Gabe's shaking

I want to fill you all bloglanders on with something that is going on with our little Gabe. He has started having "shakes/tremors". I have already mentioned this to his dr. who seemed to shrug it off saying he was just trying to refuse his bottle because he was sleepy. This has happened about 8 times now and it all started about a month or so ago. Every time it happens he is eating a bottle and overly tired. He will be in the middle of eating a bottle and his body and head will start shaking involuntarily. I don't think it's a seizure because I can stimulate him and bring him out of it. But it is so scary to watch when it happens. I googled the other day infant tremors and I started reading other moms' stories of very similar experiences. They all said this started around 5 months (exactly when Gabe's started) and happened while eating and when their child was overly tired. They said it turned out to be some freak thing that happened and their child grew out of it by 12-18 months....with no long term effects. This is a little comforting to read, but I am no doctor and am going to talk with his dr. again about it at his 6 month check-up next week. In the meantime, have my video camera ready in case it happens again so I can take a video. Please say a prayer (or two or three) for Gabe that this shaking will stop and be nothing at all.

All I wanted for Christmas...

....was a new camera. Specifically a Cannon Rebel xs EOS. I have to say I was a little dissapointed that I had no camera after all of the presents under our tree were unwrapped. We had begun the clean-up process and we were all taking turns playing with Allie and her stash of presents that Santa left....when....ding dong. Some friends of ours came over with a present that Santa had mistakenly left under their tree with my name on it. (Thanks Rob and Stephanie for helping both Stephen and I pull off our Christmas presents this year!) I am in love with my new toy, but man....do I have lots to learn. Anyway...here are a few of my firsts, very amateur, photos of the kids.

Christmas 08

These pictures are out of order, but here is how we spent Christmas this year. We are so very blessed and had a wonderful day spending time with family. Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!

Gabers enjoying a beatiful, warm Christmas Day in SC. He is 5 1/2 months old and growing like a weed.

My little joey (he is riding in his baby bjorn).

Daddy's special present to Allie, her very own mini golf club and pink golf balls.

Riding a Christmas treat from Santa.

Gabe playing with new Christmas toys.

Christmas dinner...burned steaks.

Leaving cookies for Santa (or Izzy).

Christmas Eve dinner we ate fresh pig (from Stephen's hunting trip to TX). Yummy BBQ.

Bathtime for Gabe.

Allie's talk with Santa

I am so proud of Allie!!!!! Last year when we took her to see Santa she was crying hysterically and peed on his leg. Here is a little video I took today of the kids and Santa this year. Allie did great and Gabe was clueless.

Stephen's first deer

Stephen went hunting in TX over the weekend. This is his first buck...a 7 point.

Quail hunting trucks.

Campfire at the ranch.

Christmas traditions: New and Old

It is a complete understatement to say I LOVE this time of year. Most people hate getting out in the mass craziness at the malls. I, however, crave it! I love the crowds and overplayed Christmas music that comes along with Christmas shopping.

This year is special. Allie is almost 3 and she will remember Christmas. We have tried to stick with some old traditions while starting a few of our own. Something I remember growing up as a child is listening to "Alabama Christmas" album. The album doesn't have your typical "Jingle Bells" or "Hark the Herald", but instead "Thistlehair the Christmas Bear", and "Santa Claus I still believe in you". Allie has taken to this cd as well. As soon as we get in the car he requests the 2 songs above. It melts my heart to watch her and hear her sing these songs that I grew up with.
Our new tradition that we started this year is the book, "Elf on the Shelf". It is a book about an elf who watches over you and reports to Santa at the end of the day if you have been good or bad. The book comes with an elf doll (Allie named him Stephanie) who moves positions each night after he has visited the North Pole. And when the kids wake in the morning, it is a game to find where the elf has hidden. It is super cute and Allie is all about it!

Lastly (and don't laugh)...I remember my mom handmade our Christmas stockings. So, I made some for us....over the course of 6 years and the fabrics don't match. Here they are, hung by the chimney with care (lots of care so they won't fall apart).

Quail hunting

Stephen has never been a hunter, but recently he has had the opportunity to....well, give it a shot. So, this past week he and a couple of guys here in Greenville went quail hunting. From what I hear, he shot 5 quail....altogether the guys shot 25ish. This is only his prep course for his big hunting trip next week to Kings Ranch in Tx...where, in addition to quail, he will be hunting deer and nelgai.



Stephen and Gus. From what Stephen explained to me, they would walk the field and the dogs would "point" when they came upon a quail nest (or whatever you call them). Then when everyone was in position...the hunting guide would kick the covey (sp?) and the birds would spread into the air.

Target practice...

And here is his target (from over 150 yards away).