He Walks!

Just 2 weeks shy of his first birthday, Luke has taken his first steps! Earlier today he did about 2 steps, later in the day about 4, and by this evening got brave and did about 8. Fast learner I guess! Sorry for the not so great footage, but seriously, I'm a mommy watching her baby take first steps...what do you expect?!? I'm so grateful though, because ever since I started back to work (though it's only part-time) I have feared missing Luke's firsts. But God has been gracious to me and has so far allowed his firsts (crawling, walking, etc.) to be on the days I am home. (Unless of course, it has happened at his babysitter's and they have not told me...but I won't think about that. :)

Visiting Grandpa

Today Luke and I went to visit my Grandpa at the nursing home. In the Alzheimer’s unit where he is staying, they have lots of activities planned to keep their minds stimulated. When we got there, another resident of the nursing home had volunteered his time to sing for this group. When he was finished, we were playing with Grandpa, and all of the residents were so intrigued with watching Luke, that they canceled the next activity so everyone could just enjoy Luke! He put on quite the show for everyone…crawling around in the middle of them, laughing, jabbering, playing peek-a-boo, reading books. As we left home this morning, I happened to grab the camera and I’m so glad I did! Grandpa was having a great day and LOVED Luke! I saw lots of Grandpa’s familiar smiles and wish he could be this alert more often.

And really, who could resist this face??? He may be the sweetest kid ever.

It's the Little Things

This first picture is horrible quality, but this was Luke's first romp in the snow. It took him a while to get into it, but eventually he started digging in it with his little mitten hands.

In other everyday news, Luke is in love with laundry. Every time I bring out a clean load he is right there to "help" me fold it. He would probably play with a load of laundry all day if I would let him.

From Baby to Boy

It has been brought to my attention that my son has gotten a bit of a shaggy do. Check out the hair hanging over his ears:

Even more noticeable in this picture:

So, we did it. His first hair cut. Well, really just a trim around the ears. He was such a trooper, even though he looks a little unsure about it in this picture.

Then it was daddy's turn.

The result. Excuse me, what happened to my baby boy?

Four Generations

Here it is, ladies and gentlemen, four generations of Eigsti men. Take it in, as there are so very few Eigstis on this fine planet of ours, and here are 4 in one picture!

Three Muskateers

Can we say Triple Trouble??? Here is Luke sandwiched between two of his cousins. Andrew plays with him pretty well and loves to make him laugh. Jonathan and Luke are exactly a year apart and therefore there are some toy battles to be had, but the love is there for sure. I have a feeling these boys will be good buddies growing up and perhaps a little trouble for their mothers.

Tanya got them all matching shirts to wear at Christmas. Too bad Santa didn't deliver matching attention spans/smiles!
Please note Luke's face in the pic below. We don't know where this expression came from, but it is his new "so excited, can't believe it" face. He uses it frequently these days. hi.lar.i.ous.

Game Plan 2010

So, as I was pondering the idea of making New Year's resolutions, I came to the conclusion of..."What's the point?". Not that making resolutions is a bad thing, but I am thinking more along the lines of, how does this affect my eternal growth? Pretty sure when I get to heaven, God isn't going to ask me, "So, how did that 'learn to knit' resolution go for ya?". That said, my goal this year is to read the Bible in 2010. The whole thing. I'm using the One Year Bible, which has the whole reading plan set up for me. Because I'm a little lazy like that and am more likely to achieve this goal if it's already all set up for me and all I have to do is read. Now, technically, I confess, I'm already a day behind, but I will do it, by golly. And there will be ice cream in the end to celebrate. And maybe in my spare time I will learn to knit, just for an added bonus.

Do you have any eternal goals 2010? Do share. Seriously. I heart comments.

Merry Belated Christmas

Ok, so I was just wondering...is there anyone out there other than me who can't seem to pull it together this year??? I even got half a Christmas letter written, but didn't have time to finish it. sigh. As I reflect on 2009, one word comes to mind: Change. It goes as follows: In February, we welcomed Luke Thomas into our family and began our journey into parenthood. In April, Chad accepted an associate pastor position in Kansas. In June, we moved 1000 miles from Cleveland to Hutchinson and Chad began his position at the church, as well as his new vocation as a plumber (with no prior experience, by the way). In August, we made 2 offers on two houses and didn't get either of them. In August, I also started back to work part-time at a new job working as a speech therapist at a school (very new for me since I'd never worked in a school setting before). In September, I joined the women's ministry team at church and started leading a Bible study. In September, we also made another offer on a house and got it! We closed on the house in October. In November we moved into the house after numerous hours of painting and fixing. Which brings us to December, when we had a broken down water heater, and we still have plenty of unpacked boxes, and a bathroom project in the works, complete with a toilet in the guest room and the sink and vanity in the living room. Now that I look back at this crazy year, I don't feel so bad about not sending out Christmas cards, because really, it's a miracle I'm still sane. Here's to hoping for a less eventful 2010. And maybe I'll even get a little more organized. I did get a label maker for Christmas after all.
From our hectic home to yours, we wish you a (belated) Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Happy Birthday...

To the hottest husband around! I gotta say his birthday is not at the most ideal of times, since it often can get overlooked in the midst of crazy holiday happenings. But I'm here to say he is a wonderful, selfless husband and father. He works. Hard. He is passionate about helping people. He is discerning and wise. Here's to hoping Luke grows up to be just like his daddy. Happy Birthday, my love.

A Trip to the Zoo (with Grandpa and Grandma Nisly too!)

Luke visited the zoo for the first time in October. Even though I'm way behind in posting them, the pictures are too fun not to show anyway. My parents went with us and it was a perfect fall day to enjoy the outdoors!

I think Grandma and Grandpa enjoyed themselves as much as Luke did!

Monkey see monkey do.