Rice Cereal

The big day came this past Friday, we tried rice cereal for the first time. Matty did great, he had his mouth open wide and wanted to help with the spoon. Now, most of the cereal ended up on his face and bib but it is a work in progress. Next step veggies and fruit.

Happy boy before we started

Mr. Serious trying to focus

Such a big boy now Yummy

Brian took a short video so that all could see, enjoy

I can't believe how big he is getting

Matty's First Swim Lesson

In January I returned to the YMCA to teach swim lessons. I teach the parent-child class, so Brian and Matty decided to join me. Matt loves the bath tub so I knew he would like the water. He played with the toys, kicked his legs, and just watched everyone in the pool. We even took him under for the first time.

Mommy and Matty playing before class starts

All done and wrapped up in his elephant towel

Matt loves the water in general, he has figured out how to splash and kick his legs in the tub, sometimes I am not sure who is wetter, Matt or Mommy.

Matt playing in the bath tub

Our sweet baby boy

Family Photos

Over Christmas break we got professional photos taken with my sisters as a gift for my parents. We couldn't resist getting some taken of our little guy too, he is just too cute.

Such a little hamMy little man

All of us

This was our favorite and the one we got for our wall

New Year's Eve

Well, I finally got around to updating the blog. The posts are backwards, so if you want to go in order you will have to read from the bottom up. I know it is a lot of pictures but I just can't help it, I am a mommy who loves her baby. Enjoy and Happy New Year.

On December 30th, Brian and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary. We didn't do much, since New Year's Eve was the next night, and we headed to the Blue's game and then to a party at a friends house. Matt spent his first night away from Mommy. He got to ring in the new year with Grandma and Grandpa Gardner. I missed him a lot but Brian and I had a lot of fun.

Me, Jill, and Hillary

Jason and Brian being weird
Brian was having a great time
Me and my hubby

Christmas in St Louis

Matt got lots of gifts for Christmas therefore we decided to go buy some shelving for all his new toys. Brian put it together for me and the finish product looks so nice, everything is in one neat spot. At least for now.

Matt playing in his exersaucer

Once we returned to St Louis we celebrated Christmas with Brian's side of the family. Uncle Gary and Uncle Timmy got Matt his first hockey net. They were so excited, they put it together right away. Looks like Matt likes the hockey stick.

Gardner Family

Matt in his Santa hat

Our family

We also got to spend some time with our friends, the kids are getting so big

Blake, Chase, Matt, and Aiden

Christmas Trip to Ohio

For Christmas we drove to Ohio to visit my family. Matt was so good in the car, he slept for most of the trip and when he was awake he just laughed and played.

Helping Daddy drive. (Don't worry we were at a gas station)

Jacki and Patrick were dog sitting and Matty just loved Jesse
Courtney made it in from North Carolina on Sunday, so we finally got all the grand kids together Courtney finally got to meet Matty

Matt on the ride back to St Louis, I think he has had enough

Watching tv with Daddy

Such a stud in his Blue's hat

Me and my baby

Playing with Daddy

Christmas with my Dad's family

We had my Dad's family over to my parent's house the day after Christmas to celebrate. It was so much fun, since the whole family was together. We haven't all been together in years, since some of family lives in Arizona and some in North Carolina. What a wonderful evening.

Matt helping Great Grandma open her gifts

Brian, Me, Grandma, and Matt
Aunt Jamie and Matty

Aunt Cathy and Matty (he looks extremely happy in this picture)

Brian and Jacki

All the grandkids and in-laws too (we are sitting in age order on the couch, we have this same picture however Joey was a baby in it, that was the last time all the grandkids were together)

Aunt Mimi enjoying some time with Matt, she flew in from Arizona and later that week, she became a GRANDMA. My cousin Stephanie gave birth to a little girl on January 1st.

Congrats Steph, can't wait to meet Maddy!

Christmas Morning at my parent's house

Matt was spoiled for sure. He got a ton of Christmas gifts, lots of new clothes and toys. We are very blessed to have such wonderful friends and family, thanks everyone!!

Matt opening his toys with Daddy

Such a serious little man
I can do it

Chillen with Daddy

Daddy's turn to open his presents