December!

Daddy's shadow directs the placement of the Christmas tree.


With the tree finally up, it's obviously time for a Christmas dance!


Harry has been lining up his trains and cars on any table or surface he can find. We think he's going to be very pleased with the train table Grandpa made him for Christmas.


This picture perfectly captures Harry at the moment -- He always has a car or truck in each hand. And if he doesn't, he is asking "Where red car go?"


Racing Georgia up the slide at the indoor playground.


Sometimes, Harry just needs some "me" time. He'll close the door, sit in his chair with his "Elmo ni-ni" and rock. Once recharged, he's ready to play. "I play trains more!" is a common refrain in our house. He doesn't know it yet, but his New Year's resolution is going to be the ditching of the "ni-ni." (pacifier) It lives in his crib so he only uses it when he sleeps or is sick, but I fear it's going to be tough. He so loves it.


Lincoln Park Zoo Lights

Harry's take on Santa

We've been talking a lot about Santa lately to get Harry ready for Christmas. Harry can identify his picture and talks about him, but I'm not sure he entirely gets it yet. On the way to see Santa today, we talked about telling Santa we wanted "a choo-choo train" for Christmas. Then when we got to the front of the line, Harry was starstruck. He hugged Mom tight for a minute then faced Santa and stared. I put him on Santa's lap and he stared as if he were in a trance. Harry was gripping a Matchbox car, so Santa asked about that in an attempt to get Harry to warm up to him. Luckily Harry has lots of experience saying the word "car," so he was able to repeat that when Santa asked what he wanted. On the way home, Harry gave this report: "I see San-ta Caus. Choo-Choo Train. Car."

For a good dose of cuteness

Go to Georgia's page (link on the right) to see our little man and Georgia giving kisses. (It gets me every time.)

Papa's Racecars

It just so happens that Harry's Papa has a collection of model cars that makes Harry jump up and down and squeal with delight. As I type, he's looking at these photos and chanting "Papa's racecars! Papa's racecars!"



Sometimes, he even convinces Pa to let him see one up close.
"I love you, blue car."


Afterward, Harry is on cloud nine. He even gives baby James a kiss.

Visit with Grandpa and Grandma

Grandpa Bob (Gam-Pa) and Grandma Phyllis (Gam-Ma) came to visit and took Harry to the Children's Museum, where they just happened to have a train exhibit!

Operating a truck with Daddy.

Checking out how a train works with Grandpa.



"I drive train."