Jackie's 1st Tree

Love Your Face!

It's a Photo Purge....

We've neglected the Manning Memo horribly. Things are all out of whack. Now Jackie is feeding Colin...

This was one of the most fun nights in recent history. Christmas music, a toasty fire, pot roast, a happy baby and wine make for a very enjoyable evening.

Jackie in her glory, sitting up, surrounded by her toys.

My parents have nutty friends. They heard about this "ugly sweater" concept and applied it to a family Christmas party.

Look at my sweater, scary stuff...

I just think this is cute. Jackie's pouty mouth, staring me down - with cute baby boots. Love it!!

What will we be eating tonight mom and dad???

Rice cereal and bananas - kinda weird...

You can always make Grandma's happy with handprints on their birthday.

Jackie, in her furry bunny coat from Gramma Judy and Granpa Yarry!!

Thanksgiving with Gramma Marty.

Aunt Julia sings the best songs...

Uncle Cason's not so bad either.

Happy Half Birthday Sweet Baby Girl!!

I cannot believe this day has come!! My tiny baby Jackie is now 6 months old, sitting up, smiling, laughing, eating big people food and developing the most kissable cheeks imaginable.

We could not be more in love with her. What did we do before she arrived?

We love you sweet girl!!

Too Cute

Sitting up and taking notice

I am new to being a father and to babies in general. I was the youngest of my family so, other than my niece Abbey, Jackie is my first real exposure to a baby. I have to say it has been an amazing 5 month. To watch her go from not being able to hold her head up to now where she is starting to sit up on her own is amazing. Her personality is starting to really come out and I am sure she is going to be an amazing person. She is able to recognize people when they come in the room and smiles when I look at her (ok not all the time). I know all parents say this but I wish I could put a freeze frame on her just so I can enjoy this bit more. I know she has to grow up but the moments fly by so fast and I want more. I guess it is on to the next phase... MOBILITY!! Are we ready... we shall see...

Introducing our Newest Porch Sitter

My mom's name is Noreen. And my mom has the best porch in the world.

When Colin and I were trying to pick a baby name, we used this great baby name book that would describe what the average person assumes about someone with a particular name. For example, Noreen was on the list of "porch sitters." At first I told Colin not to tell her - it didn't seem like a compliment. Well, we all know Colin doesn't do well with keeping secrets or keeping anything in his head for that matter (love you so much Darlin :-)), so he let that one slip to my mom. She just grinned like it was the best think for anyone to assume about her.

Mom and Dad's porch is a pretty magical spot. So many great converstations occur there. Jackie loves to sit on the swing and feel the breeze on her face and watch birds fly from tree to tree. It's a wonderful place to catch a much needed nap as well. :-)

Uncle Canon and Aunt Annie

Jackie met her Uncle Canon and Aunt Anne for the first time this past weekend. They made a special trip from DC, just to meet their new neice. It was a fast and furious weekend with lots and lots of laughs. Entirely too short. We love you guys and as always, we so wish we lived closer to do this more often!!

Cousins!!!

As most of you know, getting a good photo with two or more small children can be a challenge. Colin and I had our first taste of that with Abbey and Jackie at the pumpkin patch. As you can see in this first series of pictures, we were a little nervous to even put them by each other for fear of hitting, biting, screaming, etc...

Then, Jenny and I decided that was ridiculous - let Abbey hold her cousin. I think they turned out pretty sweet. I love the progression of the following.

Pumpkin Patch

The Not So Scary, Scary Holiday

Thanks to Baby Josie, Jackie had the pleasure of wearing this beautiful peacock costume. It's not the most convenient outfit to wear, it's bulky and a little hard to carry her in, but it sure was stinkin cute!!

Here's the costume my super fun Dad bought me. We thought it would be too big, but look at me and my chubby cheeks. I can fill this out just fine!

Baby, it's Getting Cold Outside!

A wee bit o' fun