Zerberts From Daddy!!!!!!!!

Vern and Ben's Hair

I'm adopted, and although Ben could not genetically have the same hair as my father, it sure looks like they share that hairline in this pictures.

During this busy holiday season....

...take time to stop and smell the flowers.

And yes, those flowers are blooming right now in our backyard. It really is beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.

Christmas Continues

Christmas continues in Greenville as the family starts to arrive. My parents got here today, and Linda, MeeMaw, Julie and Rick will arrive on Friday. As you can see, Mamaw and Papaw couldn't wait to give Ben one of his presents. Our boys got some brand new shoes. I'll have to admit I'm a little jealous of Ben's new kicks.

Daddy's Boy?

This boy may look just like his mama, but he most definitely dresses like his daddy (at least some of the time. Daddy doesn't often wear a one piece frog outfit, but a polo shirt, cords, and UT hat--absolutely).

Growing Frog Boy

Lauren got Ben this outfit when we was born, and he has finally grown into it. We thought you'd like to see the before and after (or current) comparison. He looks like two different boys. Thanks Lauren, and Merry Christmas!!!!!

Christmas Video Highlights!!!!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Presents, Presents, Presents

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!

The present opening has begun, but we're on a feeding/diaper change break, so I thought I would give you a quick look at our morning thus far. For those of you who have been around the Anderson Christmas Morning ritual (yes, ritual), the face Elizabeth is making in one of these pictures will surely look familiar. I believe she is saying, "I can't believe it. You did a "REAL" stocking for me." MERRY CHRISTMAS, and much more to follow later.

As Promised--Video Highlights of Ben's First Christmas Eve

Ben Opens His First Christmas Presents (with a little help)

The video of Ben opening his presents will follow later, but in the meantime here are a few pictures of Ben's first Christmas presents. Aunt Marsha and Fred got him the John Deere Set, and Uncle Larry and Yvonne got him the Grouchy Ladybug Book and stuffed animal. He really likes both as you will see.

BEST PICTURE EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I--me, Andy--am the most blessed man on the planet.

Baking FUN Had by ALL!!!!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas Eve!!!!! Our small little family is celebrating in Greenville--just the three of us until Tuesday when the whole family starts to arrive. In the meantime, we are entertaining ourselves with cleaning, cooking, baking, and most definitely PLAYING!!!!! Here are a few pictures from today's festivities. More to come shortly.

Mommy Graduates & Ben Laughs--These Are Separate Events

Our Little Boy and his New Pants

Look at this little guy. Standing up, reading, wearing a belt, and macking to the camera. They just grow up so fast.

Some Weekend Highlights

A pretty slow weekend in the Swaggerty household. Not much going on at all. Lets see...Elizabeth graduated with her PhD, was surprised by a visit from her mom to see her graduate, and a party in her honor. Other than that, pretty slow indeed.

Happy Birthday Noni!!!!

Noni--

I've not seen you in a REALLY, REALLY long time, but Mommy told me today was your birthday, so HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!! I MISS YOU. I cannot wait to see you SOON!!!!!

Love,
Ben

PS I hope you want to hold me like this when I do see you. I like being held like this.

Our Athletic Little Man

Soon, way too soon I'm afraid, Ben will be climbing more than just his play gym. He'll be climbing the Christmas Tree, the stairs, the shelves, and anything else he thinks climbing would be fun. Boy, oh boy. In the meantime, our little athletic boy will practice his pull ups in his gym.

Watching Rudolph Helps Ben Learn a New Skill

More Fun Under the Tree

Quickly Changing

This is Ben's Very First Video. He was 3 days old. He's changed a bit since this was taken.

Messing Around Under the Christmas Tree

Get your mind out of the gutter!!!!!!!

Look What Ben has Learned How to Do!!!!!

While Elizabeth was gone, Ben got to eat from a bottle quite a bit--every meal in fact. For some reason, my milk has yet to come in. Anyway, I was sometimes way too busy doing way more important stuff like surfing the internet and watching the Young and the Restless to stop, get the bottle ready, feed him, hold the bottle for him, and then burp him.

So, I left it up to him to figure out how the get the bottle in his mouth once I got it ready for him. It's amazing how quickly you can learn a new skill when you get REALLY, REALLY hungry.

Clever Boy!!!!!!!

Big, big SMILE!!!!!

Not sure what's up with the quality of these videos, but you can still hear them fine. Mommy gets home tomorrow. YIPPIE!!!!!!!!!