First Christmas

Hunter's first Christmas was very merry indeed!

The day before Christmas Eve Hunter exchanged gifts with his friends at day care and we were also given some adorable gifts that Hunter made for us there! That was such a sweet surprise. We are so lucky to have such a crafty and talented day care provider - I mean, son!!

He spent Christmas Eve at Mimi and Opa's house and opened presents with them there. Christmas Eve night his Mom-mom arrived and was with us when he woke up Christmas morning to open gifts at home. Christmas day Pop-pop and Granny J. arrived and we enjoyed a traditional Christmas dinner together. Unfortunately, Hunter also got his first big cold on Christmas Eve which slowed him down a bit (he was super congested with lots of coughing and sneezing), so he napped a bit more frequently. Hunter handled it like a trooper though, and wasn't too fussy for his mom and dad. In fact, he had received so many gifts from family, and friends who shipped them to him, that he wasn't able to open all of them in one wake period. It seemed like every time he got up from a nap there were more presents to be opened! We all enjoyed watching his determined face with lips puckered, as he tried to rip the paper off his gifts and his squeals of delight with some of the louder more animated toys. A few days later Christmas continued when we had another delicious dinner at Mimi and Opa's home; this time Uncle Scott and Jessica were able to join us!

We can't forget our oldest "child" Jack the Cat...it was 2 years ago this holiday season that he started showing up at our back door and, essentially, adopted us. He had a wonderful Christmas as well. With all the empty boxes and bags lying around he was in kitty heaven!

Though it was Hunter's first Christmas and he didn't really know exactly what was going on, he enjoyed his gifts/toys, and continues to play with them on a daily basis. For the most part, he seemed to enjoy basking in the love and affection of his family members, and playing with them best of all! Perhaps he really does understand what the holidays are all about after all!!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!!

This weekend we got over 2 feet of snow in a 24 hour period...more snow than we have seen in Maryland for awhile! We spent most of Saturday inside drinking hot cocoa and baking cookies, as we watched the snow fall! After Hunter's afternoon nap, we took the opportunity to bundle him up and play outside for a bit. We slid him around on an snow tube, made a family of snow angels, and just ran around in the snow, in general. Hunter kept sticking out his tongue like he was trying to catch snowflakes on it!

Of course, there was one family member who was not overly thrilled about all that white stuff...Jack! Jack the Cat was a little miffed that he couldn't get outside on Saturday. By Sunday, the snow had stopped falling and Ryan shoveled a little kitty path for Jack on our back deck, which he was all too anxious to explore!

A Fun New Sound

Hunter has figured out how to make raspberries and now he does it all the time. Rather than calling out to us when he wakes up, we often hear him making this noise from his crib instead. He will stop in the midst of playing and start making raspberries and, of course, if we instigate it he will mimic us as well.

A Piggy Says "Oink, Oink"

This is our experience introducing solid food to Hunter. We think the videos say it all!

His very first spoonfuls of rice cereal...

Two days later, his 5th feeding of rice cereal...

First Snow

This past weekend we took Hunter to Bloom's Diary Farm to see Christopher's Train Garden. This garden was set up by a one of Ryan's soccer mates, in memory of his son who loved trains. The train garden was amazing and the stories and comments posted around the room about Christopher were truly touching.

While there, Hunter also got to meet Santa for the first time, and it just so happened that we got our first snow that day, too!

Our Little Indian

Hunter likes this sound so much that if we put our hands in front of his mouth he automatically starts making the noise!

Now, if he could just relax in front of the camera...he still stares at it mesmerized!

4 Months Old!

Yesterday was Hunter's 4 month birthday, and today he had his check-up with the doctor. He was a trooper; didn't even cry when he got his vaccinations. He now weighs 15 lbs 11 ozs and is 26.5 inches long. That's the 68th percentile for weight and 92nd for height. What a big boy!!

Hunter continues to be a complete joy to us! We are still amazed by his daily growth and development. Lately, he wants to be upright all the time, whether it's sitting up or "standing". He is now able to roll over from back to front, as well as front to back. He also loves to chew and suck on his fingers, and seems to be showing the early signs of teething. These days it's impossible to hold him against our shoulders without getting a big wet drool mark indicating his presence there. We expect to see some little teeth buds coming through in another month or so.

Hunter's motor skills have also improved. He can now reach out and grab things (though depending on the object it may take 2-3 tries before he gets a good grasp) and once he has it, he inspects it and then tries to shove it in his mouth!

He is still quite vocal, especially when lying on his changing table. That seems to be his favorite podium from which to address his minions (us)! In the mornings, he "tells" us all about his dreams from the night before and in the evenings he "tells" us all about what he did at daycare. Not a lot of vowel sounds yet, but we're sure those aren't too far off. He continues to tease us with his belly laugh. He is basically giving us sneak previews of what is to come, but isn't belly laughing consistently yet. From what we've seen, it's going to be pretty awesome though!

Here are some pics from this last month! Enjoy!

First Gobble, Gobble

Hunter's first Thanksgiving spanned just over a week! We began the weekend prior in Ocean City visiting with his Mom-mom and Pop. On Thanksgiving day, we had a lovely dinner with his Pop-pop and Granny J, then a nice visit with Faye, Jerry and Nanny. The day after Thanksgiving we spent the day in Pottstown with the Vandreys, Scotts, Wilkinsons, and Wausnocks. Hunter seemed to enjoy the visits, though was getting a little tired of his car seat. Much like his mom and dad, he doesn't seem to be a big fan of the "road warrior" holiday tradition.

Of course, we were having such a good time that we forgot to pull the camera out and take as many pictures as we would have liked. Oooops! One thing is for sure...WE HAVE SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR!!

Squealer

We definitely have a little squealer on our hands. That, or he is just appalled at all of his mommy's split ends...

A Special Delivery

As everyone knows, Hunter was not cooperative about coming out of my tummy in a timely manner and actually arrived two weeks after his due date. This tardiness was an early sign that he is indeed his father's son! Unfortunately, because of his delay, he missed meeting his Great Grandmother "Memaw" before she returned to Georgia at the end of summer. (This fact has been driving her nuts, too! She has told me on several occasions that she is green with envy because everyone else has gotten to snuggle Hunter and she hasn't even met him yet.)

Though she is several States away, it is obvious that she thinks of Hunter often. We have received several packages from her filled with blankets that she and her girlfriend Sandy have handmade for Hunter. These blankets are in several of our previous web posts because we use them daily, whether it is to put them on the floor so Hunter can play on them or to wrap him up in them so he stays warm when we are outside.

Just the other day another package showed up on our doorstep and inside was a very special blanket, named Spencer the Elephant. It is the coolest blanket that we have ever seen!! Memaw hand knitted it for Hunter and it has taken her quite a long time to complete!! She actually mentioned several times over the last few months that she didn't think she'd ever finish it and, if she did, she wouldn't have any thumbs left. (I'm happy to report that she still has use of both thumbs!)

Here are some photos of this fabulous blanket. There are also some pictures of the sweater she knitted for Hunter. He looks like he's posing as a GQ model in it! THANK YOU MEMAW...We love you MORE!

Getting Ready for Real Food

Next month, Hunter will likely start eating some rice cereal and other solid foods. To help get him prepared, we have started to place him in his high chair from time to time so he can get use to it.

These clips are from the very first time he was in his high chair. He seems to like it and he looks like such a big boy!

3 Months Old!

Today, Hunter turned 3 months old. He continues to grow by leaps and bounds.

Hunter has now been going to Day Care for 1 week and is a big hit among the other children there! They often update Ryan and I on Hunter's daily activities when we pick him up in the evenings. "He talked and woke me up from my nap" or "He smiled twice and stared a lot". It's quite cute.

At 3 months old, Hunter is now able to quickly roll over from front to back; he is making new noises which sound closer to a babble than a coo; he has started to suck his thumb on occasion; he's given us the hint of a belly laugh and we are sure in another week or so he will be giving them with more gusto; and he is quick to grab toys with both hands and immediately place them in his mouth.

Here are some pictures of our handsome little man taken throughout this last month...

Happy Halloween!

Hunter spent his first Halloween at the Kenard Dale football game, where he watched his cousin Nate play his last home game as a senior. Nate made some awesome tackles and they won the game 35 to 7! After which, Hunter was so tuckered out that he fell asleep at 5:30 p.m. without even making it into his Halloween costume. Hopefully next year will be more eventful and we can actually take Hunter door to door trick or treating!

Luckily, he had worn his little monkey costume to Day Care earlier in the week and photos were taken of him with the other kids, so the costume wasn't a total loss! He also dressed up with his Opa the night before Halloween in crabbie costumes!

Our Little Music Maker

Season of Change

Here in Maryland, the leaves are beginning to change from green to red. They are quite beautiful, so today we took some photos of Hunter amongst the fall foliage.

Sadly, this changing season also marks a very difficult change in the Vandrey household. Tomorrow, I return to work after 3 months of maternity leave and Hunter starts Day Care. Every time I think about it I get choked up. Ryan is handling it much better than I. Of course he feels bad for me and knows it will be a tough transition, but he has been back to work for quite a while now, so he is use to leaving Hunter every day. I, on the other hand, have not spent more than 4 hours apart from Hunter since the day he was born.

I realize there are benefits to this change; I will have a structured schedule again; I'll be making money with which I can provide Hunter with not only everything he needs but also a lot of things he wants; Hunter will have access to many new fun toys and experiences at Day Care; he's going to learn a ton from Connie (his Day Care provider) as well as the other children she cares for. Despite knowing all of that, when I'm home playing and cuddling with Hunter in the middle of the afternoon, it's hard to think positively about anything that will end those moments. It's also heartbreaking to think of all the "firsts" I am going to miss when we are apart, and there is something very special about watching your child do something for the very first time and seeing the joy/shock/excitement/pride on his face when it happens. I know in my head that this is the very best thing for our family, but my heart just doesn't want to let go!

Here are some photos and videos of the things I'm going to miss most when we are apart:

Playing together and finding new ways to make him smile and squeal...

Checking on him during nap time to find him snoring and making sucking faces...

Afternoon walks and cuddles...

Sucker!

Thumb sucker, that is! Recently, Hunter has been experimenting with putting various things in his mouth. Sometimes it's part of a toy, many times it's his fist or fingers, occasionally it is mommy and daddy's arm or shoulder. Then, today, Ryan went to get Hunter from his nap and witnessed this, which is most definitely a first!

Popular Boy!

Hunter had a busy week filled with lots of special visitors; his Pop, Pop-Pop and Granny J, and Aunt Laurie. He enjoyed being adored by all!

Roly-Poly Baby

Hunter seems to have gotten the hang of rolling over from front to back! Lately, whenever he is having tummy time he flips himself over.

Here are some clips of him in action!

Opa's Birthday!

Hunter got to join Opa's birthday celebration this year. We had a family dinner with Opa, Mimi and Uncle Scott at an excellent restaurant nearby. Afterwards, we returned to our house for Mimi's fabulous rum cake! YUM! Everything was excellent!

Happy Birthday Opa!!

Fall Fun!

This weekend was full of fun! On Saturday, we took Hunter to his first Oktoberfest (thrown at a friend's farm in Maryland). Our good friends, Abbey, Amanda, Alan and Little AJ attended the festivities with us and AJ even tried to drink from his Daddy's Hefeweizen! After a full day there, Hunter came home and changed into his costume for a Halloween Birthday Party for his friend and neighbor Ian, who turned 4.

On Sunday, we took him to Applewood Farm where he patiently sat in a pumpkin patch while Mom and Dad snapped a ton of pictures. Then he visited the petting zoo and saw 2 goats, a sheep, a donkey and a pot-bellied pig!! What a weekend, with gorgeous weather to boot!!

2 Months Old!

Hunter is growing up so quickly right before our eyes. It seems like just yesterday we were having our first ultrasound and trying to decipher his features from the photos taken.

And yet, today he had his 2 month appointment and now weighs 12 lbs 10 oz and is 23 and 3/4 inches long. The doctor said he is in the 75th percentile for weight and 80th percentile for height! If there was a way to slow down time, we would certainly do it to preserve this very special time with him, but we also know there is more fun to come over the next days, months, and years as he continues to grow and develop. We are looking forward to every moment!

Jet Setting to St. Louis

This weekend, accompanied by his parents and grandparents (MiMi and Opa), Hunter took his first (out of utero) airplane ride to St. Louis to visit his Great Grandmother, or Urgroßmutter, "Oma", his Great Uncle and Aunt, Jobst and Joanie, and his Cousin Kitties, Amber and Bisky. Once again, Hunter was a superb traveler and actually slept through the entire flight there, including take off and landing. He had a few wakeful moments on the flight back, but not many. Needless to say, the folks sitting near us on the plane were pleasantly surprised and very relieved!!

During his visit, Hunter showed off his talents and personality by batting at his toys and cooing to his relatives. Oma could not believe how big he was and insisted that he looked older than 2 months, but we assured her that he just has a very healthy appetite! She spent much of our visit holding him in her arms, chattering with him, and rocking him to sleep. It was her first time holding a small baby in MANY years, but she showed the skill of an old pro. Oh - and she paid a little bit of attention to his parents as well!

While Uncle Jobst was hesitant to hold a baby so young, Aunt Joan got some cuddle time with Hunter so he could properly thank her for his new wooden rattle. He had fun tracking it with his eyes and is looking forward to the time when he can grasp and shake it without assistance!

Amber and Bisky seemed a bit less impressed with Hunter (much like his "older brother" Jack) but they certainly were excited that we were staying in the guest bedroom, otherwise known to them as "the forbidden room" and tried to sneak in whenever they got the chance.

It was a very enjoyable visit for all and we were sad to say "goodbye" but will plan a return trip in the near future!

Back to the Beach!

Hunter returned to Ocean City with his mommy this past weekend. Mom was a little nervous about the 3 hour drive alone with him, but he was an angel...as usual!

During this trip, Hunter got to visit with "Granny", his great grandmother. He also got to meet his grandfather,"Pop", for the first time and spent some quality time in his arms.

In addition, Hunter had a party thrown in his honor by his Mom Mom, where he was introduced to several of her friends and co-workers. He was a big hit and enjoyed being the center of attention - passed around from arm to arm and doted on by everyone. Meanwhile, his mommy enjoyed all the yummy food Ms. Caroline made for the party! Everything was superb!

It was a full weekend filled with fun activities and Hunter seemed to enjoy every moment, but he was also happy to return home and see his daddy's familiar smiling face and sleep in his own crib.

"I've Got Something to Say!"

At 6 weeks old, Hunter has been finding his voice more and more each day. He loves watching Mommy and Daddy's mouths when they make funny noises and talk to him.

Here is a little dialogue caught on video!

Zonked!

When Hunter is tired he can sleep anywhere and in almost any position. The other day he was sleeping just like this, completely passed out.

It reminded me of this similar picture, taken when he was just 4 days old. Though our little guy has grown so much during these last 7 weeks, it's nice to see that some things haven't changed!!

Working for a Living

Today was a big day, Hunter got to visit dad at work for the first time. While Ryan was taking care of business, Hunter took care of a little business of his own and the desk was quickly turned into a make-shift changing table! The highlight of the day was that Ryan got to show off Hunter to everyone he works with. As much as this happens, Hunter doesn't seem to mind being the center of attention and getting passed around to many arms in a short period of time. Suffice it to say, he was a hit!!! Everyone at BPRU hopes he comes back to visit again soon; Mom and Dad just want to make sure it's not as a research volunteer...

E-A-G-L-E-S , Go Eagles!

Football season has officially begun! Hunter geared up in a Philadelphia Eagles' onesie (his favorite team) and headed to DuClaw's, a nearby bar/restaurant, to cheer them on with Dad and Uncle Scott. The excitement proved to be too much and, unfortunately, Hunter passed out before the end of the game!

Consequently, the Eagles beat the Carolina Panthers 38 to 10.

Hand-Eye Coordination Underway

Hunter was in his activity gym during playtime today. In the past, he has looked around at the items hanging above him, but didn't show any real interest beyond that and was easily bored. Today, I spun the rattle attached to a hanging elephant and it startled him a little bit, so I did it again to familiarize him with the noise. After doing this a few times, he started pumping his arms and legs in excitement. Then he stared at the rattle in concentration and started batting at it himself, so determined to hit it.

Check it out!

Two Year Wedding Anniversary

Today, Ryan and I celebrated our 2 year wedding anniversary. Hard to believe we have been together for 9 years and married for 2 already. Ryan surprised me when he returned from work with a bouquet of beautiful white roses. I made us a delicious dinner of seasoned beef tenderloin with roasted carrots and potatoes, and we opened a special bottle of red wine that Ryan bought for us when he was in New Zealand five years ago. We had been saving it for a special occasion and decided this was it!

Though Hunter seems to be going through a growth spurt and is now eating more often than usual, he was a very good boy and sat with us at the dinner table contently until we were finished. After putting him down, Ryan and I spent some quality time snuggling and talking about just how lucky and blessed we are in life. It was a wonderful evening.

We are also looking forward to Saturday evening when Opa and Mimi plan to watch Hunter while Ryan and I go out to dinner for a second celebration of our anniversary! :o)

His Smiles Brighten Our Days

Hunter has been giving us more and more big toothless grins everyday! Lately he greets Ryan and I with a smile when we get him from a nap or first thing in the morning, but he will also give them to us when we play together.
Today, after feeding him, I was rocking and singing to him (getting ready to put him down for his nap) and for the longest time he just looked up at me smiling. (Probably making fun of my singing). Then he let out one of those sweet little sighs of contentment and kept right on smiling. My heart just melted!

Here are some pictures of our sunshine to brighten your day!

Clean As A Whistle

Hunter is finally starting to enjoy his bath time. He doesn't cry or fuss anymore at all, and he even allows us to dip the back of his head underwater to wet his hair. Pretty soon, I'm sure he will be splashing around and giggling when he's in the water.

I couldn't resist posting these few pictures of him freshly bathed...he just looks too cute!

Hunter Meets More Relatives

Pop-pop and JoAnn (a.k.a. Grannie J) hosted a cookout so Hunter could finally meet his Great Grand Aunt Faye and Uncle Jerry, Grand Aunt Becky and Uncle Calvin, and Grand Aunt Kathy and Uncle LeRoy. His Mom-Mom also made the trip from Ocean City, as she didn't want to miss spending extra time with him. We had a wonderful visit with everyone and Hunter didn't mind being passed from arm to arm one bit.

Hunter seemed especially fascinated by my Uncle Lee, and even gave him one of his precious smiles. Perhaps Hunter thought he was looking at a larger version of himself; same amount of hair and the maturity level is about the same, too!

One Month Old!

We can hardly believe our baby boy is already one month old! The time seems to have flown by, and yet Hunter has done so much growing and changing these past 4 weeks. He is very engaging, wide-eyed, and vocal now. He loves to lock eyes on his mommy and daddy, and even tracks them from across a room.

Here are a few more things he does that makes us laugh and melts our hearts:

-imitates us sticking out our tongues

-gives us a toothless grin or one-sided smirk

-squeezes our fingers in his tiny fists

-snores (which sounds like a goose lightly honking)

-gets wild and excited when he knows he's about to eat

-constantly kicks off his socks

-holds onto our shirts when we try to put him down (like he doesn't want us to let him go)

-squirms when tickled (he is extremely ticklish)

-moans or hums like he is trying to tell you something

-lifts his head up to look around when he's against your shoulder

-has massive explosions that put both mommy's and daddy's toots to shame

-is most comfortable snuggled up against one of our chests

Ocean City, Here We Come!!

I had a few appointments in Ocean City this past week, so Ryan and I took Hunter down for his first trip away from home and, consequently, his first visit to the beach! We quickly learned that you have to pack a ton of extra stuff when you have a little one in tow! I was a little worried that everything would not fit in my car, but we worked it out! Hunter was a trooper on the 2.5 hr drive. He slept most of the way and we only had to stop once for a feeding and diaper change. Upon our arrival, Mom-Mom immediately began to spoil all of us, and Hunter really seemed to enjoy his time in her arms. Unfortunately, the weather was mostly cloudy with on and off showers while we were there. Good for our walks, but not necessarily great beach weather. It finally cleared up during our last evening. We took the opportunity to show Hunter the beach at sunset, and even put his toes in the sand. He seemed fascinated with the texture. Well, maybe fascinated is too strong a word, but it certainly woke him up!

Visitors Galore!

Since Hunter's birth, we have received so many calls, cards, emails, gifts; all congratulating and wishing us well. Our family and friends have been truly wonderful and supportive as we adjust to parenthood. Several have even had an opportunity to stop over and meet the new addition to our family in person!

Ummm...should you be doing that??

At 18 days old, Hunter was having a little tummy time when all of the sudden he rolled over onto his back. I thought it was a fluke, so I put him back onto his tummy. He did it again. Then, I grabbed my camera and once again put him on his tummy. He was quite worked up at this point because he was clearly done with tummy time, but he rolled himself over for a third time and I caught it on video!

Of course, I was a bit freaked out. Don't think he should be able to roll over so early. We'll have to see if he continues to do so or not.

MILK COMA!

I often find myself looking down at this image after Hunter has finished eating...

2 Weeks Old Already

Ever since arriving home with Hunter, we have been taking a ton of photos. Everyday he grows, changes, and develops. He is very good at tracking things with his eyes, especially mom and dad. He also likes to orient towards them when he hears their voice in a crowd. Hunter is already enjoying tummy time and raises his head, turning it from side to side. Occasionally, he will even mimic mommy and daddy sticking out their tongues. He is amazing! Ryan and I are in awe of him every single day and still can't believe that "WE MADE THAT"!!

Here are some of our favorite photos from our first 2 weeks home and some video clips of Hunter's tummy time successes!

Hunter's First Bedroom

We had a lot of fun shopping for and decorating Hunter's nursery. Lucky for us, he seems to dig it, as well!

Oh, And How We Grew!

From October to August, we did a lot of growing! Finally on August 2, 2009, (12 days after his due date) Hunter Ryan Vandrey made his grand debut! It was a long labor, consisting of 3.5 days of early and false labor for mom and 2 hours of pushing, but we consider it well worth the wait

Sharing the BIG NEWS!

Ryan and I officially found out I was pregnant two days before Thanksgiving. Lucky for us, our families already had plans to get together for the holiday. So, when we arrived in Ocean City on Wednesday, November 26th this is how we told them! I love their varied reactions!

P.S. Always knew Ryan's side of the family was a little slow...hehe!