Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa Dempsey's

We celebrated Christmas with Dave's parents on the 28th. Isaac got so many presents and loved the toys. I can't believe everything made it in the car to come home--even Lincoln!

Christmas at Aunt Dardi's

"Yummy, I love presents!"

Isaac got lots of presents from Dave's family and enjoyed playing with his second cousin, Meredith. He also tried mashed potatoes for the first time and loved them, but I'm sure they weren't as yummy as the wrapping paper and ribbon!

Isaac and Grandma Ternet

Before heading to Michigan, we had breakfast with Melissa's mom. Isaac enjoyed the book that she got him and his banana at Cracker Barrel.

Isaac and Grandpa Ternet

Christmas is exhausting!

Christmas at Grandpa Ternet's

Isaac with his aunt Trisha.

Trisha's kids, Fancy and Xander, enjoying some fun in the laundry basket.

Christmas Day at Great-Grandma Ternet's

Isaac enjoyed playing at Great-Grandma Ternet's house on Christmas, though he got a little worried when Ziggy took his toy! We had a great time visiting with Melissa's aunts, uncles, and cousins and fiesting on Grandma's beef-n-noodles.

Christmas Eve at Grandma Ternet's

We spent Christmas Eve at my mom's place with my sister and her family. Isaac enjoyed opening his first Christmas presents and got lots of toys! He also loved watching his cousins Xander and Fancy playing opening presents.

Isaac is getting so big!

Isaac is getting so big! He's over 25 inches and finally on his growth chart!

Two more teeth--total of 8!

Isaac has really been busy teething! He started getting two more on the bottom this weekend. He'll have a mouthful before we know it.

Thanksgiving 2008

We stayed in Chicago for Thanksgiving weekend while Isaac recovered from his surgery. He slept a lot. Dave didn't want to miss out on turkey, so we had our own mini-turkey dinner on Sunday. It turned out great!

Isaac's surgery

Isaac had surgery on his belly button. The connection between his belly button and bladder never dissolved like it should, so it had to be repaired. He also had his blocked tear duct probed. The surgery was about 2 hours long, and he seemed fine afterwards. The doctor had him stay overnight just because they wanted to leave in his catheter to allow the bladder to heal. Everything went smoothly, and Dave and I stayed pretty cool about all of it, even though we had to spend Thanksgiving at Children's Memorial Hospital. We were very grateful that the ophthomologist agreed to take care of his tear duct, so he didn't have to have another procedure later on.

We had to be at the hospital around 7am, so Isaac was really ready for a nap before surgery. Dave is rocking him to sleep while we wait for the doctors. Isaac is ready to go home. As you can see, he was back to normal and ready to play!

In the laundry basket . . .

These photos were just too cute!

Adam and Amber visited

Melissa's cousin, Adam, and his wife, Amber, visited this weekend. We had a great time just hanging around the house, talking and playing games. Isaac loved playing with them. Frank, their schauzer, and Lincoln, got along great once again.

Isaac and Lincoln

"Wait, Lincoln, she's trying to take our picture!"

Isaac showing off his Indiana Shoes from my friend Sheri. Thanks, Sher! They keep his feet warm in this cold weather!

Bathtime

Bathtime is so much more fun when you can sit up in the bathtub like a big boy!

Philadelphia

Melissa had to attend the American Society of Human Genetics Conference November 11-15 for work, so Isaac and Melissa's mom came along. Between learning more about genetics, standing at her lab's exhibit, and hanging out with Isaac, we didn't really have time to take photos. Here are a couple photos of Philly just to prove that we were there. The weather was rainy, so we didn't get to leave the hotel or conference center much. Thanks, Karen, for all of your help!! The week went well and Isaac had a great time.

Our Baby Halloween Party

Isaac (as a dragon) with Melissa and Owen (as a monkey) with his mom, Kristie.

Sara and Emil and their son, Max. He was dressed as Yoda, but the costume came off shortly after they arrived, as most of the babies were quite warm and uncomfortable in the costumes.

Owen and Evie (as Elmo) with their moms, Kristie and Sara.

Amelia (as a pumpkin) having some fun on the floor.

We have met several families around us with babies that are close to Isaac's age. We all wanted to dress the babies up for Halloween, but didn't really have anywhere to go. So, Melissa made some chili and pumpkin cupcakes for a party. It was so fun seeing all the babies, even though the costumes didn't last very long. We also enjoyed catching up with the other adults. We'll have to do this again sometime soon! Happy Halloween!

Isaac's First Veggies!

Isaac wasn't so sure about the carrots, but he had fun trying them!

4 more teeth!

Isaac started getting 4 more teeth--all in a row on top--this weekend! No wonder he's been a little cranky.

Grandma and Grandpa Dempsey Visit

Dave's parents visited for the weekend. Melissa had to go to a conference in LA, so they helped Dave take care of Isaac. Doris got to give Isaac his bath and help feed him. It looks like they all had a great weekend! Thanks, Grandma and Grandpa!

The Pumpkin Farm

We took Isaac to Goebbert's Pumpkin Farm in North Barrington to get some good photos. Doris sent him a cute outfit that was perfect for the day. We had carmel apples and bought Isaac his first pumpkin!

Playdate with Jack

Isaac and I went over to Megan and Jack's house to play. They are starting to be great friends!

MSU at Northwestern football

It was a beautiful Saturday--80 degrees and sunny, so we got tickets to the Northwestern/MSU football game. The seats were great and State killed the Wildcats. Isaac got pretty tired of the sun by the 4th quarter, so we left early, but it was a great day!

Isaac's first cereal!

Isaac enjoyed his first rice cereal. After sleeping 12 hours every night for over a month, Isaac started waking up in the middle of the night last week to eat. So, we decided to start some some cereal slightly before he turned 6 months old. He seemed to enjoy it and the nights definitely got better!

At Grandma's house

Isaac was really a ham with Grandma Ternet.