He Came, He Came!

Despite Isaac's initial reaction to Santa...the big guy decided to come visit our house anyway. I suppose it would be bad for his PR if he skipped every little kid that was terrified of him!

Isaac woke up Saturday morning to find this huge race track thing under the tree...




Ike zeroed in on the two little race cars and sent them racing down the track...it was almost as if he had played with the toy already...perhaps he snuck out of his room and we didn't know it? Hmmmmm...

To pay homage to the jolly old elf...Isaac donned Santa's traditional colors as a way to say "Thanks Santa!"

Ho Ho Ho, Merry Christmas!

First Encounter

Needless to say...it didn't go well!


The jolly old saint didn't seem to bother Ava any...


In fact I think she was rather smitten by the old guy! She also might have been too distracted by the piano player to notice whose lap she was sitting in!

Garret, being the old pro, enjoyed giving Santa a bit of a hard time...and tested his memory on what Garret had already asked for on a previous encounter! That boy is too smart for his own good!

Big Day: Part 2...the Celebrations

We started off the day with a breakfast of pancakes...but not just any pancakes:

Yes that's right...pancakes in the shape of a one! Justin has been getting creative with his pancake skills. Little did he know that he may have just created a new family birthday tradition for us...hope he can handle the double digits in a few years!

Then Isaac was worn out already, so he took a little nap...

right in the middle of our play space! Such a big boy using a pillow!

Then it was party time...

We met up with cousin Ava to get ready for the party and then all our friends and family gathered to share in their big day!







I think both Ava and Isaac had a grand time at their birthday party. Overall, I don't think they made too big of a mess with their cake, but I am pretty sure that both of them are now pretty spoiled!

Thanks to all of you who could be there to help us celebrate. And for those of you who couldn't be there, you were all in our thoughts and you were missed!

Big Day

It’s so hard to believe that our Isaac is one-year-old today! It seems like just yesterday we were bringing him home to the “homtel”! And now our little guy is moving on to the Moonwalkers class at baby school, no more Little Dippers for him; he’s walking; he’s trying his hardest to drink out of a sippy cup; he’s sleeping through the night (hallelujah, and I’ve probably just jinxed things!); he’s putting together quite the vocabulary; and he just keeps on getting more fun to hang out with than I ever imagined!

It dawned on me yesterday that I had never documented the timeline of his birth. So I thought before all of the memories became hazy I would document them here. So please bear with me as I take a step back in time (insert wavy lines on the screen to help transport you☺)…

Thursday, December 17, 2010
We had gotten word earlier in the week that Rachael would be induced on Friday afternoon. So we spent the afternoon packing up all of the stuff that we would possibly need, and boy was there a bunch! We weren’t planning on leaving until mid-morning, that way we would arrive in Oklahoma City early enough to run by the hospital to see Sherry and Ava (who if you remember was born on Wednesday, December 16) before making our way across the highway to “our” hospital. Plans were all set, car was all packed and now we just had to try to get some sleep. How is anyone supposed to sleep knowing that this could potentially the last night they would get a good night sleep for months or even years? It was going to be tough!

Friday, December 18
4:50 a.m. – The phone rings…I’m not sure either one of us really realized it was the phone…but Justin finally gained enough of his senses to answer. It was Trista (our adoption specialist), she had just gotten word from Rachael and her family that they were on their way to the hospital, she had started having contractions. Needless to say we both flew out of bed…but somehow there was a small disconnect in my brain, instead of preparing to leave, I jumped in the shower. Justin handled it pretty well, he calmly asked me what I was doing…I believe I replied something like…I don’t know, I’ll be out in a minute! What was I thinking! Now I had the pressure of knowing that if we missed anything, it would be my fault! That made for a pretty long car ride!

By 5:30 a.m. we were on the road. 5:45 a.m. we received a text that Rachael had made it to the hospital. Driving to OKC was pretty uneventful, I think we both might have been a little jittery and our minds were probably working a little harder than normal. We just had no idea what to expect, whether we were going to make it there in time, how it was all going to end…so many unknowns! We did have enough of our wits about us to not call any one until a little later in the morning, it was one thing for us to jolt out of bed with an early morning call!

At 6:44 a.m. we got another text that Rachael was dilated to a 7. I can’t really remember where we were on the road, but it wasn’t as close as we would have liked! It was about this time we started making phone calls. Everyone seemed a little surprised that we were on our way, but were super excited and praying for us.

7:25 a.m. Rachael’s water had just broken and she was now dilated to an 8. This time we were a lot closer…so we thought we had a pretty good chance of making it in time. We finally arrived at the hospital about 15 minutes later. Of course we parked in totally the wrong parking lot and went in completely the wrong door/building…but at least we were in the vicinity! Trista came down to meet/find us and get us up to the room.

When we got to the room we found Rachael surrounded by friends and family. She looked great and was pretty comfortable. Her mother, boyfriend and another friend were all there keeping her company. The nurses came to check her twice while we were there and at 8:45 a.m. it was time to clear the room. Rachael asked me if I would stay in the room with her and her mother. I was a little worried about being in the room, but I was glad I stayed. It was all so overwhelming, but awesome at the same time!

Rachael was awesome at the delivery. Once she got the practice push in, she only had to push two more times and then he was here. I’m not sure that Rachael even broke a sweat! At 9:22 a.m. Isaac was here! He was crying with those healthy lungs and had no issues. I got to cut the cord. What an odd thing! Not at all what I expected, more rubbery than I would have ever imagined! He then settled down quite easily on Rachael’s chest. The nurses took him to clean him up a little and get him snuggly warm. He weighed in at 7 lbs. 1 oz. and measured 19 inches long.

The guys were then invited back into the room to meet the little guy. Rachael’s Grandpa, Bernie, got to hold him first, then her mom, Carol, then me, then Rachael and then Justin. We played pass the baby for quite some time. Meanwhile there were phone calls being made and texts being sent…the whole world was getting word that Isaac Keaton had arrived.


So today, we look back on what a wonderful year we have had, how different our lives have become and how truly blessed we are to have Isaac in our lives! We continue to thank God each day for Rachael and her strength, wisdom and most of all the love she has for Isaac.

Happy Birthday Isaac! We love you!

Dreaming...

of a white Christmas, or maybe those are sugar plums dancing in his head! Either way Isaac is starting to get into the Christmas spirit!

He just didn't seem to want to take the little hat off! Someday he is really going to hate me for taking these pictures!

Houston Here We Come!

We survived!

Our first big trip with Isaac went as smoothly as we could have ever imagined! He was a little trooper with all the car rides, plane rides, altered schedules and anything else we threw his way!

The car ride to the airport was relatively uneventful...poor Mimi and Grandpa were cramped in the back with Ike. We got there just in time to meet up with Sherry, Kevin and Ava, grab a quick lunch and then jump on the plane.

Ike really liked looking out the window checking out all the action going on around the plane...then it was time for take off...

and after a quick bottle...I think he was asleep before the wheels even left the ground! He slept the entire way and was a pretty happy camper while we waited for our rides. He was a tiny bit restless and ready to move around...but thankfully he was able to keep it together with another nap as we rode to the house. Boy was he happy to get out of his car seat and explore Marcie and Ron's house!

The weather in Houston was fabulous the first couple of days. So on Friday the girls spent the day at an outlet mall while the guys played 27 holes (They claim that they were only going to play 18 but then realized the girls weren't home from shopping so they went out again...right, it was our fault they had to keep playing! =)

Saturday we all kind of dispersed across Houston. Justin, Isaac and I went on a little adventure to the Houston Zoo. Despite a little trouble with the GPS lady and a round about, we made it there in one piece. The weather was perfect...upper 70s and sunny. We spent a couple hours exploring the Zoo and having a great time. Unfortunately, we forgot to pack a hat for the I-man, so sorry SCZ, Ike is now sporting a Houston Zoo hat!

During a little break from the stroller we found some leaves. I'm afraid to say I think he enjoyed looking at the leaves more than anything else!

I never really realized how many balls can be found in exhibits at zoos. But now that Ike has that word in his vocabulary he was sure to point out each and every one! I think he may have seen a few animals in there amongst the balls...but I'm not 100% sure! Here Daddy is trying to point out a patas monkey and Isaac is trying to point out a blue boomer ball.

After the zoo, we decided that it was such a nice day and we were only about an hour away from Galveston...so why not head that way. So we spent a little time on the beach.

Isaac definitely liked the sand a little more than the water...but I think he might have been willing to do without both!

New Tricks!

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Santa's Work Shop

Our Christmas decorating is complete! And someone enjoyed playing with the ornaments a little more than actually putting anything on the tree...maybe next year! I suppose the other good thing about not putting anything on the tree is that Isaac hasn't figured out that things can come off the tree. But then again it has only been three days! I'm sure the possibility of the entire tree coming down is still in the realm of possibility!




As I hung all of the stockings by the chimney with care...I realized that our basement no longer looks like a TV room, but more like Santa's work shop! Amazing how just a few toys can change the look and feel of a basement! And to think, we haven't even celebrate a 1st birthday or had a "real" Christmas...I think it is safe to say we ain't seen nothin' yet!

Workin' On a Walk and Other Fun Stuff

First things first...please, no comments on Mr. I's fashion choices...it's hard enough to get him dressed, let alone in something cute and/or matching!

This is a little video of Isaac practicing his walk. He still isn't ready to let go of his little car, but he is getting better about standing on his own for a few seconds.

Then a little video of him playing with his cars. In one of them you might be able to hear a little vroom vroom sound that he makes when playing. I wasn't fast enough with the camera to get the really good sound effects, but I think you can get the idea.

Isaac is also sporting his new fall look. He got his second hair cut last weekend and now looks like a clean cut little boy! Thanks to Aunt GiGi for once again tackling his mop! The process was a little more challenging but not horrible!

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New Treat

Isaac tried a little of Roscoe's food last night. Our child likes dog food, I have nothing more to say!

Happy Halloween!

Getting out of the house was a little difficult...but we did manage to get a couple cute pictures! Note the "roar" face. It may have actually been more of a cry of displeasure...but in pictures it is hard to tell the difference. ;) Isaac did have a fairly good growl going all weekend, before he had an audience, wouldn't you know it! The growl also was a little difficult to discern from his vrrroooom vrrroooom sounds he makes when playing with cars, but whose counting!


We had extra helpers this weekend. The mean yet beautiful witch, Lucile Duncan (7) and the living dead beauty, zombie ballerina Leslie Duncan (11). Isaac really like having these two around all weekend, I think he misses them already!


Here is proof that we actually made it to a house to ring the door bell. I'm sure the girls would tell you that we didn't make it to nearly enough houses, but I think Justin and I agree, they went to plenty! We were so tuckered out by the time we got home we could hardly see straight! But I think the girls would have been happy going longer! In fact on the way home for the night Lucy kept pointing out homes that still had porch lights so she could stop a ring the bell even though it was close to 10! We finally convinced her that it was probably just an oversight on the owners part and they were probably in bed, like she should be!

Tiger Garret and his little lion cub Isaac. I still haven't had the heart to talk with Garret about tigers and lions being two different species. It's just too cute to hear him talk about his little cub!

And finally...the little lion about at the end of his rope! Next year we will make sure that he has a costume with a zipper, and not something that has to be pulled over his head every time and/or that can be worn while in a car seat! The things you learn on your first Halloween!

Hope everyone had a spooktacular time on their Halloween adventures...I know we sure did!

Fall is Here!

Isaac had his 10 month check up this last week. The visit with the doctor went well, although he was a little shy around the Doc, but by the end of the appointment he was hugging the Doctor!

So here are his current stats:
Weight: 21 lbs. 6 oz.
Height: 29"

This week also marked craziness at work for Mom! Thankfully we were able to streamline things enough that I actually didn't have to work every evening. Thursday through Sunday was a slightly different story, but we were able to work in some fun things...
Isaac went to CJ's Senior night for volleyball with Aunt T, Nana, Papa and Garret on Saturday. Go Tigers!



Then after church on Sunday we went to Applejack Pumpkin Patch. It was hot but fun! We took our own paparazzi (Thanks Amy!) to take some family and fall pics. Here are a few:





Now the hard part...figuring out which ones of the 170 some odd photos to order!

Shameless plug...
Amy Hawley, a good friend, took the pictures for us at the pumpkin patch. She has a business called A's Action Photography. Check out her site at Asactionphotography.smugmug.com for her contact information and to view other photos she has taken. I would highly recommend this budding photographer!

Later Sunday night, Garret took Isaac to his first Night of the Living Zoo. I think the two had fun dragging Nana, Papa, Traci and Justin around the Zoo!

First Baby School Pics

What a cutie! No wonder we're so in LOVE!

My Little Gleek

Isaac discovered Glee last night! He loved all of the singing! For almost every song he would stop what he was doing and listen or crawl closer to the TV. This little video captures a song by Mercedes at church...not sure if he is trying to dance or not!

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No Place Is Safe

We discovered yesterday that Isaac has mastered the stairs. He has attempted it before, but would only made it a step or two...but now he is unstoppable and impossible to persuade him away from the stairs. Along with his new found escape route comes more interesting things to explore. I think Roscoe and Daisy are VERY nervous about this new development...there is no place to fun! ☺

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K-S-Uuuuuuu-WILDCATS!

We survived our first K-state football game! I think we all even had some fun!

We stopped to pick up uncle Ty Ty before the game and had time for a quick family pic before we headed off to the Little Apple! Three smiles...doing good so far!



Stopped by one of Justin's co-worker's tailgate party for a little snack. The Bittles were also kind enough to loan us a little space in their car to store the stroller, as well as gave us the keys in case we need a quiet place to go during the game! We also ran into Papa too!

My boys were super ready for the game to start! Isaac loved to watch the people and Justin loved watching the game! Thankfully Isaac was not bothered by any of the noises that come with the game...no problems with the marching band, the screaming fans, or the 100+ motorcycles that road around the stadium! We were very thankfully for his high tolerance for the noises and all of the people!

Isaac did so well, that he actually slept through almost the entire first half! Poor thing missed his first touchdown and the excitement that goes along with it!

It was just before half time when Isaac woke up. He was pretty happy and enjoying himself...but I could tell that he was getting hot (not to mention mommy) and was refusing to keep his hat on for more that 30 seconds...so we decided to go find a shady spot. We spent the second half sitting in shade, watching two little boys play with cars, had a little snack and just chilled!

It was a lot easier to keep him entertained than I thought it would be. We did have a few visitors we knew, Papa and uncle Ty Ty came to check on us (and give me a break to run to the potty!)When Justin came to check on us, or so I thought, he was actually there to help pack everything up...there was just one minute left in the game!

Thank goodness the Cats one...I'm pretty sure that the ride home would not have been as fun! Isaac stayed awake through dinner in Abilene and then crashed for the rest of the trip.

So as a whole, the trip was successful! I'm not sure that Isaac and I are going to head to the Little Apple for every home game, but now that I know it can be done...we might try it again...if its not too hot/cold!

Herbivore to Omnivore

Tonight was a big night...Isaac tried beef & gravy baby food, with a little of his favorite...peas! Despite an unsure look or two, he ate half the jar pretty quickly.

Mommy, on the other hand, was trying her hardest not to gag! It looked and smelled...well, odd! Surely with time we will both get more used to it!

Born to Ride!

Justin and Isaac took their first bike ride tonight! Isaac was a little unsure of the helmet at first but soon adjusted! It was a couple of quick trips, it was starting to get too dark, but the boys seemed to have a lot of fun!

Daisy also got in on the action! I think she is starting to like hanging out with Isaac...she gets to do cool new things, plus there is an occasional treat dropped from the high chair!

Oh, and don't worry, safety officer Garret made sure to get on to uncle Just for not wearing his helmet...even if it was just a short trip!

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How Many Women Does It Take...

to give Isaac a hair cut?

For his first hair cut it took:
1 Mimi to hold him
1 Val to entertain him
1 Gigi to do the trimming
&
9 Bunco gals to watch!

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A BIG thank you to Gigi for the cut! You did a fabulous job...and he still has both his ears! I hope to have a finished product picture posted soon!

Race Car #11

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Weekend in Tulsa

This weekend we cut out of work a little early to head to Tulsa and visit some of Justin's family. We stayed with Kristen (Justin's cousin), her husband Steve and their three great kids, Meritt, Canton and Aniston. Sherry, Kevin, Ava and Ann all decided to come to Tulsa for the weekend too, so it was a busy house! Canton & Kyle in armchair; Sherry, Isaac, Ann, Ron & Meritt on sofa. Ron and Aniston We met up with Ron, Shari and Kyle on Friday night to go to Incredible Pizza. If you haven't ever been to one of these...they are crazy! Food buffets, video games, rides for the little ones, costumed characters, bowling, mini golf, bumper cars,you name it and they probably have it! The whole thing was a little overwhelming for us first time parents, but we soon got used to it. The food was really pretty good and there was a lot to choose from! The cinnamon rolls were the BEST! Isaac road his first "rides!" There was the train ride... First merry-go-round... And the finale...a trip around the track in #11...
Ava even got in on the action with a "pony" ride...