They Called It Puppy Love

Tate likes dogs. He likes kissing them. He enjoys petting them (and by petting them, I mean in his own super special way). Not all dogs are super fond of Tate. At least this Christmas, the dogs were in a giving mood and gave their time and patience for our little man. I didn't get pictures of Tate and all his dogs (Bru, Brandi, Libby and Riley) as there was delicious holiday food to eat, but we did get some good snapshots of some of him and his victims K-9 friends.

Tate met Cricket. Cricket hopes that her Mama's baby-in-the-belly is not quite as "friendly" as Tate. (Notice that Tate's hand is blurry; that's his "petting" hand).

Tate and Uncle Mike playing with Cosmo. Really anytime Tate is around, Comso has a strong desire to play.

Tate and Roz. So very gentle.

I think Tate discovered that poor Rozy was a bit of a snuggler and took advantage of it.

You got be quicker than that, Roz.

But really, it doesn't look like anyone is complaining here.

I think it is safe to say that Tate spent a good part of his Christmas holiday with the ones he loves.

'Twas Five Nights Before Chirstmas...

Bru-Dog, Tate and I spent the evening hanging out and I thought I might be able to sneak some shots of the two of them by the tree, by each other or at least standing still. Ha. Silly Mama.

Good girl

In attempts to "set up" a shot of Tate by the tree, I continued to ask him to show me where the ornaments were. Rather than going over to the tree to take the ornaments off (which he does 100% of the time before this evening) he stood about four feet away from the tree, pointed to it and looked at me like this.

The in-tact handy work.

Bru + Snow = Wet, Smelly Dog

We had a lot of snow. Bru loves snow. Enjoy the pictures.

Breakfast and Bowling with Santa

SANTA!!!! I know him! On Saturday, Tate was able to meet Santa for the first time. We were unsure how he would react as we had yet to really bring Santa into our preparations for the holiday season. Let's just say, while there were no tears, Santa and Tate are not up to BFF status yet. Afterwards we worked off our delicious breakfast with a few frames of bowling. It was a really great morning and may be the beginning of a Savy Family Christmas tradition.

Ho-ho-how long do we have to sit here?

Showing off his holiday spirit.

"I'm supposed to do what with this?"

Daddy showing Tate how baby-modified bowling works.

Tate and Daddy after the first ball is sent down the lane.

The anticipation is killer.

"Fill it up again!"

"I got this."

Checking out his mad, mad bowling skills.

* It would be important to Dave for me to share with you that at the impressive age of one, Tate got two spares. Watch out, Bowling World, we've got a natural on our hands.

"How'd I do, Daddy?"

Happy Holidays ~Love, Bru

Tiring Work

Tate has his first cold and therefore has not been sleeping very soundly at night. While we are trying to load our boy up with all the healthy essentials (hence the great vegetable, corn) apparently sneaking a few more moments of shut eye beat out everything.

Love that sleep catured him "mid grab".

For the Love of...

 The Bru-Dog...

Nothing better than smoochin' on a cold, wet snout.

Or the side of some puppy behind.

Fashion...

...because everyone deserves to look this gooood.



Boys' Club

This past weekend, Dave and Tate were watching the Badger game...in the man cave.

I kid you not, after taking these pictures I overheard the following statements:

"Aahhh."

"It's okay, Buddy. They are going to punt it right now. They're going to punt the ball."

~~~~~

"Yes!!! Way to go Badgers. All right! High five, Tate."

No girls allowed...

And this is Tate's new place to hang out. As cute as it is, it is not cute to get screamed at for assistance in getting out of the basket.

Diggers

 Last week the city was doing some minor work on the sidewalk across from our house. They were there maybe four hours in the late morning/early afternoon. This is what it looked like from my house...

I think we are officially a digger lovin' household...

Hot Dog! celebration

On Friday, we were able to celebrate the one year anniversary of Tate's arrival. We threw a Mickey Mouse-Clubhouse-Open House style party with lots of tot sized friends.

The amazing Mickey cake my friend Ashley made for us. D-licious.

Tate opening his favorite toy. A Mickey plane.

Checking out the peeps at his party.

Love this. As everyone started singing 'Happy Birthday', Tate got a smile on his face and nuzzled into Dave.

Evidence to show it began neat and clean.

Enjoying stuffing the cake.

This is how it ended.

The last 369 days have been unspeakably amazing, joyful, and fun. I can only imagine what the next 361 days will bring. I love you, Tate!

One (Many, Actually) Small Step for Tate...

It has started gradually with Tate standing independently for short periods of time (when he is not thinking about it), then moved to taking a few very small baby steps (when he is not thinking about it) and tonight turned into four of the most exciting, proud moments we were able to witness. We have a walker in the making. This is our life. Welcome to it. :)

Walking is tiring, Daddy. I'm just gonna lie here for a minute.

Happy Halloween!

So in embracing my holistic side as a mama, I ventured into the sewing department and attempted to make Tate his first Halloween costume. When it was all send and done, it turned out a bit more simple than what I thought it would, but the point is that it turned out. Check out Mr. Tate er-Tot's first Halloween as, what else? a tater tot. :)

My Tater Tot and his ketchup

You mean this all isn't for me?

So happy after he realized shaking the Dots resulted in noise.

Watching all the trick-or-treaters walking around outside.

My new favorite picture...uhhh! I heart them both so!

The Tot and the two "chefs" that cooked him up.

A Present

First off, let me start by saying, "I'm sorry". I have been a slacker in the blogging business. It is not without reason, but I won't pester you with those crazy, ever-changing details. The important thing (stress on the word important) is that I am here now.

So my best friend is currently pregnant with Tate's best friend and we had a shower this past weekend to celebrate his upcoming arrival. After present opening, I made my best friend put a ribbon on her belly and let me take pictures of it. Then we introduced Tate to his bump-to-be-best-friend. This is one of my favorite pictures of the day.

Unwrapping Baby Jacob



Dedicating Tate

Saturday, September 25 was the day set aside for Tate's dedication. We invited our family to join us at a wonderful nature lodge at one of our many fantastic state parks for the dedication ceremony. It started a bit chilly (and by a bit, I mean a lot), but turned into a fabulous day. Thank you to everyone who made the trip to celebrate with us!

p.s. All the pictures were so amazingly taken by my Mom. Well done, you!

Our group, standing on the shore of the lake.

While everyone was huddled closely to stay warm, Tate could not keep his eye off of the water.

Dave was asked to hold the chalice; Tate wanted to help.

Tate is a great helper.

Dedicating Tate in love, acceptance and support for his journey and relationship with God.

Mama sharing some of her love with Tate.

The wonderful patch of beach we called our own for the dedication.

Our family.

(Thank you Tate for the special presence of your tongue. Totally makes the picture).