On the move!

This video was taken moments after Booker figured out how to walk behind this toy we've had since he was born. It converts from a rider to walker and until now, he could only manage to go backwards while sitting on it. I fear we will be up all night turning him around!

Happy Birthday Booker!!!

At 4:09am on November 6th, 2007, this boisterous bundle of joy was born 8 weeks early . I barely remember seeing his little face for the first time before they whisked him away to the Neonatal ICU. About 8 hours later, I was wheeled down to to find my tiny 4 pound 12 ounce boy in a incubator, tubes everywhere. The doctor and nurse explained that he was doing very well and was already off oxygen. It was all a fog. I couldn't take my eyes off this perfect little being. Ed and I spend every moment we could next to his bedside during the next 22 days. He was 6 pounds 6 ounces on November 28th when we finally took him home where he has continued to grow and thrive.

Booker now weighs almost 24 pounds. He can crawl very fast and will be walking soon. He is a very happy boy, smiling and laughing most of the time. He continues to be a terrfic eater, plowing down anything you put in front of him. He loves to clap along with us and is starting to kind of "dance" to music. He waves to Aunt Hannah via webcam on most nights. "Momma" is the word of his days but his heart belongs to Daddy.

I had several people ask me today if I was sad to see my boy growing up. I enjoy him more every minute I spend with him. I love to see him getting more independent every day. His early arrival into this world left us with doubt for his future but now we see all the possibilities.

Happy Birthday, Andrzej Booker Cherry! Keep growing and learning and doing things your own way!

1st trip to Dallas

We took our first trip to Aunt Hannah's new house in Rowlett, Texas, a suburb Northeast of Dallas. Uncle Reagan flew in from San Antonio and Grandma & Grandpa Barabasz flew in from Delaware. In the Barabasz tradition, we spent the whole weekend cooking, eating, shopping and playing Scrabble. Ed and I were glad to have extra diaper changers and bottle holders. We even got 3 good nights sleep!


We took the train downtown and visited the flagship Neiman Marcus store near Hannah's new office. Booker got to "drive" a $675 toy Ferrari! By the look on his face, I think I'll start hiding my keys now.

Grandma and Aunt Hannah took Booker trick or treating for the first time. Hannah' took the opportunity to meet her new neighbors. The weather was terrific as it was for our whole trip.

Booker's 1st haircut

Well, we couldn't wait forever. Daddy took Booker for his 1st haircut today...just the boys. I knew I would get upset and didn't want to make a scene so I had Ed take him while I was at work. Booker loved the mirrors and all of the attention. He smiled the whole time! I had a good cry at the photos when I got home and then again when Booker woke from his nap. He is such a little man now! I never though I would be the kind of Mom who would save an envelope of baby hair...but here I am.

daily shots

Most days, the camera is out and pointed on Booker at some point. Here are some of the latest shots...


Mr. Fix-It-To-Be: We got this tiny Home Depot apron at a local home show. I love the shot of him on his toes trying to reach the doorknob! He's very determined in everything he does. Now let's just hope he has more DYI skills than Daddy...

Tiny Ducks: These are my favorite PJs. They are covered with tiny blue duckies and have footies.

"Helping": Booker enjoys "helping" poor Shiloh play with his rawhide. He takes it out of the dog's mouth and then offers it back to him.

Under the Cherry Throw: One of our favorite games (when Mommy is tired from work and Booker wants to play) is to go under the fuzzy cherry printed throw together. You can see the light shine through and he finds this very amusing. Aunt DeAnna sent us this a while back and it's still our favorite.

Touchdown! : Aunt Hannah bought this cute long sleeved T before she left for Dallas. He's really starting to look like a little boy!

Halloween preview

This custom-grandma-made costume arrived from Delaware this afternoon and we couldn't wait to try it on! It fits just perfectly. Booker was very pleased and was clapping for the camera.

Bathtime!

Booker loves a bath. The Munchkin Company makes this rubber ducky tub. It's the best $10 I've ever spent. The bill of the duck makes the quacking noice you hear.

My dear friend DeAnna gave me this cute cow bath towel. It's labeled "toddler" but it barely wraps around him anymore!