Porter's Baptism

Thank you to all of our family for helping us celebrate Porter's baptism last Sunday. It was a very memorable service with Papa Turner as Assisting Minister and Gram Turner reading the scriptures. Our little man was a champ and made not a peep during his "big moment." Eric's Poppa Murphy said it perfectly when he said, "He went quietly into the faith."

Congratulations Porter William!!

Christmas card

We had really expensive pictures taken for our Christmas card and Porter's 1 month pictures. The photo sitting was a disaster. We had left the house early so we could feed Porter right before the sitting- and we got lost. We were late, but finally made it. Baby fed, check. Hair combed, check. Clothes neat, check. Smile for the camera- not a chance. Our normally happy, mellow baby was extremely fussy. Incredibly the pictures were good-the price tag was worth it. Lots of choices for the Christmas card...but looking at the pictures and looking at Porter- not the same baby. In just a matter of 2 weeks he was no longer newborn, but a more alert baby boy with the sweetest smile.

So we attempted to take our own Christmas card picture, and learned why photographers charge so much. Add that to the list for my next occupation...with some training of course.

Pitiful first attempt. Let's get it together Mom!

Oh, you want me to look at the camera?

Just missed the smile...quicker trigger finger Mom!


Thirteen shots later...it's a keeper!

Simple Blessings

Porter is being baptised this weekend. My great-grandpa Penn would say that he officially becomes Porter on Sunday; he will become the newest member of First Lutheran. Eric and I jokingly say that he is getting the Devil kicked, or in this case, washed out of him. Our little boy is getting the ultimate blessing. Ironic, when he has blessed us in so many ways.

• Smiles in the early hours of the morning that reminds us why we are getting up before the alarm.
• Snuggles when both Porter and Mommy need them.
• Spending all day in comfy clothes because we don't have anywhere to go but stay in our warm home.
• Enjoying the quiet of the Christmas tree in the middle of the night- because of a hungry baby.
• Reading classic children's books- again.
• Excited relatives so happy that you braved the cold and snow to come to the holiday party- and brought the baby!
• Enjoying each and every minute with our sweet boy.
• A heart so filled with love that it is difficult to swallow at times.

2 Months

Where has the last 8 weeks gone?! Our little man in growing and thriving. We had an appointment with Dr. Neuberger, Porter's cardiologist this week. We took it as a good sign when he walked in the room and said, "Well I don't need to ask if he is eating okay." Porter is now 10 pounds and growing. He was a champ during his echo and exam. All looked great- no change from the last appointment, which means that we are cardiologist-free until March. YAY!

Now time to enjoy my last 3 weeks off of work and Porter's first Christmas.


Speaking of Christmas...it has always been my favorite time of year. The tree is up the day after Thanksgiving, listening to Christmas music is no longer forbidden, the calendar starts filling up with family parties and shopping trips, and let's not forget about the baking. The best part of our holiday season this year is our new little man. Holiday movies seem more festive, we have an excuse to send out the really cutesy holiday cards, holiday lights seem brighter, the food more delicious, and the music more beautiful. It is truly amazing how much Porter has changed our lives.

He is our ultimate Christmas gift...a healthy, growing, happy baby boy. The gift that keeps on giving!!

Mommy's Least Favorite Game

I have always been a girl that loves to play games. Perhaps it all started with a nasty game of checkers or HORSE in the driveway against my brother. During my childhood, into adolescence, and adulthood I have never been shy to partake in any sort of competitive game- softball, rock-paper-scissors, mini-golf, and the occasional beer-pong or flippy cup in college.

While pregnant with Porter,Eric and I imagined all the fun games that we would play with him: catch, hide and go seek, and once he is older Daddy will love to teach him all about football and basketball. Although our little boy is "ahead of the game," so to speak, and has created his own night time game called Drop the Pacifier. This has become my very LEAST favorite game.

Here are the rules: Porter gets tucked into his bassinet after his 3:30-4am feeding. Mommy inserts pacifier. Porter starts to drift off to sleep and down goes the pacifier. Mommy, half asleep, searches the bassinet for the pacifier and inserts it into Porter's mouth before he wails and wakes up Daddy. Repeat for the next hour and a half.

I hate this game. Eric hates this game. And I am not sure that Porter is a fan either.

I want to teach him a new game- Find your Thumb When You Drop Your Pacifier.

Good luck to us all...