All I got for Thanksgiving were my two front teeth!

On Tuesday before Thanksgiving we saw Ethan's first tooth for the first time. We had felt it and heard it the week before but were finally able to see it. By Friday we could start to see the other lower front tooth under his gum. It has not erupted the gum yet but the poor little guy is surely feeling it.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with Pat's family. Pat's parents and cousins were able to join us. The food turned out DELICIOUS! I shocked even myself. Homemade pumpkin pies right down to the crust, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts, fresh cranberry sauce, sausage stuffing, spinach souffle, and of course "Ernie", yes I named the 22lb bird. I have to say that the cooking channel was right- you have to brine the bird! It was great!

I hope everyone is geared up for the holidays. We are so excited this year mostly because of the new spirit surrounding the holidays in being able to share in all of Ethan's "Firsts".

More baby laughter...Go Bucks!

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We had a great weekend this weekend. We went into the city yesterday to watch the football game, Uncle Brian and Aunt Michele babysat Ethan, and the Buckeyes beat Michigan for the fourth year in a row. What a great weekend!

Oh yeah, enjoy the baby laughter- Ethan is laughing at the Weasels, I mean Wolverines!

Winter is Coming...

It is getting to be that time of year when winter coats and hats come out of the closet. (I am happy to fit in my winter coat again.) Ethan of course still loves going outside so we bundle up and take our walks. He is the cutest little boy all wrapped up! What do you think- Do you like his hat?

Ethan is doing very well at his new daycare. He is a lot happier when I pick him up and I am much happier because I feel like he is getting far superior care to the last situation. He loves the other kids and they seem to really enjoy him. They are all around 18 month to 2 years but all say "BABY!" when I bring Ethan in. It is quite cute.

Baby Laughter

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Who doesn't love to hear a baby laugh? Happy Friday! (Shaky camera because he laughs at me flipping my head back and forth with wet hair- anything to hear that laugh.)

Evidence

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Well all I have to say is that we have moved beyond pulling himself up on just the laundry basket and crib. Today it was his Christmas present (it came in the mail, I had to give it to him) and the sofa. He tried to hold onto Bella but when she walked he lost his balance. Notice in the video that he walks to me at the end. He has also started taking steps only holding one of my hands.

Will someone please remind Ethan that he needs to crawl first!

We finally got a computer!

Yes, you are all in trouble now! Daily pictures and video here we come! Our new iMac arrived yesterday and although it will take me three years to figure this thing out I do know how to hook up the camera and get on the internet. Need I say more.

Time to drop the crib its final notch...

The time has come for our big boy to be at max depth capacity on his crib. Today as we were playing with the laundry basket (why do we buy toys?) Ethan grabbed the edge and stood up. I was so proud of him. But then I put him in his crib, turned around for a second and sure enough, the little stinker was standing up behind me. Now we have to take baby-proofing to a whole new level if he can pull himself up on things. He is so cute and entertained with himself though.

After 8 days, I yanked our son from daycare...

Yes, it's true. Last week after walking into daycare on Thursday morning I was so upset/furious/disgusted that I picked Ethan up, packed his things and removed him from daycare. All I have to say to fellow new parents is: Do your homework and then revisit. We were snowed! We were so convinced that this daycare was our best option based on our options for Ethan but could not have been more wrong. Let's just say:

-dead bugs in his food crate
-diaper rash after 4 days
-workers wearing dirty shoes on baby floor mats
-sweet potatoes up Ethan's nose at 3PM when he ate at 10AM
-45 degree air blowing in on babies because a worker was "hot"
-Ethan crying in the middle of the room seated on floor when 2 workers sitting and talking
-Not using wipes or ointment when changing diaper-explains rash
-Not washing hands after changing a diaper
-Crock pot with dirty warm water used to warm bottles-the water leaked into caps around nipples

You may be asking yourself why I had him there 8 days. This stuff all added up over time and the worst offenses I did not find until the morning I pulled him. You will be happy to know he was never there longer than 4 hours. Poor kid.

Now he is at an in-home daycare at a neighbor's house two doors down. He is the youngest baby so he is getting a lot of the attention and in learning from the older kids. There are 7 kids and 2 ladies but in the afternoon only 4 or 5 kids with 2 ladies. Most of the kids are between 18 to 24 months.

Anyways, now you know why I have sounded a little stressed lately if you have talked to me. It is hard enough having him in daycare but even worse to think of all this. He is in a much better situation now. That is what I can be thankful for.

Our little Pumpkin

Ethan's First Halloween was a success! We had so much fun with him. Patrick was able to come home early from work to dress him up for the evening. We all sat at the front door watching the trick or treaters. Ethan loved seeing the kids. We can't wait until next year when he can go out and get us some candy.