A Christmas Message from Ian

Last weekend we attended the Festival of the Nativities put on by our church (local members from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints). We were having a down day and almost didn't feel like making the 20 minute drive out there. I'm so glad we went for this one moment:

Ian pointed at baby Jesus and said, "wooooow, baby!" It was funny and cute, but it also really touched my heart. Ian taught me with such simplicity that we should be wowed by Jesus and his birth. He is the only begotten son of the Father. He was born on this earth in humble circumstances. He taught his gospel and then did what He promised us He would do. He took our sins upon himself and suffered the penalty for them. He bled from every pore. He died for us. Because of his Atonement we can return to our Father in Heaven one day. I can be with my family forever. That is a message of joy. That is a definite reason to say "wow."

I was also touched by how many countries were represented by nativities. There are people all over the world united at this time in gratitude and love for the Savior. What a beautiful time of the year!

Here are a couple of nativities from countries that are close to my heart:

We hope you have a wonderful Christmas and feel of the Savior's love for you. 

Life Lately

We have been in Charlotte for 4 months already! What a place. The weather has been pretty amazing, though I am looking forward to the cooler temperatures of Fall mostly because I love sweaters and yummy soups. We also have an amazing ward and are making some great friends. Though we can't always make it, weekly play group is so fun! Everyone is invited and we usually have a pretty good group. I love to watch Ian interact with other kids and it is great to have some grow up time too.

Ben is really enjoying his job. The people he works for are hard workers and have a lot of integrity. He also appreciates that they balance work and family life well--his hours have been very reasonable for a residency. For that I am so very grateful! 

Mr. Ian is getting so big! He finally had his one year check up and still measures in the 90th percentile (Ben is so proud). He weighs 21.5 lbs (25th percentile). He's a skinny kid. In fact today I dressed him in some cool orange shorts that should fit, but they kept falling down so he just kept taking them off. 

His comprehension is growing daily. He amazes me every day with what he understands. Some of the favorites right now are hold my hand, put that in the trash, get a book, close the door, blow a kiss, let's go outside, open the curtains, get the scriptures, let's pray, let's brush your teeth. It is so fun to watch him get excited as he understands and do whatever it is. I LOVE this stage. 

He also started walking last weekend! He had been taking a step or two for a while, but all of sudden he took 10 steps! He now walks sometimes, shorter distances, but crawling is still faster and the preferred mode of travel. We get such a thrill at watching him walk. It's embarrassing to let people watch the videos because we are so excited. 

Ian is very excited to meet his new cousin Connor Stewart. We hope we can meet him soon. Congratulations to Ali and Brandon, so glad everything went well! Love you!

We take many walks like this around the apartment complex to check the mail and take out the trash

    

Showing Ian a butterfly

Exploring at the park. I cringed as he got dirty...I'll work on it.

He loves playing in the cupboards

   

Playgroup friends are the best!

He pulled his plate right off the table while I went to grab his tray from the kitchen. It was one of those moments when I just had to laugh to keep from being upset.

The park is getting way more fun these days!

Christmas Time in London

Christmas time oh Christmas time! My favorite time of the year (I know, this post is late)! Right after Ben's finals we hopped on a plane a flew to London to enjoy three weeks with the Tingeys at their flat in London. We were so pleased that Ian slept for over half the flight. Thank goodness for bassinets at the bulk head during international flights! Dad picked us up at the airport and we arrived in the late morning. Ben, Ian, and I crashed for a few hours before going out to explore.

Abby had already arrived and Ali and Brandon arrived a couple of days after us. Mom and Dad, or should I say Grandma and Grandpa, enjoyed every minute with Ian. They are such fun grandparents and Ian took to them so easily. They got lots of smiles and giggles. Grandma tickled and kissed. Grandpa also tickled and kissed and dragged Ian around the flat on a blanket. Aunts and uncles are the best! Ian had so much fun! 

It was nice to have a good chunk of time together. We went out to explore, but also had a couple of days to stay in pajamas all day while watching movies and eating yummy food. Here are some pictures of our adventures:

 

 Touring the Harry Potter Set--AMAZING!! 

                           

 The Great Hall

 

The Potions Room

 We put on robes and "flew" on brooms. Ian flew with Ben, unfortunately we couldn't take pictures.

 

Butter beer is tasty!

  The Hogwarts model used to make the movie. Beautiful.

  Number 4 Privet Drive

 

  The British Museum

 

 At Windsor Castle (it was very cold and rainy, but so fun)

    Trafalgar Square & National Gallery

   The London Eye

    We saw Singin' in the Rain and Wicked!

 Went back to the British Museum, but it was closed on Boxing Day...so Jack took us on a walking tour of  London. So fun!

 Uncle Brandon and Aunt Ali with Ian on our boat cruise to Greenwich

 I love my mother-in-law!

 Parliament & Big Ben

Our last day trip was to Stonehenge. Dad went with us and Mom stayed in the car with Ian.

Salisbury Cathedral

Ian's first Christmas

We had so much fun and miss family and London already! Thanks so much Mom and Dad Tingey for having us over for such an unforgettable Christmas. We love you!

Six Months

We have survived 6 months of parenthood! It's funny how quickly the time has gone, yet it feels like we have had him forever. Our little Ian is not so little anymore. Ben is particularly proud to say that Ian is in the 90th percentile for height and 50th for weight. He is turning into a very active little boy. We love being his parents and seeing his sweet smile. We live to make him laugh. Hearing those giggles makes our hearts swell with pride and joy. What a blessing he has been to our lives.

Ian still has very blue eyes and his hair is really starting to grow now!

He is eating solids like a champ. Loves his oatmeal and green beans are a hit.

He is getting his second front bottom tooth and is far less irritable with this one!

He has a "Storm Trooper" band that he has been wearing for the past month to help with some flattening on the back of his head. Good news: he gets it off this Tuesday after just 4 weeks of wear. Momma is very excited to be done with it, but grateful it did its job.

He smiles very generously to all and still doesn't mind being held by strangers.

He loves toys that make noise and that he can chew on.

He loves jumping in his new doorway jumper.

He loves to read/chew on books.

Funny noises make him laugh.

He squeals A LOT.

He loves to pull hair...particularly Momma's, but he does not discriminate, any hair will do.

He still blows out regularly, especially at church for some reason.

He can sit up by himself for short periods, but is getting better at it every day.

He still hates tummy time. Every time I put him on his tummy he flips right over and gives me a big smile. Sometimes he forgets that he can roll over and gets angry.

He still loves being on the changing table. In fact, that's where we get the most giggles!

He has a sweet demeanor and shares his love in many ways. We couldn't be happier! Here are a few pictures of our boy as he has grown:

 

Happy half birthday little guy! We love you!