Times with ShoSho

We enjoyed every minute that we got to spend with ShoSho, and she loved every minute just as much. ShoSho got to be in lots of Andrew's firsts ... his first night without Mom and Dad (how sad for Mom and Dad -- Andrew did great! ... his first Christmas ... is first time trying to sneak in a suitcase... and many more. ShoSho left the day after Christmas. It was sad on all sides for her to go, but we will see her soon (well, if you count 2009 soon!) Here are some pictures from her last days in the states!

ShoSho with Avery and Andrew at Mema's house -- this is the day after his first night away from Mom and Dad. See, I told you he did fine!

ShoSho trying to smuggle Andrew back to Kenya.

ShoSho and Andrew at the Backyard Burger in the airport ... waiting for boarding time.

ShoSho, Andrew and Avery. One last grandkid picture before boarding!

What?!? ShoSho is leaving me?

ShoSho can't leave ... I want her to stay!

Christmas with the Mann family

We spent Christmas eve and Christmas day with Sarah's family. It was so great to have ShoSho here to celebrate with us. We can't wait till we can have everyone together for Christmas -- that will be 2009, when Sarah's parents are home on furlough. Here are a few pictures of Christmas day!

Andrew waiting patiently for breakfast and presents!

Andrew's first present ... his Bumbo. This was #1 on his wish list!

Avery helping Andrew with his "fier." She forgets the 'paci' part!

Sarah, Tobey, and Bonnie in their cute pajamas!

Attempting to get a picture of Andrew and Avery sitting by the fire. Neither one were really excited about having their picture taken.

Again, Andrew passed out during the present opening. He didn't even wake up to open his own gifts!

Avery loved this box that Josh had gotten a gift in. It was one of the best presents. Oh, what fun kids have!

ShoSho bought Avery some very cute rain boots. And she loves them!

Andrew, sleeping yet again, with Sarah's cousin Jessica.

Andrew finishing up his Chirstmas dinner. Man, rice ceral is just the best!

Christmas with the Stonecipher side of the family

We celebrated Christmas with Jonathan's family the weekend before Christmas. It was a great time to get to visit with them.

Andrew opening his first Christmas gift.

Worn out after opening his gifts ... he didn't want to see everyone else's gifts!

The three boys -- Tyler, Carson, and Andrew. Andrew doesn't look so small now compared to the Labor Day picture!

Opening his stocking Sunday morning! Ohh... a rattle! His new favorite toy!

Rice Ceral

Andrew has been eating rice ceral for almost one month. He wasn't the biggest fan starting out, but he now loves it. Here are some pictures taken during eating time!

Getting ready to try it.

My first bite!

I'm now getting the hang of this!

I'M LOVIN' IT !

Getting ready for Christmas ...

We are busy getting ready for Christmas. We decided that we would get a real tree for our Christmas tree this year. Andrew was so excited that he got to help pick it out!

And while we were out shopping at Wal-Mart, we ran into Santa. Guess, he has to go shopping sometime too! He didn't mind posing with Andrew for a picture!

We have really enjoyed the time that we have gotten to spend with Sarah's mom ... ShoSho to Andrew. After our Christmas tree shopping we met up with ShoSho, Tobey, Lem, Bonnie and Avery at McAlisters for some good sweet tea and yummy sandwhiches!

Silly pose ... we were suppose to make a funny face and we all ended up with the same face! Notice the matching fleece's Tobey and I have ... that was one of our after Thanksgiving sale purchases! Good buy!

Avery being a cheese! I can't believe that she is 19 months already!

ShoSho and Andrew

the Video

FINALLY ... I have the video. Now, I must remind you that this video was taken October 28th, so it has been some time since then. But, Andrew still makes a lot of noise when he is sleeping. It is the cutest thing. I'm glad that our house is small, because I don't think that I would have been able to sleep with him in our room! Enjoy! Oh, and make sure that your volume is turned up so that you can hear him!

More pictures

And just in case you haven't seen enough Andrew -- here are some more that will just make your heart melt.

Tummy Time in his crib

Being Cheesy!

Helping Dad with the laundry (yes those are the clean ones!)

Sweet kisses from Avery

Can I have my bottle and the remote?

Snoozin' in the swing

Thanksgiving

Andrew enjoyed his Thanskgiving celebrations! We had multiple events that weekend. On Thanksgiving day, we spent the day with Tobey and Avery. Josh and Bonnie both had to work and Lem was in Colorado. We enjoyed some grilled chicken, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie! It was delicious!

Aunt Tobey with Avery and Andrew

Black Friday -- what is Thanksgiving without the shopping?! Sarah and Tobey drug Avery and Andrew out to face the crowds and get some good shopping done. Both kids did great, for the most part. One of the cutest things was Avery holding up some cute outfit up to her and saying, "Cute?". Now, you must know that Avery is only 18 months old. We are starting her early! :) Oh, and no, we did not get out early that day -- just enough time to buy some things before the sales ended!





Saturday -- ShoSho arrived from Kenya. We are so excited that Sarah's mom will be able to be here for about a month to meet Andrew and to spoil Avery & Andrew.

Aunt Tobey and Avery waiting on ShoSho

Andrew waiting on ShoSho

ShoSho and Avery

Sunday -- The whole Mann Clan, minus Sarah's dad, got together at Josh and Bonnie's house for our Thanksgiving meal. It was such a sweet time to spend with family. It is a blessing to have such a great family. We are thankful!

I'm a Hunter!

On opening day of gun season (that is deer season for all you non-hunters!), Jonathan went hunting. Andrew was so sad that he could not be out with him, so he just sat in his camo at home and hung out with Mom!

Jonathan and Andrew

"I really just want Mom to hold me now."

All that waiting and hunting wore him out!

The Sweetest Sound

Stay tuned ... I am having difficulty with the video upload tonight, but I do have one. One of the sweetest sound that I have ever heard. Andrew is a loud baby -- just makes noise all the time. But, the cutest sound is when he is sleeping. I will put the video on as soon as I can upload it.

Andrew's Growing!

Andrew is growing ... which is good, I know. We went to the doctor for his two month check-up and shots on November 5th. He weighs 14.5lbs and is 25 1/4 inches long. And he took his shots like a champ. After just a little crying, he calmed down and he slept great that night! Actually he has been sleeping great for about two weeks now ... sleeping through the night ... like from 9pm to about 5:30ish. We are blessed! He must know that his mommy needs a lot of sleep to function well! He is a very happy baby and loves to smile at us making silly faces just to see him smile! He is very attentive and so alert. He watches everything we do. He is just the cutest baby!

Sunday morning -- ready for church!

Laughing at Mommy!

Cute hat!

We are looking forward to Thanksgiving and all the food, but really looking forward to the Saturday after Thanksgiving. November 24th. That's the day that ShoSho (Sarah's Mom) comes to the states to see Andrew (and the rest of us as well, but really it's for Andrew!) Please keep her in your prayers for travelling safety.

Halloween Pictures

Andrew enjoyed dressing up for Halloween. We didn't end up going to any parties, but he dressed up Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Our little Hunter! Don't worry, we didn't let him handle the weapons!

Our past month ...

Hi ... I know that it has been forever since we have posted anything. Life has been very busy this past month. Jonathan has started his business and is completely out on his own. His first big job is building his brother and sister-in-law's house in Illinois. This requires Jonathan to go up to IL a couple of times a week. It is hard on all when we are not together, but it makes the homecoming so special. I'm posting some pictures that we have taken over the last month so you can see how much Andrew is changing and growing. He is growing so big everyday. As of October 1, Andrew weighed 11 lbs 5oz. And he definitely weighs more now. We can't wait for each of you to meet him some time. You will just fall in love with him!

Sarah with Andrew and Avery(Sarah's neice)

"I am so happy that you are taking my picture!"

Tummy time -- I can hold up my head so well for being so little.

Sweet Sleeping Baby

Avery trying to give Andrew his pacifier. She was a little confused - it was upside down and on his nose -- but it is the thought that counts. Avery enjoys being around "baby" and is very helpful with getting anything that Andrew needs.

"I AM SO BIG!"

"Mommy, you are making a funny face!"

Can you please get me home? I am so tired!

Andrew's First Day of School

Sarah started back to work this past Monday. It was hard to walk out the door of the daycare and the drive to work was teary, but we are making it and adjusting to this new part of our lives. Andrew is enjoying school everyday. It is wearing him out, which means he is sleeping good at night. He is being spoiled by his teachers - they think he is just so precious. And we couldn't agree more.

Well, that is a quick glance at what we have been up to over the past month. We will try to be more up-to-date with the posts from now on. And maybe the next post we will try to get a video of Andrew movin' and groovin'.