present, want it completely out of the package, and play with it before moving on to the next one. He had a blast- but on the fourth morning he asked me, "Where the presents?" I had to giggle and explain that Santa only comes one night a year.

Fred's dad was excited to be able to sleep in this Christmas, but realized rather begrudgingly that this would be our last late start. We had Fred's Grammy, Pa, Grandma, and Aunt Carla over for breakfast and present opening. It was a very fun day!

That evening, we went to Fred's Grammy and Pa's house and had dinner with his extended family. Fred had a great time playing with everyone, especially Cheyanne and looking at Addison on her first Christmas.

Before Fred's mom and dad had to go back to work, we took a trip out to North Park Mall to look at the Trains at North Park exhibit. Fred loved it, especially Thomas, Percy, and James.

Easter 2010

2010-04-04T18:21:00.004-05:00

What a gorgeous day it was today- and what fun it was for Fred and his entire family. It is hard to understand how quickly time flies by!
This morning started with checking out what was in Fred's Easter bucket.

Fred enjoyed his eggs and talking with his dad about the colors that were inside.

At church Fred got to participate in the Easter egg hunt at our church this morning. He had so much fun hunting and finding the eggs!

After church we went to Fred's Pa and Fred's Grammy's house for a family lunch. It was very fun and relaxing to spend time outside with such a great family!

After some hanging around Fred got his doddle pad and decided that he had some important work that needed to get done.

Then he needed to do some entertaining of his family.

Then it was time to hunt some more eggs!!!

After hunting for the Easter eggs, Fred relaxed and took a few pictures by himself. I will share just a couple- but there are about 50. :-)

What a wonderful Easter day it was! I am so very often amazed by how much happens, and I hope to goodness that I don't miss it all, or forget these precious moments. There are so many of them, and they go so far.

Happy Easter to all!

Summer update!

2009-07-27T22:52:00.003-05:00

Fred has been a man about... well, the country. I am working on uploading pictures so I can relay Fred's travels this summer. He has been to St. Louis (and his first flight), back home, then to Mount Rushmore, Minnesota, into Canada to meet his other Grandpa and some family, then back to Minnesota for time with a great aunt and great uncle, and his great grandma, then to Tennessee to spend more time with some cousins, and back home. It's been a busy summer, so stay tuned!

Hanging with Uncle Chris...

2009-06-18T21:32:00.002-05:00

Today Fred's Grammy, Fred, and I went to go and visit Fred's Uncle Chris. Now, those of you who read often, or perhaps those of you who will read on, or have been reading in chronological order, know that we saw Uncle Chris earlier this week. Now, I must tell you, Fred LOVES EVERYTHING that entails seeing Uncle Chris.
This was Fred's Grammy's first trip to check out the new house. Fred and I played while Grammy got the grand tour (and what a grand tour it is- especially the ADORABLE downstairs bath that I'll get a picture of next time we're there). Diesel and Lily came to play with us too...

Notice, Fred is getting knocked over by the slobbery gentle giant, Diesel.

Here's a side note. I wish someone could explain to me WHY my medium sized dog is crabby with Fred, and I have to watch her and she's gotten in trouble for growling. I get nervous with Penny that she'll snap at him if he accidentally (or on purpose) pulls her hair or an ear or something. These two HUGE dogs, on the other hand, I don't worry about at all. Of course I watch them all like a hawk, but it's so different! They let him pet and pull, and they lick and he laughs. It's actually pretty cute watching Lily, Diesel, and Fred. Penny and Fred are still going through growing pains. Ugh.

Back to the day. After the tour (that Grammy was impressed with)

we went to lunch at a fantastic place called Judge Beans. Now I'm pretty sure that there used to be one of these places at Old Denton and Trinity Mills, but I might be wrong. Anyway, we had a wonderful lunch, and Fred had a great time with Uncle Chris feeding him.

Such a great time, in fact, that Fred decided that he needed to feed Uncle Chris.

Hahaha! Good times!

Story time, sushi, and some yogurt... That's our story

2009-06-17T22:09:00.002-05:00

Today was a wonderful day! Fred had so much fun! Fred and I got an early start today. After our walk we came home and got ready to meet Kim and Lauren for storytime at the library. Now, I was VERY responsible and remembered the camera. Unfortunately we got settled in and I turned it on to start snapping pictures of Fred and Lauren, and the screen popped up with the words, "NO CARD". Boo. Therefore, no pictures of storytime (which was incredibly adorable).

After storytime we did stop by the house and grab the card so we could snap a few pictures of good times with Terry!
I should probably insert here that Fred had tried to take a nap before storytime, and I woke him up to go into the library. Fred then tried to take a nap, but I woke him up to eat lunch. The poor boy was TIRED and, as we learned yesterday, Tired Fred does NOT equal very patient or easily entertained Fred. Fred did enjoy Ms. Terry very much though!

After lunch we went to Yogurt Story and had some yogurt. MMMMMM!

What a fun day!

The train goes chooo choooo!

2009-06-16T22:46:00.002-05:00

Today Fred and I had so much fun! We got up, and after a rocky start we made it in time to meet Mary, Juan, and their friends for a really fun train ride! What an amazing and fun ride it was!

After the fun trip, we realized that we were one exit down from Uncle Chris and Aunt Angela's new house! Fred and I went and visited with them, and Fred had a great time playing with Lily and Diesel, the hairy kids.

After playing, we were starving, and it was in the middle of rush hour, so we decided to go and get some 3.33 tacos. It was good times!

Life's a Beach

2009-06-15T18:28:00.002-05:00

This weekend we went to Corpus Christi for a family reunion on Fred's Dad's side. We stayed with Fred's Uncle Phillip, and had a wonderful whirlwind of a weekend. We arrived late Friday night, hung out with Phillip Saturday morning, went to the reunion, then went to the beach, then to dinner. We got up the next morning and it was time to head home. It was so neat hearing about the history in Fred's Dad's family, and I found myself very interested in finding out my own family's history.
Here's the weekend in pictures:

Happily riding in the backseat

Fred's Grandma let Fred use her DVD player... he enjoyed some Blue's Clues and Fraggle Rock

Checking out Uncle Phillip's Bachelor Pad

Waking up Uncle Phillip

Hanging out after a bath in the sink

Fred's Mama and Uncle Phillip

Headed for the toy box as soon as we got to the reunion

After playing, Fred fell asleep in his Great-great Aunt Jo Ann's arms

Fred won a bag for being the youngest family member in attendance, Jo Ann won an award for living the closest to the reunion

The Risinger family had 12 children. 8 of them had decendants. This is Josephine Antoniette's decendants (and spouses)

4 Generations!

Fred running down the beach

Fred running from Fred's Mama

Our little family walking down the beach

Playing in the sand

Fred loved the sand!

Fred's Great great Uncle Ralph

Jackie drinking from Fred's bottle! Haha!

Playing with Uncle Phillip before getting on the road again.

I love summer!

2009-06-11T21:07:00.002-05:00

I love summer. For me summer has always been a time for travel and time with friends. A time for adventure that the working school year does not allow for, but the non-working summertime does. This year is no different. The adventures can take place in the living room at my own house in my own living room. Fred is an adventure all by himself!

Today was fun. We've started the last three mornings with a long walk around our neighborhood, but this morning we couldn't because of the rain. We woke up, played, then it was time to go and meet our friends The Hardins for some fun at the Little Elm Library. There we saw a clown that is doing a library tour to get the kids excited about the circus coming to town. Honestly, it made ME excited that the circus is coming to town!

waiting for the clown to come in

Watching Kelly The Clown get set up

Fred was VERY interested in the juggling considering his LOVE of balls

Fred and Kelly the Clown were talking to eachother!

After that Fred fell immediately asleep.

We headed to The Colony. Our first stop (that Fred slept through) was to my old house where the tree got struck by lightning in the terrible storms last evening.

Then we went and met Fred's Dad for lunch.

Always good times!

Fun day!

2009-06-11T08:10:00.004-05:00

Yesterday Fred had his first playgroup experience. What an experience it was! The playgroup was graciosly held by Carter's Mommy at their house. Fred watched the large group of children for about twenty five minutes before he jumped up and was ready to get involved. Being Fred's Mama, I was so stressed about social issues because he wouldn't play right away. What a freak I am, right? That's okay though!

Carter's Mommy had the back yard set up like a splash park, and all of the children were having a blast!

Holding a ball and studying the kids

What is Carter doing?

Watching Carter do it

Watching a little girl do it

Now Fred is ready

Up at the top

Fred was trying to slide down the stairs, and Lincoln was coming up the stairs.

After a really fun morning and a REALLY long nap, Fred and I enjoyed playing for the rest of the afternoon. Fred's Grandma and Aunt Carla came over to play with Fred too!

Showing Grandma his new book

Playing blocks with Grandma

Showing everyone how he feed himself!

What a fun day that was! I love having the opportunity to have summer with Fred!

Summer is in full swing!

2009-06-09T22:03:00.002-05:00

I, Fred's Mama, could not be ANY happier that it is summertime! I am even more amazed than usual with my little man, and I wish with everything that this summer didn't have to end. Can you believe that? It's the second official day, and I can't get enough of Fred. He's walking all over the place, and he understands SO much. He's amazing. We watched some Sesame Street today, and he watched for a little while, and laughed hysterically at Big Bird. I had to look at him (he was in my lap) to make sure he was looking at Big Bird and not Penny. We then turned off the t.v., and went walking, then to the park. After the park it was time to take a nap then head to lunch... our first official lunch of the summer. It's VERY exciting- the same group as last summer! Yay! Haha, I just realized that I didn't get any pictures of the adults! At least there will be next week!

running to Madison

trying to get the new trio singing group in a picture

Laughing at the girls

running towards Madison

trying to make a getaway with Lauren

Pretty girl!

Trying to share...

Then Aunt Holly came over to play for a little while. Baby Cheyanne is growing bigger by the day!

Playing with Aunt Holly

Love Aunt Holly and Baby Cheyanne!

WOW!!!!!

2009-05-17T18:54:00.002-05:00

Fred is such an awesome little guy! Guess what! He's walking! Last weekend for Mother's Day, Fred took his first steps and showed off for his grandmas. How amazing it was! He's so cute toddling around. His confidence is still growing- he prefers to crawl, but he is very much growing and changing daily.

Here are some pictures from Saturday before Mother's Day:

Here's some pictures of Mother's Day:

We walked to Subway, where Fred chowed down on a 6 inch sub- and ate almost the whole thing! HOLY COW!

Then gave Fred's Mama Mother's Day kisses:

Then we went to the park and swang:

Then on our way home we ran into some ducks to feed:

Yesterday we went to the church picnic... that was rained out! That's okay though- we went ahead and had a picnic anyway!

Last of the Updates

2009-05-10T10:26:00.002-05:00

Okay, so today is the final of the "ketchup" blogs.
Ketchup... that makes me happy.
Anyway, yesterday was a MAJOR MILESTONE. Fred took his first steps. He took his first one in front of Fred's Dad in the kitchen. I ran in and saw nothing. Then he took another step in front of the grandparents. Again, I saw nothing. Then he took four steps from me to his grandma. It was amazing! Pictures will follow- I still haven't been able to catch him in the act with the camera! We've got it on video though!

Back to the updates...

Birthday party day!

In his new car- he LOVES it!

at the Easter egg hunt in our community

With Fred's Mama

with Fred's Grandpa

After the Easter egg hunt it was time to go home for cake and presents!

Easter Sunday with Will, Jason, and Kaleigh Jo

Playing on the new giraffee

As promised...

2009-05-08T09:28:00.002-05:00

Check me out! Updating for another day (still in major catch-up mode- not ketchup). Tomorrow I will post birthday pictures, then we'll be all caught up more or less. YAY!

Fred swinging with Kaylee

Christy, Fred's Mama, and I. You know, I've said it before, but it is so amazing having a lifelong friend like Christy and being able to see our children play together. It is so... overwhelming.

Christy and Fred

Fred and Fred's Dad fishing

Fred and Fred's Mama fishing

"What up???" This picture makes me LAUGH!

Fred posing

Uncle Matt and Aunt Holly's horse Fancy had a baby in April. Here he is, and Fred got to see him when he was less than 8 hours old. HOLY COW!

Fred saying hi to Fancy with Grammy

Fred saying hi to Shane

Fred's friend Terry got Teacher of the Year at Fred's Mama's campus. Fred got dressed up and went to support his good friend on the night she received the award.

Fred and Terry

Fred and Liz

Update

2009-05-07T09:33:00.002-05:00

I've been doing a TERRIBLE job of updating. I'll post some pictures from March, then I'll post tomorrow with birthday pictures, then I'll post once more this weekend to get everything up to speed. Yay.

With Uncle Chris at the zoo

With Fred's Dad at the zoo

With Fred's Mama at the zoo

With Fred's Grandma checking out the giraffe

With Fred's Grammy and Fred's Mama

With Uncle Chris

Playing with Molly at Chuck E. Cheese

With Ms. Rhonda

Checking out Chuck E. Cheese

Such a big boy!

Playing with Madison and Lauren

With Fred's Grandpa

With Fred's Mama

With Uncle Matthew on his first horse ride.

Pictures

2009-03-07T23:32:00.003-06:00

In my last post Photobucket was not uploading all of my photos. Here they are now. :-)

Uncle Matthew and Fred

Poor Penny with her dad threatening to throw her in the pool... :-(

Fred, Fred's Grandma, and Uncle Matthew

Silly Aunt Amanda!

Fred and his grandmas

Fred on the slide for the first time

Fred and his mom coming down the slide

Fred, Fred's Dad, and Aunt Holly

Fred's Mom and Fred's Dad swinging :-)

Cutie Face

2009-03-05T22:04:00.002-06:00

Fred is the biggest Cutie Face I've ever seen in my life. I enjoy him every single day! He's sleeping right here right this second, and I can't help but look at him. Listening to his little snoring just makes me so happy. We are just so blessed to have such a wonderful boy!

My cousin Amanda came to visit a couple of weeks ago, and it was a blast! Fred loved every minute of her visit. She was his first multiple night guest, and he would get so excited in the mornings when she'd come down the stairs! It was sad the morning after she left. It may have been my imagination, but I just really felt like Fred was looking for her for the next couple of days after she left. :-(

We had such a great time while she was here! We had a shopping trip, some hanging out time, and a cookout at Fred's Grammy and Grandpa's house. We also took a trip to the park, something that Fred loves!

Photobucket is not being my friend. I just uploaded 84 pictures, and only 20 have appeared. I will have to upload the rest of the pictures tomorrow. I'm tired and must go to sleep!

A new pasttime, and a trip to the Aquarium

2009-02-16T21:07:00.002-06:00

Fred has found something that he absolutely loves doing! We've been with just Fred and me, with his dad, and with Grammy.

Fred also ran into a friend at the park on one trip, Zane.

Fred very much enjoys swinging!

It's official, Fred is mobile! Fred has been scooting and rolling forever, but now he is crawling EVERYWHERE. It's a lot of fun- but boy is it crazy!

Fred and his mom, Grandma, and AUnt Carla took a trip up to Fred's Dad's new classroom to help and get things set up. Fred had a great time rolling around and having a ball with his Grandma! Fred thinks it's pretty cool that his dad is officially a teacher now!

On Valentine's Day Fred took a trip to the Dallas World Aquarium with his mom and dad. It was everyone's first trip there, and everyone had an amazing time!
We waited in line for QUITE a while!

Here is our family...

Fred and Fred's Mama

Fred and Fred's Dad

Fred and his dad

Fred and Fred's Dad amazed by the jaguar

You know, I enjoy spending time with these two boys more than anything on this earth!

Well, my mom's been busy, so I've got to do it myself

2009-01-31T20:34:00.002-06:00

My mom told me that a priority of hers was going to be updating my blog, but obviously that hasn't been happening. Today I've decided that I have to do it myself if I want it done. You may be a little confused, but come on, I am the smartest baby EVER. The blog hasn't been updated in a while, and are you surprised that I've learned to type in the time?
You shouldn't be.

Mom gets a kick out of making me laugh all the time. It's funny and all, but geez, Mom, take a break and update my blog once in a while!

I got some really awesome blocks for Christmas, and I love to play with them all the time. My mom and dad try to stack them and show me stupid things to do with them, but I prefer to put them in my mouth or take two and bang them together. I really like the way that the blocks feel on my two bottom teeth that are coming completely in.

Sometimes when my mom and dad are snapping all of the pictures, I'm shocked by the flash.

For whatever reason they NEVER just let me have the camera, no matter how hard I try!

Aunt Holly has a baby in her belly, and I love to talk to it. I think it's pretty cool to put my hands on her tummy, especially now that the baby is getting big enough to know that SHE's living in there. (The baby told me last week on our snow day that it's a girl.
Mom and Dad got to stay home with me two days last week because of a snow day. The bushes out front sure did look weird!

My dad sure is funny!

That's all for now. If my mom doesn't get it together, you'll be hearing from me again!

Christmas!!!!

2008-12-28T17:04:00.002-06:00

What an amazing experience Fred's first Christmas was. On December 6 Fred met the big fat man for the first time here in Providence Village. It was a really fun experience, and Fred thought he was a pretty cool guy.

Fred's Dad and I discovered Fred's first tooth on our first night of vacation, then the week sped by. Fred was delighted to finish Christmas shopping, then the exciting time came!
Each year we get a picture done with Santa for my mom. This year there were four of us there, and it was Fred's second meeting with Santa. Here are some pictures...

Then, after the first big flash...

Fred got scared... :-(

At the beginning of the week we went to Frisco with Fred's grandparents and aunt and uncle.

It was important to us that we began some traditions this year for Fred's first Christmas.
On Christmas Eve we attended the candlelight service at our church with Fred's grandparents, Aunt Carla, Aunt Holly, and Uncle Phillip. It was a delight. After we left church we went to dinner at Prairie House, then we all went our seperate ways. Fred's Dad, Fred, and I went over to the big light show here in our neighborhood and parked and watched the show. It was a good time, and although Fred got distracted at times, I think he had fun.

The following morning the grandparents, Fred's Aunt, and Fred's Uncle came over to have a big breakfast and open presents.

After everyone went home and having a nap, Fred got ready and headed to the big family Christmas at Grammy's house.

From Great Aunt Marsha, Aunt Carla, Aunt Holly, and Aunt Angela

and my favorite picture of all time of Fred...

The holidays are here!

2008-11-30T18:29:00.003-06:00

Wow! I can hardly believe that Fred is 7 1/2 months old today. Crazy! What a big boy he is becoming.

Today we had a potluck luncheon at church and I remarked to Fred's dad and Fred's grandmothers as he was whisked away by the pastor's daughter that we have quite the social butterfly. In fact, I made the same comment on Thursday at Thanksgiving dinner over at Fred's Great Aunt Marsha's house.

Fred and Nanny

Fred and Fred's Dad, Fred's Grandma, and Fred's Aunt Carla

Taking an after lunch nap with Angela

Watching the Cowboys game with Fred's dad, Christopher, and Angela

Hanging out with Angela, Holly, and Amber

Fred and Christopher

With Christopher and Great Aunt Marsha

Getting a kiss from Grammy

I just can't believe how quickly time is passing by! Fred is lucky to have so many friends and so much family that love him so much. Speaking of friends...

We went and spent some time with Fred's future wife and her family this week. What a great time we always have!

Fred has also been playing with some new toys his future mother-in-law brought over.

And today Fred helped me put up the Christmas tree.

Since we've been gone...

2008-11-15T23:01:00.003-06:00

...out of our minds anyway... not gone really far. :-)
So much has been going on in the world of Baby Fred! Since you heard from us last, Fred has seen his mom turn 30 years old (oh, man, can you imagine how old she'll be when Fred realizes that his mom is old!), we've had Halloween, Fred has started eating foods like carrots and green beans, Fred has started sitting up by himself, he can roll, and he is beginning to roll like a log to get places.
I've been really amazed how quickly time is flying by! Fred is changing by the minute, and I can hardly believe that the holidays are coming upon us. It seems like it wasn't that long ago that I was just beginning to see my stomach growing with the baby in my belly, and that was just over a year ago! Fred is still so new to us, but I'm amazed by how I cannot imagine life without him. I can't remember what I did with all of the time that we use now taking care of Fred.
Wow.
Here are some pictures from various things that have been going on in the last few weeks. I'll blog tomorrow about today. :-)

Fred at his mom's 30th birthday

Fred with his Uncle Phillip

Fred and his Aunt Carla

Helping blow out the candles

Rocking and watching t.v. with Uncle Matt

Cleaning out the pumpking, getting ready for Halloween

Halloween- Scooby, Shaggy, and Velma

Fred's first Halloween with Grammy and Grandpa

Pumpkin Patch!

2008-10-12T18:07:00.002-05:00

Yesterday Fred, Fred's Dad, and I met Christy, Kaylee, Vanessa and Adam for lunch and a trip to the Pumpkin Patch in Flower Mound. It was my family's first trip to a pumpkin patch. What a neat experience it was! We got to take a lot of pictures, took a hay ride, and did a lot of walking. Kaylee got to go in a bounce house and hunted for the PERFECT pumpkin. It was so much fun and really neat having Fred and Kaylee together; Christy and I have known each other our entire lives.
Here are some pictures from our afternoon!

Fred, Kaylee, and Christy

Fred, Fred's Mom, Christy, and Kaylee

My boys and me

Fred and Fred's Dad

Fred, Fred's Dad, and me

Fred and Kaylee

Fred and Kaylee

Fred in a pot that I swear says "My First Pumpkin Patch"

Trying to get Fred to look up

On the hay ride

Still on the hayride

What a fun day!

Update...

2008-10-08T20:45:00.003-05:00

Okay, so I have not been keeping up very well. I apologize to those of you (Joann and Phillip) who are far away and rely on the updates to know what's going on with Fred. I'm sorry!

Today before we went to dinner with the Hardins, I sat Fred on the bed... AND THERE HE STAYED!!!! He sat up straight and tall for about thirty seconds! It was really really neat!

Fred has been one busy boy lately. He's growing, and so much more of his surroundings. Today he spent the day with his Grandma, and he was getting her to take him around and check out all kinds of things around the house. He enjoys reaching out and holding objects, and has even figured out how to do a high five! Fred's half birthday is next week, along with his six month check-up. Fred has been eating more and more rice cereal and is getting better and better at eating from a spoon. It's amazing to me that it's been almost a half a year since he was born. My goodness, how he's changed!

Fred's dad's birthday was this past weekend, and the whole in town family was there (woah-both sides!)!

Fred helped his dad blow out the candles!

Then spent time playing with Aunt Holly

Tonight we went to dinner with The Hardins. As always, it was a complete treat!

Kim and Madison

Silly Lauren!

Ryan and his girls

Fred and Madison

Fred and his dad (after the birthday song)

Fred wearing the sombrero

Kim and Fred playing

A new toy, and a visit from Uncle Phillip

2008-09-22T13:36:00.002-05:00

Well, the last week was a lot of fun. Thanks to Hurricane Ike we had a fun visit from Fred's Uncle Phillip and we broke out a new toy. Uncle Phillip was shocked how much Fred had changed in just two weeks. He reaches for toys and will take them away from you (and anything else you have in your hands) and has started laughing. Fred's personality is really starting to shine through. It's funny... I can't believe how much I enjoy him and am constantly impressed by him!

Last Sunday I pulled out the new/old toy. We got it from Mrs. Grissom from Lakeview, and Fred LOVES it. He was whining at me two days later, and it was because he wanted to go into the toy and I was not moving fast enough. Woah!

Dinner with the Hardins is always a treat. It makes me sad that we don't get to see them more often than we do, but I suppose that makes the time we get to spend together that much more special!

This past weekend we worked the garage sale and Fred sported his Dallas Cowboys pajamas until it got too hot. He was so sweet in them!

It was also Fred's Grandma's birthday. Yay! Happy birthday, Fred's Grandma!

Lots of busy stuff...

2008-09-11T20:42:00.003-05:00

I hate that I am not able to keep up with this blog the way that I did before I went back to work. :-( Bear with me, please. There's a lot to update!
First off, last Friday Fred attended his first football game. We went to Keller and met Fred's Great Aunt Marsha and Great Uncle Bill to watch Uncle (2nd cousin or something like that- so we just say Uncle) Max. He had a great time... for about thirty minutes.

Then he HAD to eat...

Then he napped (but I've got no good pictures). After that it was time to head home...

Saturday we had a lot of fun. Mark, Liz, and Madison came over, then we headed to the softball game. Fred got to stay home with his Grandma . After the game we headed over to Fred's Grammy & Grandpa's house with Fred's Grandma, Mark, Liz, and Madison. We had a wonderful dinner and a great time swimming and playing games. Fred had a total blast in the pool!

...while Fred's Grandpa was grilling...

After going back home and playing some RockBand, it was time for Fred to say good-bye to the Marquez family and head to bed.

Then Sunday Fred and I watched as Fred's Great Uncle Bill and Fred's Dad attempted to rid this battery, from Fred and Fred's Mom's golf cart, of a SNAKE!!! It made for a seriously disturbing couple of hours...

Fred and I got bored with that and went inside to see Fred's Great Aunt Marsha...

After dealing with that mess (or what we thought would have taken care of it) Great Uncle Bill came in to collect Great Aunt Marsha and go.

After they left it was time to work on dinner. The pediatrician recommended that we introduce Fred to food with a spoon between the last time we saw him and the next time (between the 4 and 6 month appointments). We decided that Sunday night would be the night that we gave eating rice cereal a try. It was a messy blast, and we weren't very sure how much Fred actually ate, but he seemed to understand the idea that the spoon has food on it and it goes in the mouth. What a big boy!

Fun in the Mirror

2008-09-04T03:19:00.001-05:00

I forgot to add in this precious moment when I was updating the other night. Fred and his Grandma had a pretty sweet moment on Monday before we got on the road...

It's always fun to watch Fred interact with his grandma. He's a lucky boy!

Good Times...

2008-09-02T20:34:00.002-05:00

Over the last couple of weeks things have been so busy! I (Fred's Mom) has gone back to work and everything has been speeding by so quickly! Fred talks (gurgles, sounds, and raspberries) all the time! It's so funny! He laughs out loud when we tickle him or make really silly faces with silly voices.
Fred is growing and changing so fast!
Over the last two weeks Fred has been staying with his Grammy. He's gotten to meet new friends, and Fred's Grammy has let me know that anytime they go in anywhere he is a conversation starter with strangers. I know that he LOVES listening in on other people's conversation (something Fred's Dad has said he got from me), but apparently he really enjoys visiting with strangers.
This past weekend Fred and my mom were my dates to our good friends' wedding. What a wonderful wedding it was! The new Mr. and Mrs. Tidman are just so adorable!

Fred and I dancing.

Fred taking a break during the reception

After the wedding Saturday, Fred, Fred's Dad, and I left to went to Corpus for the day. We got to visit Fred's Uncle Phillip and Fred got to meet his Great Great Aunt Joann and Great Great Uncle Ralph. Fred's Great Great Aunt Joann is his namesake's sister, and it was a true joy to get to introduce Fred to her. They were such a hospitable couple, and it was an extremely enjoyable few hours we were able to spend with them all. We left so happy- and looking forward to our next visit!

Fred and his Great Great Aunt

Fred eating with his Great Great Aunt, Grandma, and Uncle Phillip

Fred getting distracted during dinner

Fred, Fred's Dad, and Fred's Uncle Phillip in Uncle Phillip's dorm room

What a fun weekend, it all sped by so quickly. I can't help but wish for time to just slow down!

Two days with Grammy

2008-08-16T15:24:00.003-05:00

So, yesterday was Fred's second day with Grammy. He had a great time, and when I went and picked him up, we came home and played for a couple of hours then fell asleep on the couch together. I miss him during the day. :-(
Grammy reported that her and Fred ran a lot of errands, and apparently Fred slept a lot...

Today we've been running errands, and Fred's been sleeping for over an hour now. Sleepy boy! Today is Fred's Grandpa's actual birthday, and they will be coming over later for birthday cake and ice cream. Be sure to check back for pictures and updates. Our softball game was cancelled today, so be sure to look to see pictures from our game next Saturday. :-)

Bye Uncle Phillip :-(

2008-08-15T20:40:00.003-05:00

Last night we had to say bye to Fred's Uncle Phillip. He went back to school in Corpus today. It has been so much fun having him home for the summer, and Fred has loved getting to know his uncle. It's so wonderful having such a loving brother, and it really warms my heart watching them together. We are going to miss him terribly, and I can't wait until he comes home.

Fred is four months old today. Woah!

To finish getting caught up...

2008-08-13T22:19:00.004-05:00

Okay, so the other night when I had to abruptly end Fred also got to meet a new friend, Susan's daughter Sarah. It's so cool because I've known them for so many years, I just love it when Fred meets people that have been so important for so many years!

Here are some pictures of the BEST onesie EVER. I love it! For those of you who don't know what it is from, please go read! It was given to me by my dear friend Amber, and her extremely talented mom made it for Fred!

Yesterday we had our last Lunch Bunch lunch of the summer. What a blast it has been this summer getting together with different people for lunch!

Silly Kim!

(This was after lunch, we were supposed to go to Dave & Busters, but Fred had a freak out attack, and we had to leave)

Today was Fred and my last day together for the summer. I'm having such a hard time knowing that I won't be able to spend the day with just my cuddlebug and me. I've been so fortunate to have this time off with him, and I know that I am leaving him with the next best thing (his Grammy), but still. None of those words mean anything to me. Everyone that I've spoken with has something positive to say, but I really really can't hear it. I'm going crazy trying to figure out some huge idea that I can patent and sell and be able to stay home with him forever. :-)

For lunch we met Fred's Dad for our last lunch of the summer with him. I felt all weepy because I've really enjoyed being able to load the baby up and go see him. It's going to be a real bummer this school year not working with him. That's yet another reason why I don't know for sure if I've made the right decision by changing schools. :-/

Fred flying over lunch

Then Fred and I went to the old house and worked on cleaning out my old bedroom some more. The downstairs of this house looks like a disaster area. That's beside the point though. Fred got to have some fun with his Uncle Phillip. He's going back to school, and we are all very bummed about it. Boo.

Tonight we went to dinner for Fred's Grandpa's birthday (that is on Saturday). It was a wonderful time, and Fred was very pleased to spend some time with his Grandpa.

I have to pause again and be so thankful for being able to be with Fred for the last almost 4 months. I am very very lucky to have been able to spend all of this time with him and experience his smiles and laughs and rolling over for the first time. I'm just so sad to be spending the majority of his days away from him. Ugh. Cuddlebug.

A busy day!

2008-08-12T18:37:00.002-05:00

Yesterday Fred had a busy day. He finally seems like he's gotten over his cold with the exception of a little runny nose once in a while. Boo to colds.
We started off the morning by getting up and heading over the Fred's Grammy's house for a swim with Kim and her girls and Fred's Grammy.

Getting ready

Getting in the pool with Kim and Grammy

Kim and her girls and Fred with his mommy

After swimming for a half hour (the longest that Fred has been able to stand it!) Fred fell asleep on his Grammy and Grandpa's bed for a LONG nap.

Later on that afternoon Fred and I went home and played on the floor, and once again he got tuckered out very quickly. I decided that it would be a good time to try taking a nap in his crib in his own room. I think I had a harder time with it than he did... he woke up all smiles. It was (and still is- we just put him down for a nap in his big baby bed again, and I cried) so hard for me to see him in his crib. He's gotten so big for the bassinet in our room, and yet he looks so small in that big crib!

What a big boy! Fred's awake now, I will update more later.

What a big boy...

2008-07-31T22:22:00.003-05:00

I was looking at Fred today, and I am just so amazed by him! It's amazing to think that he hasn't always been here. It's also so crazy to think how consumed by him I feel. I love him so much, and today I was thinking about how much he has changed. Looking at these pictures really kind of freaked me out.
The bear was delivered to me along with beautiful roses on Valentine's Day this year. Fred's Dad sure is sweet!
These were taken when Fred was about a week old (end of April).

These were taken when Fred was a month and a few days old (end of May).

This one two months and a few days (end of June).

This one I took today. What a difference!

Wow. What a cuddlebug! I can't believe how much he has changed!

A new obsession, a new friend, and some time at the new house

2008-07-31T21:47:00.003-05:00

Fred LOVES playing on the floor gym. I can't blame him a bit, it looks like a lot of fun, and I always have a good time with Fred. However, today I laid down right next to him to see exactly which toy had him so entertained.

After following his line of sight I became completely positive as to what was holding his attention.

Hmmm...

This afternoon Danielle and her nephew William came over to play. It was William's 3 month birthday! How fun!

After time with them, Fred and I went over to the new house. I love that they are so close now! Now we've got to finish the huge task of getting everything else out of the old house...

Then after we got home Fred spent some time cuddling with Fred's Dad in the glider.

I sure do love these boys!

Softball game, Grammy & Grandpa's new house, and time with Aunt Holly and Uncle Matthew

2008-07-26T23:55:00.005-05:00

Today was a good time! Way too hot!
First off, the Sandlot Sluggers were victorious! Woohoo! Fred had a great time at the game passing between his grandma's and his uncle.

His friend Jayden was there too, so there were some good times to be had... until Jayden sat in Fred's Grammy's lap.

He was not too happy about sharing her lap!

After the softball game we went to dinner with Fred's Grammy, Grandpa, and Uncle Phillip. Then we took a trip over to look at Grammy, Grandpa, and Uncle Phillip's new house.

We were greeted at the door by Phillip, who let us know that...
"No one sees the wizard. No way, no how!"

Matthew and Holly came and met us at the house. As always, Fred was happy to see them. He sure does love them a lot!

Then we came home and Fred and Holly spent some time rocking. Much to Holly's surprise, Fred fell right asleep in her arms. :-)

It was a very fun and exciting day!

A laugh, some time with Great Uncle Bill, and an exciting lunch with friends...

2008-07-24T22:13:00.002-05:00

Tuesday was the most adorable day in my history. Fred and I started our day early and said good-bye to Fred's dad. After some time playing and a nap, I realized that my baby needed a bath.
This particular day I decided that Fred needed to sit in his tub, not lay on the newborn place. This is probably the only thing that he's graduated to that I didn't feel sad about. I sat him in the lukewarm water, and was rewarded with a big open mouthed grin...
Then a giggle.
I laughed and he jumped. We looked at eachother again, and again Fred gave me a big mouth grin and another giggle. I felt like falling over! I grabbed a camera and there he sat with a big serious look on his face.
Boo.
After we got the bath we played for a while then headed over to Fred's Grammy's house. It's always a good time with Fred when he gets to spend time with his Grammy and Uncle Phillip.
After a while Fred and I headed down the street to visit with Christy, Mr. Gordon, and Glinda. They were having an office pool party, and it was a good time. I think Fred was disappointed that I wouldn't let him go swimming though... :-(

Wednesday was a great day with something new. Fred and I went to visit with Fred's Great Uncle Bill. He had a wonderful time with Uncle Bill, playing with the puppies...

Watching t.v....

napping...

and looking at the awesome fish (the big one is Mufasa).

After visiting with Uncle Bill, Fred went home and spent some time with his grandma while his parents went to softball practice. Fred was very excited to see his grandma.

Today, Thursday, was a good time. We got up early and got to Grammy's house to take her to the dentist. Fred wasn't very entertained in the waiting room, he ate a bottle, cried a little bit, then went to sleep. Then we headed to Roma's for our weekly lunch with good friends. Chelsi and Carter and Sara and Claire all joined the group today, so it was very good. Fred enjoyed a bottle, some crying, a nap, and some time visiting with his little friends.

Fred and Carter

Sara and Claire with Fred and Fred's Mommy

Fred, Lauren, Claire

Fred and his future mother-in-law

The happiest boy I know

Fred, Fred's future sister-in-law(Madison), and Fred's future wife (Lauren)

Afterwards we had a very enjoyable game session and dinner with Fred's future inlaws.
Now Fred is sleeping soundly in his bed and I'm blogging furiously away. He giggled awake for the second time today at The Hardins' house, and his dad was there to see and hear. It was wonderful. :-) Fred's giggle is so sweet and it fills my heart. What a cliche sounding statement, but it's true. It is almost like when I first heard him cry in the hospital. I remember that sound and the way that his cry made me feel. I was so shocked, it was so small, so beautiful. The first time he smiled it made me warm and so happy! I still feel that way when he smiles at me.

Oh, and speaking of Fred's Dad...

Shopping and meeting lots of people!

2008-07-21T22:35:00.003-05:00

Yesterday and today have been VERY busy days for Baby Fred.
Let's start by saying that three out of the last four nights Fred has slept through the night! Last night was the first time that I did, and imagine my shock this morning when I realized that it was not two thirty or three in the morning! Woah!
Yesterday Fred's dad, Fred, and I went shopping at the outlet shops in Allen. It was such a fun day to just walk the shops! I hated that I forgot the camera, Fred's dad looked so sweet carrying Fred in the baby backpack. Fred was enjoying being out and about and looking at all the interesting people that were there. :-)
When we got home the boys worked hard grilling some chicken that turned out wonderfully!

Fred and his dad grilling

Penny was enjoying grilling also.

Then she got sleepy and wanted to watch some t.v.

After dinner Fred and I spent some time reading what he has dubbed as the book he will pay attention to the longest...

Reading "Slowly, Slowly, Slowly, Said the Sloth"

Then Fred spent some time in the Bumbo chair... Fred hasn't completely decided if he enjoys the chair yet, it's really a hit or miss.

As long as he has his hands these days, he's entertained...

Today Fred and I got going early, and we headed to pick up Fred's Grammy, then we went to Plano to pick up some parts for Fred's Dad's dirt bike. Then we went and met Fred's Dad for lunch with many ladies and gentlemen from his work. It was a very enjoyable lunch and Fred met many new people. We ran into Ms. Vera, who we had planned on seeing later that afternoon, and Fred was pleased as punch to meet her!
After lunch we ran a few more errands that included going and seeing Fred's Great Aunt Marsha. Trips to the bank are always a good time, and Fred LOVES seeing everyone there!
Today we finished turning in all of my things to LISD, and that included taking a trip to technology for some more visiting with the very nice people there! Fred and I both enjoy visiting there very much, everyone is always so nice!
After that our errands were finished, and it was time for some fun in Grammy's pool! Fred is really taking to the water, and that makes me so happy! I can only hope he'll take to thrill rides the same way when he gets taller! :-)
When we left we realized that poor Penny stunk worse than anything you can imagine. Thankfully Fred's Dad is so wonderful, and gave her a bath!

Penny getting a bath

Penny sitting so nice! That NEVER happens!

Then it was time for some Guitar Hero Aerosmith (2 whole songs). It was so funny, Fred was close to his dad talking and kicking the whole time the songs were playing. I'm positive he's an Aerosmith song too! He's got GREAT taste in music!

What a long and busy day!

Fun day at the softball park...

2008-07-20T00:28:00.002-05:00

Today Fred got to go to the first softball game of the new season. Not due to any lack of effort on the Sandlot Sluggers' part, we were defeated. :-( Fred sat with Miss Angie, his two grandmas, and his Aunt Carla and cheered us on. It was an exciting day outside for Baby Fred.
Thank you to Fred's Aunt Carla for taking some great pictures!

Fred on his Grandma's shoulder

Fred's Mom and Dad

Fred hanging out watching... well, watching his Grandma at the game

Fred hanging out watching... well, watching his Grammy at the game

Fred cooling off and taking a nap after the game.

After the softball game Fred went to dinner with his Grandma and Aunt Carla, and then went over to his future in-laws house for some cards and singing. Fred of course was put to sleep by the angelic voices... :-)
He's such a sweet angel.

Last Thursday...

2008-07-19T12:33:00.002-05:00

Due to the fact that the SD card reader was not working (I needed my dear husband's help!), I am just now going to put a couple of pictures up from the last week.

Fred Checking out those neat things called hands...

Fred and Celia

Fred, Kim, and I playing Singstar

Fred napping after a very fun afternoon!

Woah! Two major things...

2008-07-18T21:12:00.003-05:00

I think it's pretty interesting that last night I sat up blogging about how quickly the last three months have sped by, only to be introduced to one of the most amazing milestones.
Fred slept through the night last night! I put him down at ten, and he woke up after the alarm this morning.
I didn't sleep well.
I woke up at two and couldn't fall back asleep. I know I woke up again at four. I was checking to make sure he was still breathing... I guess he was really worn out from his evening with his Daddy. :-)
The second (possibly) major thing today was Fred MAY BE cutting a tooth. He's been slobbering uncontrollably for the last two weeks, and today I ran my finger along his gums. They are ROUGH. In the front it feels almost like little bitty needles. I had Joseph feel in Fred's mouth, and he confirmed that his gums have changed. Holy cow.
The memory card is all messed up now, but I have pictures to upload as soon as I can get Joseph to fix it for me.

Three months old? Holy cow!

2008-07-17T22:43:00.003-05:00

It's been a busy couple of days. Fred has spent some time with his Grammy and with his Daddy. Today we had our weekly lunch at Chili's. Unfortunately my camera battery died after only one picture. :-(
Fred and I are really starting to get into a groove when we go shopping or on an outing where it is just the two of us. We are quite the duo anymore! We've been to Target twice in the last three days together... with no incidents to speak of! On Tuesday we had to switch from the carrier to the baby backpack, but then everything was very cool. I must say that the baby backpack is the COOLEST invention EVER. Fred rides in the front, and he is always as happy as he can be in it. It makes me happy, he's happy, so all is right in the world.
Tuesday Fred was three months old. I can hardly believe it! My goodness... three months and three days ago he wasn't even here. This time last year I wasn't even pregnant yet! It's just so amazing to me how quickly my life has changed. It's also so amazing to me that someone so little and young can overtake your whole world so quickly. I love him so much... I suppose that much is obvious- I'm sitting here writing about him while he's sleeping and I'm exhausted. My whole existence has quickly become overtaken by him. I suppose that is the obsession that is first time motherhood though...
Well, this blog hasn't really been the daily happenings of Fred, and for that I am sorry. I will post some pictures this weekend after I have uploaded them. I just wanted to take a minute and reflect on the fact that Fred is three months old... holy cow... three months old already!

Fun, fun, and a new skill

2008-07-14T21:32:00.002-05:00

Today Fred removed all doubt about his skill of grasping. We spent about an hour practicing the new skill. For the last few days Fred has been waving his fists in the air in front of his face, and today he would bounce the fist off of my finger, then open his fist, bounce that off my finger a couple of times, then grab. Then he would do it with the orange monkey on his floor gym. It's all very exciting! I'm so excited when I get to watch Fred get a new skill!

Last weekend Fred spent Saturday with his dad for a few hours while I went to Fred's grandpa's softball game. It was the first game of the season that Fred missed... it was very odd without him being there. From what I understand, he had a fun time with his dad. :-)

After the softball game we went to Raphael's with Fred's Grammy, Grandpa, and Uncle Phillip. Fred ended up falling asleep for the evening on his uncle.

Sunday Fred got to spend the majority of the day with his Grandma while the rest of us went and tried out for Family Feud (a whole different blog that has nothing to do with Baby Fred).

Today was a Fred and Mama day. We read books, worked on grasping, and I got to hear a beginning of an awake laugh. Fred's mood is so positive in the mornings, and it just makes me laugh. We spent a lot of time on the floor today, but he wasn't interested in much tummy time. He has lost interest in "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" for the time being. That makes me sad because that was the first book that he really seemed to pay any attention to.

I swear, being a first time mom is an obsessive job. I enjoy every little bit of it, and I realize that it overtakes pretty much my entire existence. I imagine all first time moms are this obsessed with their babies, right? I sure hope so...

Aren't baby boy footy pajamas the cutest?
Sigh.

Quiet Days...

2008-07-11T19:58:00.003-05:00

Wednesday was another lovely day for Fred and I to stay home together. These days are quickly becoming some of my favorite, I love being able to spend the quality time with my son, and I know all too quickly I'll be back at work, and these days will be a distant memory. Boo. Anyway, Wednesday evening Grammy (my mom) and Phillip came to hang out with Fred while Joseph and I went to softball practice.

Grammy and Fred

Grammy, Fred, and Uncle Phillip
Thursday we went to lunch with some good friends at Mi Casa. Our Thursday lunches are one of our favorite splurges this summer. We can't wait for the Hardins to come home and go back to lunch with us!

Fred with Kathy and Bill

After lunch we went and visited Christy and Glinda at Gordon & Gordon.

Fred, Grammy, Christy and Glinda

Thursday evening was very strange. Because Fred hadn't taken a long nap during the day, he fell asleep at six thirty. He didn't wake up until midnight, then went right back to sleep until three. At about six he was awake for the day. Odd, odd, odd. Right when I think I've figured out and worked our way into a sleep pattern Fred manages to throw a curveball. I've read that this is normal. :-)

Today has been a day with Joseph around the house and running a couple of errands. Fred has spent some fun time on his floor gym today, read three books, and listened to a number of Baby Einstein songs.

These days are so enjoyable, and I am trying to appreciate every single second. I am overtaken sometimes by how fast Fred is growing, and how quickly this time with him is speeding by. I realize I am so much more fortunate than others who do not get this time off with thier children, but I can't help but be so greedy!

What a busy 2 1/2 months!

2008-07-09T13:03:00.003-05:00

What an amazing two and a half months it has been! What an incredible year it's been for Joseph and me. The amount of changes in our lives is overwhelming! We've gotten married, both of us have gotten new jobs, and we have welcomed Baby Fred into our lives. What a blessing Baby Fred has been! He is now just over two and a half months, and what a busy and exciting time it has been. Fred has met so many friends and family, and he is so lucky to have so many people that care so much about him!

Our little family (minus Penny who had to go inside)
Fred has been swimming, to a number of dinners and lunches, and has had many visitors in his few months.

The 4th of July was a blast, with Fred getting to see his first fireworks show (which he watched intently until someone with glowsticks would walk by) and his second (which he slept soundly in his Grandma's arms through).

Fred sleeping in his grandma's arms

At the fireworks show
This past weekend we got to visit with (and Fred got to meet) Michael and Lisa Forbes. What a wonderful visit it was, I love getting to spend time with people that have known Joseph for years. The stories, and just seeing them interact is always so much fun!

Fred and Lisa

Fred and Michael
Monday Fred and I spent the day at home, reading, playing and napping (of course). Tuesday Fred and I met Chelsi and Carter for lunch and had a wonderful reconnection! Carter was so sweet to Fred, but Fred had his serious face on the whole visit!

Fred and Carter

Fred, Carter, and Chelsi
After lunch we went to Fred's Grammy's house and went swimming with Joseph and Fred's Uncle Phillip. It was a blast!
Today Fred and I started our day very early, and we have read "Slowly, Slowly Said the Sloth" three times, played with some texture blocks, had tummy time, and now it's naptime. Fred seems to really really like the Eric Carle book. He looks intently at the pictures and coos (of course, we only have an attention span of about ten minutes at a time with the book). It's very exciting to see him interacting in such a way with books!
I will do my best to keep this site updated with the happenings of our sweet little angel!