We weighed Tate on the scale at the post office today, and by our estimations - despite his best squirming - he weighs about 10 pounds, 2 ounces. I don't know where that puts him on the growth charts, but like I tell everyone else, we're pretty sure he won't end up a runt.
Since we were all dressed up in our Sunday best, we thought maybe we should take a picture in front of the tree. Merry Christmas, wherever you are! Unless you're a stranger who happened to come across this blog, you're probably a friend or family member, so we miss you.
Tate is starting to smile more now and is a very alert baby. The thing that really sets him off is when his mom gives him "zerbits" on his little cheeks. 
Tate Garrett officially became a Christian on December 9, 2007. Special thanks to sponsors Aaron and Abby for braving an icestorm to be there.
Here we are in front of our Christmas tree shortly before we cut it down and strapped it on the roof of the Escape to give it a new home in our living room. The Christmas tree place must have been disappointed to see the nicest tree on their farm go.
My first Thanksgiving. Mommy bought me a new outfit just for today!
I think I look pretty good! :)
Yeah, Daddy and I already dress alike. I think he likes my style...Tate
Spending some special time with Mommy
Tate wanted to get all dressed up for his first trip to the pediatrician's office.
He's a pretty good traveler on short trips. So far, he has gone to the pediatrician's and made the trip to the airport to say goodbye to Grandma Kerry.
Bathtime wasn't exactly a lot of fun for Tate, but it didn't take him long to settle down once he was out of the water, dried off, and no longer naked.
Introducing: Tate Garrett Van Scharrel.
Georgia turns Kujo on us when her face is carved on a pumpkin.
We realized we forgot how much work it is to carve a pumpkin. Our hands were cramped up like we had just taken the ACTs or something.
The Georgia pumpkin by day. I offered to carve Kristen's face, but I think she thought it was creepy.
Yep, Saturdays in suburbia aren't too bad.
The nursery is ready, Kristen is just a couple of days away from that 37-week mark where she is considered 'full term' and the baby can come at any time, and as of our last OB appointment on Wednesday our baby boy was already at 6 lbs, 9 oz. Besides packing a bag for the hospital and taking Weekend Lamaze class next Friday/Saturday, I guess we're ready to go. Everybody tells us that our lives are about to change. We know this is true, of course, and we're excited to find out what that really means.
Here we are...
...with our friends Aaron and Abby from St. Louis...
...and Kevin and Meghan from Lincoln...
Yes, $30 in materials and 4 hours of sweaty labor in the Oklahoma can earn a beagle a new dog house. She doesn't sleep on the roof like Snoopy yet, but I think she kinda likes her new house. It rained today, and the roof didn't even leak. Of course, Georgia didn't stay inside it, so she was still pretty wet. The moral of the story: you can build a dog a dog house, but you can't make her stay in it.
The nursery is finally painted (it took 3 coats to cover), and the crib and bedding are set up. We are now officially at t-minus 2 months and counting.
The champion tribal dancer before the Oklahoma musical at its 'official home.'
The pre-Oklahoma tribute to all things Western and cowboy. Yee haw!
Kristen and Abby waiting in eager anticipation.
Kristen and I and our friends Aaron and Abby.
The family picture.
So, the accent wall in the master bedroom used to be royal blue...
And the accent wall in the living room used to be Sooner red. I like the change.
Our first trip to Tulsa was a success! We met a lot of great people from Christ the Redeemer, we toured the church, and we got to know the city a little bit as we traveled with our realtor in the pursuit of the perfect house.
8 years of school: tiresome
They're not much to look at (just kidding!), but we had a blast hanging out with this crew on Monday nights this year. Sure, we got to watch Jack Bauer kill terrorists, but we also got to eat a lot of grilled food, drink a few beers, eat a lot of desserts, wrestle with Georgia, play some video games, and pretty much just enjoy each others' company. These times will be missed next year. It definitely beat doing homework.
Behold, the 2006 World Series trophy, as displayed in the history museum in Forest Park. I just thought I would post this so that the Cardinals/baseball fans out there will turn green with envy.
The day after call day, we took our friends from Minnesota to see what outdoor baseball is all about in the beautiful new home of the Cardinals. I'm pretty sure they thought it was better than watching a game in the Metrodome, though Busch Stadium does lack the giant milk jug along the right field line.
