We thought we would take advantage of living in Florida and spend a winter day at the beach. Teag and Mattie loved playing in the sand and splashing in the water.

Happy Birthday Mom! We can't wait to see you Saturday.

Teag is 11 months old now. We took him to the doctor today because he had been congested for awhile so we thought we'd just have him checked out. He's fine. Just a bit of congestion as we thought. The congestion was just compounded by the fact that he was teething! Teag's third tooth has broken through the gum! He is now weighing 17 lbs. 5 oz. The only bad news was that his iron was low. The iron level was only taken by a toe stick and the doctor wants to get a more accurate measure, especially since he isn't showing any obvious signs of anemia. So we have to take Teag to have some blood work done. Looks like we may just have to start giving him the iron supplements again. If so, at least we have a reason and are not just pumping him full of iron because the doctors "think" he needs it. In spite of that, the doctor said he was very healthy. I will try to post some more photos tomorrow. Until then, here is a great video of Teag laughing.

So what's with the birthday background you may ask. Well, as of January 9th I am now 33 years old. My wonderful husband sent me to a local day spa and I returned home to a surprise party (pictures to come). If I have not said it lately, I sure am lucky to have such a loving and thoughtful husband. Thank all of you for coming.

More reasons for the birthday theme are my sister Kat's birthday tomorrow (1/20) and my mother and her twin sister Irene (1/22). Not to forget Matt Vann (1/3) and John Ziemski (1/5). Hope I did not leave anyone out.

Our holidays were wonderful, very busy, but wonderful. Between Christmas at our home, Vero Beach and Lakeland; our traditional Polish Wigilia dinner in Vero; Crystal's birthday gathering; New Year's; and my birthday in January, we felt a bit like ping pong balls! It is always good to see family though and we are blessed to have such great families on both sides. We love you all.

Here are a few photos from Christmas morning, which we started at our house about 5 am and moved to fire station 50 since Bubba had to work on Christmas.

Mattie asked Santa for candy canes and Santa delivered!


Bubba gave Mattie her first real necklace...a princess crown.


Teag enjoying one of his gifts.

Opening presents at the fire station.

Not sure if Teag liked the gifts or the wrapping paper more.

Teag got Mattie the airplace she wanted. He picked it out with help from Mommy of course.

Mattie showing Teag his new gifts.

"Bubba, you are my father" Bubba could not resist getting this Darth Vader costume for Teag.