Great picture of the three Thomas Vanns: Thomas Edward Vann III (Papa), Thomas Edward Vann IV (Bubba) and Thomas Ezechiel Gistinelli Vann (Teag). Sure are a handsome bunch!

We had Teag's 9 month check up on Friday (11/21). He is 16.12 lbs. and I don't remember right now how long he measured. Based on the developmental progress of a 6 month old, Teag's corrected age, the doctor actually said he seems to be a bit ahead of the curve! He's sitting very well, responding to his name, babbling, scooting, alternating objects between his two hands, reaching for things, and even pulling to a stand. The doctor just kept saying that he was doing very well and that he was very strong. We all knew he was strong. The little guy has been through a lot in his
life so far. Often times I just lie there, stare into his sweet eyes and thank God for him. At this point we can not know how much being born 13 weeks early will effect his development and mental capacity in the future, but I am just thankful that he is alive and healthy.
Mattie is 38.5 inches and such a sweet and caring big sister. She hugs and kisses him several times throughout the day. She's been calling him "brother" a lot lately. It's mostly goes "Hey Teag. Hey brudder." and then she'll hug him or give him a toy. Last night as I was lying with her as she went to sleep she said to me after she turned off her light."Do you know what Mommy?" So I said "What?" She said to me, in a sleepy tone "I love you...so much." Then she went to sleep. God has blessed me with such wonderful children. Mattie is so compassionate. The other night Bubba was saying that his eyes hurt from his contacts, so Mattie said "Daddy, we'll take care of you. We know about your eyeballs."
We are off to my sister Kat's in Augusta, GA for Thanksgiving tomorrow. Pray that we have safe travels.

Mattie helping Mommy check out the fire truck. She was very excited to spray the hose, after she realized that she could open it all by herself.

Mattie's legs were cold so she improvised with what she had... clever girl!

My cousin Jane's husband Stuart is from England. A while back he got Bubba this great rugby jersey. Well, they sent one for Teag. Bubba was excited that it finally fit Teag and so the two of them wore them out to Mattie's dance class the other day. Thanks for the jerseys Stuart, Jane and Tallie!






Teag trying a sippy cup. At this point he chews on it more than anything else.

Out to lunch with Uncle Clint and Aunt Crystal.

I love my Aunt Crystal! (Crystal, you look good holding a baby.)

Mattie and Bachi playing outside. Mattie was wearing pants but decided she wanted to wear a dress because Bachi was wearing one. So Mattie went inside and put on her "cherry dress" all by herself.

The other day we were inside went it started to rain. Mattie saw the rain and immediately said "It's not storming" , which was her way of asking if she could go play in the rain. She knows she can not if it is storming (thunder and lightning). Of course I said yes and we went out in the rain for awhile.

When the rain stopped we had these two beautiful rainbows visible from our back yard.

Bubba took Mattie and Teag to the Brevard Zoo. Below is a photograph of the rare Mattie-a-sauras just hatching from its shell.

The kids at the zoo.

Mattie had Teag laughing so hard with this dragon puppet. Unfortunately I wasn't quick enough with the camera and missed most of it. I did manage to get a few good laughs...Listen!

Guess who is 9 months old today?! Boy I've done a lot of growing. Now I'm sitting on my own, babbling at my sister and parents and have recently started eating solid foods.



Here I am having some bananas...YUM!

Mattie and I made some turkey cupcakes. She is a good helper in the kitchen.

I don't know which she enjoyed more; making them or eating them.

November 3rd was our 8 year wedding anniversary. With two young kids and work we did not get much time to ourselves. Instead we spent the day with family and camped outside that night with our kids. It was a wonderful anniversary.

Good morning campers!

By the campfire with Aunt Cassie, Mason, Nonna and Papa.

Colleen and Teag swinging at the park.

Aunt Cassie and our sweet boy relaxing on the swing.

Since November 3rd was our anniversary, we had to make it over to Lake Mirror. We were married there 8 years ago. Cassie, Bubba and I took Mattie, Mason and Teag to play in the water. It was a beautiful day and everyone had a good time.



Are you ever too old to splash in puddles?

Teag and his Papa playing.

Halloween was great. Went trick-or-treating with family in Lakeland.

Ben helped out with the kids and, we found out the next day that it was his first time trick-or-treating.

Proud Fathers and their children!

Beautiful Mommies and their babies!

The "sweetness" fairy