Happy Holidays!

Austin shared his first Thanksgiving with family and friends at my Aunt Sheri and Uncle Bob's home in Commerce. He had the pleasure of meeting some new people and trying some new foods, which included mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cranberry salad and a few bites of cool whip. He seemed to enjoy watching everything that was going on around us but wasn't a big fan of anyone getting too close to him. Evidently, not putting him in daycare also has its drawbacks.



In early December, Austin saw his first winter storm, complete with beautiful fluffy, white snowflakes - a rarity for Texas as we usually get only sleet/ice. Amazingly, we were graced with a second snowfall on Christmas Eve. For the first time, in a LONG time, we woke up to a white Christmas. It was so pretty, but not so great for holiday travel.



In mid December, Austin had his follow-up appointment with his cardiologist (Dr. Wright) to see how everything looks since his cardiac catheterization. Per Dr. Wright, the duct is closed, there is no more murmur, and no obstruction to left or right pulmonary arteries or descending aorta, with normal pressures within his heart. She discharged him and we are now finished with that heart business for good. WOO HOO!



On December 18th, our sweet little boy turned one year old. I can't believe it has already been a year, but OH MY, what a year it has been!!!

Austin ~ December 18th, 2008

Austin ~ December 18th, 2009

We celebrated by having a small birthday party - small because our house is extremely small but also because we didn't want to overwhelm the little guy on his special day. Austin met a few of his cousins for the first time, as well as several other new people. Upon meeting Samantha, Austin uncharacteristically took a liking to her, so we will now forever refer to her as our future baby-sitter. :) Anyway, it was a great day! Thanks to everyone for all the wonderful gifts and a special thanks to Grandma Netz and Grandpa Jesse for all the help and also to Deann for taking pictures. I also need to kick a shout out to all the kiddos who helped Austin open his gifts - he would still be opening his birthday gifts today had they not assisted. :)







Austin had his 12 month checkup this month. He is in the 3rd percentile for weight, 25th percentile for height and head circumference. We were advised us to start introducing more table foods and whole milk to help get his weight up, but otherwise, he is doing great!



He has started taking his first steps. First it was a step or two, here and there, from the coffee table to the couch and back. Now he is getting bolder and he's going for 5-8 steps, usually from mommy to daddy. I imagine that it won't be too long before he is walking. It's so exciting - I can hardly wait! :)



For Christmas, we went to Commerce again. Thanks to Aunt Sheri and Uncle Bob as they were nice enough to host yet another family function in their beautiful home. Austin tried some more new foods (too many to mention) and he even let Grandma Netz and Jeanette hold him - briefly, but still a major accomplishment! I think he might be slowly trying to break out of his shell!?! We shall see though...