Merry Christmas Eve!

I'm so pumped about Santa coming to my house for the first time. I just hope Dexter does not eat the cookies that I'm going to leave out.

Got it!

So, Brian and I have absolutely enjoyed seeing Jack smile and get so excited when we make faces at him. I have been a bad influence on my son (as Brian would say), and have taught him to stick out his tongue! However, in my defense, it is the cutest thing ever when he sees you stick out your tongue and in return sticks out his tongue.

We both have been trying to caputure Jack smiling and we finally have! We hope you enjoy seeing him smile as much as we do! Stay tuned for a picture of him sticking out his tongue!

Jack's Baptism

We recently celebrated with family Jack's Baptism on December 7th. Jack wore the gown I was baptized in as an infant. As you can imagine, seeing my son in the gown I wore brought tears to my eyes and will be a moment in time that will stay with me forever.

Brian and I hoped and prayed that Jack would not mind the water being poured on his head, but he did great! He loves bath time and we thought he would just think he is getting a bath and we are pretty sure he thought it was bath time. He didn't fuss at all and was so good.

Brian and I would like to thank our family again for attending and beging a part of a special time in Jack's life. We also look forward to Jack developing his own reasons on why he thinks Hopeful Lutheran is a great place.

Seasons Greetings from the Riddells

Random Jack Shots from the Last Few Weeks

You've Gotta Read My Script

Several weeks ago Jack and the rest of the Riddells headed down to the historic Brown Hotel in Louisville, Ky to meet up with screen writer and uncle, Brad Riddell. Jack has a couple plausible movie ideas, and made a really good pitch. I guess we'll wait and see.

Happy 2 Month Birthday Jack!

Okay, so I'm just a little late to post this, but I wanted to wish our son a Happy 2 Month Birthday. He sure is a cutie and his little personality is starting to shine and I absolutely love it! He is such a happy baby and just gets so tickled when you interact with him. Hope you enjoy the picture because it definitely captures how cute our little guy is!

We love you Jack! Love, Mommy and Daddy

Growing Family

Our family got a little bigger yesterday with the birth of Ryan and Shelly Walters' baby girl, Sara Elizabeth. Mommy and baby and doing great. Congratulations Shelly, Ryan, and Nolan. And, welcome Sara Elizabeth!

Urgh!

So, I'm writing to vent about television and my recent frustrations. I don't watch a lot of t.v. but when I do, I have my favorite shows. Some of which include: Ghost Whisperer, Desperate Housewives, and Lipstick Jungle.

Last week I became annoyed when the writers of Ghost Whisperer decided to have "Jim" the main star's husband die. He's been such an integral part of the show and to now have him die is ridiculous! I watched the recent episode last night only to find out that he will now be living in someone's else body! I mean really! I would expect this if I was watching Days of our Lives where people die and come back all the time, but not with this show!

Second, I learned yesterday that Lipstick Jungle is being cancelled and it seems that everytime I get interested in a show it gets cancelled. I'm left scratching my head to understand why reality shows always survive and keep coming back each season! Have we really become a society that thrives on watching other people live their lives, see if they can survive in the wild for 30 days, or try to figure out which guy or girl they will propose too? What happened to those good quality family shows that I so fondly remember watching on Friday nights with my family when I was a little girl? Those shows brought families together for a hour or two a night and for me built memories that will last a lifetime.

Is it too much for me to ask for some good television shows that make me happy when I watch them, make me feel like I can relate to them, or allow me to forget about the crazy day I've had and for a brief time step into the world I'm watching on television? Just some food for thought!

Almost 6 Weeks Old

It's hard to believe, but Jack will be 6 weeks old this coming Sunday and is absolutely growing like a weed! He had his one month check-up this past Tuesday and weighed in at 8lbs 5oz and 22.25 inches long. The doctor said he looks absolutely great!

My time spent with Jack thus far has been great and I wouldn't trade these days for anything. Being a mother is better than I could have ever imagined and look forward to the next 6 weeks with my little man! Hope you enjoy the latest pics of our little guy!

Who Needs Day-Care?

Dexter has proven himself to be a very good babysitter (literally). Now, if he can only learn to change diapers and administer feedings.

National Teach Your Friends To Brew Beer Day

That's right. It exists. What a great idea. And, to celebrate, my cousin Craig Gruelle (who has become a fine brewmaster himself) invited us out to his house November 1st for a day of brewing dunkel (or a brown ale, depending on how it turns out), sampling "Ike's Ale" (which he brewed during the windstorm), good eats, and good times.

Catching Up and Introductions

A couple of weeks ago our dear friends Daniel and Mykala Brown traveled from Paducah, Kentucky to spend the weekend with the Riddells and meet Baby Jack. Despite Daniel and Brian's harrowing experience at Hooters (which entailed a thrashing of UK at the hands of Florida, a pushy waitress, our eyes being bigger than our stomachs, and Daniel fighting a spell of heart-burn), it was a fun and relaxing weekend.