Welcome, Marian Jean!
We wanted to share our new family pictures of Marian Jean, who was born Nov 16 weighing 8 lbs 5 oz (it's a good thing I was induced early!)

Scot and Sonny

I wanted our parents to see how well Scot and our dog Sonny get along. This dog will eat dinner a kibble at a time if Scot so desires.

Scot's Skills

So I wanted to show these videos to our parents who always want to see Scot's new skills. If you happen to not be family, bear with me showing off.

What cheesers!
About two months ago Scot finally decided that he wanted to learn to walk. It took the encouragement of his "Papa" Scot and then more examples from his cousin Daisy before he realized that it wasn't all that hard. Now he's all over the place! But I actually like it better this way. He also started going to nursery three weeks ago and the other kids make a good impression on him. At least he's not learning how to hit yet. But he also learned that talking isn't really that hard either, and started saying kitty (it sounds more like "titi"). At least it's something right?
As for us, we are excited for Philip having passed his big exam!! Yeah! He won't have to take another test for the rest of his life! That is sure a relief. Now comes the other hard part: the dissertation. Then one more hurdle: getting a job. But we expect another two years here in Mississippi before that has to happen. Hopefully by then Scot will be talking!
And me? I actually got a job. Temporarily. I picked up a baby-sitting job that will last for just a few more weeks. Two kids, ages 3 and 5, and boy, they make me work for the money. And although it has been hard on me and Scot, he has picked up some skills from them as well, and he's learning how to share which is always important.

So Big

Scot has learned that sign language means he can communicate with us. So although the only sound he makes is "eh", he talks to me all day long. Of course, I made the mistake of teaching him only animals right now, so he's constantly pulling books out to show me an animal he recognizes. But I guess it's better than teaching him foods so that he can always pull the fridge open to tell me he wants a cookie or something. Scot does struggle with a few signs, but like most moms out there, they know exactly what their child is trying to say.

Happy 30th to Phil

Phil Turned 30!

So today is one of those realization days. We realized how old we are getting. But we look at our son and feel so young. We've been working on sign language with him and on Sunday he just went crazy learning things. He now knows a whole bunch of animals and learned what a lion says. I wanted to share this skill with ya'll.