Sick For Christmas, But Okay Now

Dad and Dominic read a pop-up Christmas book.

Although Dominic and Dad were overcome by a stomach flu this Christmas, we still had fun as a family. Grandma Ritchie and Uncle Robert came down for the holiday (and since our babysitter’s family also suffered the flu this week, Grandma Ritchie returned for the last half of the week to take care of the boy while we went to work – Thanks Again Mom).

Anyway, with all the health problems there were still plenty of blessings to give thanks for.

Dominic Plays some notes on his guitar.

Dad writes a holiday note to the boy.

Dominic doesn't know exactly what to think during the Alpha Rho Sorority's Breakfast With Santa Event.

Dominic watches and learns the rules of Acey Deucey as Dad plays it with Uncle Robert.

Dominic looks a bit overwhelmed by the end of the holiday.

Sleeping Baby

Trip to see Grandpa and Grandma Crisp

Dominic rode with us down to Nashville to see his grandparents for a holiday visit.
He had fun at dinner, opening Christmas gifts, listening to stories and listening to his grandparents and parents playing triominoes late into the night.

Ready to get on the road, Dominic waits for Grandpa Crisp to finish tying his boots.

Dominic sits with Grandma Crisp so she can can read him the book "I Love You Through and Through."

Dominic opens a gift while sitting in Mom's lap.

All Lenses on Dominic: Grandma shoots stills and Grandpa shoots video as Dominic opens a gift. (Of course, I was shooting him too. :)

Dominic settles down for a story with his mom.

Decorating the Christmas Tree

Dominic inspects the tree to make sure all of the branches have been unfolded properly.

We leave the task of detangling the lights and garland to the nimble hands of the baby. (He also has more patience).

Dominic picks out the ornaments to hang on the tree.

Dominic decides if he should try to jump or ask for help to get the angel on top of the tree.

Mom decides it would be best if she gave him a boost this year. Maybe next year he will be able to reach the top on his own.

Playing With Mom

Say Goodnight Kitty

Dominic moves in for a goodnight hug with the cat before getting into his pj’s and going to bed.

Halloween

Dressed as a scarecrow, Dominic visited a local nursing home with Mom for Halloween. He was able to bring smiles to the residents and receive more candy than he could eat. (We ate it all for him)

Inspired by Audrey

Our Friend Bill Nichols shared info about a awesome baby and child photographer based in Chicago named Audrey Woulard.
With her photos as inspiration we set out to make some photos along the same style. We are, of course far from equal talents in this area. But it offers a new and wonderful view of our son. We’ll post more like this as we continue to practice.

Last Day in His 1st Pair of Chuck Taylors

With Dominic growing so fast, we had to hurry and get a picture of him wearing his first pair of Chuck Taylor All-Stars.

Visiting Bowling Green

Dominic took his first trip down to Bowling Green on Saturday and took in the sites including the L&N Railroad depot and the Fountain Square Park

Dominic dances near an archway at Fountain Square Park.


After dancing, Dominic takes a seat on a park bench to catch his breath.


Dominic pretends to ride the rails on one of the cars of the L&N Railroad.


On his way out of the depot, Dominic saw an earthmover, which he pointed out as a “truck” (his favorite word right now) and he insisted on having a photo next to it.

This Baby’s Made for Walkin’

Dominic struts his stuff in the living room. He hasn’t started to walk without prompting yet, but he has finally figured out that he can get around on his feet without holding onto something.

Ready for a Stroll

Dominic gives a subtle hint that he’d like to go for a walk downtown.

Pint-Sized Point & Shooter

Keeping Up With the News

Dominic likes to tear up paper more than read it so far, but it’s a start.

Dad & Dominic Look at Fish

Dad and Dominic take a break from a walk downtown to watch the goldfish swimming in a small pond.

QT π

At Chautauqua With Mom

Mom stops to pose for Dad, but Dominic has no time for photos and points in the direction of the next art booth at this year's Madison Chautauqua. Hundreds of artisans were on hand with every conceivable medium of artwork for Dominic to discover.

Hot Rod & a Stroller

With a nod to Grampa Watson, Dominic took in a car show and checked out all the sweet rides.

I Don’t Want To Wear a Beret!

We had some fun making Dominic try on hideous hats at the antique store. He loves us anyway.

Our Little Big Boy

In an attempt to illustrate how much Dominic has grown, we offer this comparison of him on Dad’s shoulders about a year ago and again today. To see the old photo full size click here.

You Only Have One First Birthday…

…But, Dominic got to celebrate his three different times. With family and friend’s schedules all over the place, we ended up having three birthday parties in two states to celebrate Dominic’s 1st year.

That is why this post has 1,000 photos (sorry if it takes a while to upload).

Anyway, we are sorry to say that most of the people that showed up are not in the photos. We were so focused on being good hosts and to keeping Dominic entertained, that we did not plan out the photo coverage very well.

To everyone who was able to make it and to all of those who were able to send him well wishes from afar, We all thank you.