TJ's First Christmas

Who knew Christmas could be so special... and so much fun! TJ definitely gave our family the best Christmas ever. TJ was spoiled rotten by all of his grandparents... Aunts and Uncles... Mommy and Daddy... and of course, Santa!

Christmas Eve, we had our traditional fish dinner. Only this time, it was in a non-traditional way. Instead of Grandma Reno making the dinner, we all went to Red Lobster for our fish and shrimp. He ate so much we thought he was going to pop! TJ loves the cheddar biscuits there. He wouldn't stop eating them. Then, he chowed down some broccoli and mashed potatoes before the waitress brought him out a little cup of ice cream. He dug into it with his hands and was a sticky mess, but a happy boy at the end of dinner!

After dinner, Mommy, Daddy and TJ went to Mass. TJ was a little hyped up from his little sugar rush and was a wiggle worm. We ended up sitting in the cry room so he could move around a bit. It was past his bedtime during the service, but there was no fussing for him... he was perfectly content. TJ passed out on the way home and it was straight to bed for him.

Christmas morning came at 6 a.m. when TJ woke up. Grandma had warned us he may be overwhelmed and disinterested in his toys. TJ was anything but. We came down the stairs, and it was like he knew everything under the tree was meant for him. He played with his Rody horse and Race Track set before watching Mommy open his other presents. He played with each toy as it was opened, and by the end... he was ready for a nap!

Grandma Martin got him a cool Guess bomber jacket, and Grandpa & Grandma Reno got him a Radio Flyer Wagon. So, after his nap, we put on his jacket and took him for a ride in the neighborhood. It was near 60 degrees on Christmas Day, so it was a perfect day for a stroll with a wagon!

Our cousin Ross joined us for our prime rib dinner, and TJ was ready for a nap in the middle of dinner. It was great to catch up with our cousin.

This morning, Jonas and Nathalie were here from New York, they were visiting on their way to a ski trip. TJ had fun playing with the blocks they gave him. After they left, we headed down to Canon City to have a spaghetti and meatball dinner with TJ's grandparents and aunts and uncles. There were more presents to open... and TJ loved playing with his cousin Izzie. It was so fun to see Chloe and everyone who's visiting from California.


It was a busy weekend, but full of family, laughter and wonderful memories. Merry Christmas!

Li'l Rams Fan

Yesterday, TJ went to his first CSU Rams basketball game. Daddy has been working on an all-access show with the men's basketball coach for three seasons now, Mommy had a day off and CSU was playing Mommy's alma mater, the UNC Bears, so we couldn't pass up a chance to take TJ to the game.

TJ loved it! His eyes were so huge when he sat on the sidelines and watched the Rams do their warm-ups... and he was hyped up all game long. I was a little nervous about how he'd do throughout the whole game since it was just me & TJ in the stands while Daddy worked. TJ was a rockstar. His bedtime is typically around 7 p.m.; it was pushing 10 p.m. and he was still going strong. He smiled, screamed and bounced up and down entertaining those around us. He even smacked kisses to the high school girls sitting behind us... and he made his Jumbo-tron debut... dancing to "Shout!"

TJ also got a kick out of Cam the Ram. This surprised me because he was so scared of Santa! Not Cam... he even fussed when he walked away. So, Cam came back and TJ "petted" his "fur", played with his horns and scratched his nose... it was too cute!

So... back to Santa. TJ was not a fan! He was totally into Santa while in Frankie's arms... the second he was put on Santa's lap, TJ turned into a screamer! We managed to get one photo of him just crying and not screaming. Still, it was so sad! Hopefully, next year we can find a Santa he likes. :)

This weekend, TJ turned 11 months old! Mommy went through TJ's closet and swapped out all of his 9 month clothes for 12 month clothes. His shirts and pants were getting a little too snug around his chunky belly! I can't believe how fast he's grown... our little man will be a year old in less than a month!

Mommy & Daddy are both back to work, but we'll be off for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We'll have plenty of pictures to post then!

I've also updated his photo site with new pictures... the link is at the bottom of the page.

Deck the Halls!

Tonight, TJ helped Mommy & Daddy decorate his first Christmas tree. We had been so busy working lately, we didn't get around to decorating the house until today. It was totally worth the wait. Of course, TJ has no clue what was going on, but he had fun helping us "trim the tree."

Christmas definitely got a lot more special this year. We're so excited to start our own family traditions as well as pass along family traditions on to TJ.

Tomorrow, we're taking TJ to go see Santa... we'll see how it goes. Whether he's screaming or smiling -- the picture will be priceless! :)

This past weekend, we went to TJ's friend's birthday party. Logan is the youngest of a long-time friend of mine, so we headed to north to Greeley to celebrate his 4th birthday. TJ had an awesome time, and he was konked out on the way home.

We're still running around after the crazy little guy. He's cruising a lot and using his push walker to walk around the house. Lately, he's abandoned the push walker and started just pushing his music table around the house.

He's also turning into such a love. He loves to cuddle his Puppy and other stuffed animals... giving them love. He also snuggles his blankie, which is something new. The attachment came just a few weekends ago... it's so sweet.

First Thanksgiving

It's been more than a week since TJ celebrated his first Thanksgiving, but it's been a little busy in the Martin household, so finding time to update the blog has been difficult.

Anyways... TJ LOVED Thanksgiving! I guess we really shouldn't have been surprised... the kid loves to eat, so why wouldn't he love a holiday that's all about eating?! He ate everything -- turkey, yams, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, jello and of course, pumpkin pie. And boy, did he love that pie. He totally dug in... with one hand and pulled out a fistful of pie. We all thought it was so funny, we let him eat it just like that. He had about five fistfuls before Grandma Reno was able to cut the pie for the rest of us. :)


We were thankful TJ was able to spend the holiday with all of his grandparents. Grandma Martin flew in the Monday before Thanksgiving and was able to spend some time with the little guy. He loved getting to know her. On Thanksgiving day, we all drove down to Grandma & Grandpa Reno's house. TJ was so excited to have everyone paying attention to him, he didn't take a nap all day. By the time 6 o'clock came around, he was pretty tuckered out.

On Friday, TJ, Mommy, Daddy and Grandma Martin went to downtown Parker for the O'Brien Park Holiday Lighting. It was pretty chilly, but we bundled TJ up and stuck around to see Santa and visit with TJ's friend Jack and his parents, Susie and Chris.


Other than the holiday lighting, we didn't get out of the house much. TJ was diagnosed with an ear infection and sinus infection on Saturday morning, so we just spent a few days having some downtime. Grandma Martin flew out on Monday morning, and we were so glad she had an entire week to spend time with TJ.

The little guy seems to have bounced back from his illness. He's back to being his happy, active self. In the past few days, TJ has started to use his walker... pushing it around the house. It's only a matter of time before he's walking on his own -- don't know if we're ready for that!

This weekend, Mommy & Daddy have to work, so TJ is spending a few days at Grandma & Grandpa's. He's having a blast being away... Mommy and Daddy on the other hand feel a little awkward without him around. We can't wait for him to come home tomorrow afternoon!

Snip Snip

TJ turned 10 months old today, and to celebrate, he got his first haircut! TJ did awesome -- didn't even cry when she brought out the trimmers for his neck. Mommy held him for the first part and he enjoyed looking at himself in the mirror, then we put him in the chair. Daddy held TJ as the stylist finished up and trimmed his neck and around his ears. He was such a good boy for his first haircut, and of course, he looks adorable! :)

TJ's babbling is becoming more of a way for him to tell us what he wants. Uh - means wants up. We ask him where his balloon is, and he points to it. He also points to his cat and dog. This morning when pointing out Bo he said "cat." Frankie and I both looked at each other like, "Did he just say that?!"

TJ is becoming a little wild man. It's been about a week and a half since he started crawling on his hands and knees, and Mommy and Daddy are getting a crash course in having a "mobile" child! He's become quite fast in the past few days, and Mommy is getting her exercise chasing after him. He's so dang cute when he crawls, too... Mommy can't help but giggle every time he takes off. Buggy Fitness and Storytime are whole different worlds now. I get an extra workout at buggy chasing him around. At the same time, it's so fun to watch him become more independent. Monday, he wasn't clingy at all, and he had a great time following his friend, Asher, and moving around like a "big boy." Today, it was the same story at storytime. :) Last time we were there, I was so proud because he sat still and listened to the stories and songs. Not the case this time around. We spent the entire storytime moving. TJ especially loved the fish tank at the library, and he constantly gravitated towards it.

TJ is transitioning well in his new room at day care, even though you can tell he misses Miss Alissa, he's getting used to his new teachers. Wednesday, he didn't even cry when I dropped him off. Sitting him next to a cute little girl may have had something to do with it -- TJ definitely knows how to flirt. Each day it seems he learns something new, and each day he brings more joy into our lives. We can't believe his first birthday is right around the corner.

Movin' On Up...

Tomorrow will be TJ's first day in his new classroom. At his school, the infant rooms are separated into two rooms - non-movers and movers. Mommy's kinda nervous to see him move up. I'm excited he's developing well, it's just I hope he adjusts well. He absolutely loves his teacher, Miss Alissa. The two have become quite attached, and I think it's going to be tough on both of them.

Despite all that... Last week, they decided to move TJ because he's able to get around so well with his army crawl. Little did they know, how perfect the timing is -- TJ started crawling on his hands and knees tonight!

In true Italian fashion... it was a plate of Mommy's pasta that got him to do it. He was moving pretty fast to get to my food! I don't know how consistent it will be, but TJ was so excited -- he screamed in excitement the rest of the evening!

It was a big night for TJ -- he also started to pull himself up to standing. I don't think Mommy can handle two milestones at once, but TJ sure had a good time tonight! :)

TJ is also finger-feeding himself more often... and really, he'll eat just about anything at anytime of the day! It doesn't matter if he just ate -- he will eat more if you're having something and willing to share. He especially loves the cheddar biscuits at Red Lobster.

This weekend, Mommy & TJ went to Grandpa & Grandma's house since Daddy had another long day at work for College Football Saturday. TJ had a blast playing with his grandparents and auntie! It was so much fun watching them... and everyone agrees he's getting pretty difficult to keep up with!

It's been unseasonably warm here lately, with temperatures in the 70's. We took advantage of the warm weather and played with leaves in Grandpa & Grandma Reno's front yard. TJ wasn't a huge fan of having his toes in the grass. After unsuccessfully trying to keep both feet out of the grass, he settled for just one. It was hilarious... he wouldn't put his second foot down!

Happy Halloween!

TJ celebrated his first Halloween as Nemo today. We had a great time with the little guy. He did awesome wearing his costume... the hat didn't bother him at all. Daddy went as a fisherman, with the biggest catch of his life in his arms! :) We took him trick-or-treating and went to a few houses in our cul de sac, then we stopped by his friend, Camden's, house to say hi.


We then went on to Frankie's friend's house. Ron has a party each year, so we stopped by there. TJ had once again skipped his afternoon nap, so he was pretty bleary-eyed... but TJ perked up at the party and was a little rockstar.

We were smart and had him in his skeleton pjs Grandpa and Grandma gave him for Halloween. So... we kicked off the Nemo costume and he was ready for bed during the drive home, and TJ was passed out before we even made it down the block.

We've talked a lot about how much TJ loves day care. Miss Alissa was nice enough to take some pictures of him in class the other day for us. TJ has a habit of taking his socks off and throwing them across the room. It's so funny because he usually has one sock on and one sock off. Like we've said before... TJ does things his own way!

This week should be low-key. Election Day is Tuesday so Mommy will have a crazy day at work... so, we'd love for the rest of the week to be nice and relaxing!

We hope everyone had a wonderful Halloween!

Nine Month Update

Last week, TJ had his nine month doctor's appointment. Once again, the doctor says he's a "perfect square." (That's actually a good thing.) TJ is following the same arcs on his growth chart for head circumference, weight and and height. He remains in the 25th-30th percentile, and that's just fine for us.

He weighed in at 19 1/2 pounds and 27 1/2 inches. I'm not sure what I am going to do as the little guy puts on more pounds. It's already getting tough carrying him around everywhere. And now, he has mastered the act of raising both of his hands when he wants to be held, which is pretty much all the time! :)

TJ is standing on his "own" while playing with toys or hanging on the couch. He continues to "army crawl" around the house. I'm not sure if he'll ever get up on his knees... he's gotten pretty quick at his method of transportation lately, and his distance has also increased. TJ is also "walking" towards Mommy, Daddy and Grandma when you hold his hands. It's so fun and so scary all at the same time!

He's also getting down the whole waving thing. Although, like with everything else, TJ has developed his own version. Instead of waving his hand or fingers, he'll shoot his arm up into the air and flash a big smile. He's now doing it without being prompted by us. Yesterday, I came downstairs from getting ready, he saw me, raised his arm in his wave and smiled. It was too cute!

Grandpa and Grandma Reno took TJ to the Wildlife Experience near our house. TJ loved looking at all the animals and Grandpa had a good time playing all the games. TJ's favorite was the aquariam. On the floor was an interactive game where the school of fish would swim towards you... then swim away. TJ loved it!


This past week, another round of the stomach flu invaded our home. Last time, only Mommy was sick... this time... it started with TJ. Grandma then got it... followed by Daddy and Mommy again. TJ bounced back pretty quickly, although, he's still pretty tired. The rest of us seem to be recovering as well, and after a thorough disinfecting, I'm hoping we've stopped the cycle. :)

This weekend, TJ will celebrate his first Halloween. He's going to be Nemo. I dressed him up along with some of his Buggy Buddies last Friday. It was too cute because one of TJ's friends is Squirt from "Finding Nemo." I'll take more pictures this weekend when we take TJ out.

Surprise, Surprise

Frankie finally did it -- he was able to surprise me, of all people! I turned 30 this past weekend, and Frankie had my best friend fly in from Norway to help celebrate. It was so awesome seeing Linda. The last time we were together was at our wedding two years ago! Like always, we picked up right where we left off, as if we had seen each other the day before. It's always been that way between us, and it's so special to have a friend like that.

What was more special to me this time, was to see TJ and his Auntie Linda together. Sometimes TJ can be a little apprehensive around new people or people he hasn't seen in a while. Not with Linda -- he loved her from the get go! He was attached to her hip, and I think it will be hard for both of them now that Linda has gone back home. I was telling Frankie how amazed I was at how quickly TJ warmed up to Linda. Frankie's response? "He knows how much you love her, and so he loves her that much, too." Makes my eyes well up just writing that, and thinking how wonderful our friendship is.

Of course, she came loaded with gifts. TJ was given the cutest Norwegian outfit. It's THE iconic Norwegian sweater, and of course, he looked adorable in it! :) Our cupboards are now stocked with some of the best candy on the planet, so thanks Linda! :)

On Friday, Frankie had to work late at CSU, so TJ hung out with Uncle Marshall, and Mommy & Linda went to Grease at the Buell. It was one of our favorites when Linda lived here in high school, so it was perfect that the four days it was playing in Denver was during Linda's visit! We had a great time, and TJ had a blast with Marshall and Kosher. He even got to stay up past his bedtime! :)


Saturday Frankie treated Linda and myself to an afternoon of pampering. While he and my parents and sister got the house ready for the party, Linda & I had massages and facials. It was perfect, and if I didn't think so already... I'm convinced Frankie spoils me rotten! :)

A bunch of friends and their kids showed up for the party Saturday afternoon. We had a houseful, and TJ was a rock star!!! He loved playing with all the other babies and kiddos, and he loved all the attention he was given. It was another late night for TJ, and by 8... he was partied out. :)

Sunday afternoon it was time to head to the airport and say goodbye to Linda. We hope it won't be another two years before we're all together again, and hopefully next time... we'll be able to visit in Norway!

Today TJ turns 9 months old! Each month he gets older... and each month I say I can't believe how fast it's flown by, but it's true!

He is a true joy to have, and he fills our lives with so much love. We are so lucky to help him grow and to learn to be kids again ourselves. He has his 9-month checkup on Wednesday... I can't wait to see how much my hungry monster weighs! :)

Our Little Pumpkin

It's been a while since we've written entry. Mommy and Daddy have both been working a lot, and TJ has been growing and becoming more and more of a character each day.

Yesterday, we took our first family trip to the pumpkin patch. We went some of our friends from Buggy Fitness and one of Daddy's friends from work. It was a rainy, chilly, miserable morning, but TJ wasn't phased. He didn't fuss at all! We each walked out with a pumpkin... and a muddy stroller! :)

On Saturday, TJ and Mommy hit the road to Greeley and spent the day with the Danhoffs. We went to Connor's soccer game and then had lunch at one of Mommy's favorite Greeley restaurants, Coyote's. It was a busy day, but TJ had a bunch of fun with Connor and Logan.

Last weekend, we went to Grandpa & Grandma Reno's for Grandpa's birthday. TJ had a blast playing with Grandpa, Grandma and Auntie Angie... and he loved to cuddle up to Grandpa!

TJ continues to eat like he's a bottomless pit. He loves his food, and he doesn't mess around when it's mealtime! If you're not quick enough with the next spoonful of food... he lets you know with a scolding scream. He's too funny.

TJ is working on crawling. He continues to get around with the army crawl. And all he wants to do is stand. Tonight, before bedtime, TJ "walked" from Daddy to Mommy holding onto Mommy's hands. He loves to smile and babble and play with all of his toys. He especially loves everything that plays music.

This weekend, we packed up his 6 month clothes and broke out the 9-monthers. It was a little emotional for Mommy. :) I can't believe he'll be 9 months old next week. It definitely has gone by too fast!

Our Li'l Eight-Month-Old

This past weekend TJ turned eight months old. On Saturday, we spent the day running errands, then went to TJ's friend, Asher's house for pizza on the grill. It was so fun hanging out all the moms from buggy, and TJ had a great time with his buds.

Sunday we watched the Broncos, then went to Daddy's championship baseball game. We were sitting in record heat, so we didn't stay for the whole game. But Daddy did come home with a championship! Monday evening, TJ put on his Poo Dat shirt and watched the Saints game with Daddy. (Well, as much as he could watch until he pooped out at about 7:30.) TJ is still undefeated as a Saints fan, 4-0... Daddy is jealous -- he had to wait 33 years for a championship team! :)

This has been a rough week for our family. My oldest niece passed away suddenly. Her memorial service was this afternoon. While it was a sad day, it was nice to have the whole family together. TJ finally met Mommy's cousins Amy, Alan, Lisa and Matt. TJ loved getting all the attention... go figure!

TJ appears to have recovered from his mild RSV. He finally started to turn the corner after an adjustment at the chiropractor. I was a little nervous getting him adjusted, but he took to it really well. And as soon as he had his adjustment, he no longer needed breathing treatments.

Eight months old means TJ is able to try some new foods and food combinations. This Sunday, I made him chicken, pumpkin, mango and a fruit medley. He wasn't too fond of the chicken the first day, but tonight... he ate it up (and made quite the mess!)

This week is going to be low-key, hopefully. We have no big plans for the weekend... other than football and hopefully another Saints win! Who Dat!

Poo Dat

Mommy & Daddy took their first trip together without TJ. When TJ was born just a few weeks before the Saints' 1st Super Bowl, the deal was Frankie could see the banner drop in the Dome. So, that's what we did. We bought the tickets in April, and finally September 9th came along. We didn't want to go. The day before, TJ was diagnosed with mild RSV and was sent home with a nebulizer. We decided to go to the game, but cut our trip short and come back the very next day. I only cried once on the plane. :) It worked out perfectly, I don't think we could've recovered from two nights on Bourbon Street!

Instead of going to Grandma & Grandpa's, Grandma Reno stayed up here so TJ could be close to the doctor. Grandpa came up to visit, too. TJ did really well with his breathing treatments, but was pretty miserable on Thursday. Turns out... not only was he sick, but he was cutting his first teeth! The bottom two front teeth have started to pop through. So, needless to say, the little guy had a lot going on.

Mommy & Daddy had a lot going on in The Big Easy, too. As soon as we got into town, we checked in... grabbed a beer... met Joey & Tara and headed to the Dome. It was a great time, and we lost our voices before the game even started! :) After the game, we didn't have much gas, but we sucked it up and managed to hit up a few bars on Bourbon Street. :)

The next day, we made sure to get to Port of Call (our favorite restaurant in New Orleans) right as it opened to avoid an hour+ wait. For the first time ever, we got a seat right away. After lunch, we went back to "the scene of the crime" as we like to call it. Frankie proposed to me in front of the cathedral at Jackson's Square. He even remembered the exact spot on the bench where he popped the question. :) Then, it was off to the voodoo shop and Pat O'Brien's for some hurricanes and piano bar sing-a-longs.

Saturday Mommy & TJ spent the entire day together while Daddy was at work. Today, it was all about football... and the Broncos. TJ has two teams thanks to his Daddy and Grandpa. He'll end up with three if his Uncle Justin has anything to do with it! :)

Tomorrow, we celebrate our 2nd wedding anniversary. Mommy's friend Jessica is coming to hang out with TJ so we can go to dinner. Other than that, we're hoping for a low-key, healthy week. TJ has responded well to the breathing treatments, and is down to one a day. He's back to his peppy, smiley, raspberry-making self, so that makes us thankful. Can't believe he'll be 8 months old in less than a week!