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!