Christmas

After a grueling 9 and 1/2 hour drive in horrible weather conditions, we made it home safely from the Coons in Akron. Then it was off to the Gapinski's for Christmas with my side of the family.

Oma, always the practical one, gave Harrison some pajamas, a book, and a donation to his college fund. He also got the Charlie Brown Christmas movie, which both Brian and I grew up with and love.

But for Harrison the holidays are about people not gifts. Especially spending time and getting LOTS of attention from the twins. Kendall wanted to feed baby Harrison with her new kitchen set and Harrison didn't seem to mind that the spoon was empty.

Oma and Opa with all their grandchildren!

Then it was back home to celebrate our very first Christmas with Harrison! Brian decided we should surprise each other, since Harrison wouldn't know the difference, and buy our own gifts for Harrison. Brian was very practical with pacifiers and spoons (we never seem to have enough of either.) I preferred to buy toys - a pirate rubber ducky for the bath and rings for the house. It was a wonderful holiday and we look forward to many more to come!

Over the River and Through the Woods

The holidays have officially arrived with our trip out to Akron to Grandma and Grandpa Coon's house. We opened presents and got to visit with friends at the annual Coon Open House. Harrison was an absolute angel at the party. He tried to make friends, but his style if too aggressive sometimes. He just has a lot of love to give I guess. It was a great start to the holidays. Here's some of our favorite photos!

The 'Flight of Fancy' mobile really kept his attention!

Do not adjust the volume on your set

Harrison did this awhile back. Again, do not adjust the volume. For three days all he would do was "talk" except without any sound. We were thinking of holding a Colbert-esque challenge to see what people could come up with; putting words to the motions. Everyone comments on his little shrieks. He has a very soft voice; not sure where that came from. Clearly not from his parents.

Oh the places we will go

Apologies - we have no internet access at home. We haven't had any since Nov. 15th and it won't be back up until the New Year. We certainly know how the Lincolns felt reading by candle light and carving wood for fun. Having just celebrated his 6th month on this earth, Harrison is moving ahead, literally. He is scooting and up on all fours trying to will himself to crawl. We are quickly discovering the joys of baby-proofing. He loves to roll and scoot all around our living room. He sits up on his own too which makes him look too grown up for our liking.

Our little monkey

It's been a while since we've posted - we apologize! We've been very busy and have acquired a new computer...so here we are ready to update you on the life of Master Harrison. Halloween gave us an opportunity to dress Harrison up as a MONKEY! His nickname is "Little Monkey." We had fun taking pictures; but he did not enjoy the hot costume so we ended up letting him play in just the pants! Oh well.

When we went to the Children's Museum, we ran into our dear friend Janna Smith, a full time actress there. Love her!

The Sorting Hat Has Spoken.

Yes, this is the second HP reference in a blog title this month. Harrison got a scarf this weekend from our friend, Kate (see the post below for more of Kate's handiwork) and we had to immediately welcome him to House Griffindor. After all, he looks just like his father, except for his eyes--he has his mother's eyes.

No unforgivable curses allowed in the Gapoon household!

A Bouquet of Freshly Sharpened Pencils

I just love Fall - it makes me want to go out and buy school supplies. And...take pictures of my son. It was a beautiful fall day and we went out with Grandma and Grandpa. Harrison is wearing a handmade sweater from our dear friend Kate and he looks ridiculously cute. He was a good sport overall despite the itchy leaves!