On the Move

We knew it wasn't going to be long before Savannah walked. From an early age she was pulling herself up and cruising along furniture and anything else she could get her hands on. So it was not too surprising when Savannah took her first steps.

What I think is amazing is that she went from her first steps to full speed walking within a day or so. Now she can dart across the entire room in seconds. It's really quite amazing.

Plus, she has also learned how to climb stairs. She's still working on the getting down part, but she is able to make her way up pretty quickly. That means she knows just enough to be dangerous.

It is so much fun to see Savannah as she learns and explores this big world. Today we went up to the mountains and Savannah loved the waves crashing on the beach at Dillon Reservoir. Plus she really enjoyed the sand box.

She is so smart... and such a good girl. While we wish we could keep Savannah this age for ever, we are so excited to watch her next discovery and to one day see her grow up!

Christmas Through Her Eyes

The twinkling lights, colorful decorations and festive traditions... the holidays have always been filled with plenty of excitement for me. This year, however, it was so much fun to see Christmas through Savannah's eyes.

While she is far to young to understand the story behind the holiday or even the idea of gifts (in fact, I think she enjoyed the wrapping paper more than the actual gifts), she was amazed by everything going on. She loves lights and it was so fun to see her entranced by every Christmas tree she saw. She also loved to play with the nativity set we bought her. It was built by Fisher Price for little kids and she loved to put the camels and wise men in her mouth. She obviously had no idea of the importance of what they represent, but I know in future years she will begin to learn. I can even imagine a day when she reenacts the entire nativity... but for now it was just fun for us to watch her knock it all over and gum Mary and Joseph.

She certainly was the center of attention during the Christmas Eve service and dinner and then the Christmas day feast. Everyone was so excited to see her reaction when she'd open their gift.

I love Christmas, but as an adult I sometimes have struggled with finding that Christmas spirit. There have been some years when Christmas has felt just like any day. This year, however, that special spark was back. I can't wait for future years when Savannah knows what is going on, is excited about Santa and wants to hear the story of baby Jesus' birth. I have a feeling that every year that Christmas spirit will continue to grow in me.

33 Years From Now

Birthdays really are a great time for reflection. I turned 33 yesterday and my dad turns 60 today... so I've spent plenty of time thinking about what I've achieved in three decades and what it will be like to be my dad's age, after all I'm more than halfway there now. Yikes!

I certainly haven't achieved all the the milestones I hope to. That normally is a pretty big source of concern for me. It's funny how at this phase of my life everything is a big race. I suppose it is only natural to compare yourself to everyone else as you're trying to climb the career ladder. It was tough when people my age started working at 9NEWS (I was quite proud to be the youngest at the station). It's even tougher now when you realize some of reporters I'm now working with are nearly 10 years younger than me. I'm becoming one of the older staff members, which is kind of like getting lapped.

Thinking about birthdays this week, however, has really helped me get some perspective. My dad is still vibrant at 60. Sixty isn't quite as scary if I'm as active and look the way my dad does in three decades from now! I've still got time to win my own Emmy, to make a difference, maybe to even become the boss. Who knows?

I've also been thinking a lot about Savannah on this 33rd birthday. She's only at the beginning of this journey-- that is life. Where will she be when she's my age... when she's my dad age. It's crazy to think about. Will she be married? Will she become the president? Will she be happy? Will there be flying cars by the time she's 60? I sure hope so.

There is so much potential for her... and I realize for me too. I can't wait to see where our family goes... and I'll be happy with the destination as long as we're all together. Who knows maybe will even take transporters to get there. Now that's pretty far fetched!

I'm so thankful...

Today at work I was asked about what I am thankful for this Thanksgiving... on camera I said our little baby girl, which is true-- but it's so much more than that. It is amazing how much our lives have changed in just a year. I am so thankful for a wife that has become such a great mother. She is so much more patient than I can ever be and has a way with Savannah that's pretty amazing.

I am so thankful for our families. As shown by tonight's dinner, they get along so well, which has really made things easier with the baby. It has not been a big thing to invite both families along for events, giving everyone a chance to get their baby fix, as my mom calls it. It is wonderful to see how much everyone loves our little butterball turkey. It was fitting that they ate her up today. I know all of these people from grandparents to cousins will play such important roles of guiding and loving Savannah as she grows.

I'm grateful for the blessing God has given us... this chance to be parents. Tonight we got to enjoy Savannah eating sweet potatoes for the first time (Lindsay made a special baby version for her and it was so cool to see her gulp it down, as well as spraying me with it when she did a raspberry) and the pain of driving miles in the car with a screaming baby (for those without babies it may have sounded like we were slowly killing her with a dull spoon... but now I know that's the normal sound she makes when she's really tired and kranky).

It certainly isn't always easy, but I'm thankful God sent us this little one.

Why counting the days isn't such a bad idea afterall

It is so much fun to see all the changes that Savannah is going through. This week she's really gotten a lot more vocal, babbling all the time. She's often bubbling spit and has always got those fingers (or toes) in her mouth. She's pretty close to being able to sit up on her own, which is pretty amazing since it seems like just yesterday she was able to hold her head up on her own.

The other day I was talking to one of my co-workers about the latest Savannah advancement (something I do pretty often at work, since I'm a very proud dad) and I realized that I mentioned that Savannah is turning four months this coming week. Before having kids this was something I really hated. I always thought it was so weird how people would talk about babies in days and weeks. Not being a parent, I always thought it was odd to say a kid was 18 months old. They're over a year... you can just say that they're one, right?

Well, now I understand why all parents refer to their kids by month... and in some cases days. So much development happens day-to-day that you have to be pretty specific when talking to others. Sure Savannah is about a third of a year old, but knowing that she turns four months next week really puts into perspective where she should be in development... and where she's ahead of kids her age.

I've also caught myself watching other kids and comparing Savannah's growth and development. I love seeing kids that are a few months older and realizing that in a short time Savannah will be getting into the trouble they are now. And when you look back at younger babies, it gives you a chance to reminisce about those early days and how far Savannah has come.

I never thought I'd say it, but Savannah is officially 3 months, 1 week and 4 days old... and becoming a bigger and bigger girl every day!

California Girl

We flew to California in early October to visit my family. The most exciting part was introducing Savannah to her Great Grandpa! It was such a wonderful trip and so great to see everyone! Savannah did so well and was a great little traveler! Wish we could see everyone more often, but I'm so glad they were able to meet Savannah!

If you go to California you must go swimming!
Grandpa and all his Great Grandkids!

Great Grandpa and Savannah...too cute for words!

4 generations!

Savannah's 1st trip on an airplane!

These are just a few of several GREAT pictures from our trip! There are more posted on Facebook.

2 months and a few pictures

I can't believe our sweet baby is already 2 months old! She's such a happy little thing, I just LOVE this picture!

In Vail with Randy's family

Garden of the Gods

Don't you just want to squeeze her?!

Savannah's First Rockies Game

Go Rockies!!