Introducing Solid Foods-January 2009

Autumn's mother was planning on starting solids at 6 months old and AFTER the family vacation, but all of her persisent Aunts on her mother's side wanted to start giving her solids now so that they could see her facial expression. Brandon and I decided, "Why not? What will it hurt? She is already 5 months old." So here are the pictures eating her first solids: sweat potatoes! Bananas and sweat potatoes are so far her favorite foods!

"I will to try something new. I trust my mommy!"

"Maybe I don't trust my mom."

"What is that? It is disgusting."

"Quick, get it off my tongue before I gag!"

"So, this is what I am eating. Mom, can I play with it but not eat it?"

Christmas and New Years 2009

This holiday season was absolutely wonderful! Brandon was able to take 2 weeks off of work so we went home for the holidays. It started out bumpy though. I flew out the week earlier with Autumn. She manage to pick up the croup from cousins 2 days before Christmas (the same day Brandon managed to miss his plane out West due to miscommunication.) Brandon arrived the day before Christmas ($900 later) without his luggage that contained our Christmas gifts, which was misplaced for 3 days.  Although Brandon did not have any clothes, we did not have any Christmas gifts to open, and Autumn was very sick, our family still counted our many blessings which included: being all together as a family, being able to focus on the true meaning of Christmas, and Brandon's plane took off out of Chicago a 1/2 hour before 260 airline flights were cancelled for Christmas because of snow. We spent Christmas with Brandon's family in Layton, Utah and New Years with my family in St. George, Utah. Because both sides of the family were all together in a really long time, we updated family photos also!

The Dahl's: Christmas 2009

Brandon and his siblings. Very typical of their personalities!!!! (Left: Shaun Dahl, Brandon Dahl, Sarah Dahl, Justin Dahl, Adam Dahl)

Brandon, Autumn and I

The Barnum's-New Year's Eve 2009

Back Row: Jonathan Barnum, Seth Barnum, Michael Barnum

Front Row: Elizabeth Barnum Dahl, Lawrence Dean Barnum, Kathleen Muir Barnum, Rebekah Barnum White

Ringing in the New Year!

The traditional New Year's kiss! (We still can kiss even though we are parents now, right?)

Autumn enjoying candy for the first time and did she enjoy it!

All the Ladies must be really, really tired! (Bottom: Me, Tia Barnum-Seth's wife, Mom (Kathleen); Middle: Melissa Barnum-Jonathan's wife, Leslie Barnum-Michael's wife; Rebekah on top)

Autumn 4 months old

She is definately our Little Angel from Heaven!

This is one of Brandon's favorite pictures of Autumn!

Autumn recently discovered that she had feet!

Thanksgiving Day 2009

We feasted on Thanksgiving Day with some of our new friends in New York to keep us from being homesick for family. Brandon and I cooked our first turkey (successfully) after ONLY 7 years married! It was very delicious and juicy!!! Thanks for all of the advice Grandmas.

Family Fall Pics 2009

The changing of the Fall leaves are breath taking in New York. I have never see so many shades of yellows, reds, and oranges. I could not pass up the oppurtunity to take some awesome family photos! (But I think Brandon, could have!)

 I absolutely LOVE this pic!!!!

New York City, NY- Random Pics

Brandon's family and us went down to the Big City (New York City) while they were out visiting. It was also my first time in New York City sent Brandon was stationed at West Point, NY.

Autumn's Baby Blessing, Oct 11, 2009

       It was a wonderful day! Our hearts are full and our home is filled. Brandon was able to give our sweet Autumn a baby blessing with her two grandpa's participating in the blessing circle. Both my parents, Brandon's parents and his sister, Sarah, were able to come from Utah to celebrate this special occasion with our family. (Not to mention, meet their new granddaughter and visit New York City.)

New Mom (Elizabeth), Little Autumn, and Proud Dad (Brandon) 

Grandma (Kathleen) and Grandpa (Lawrence Dean) Barnum at Autumn's Blessing!

      

Brandon's sister, Sarah, Grandma (Jenene) and Grandpa (Marlin) were also present for the celebration!

Sweet Little Autumn Dressed in White!

Aunt Sarah Dahl and Autumn

Proud Grandparents! This makes it their 5 grandchild!

"Grandma Barnum, you sound a lot like my mommy and you even look a lot alike her, but I don't think you are my mommy!" I am Grandma and Grandpa Barnum's 10 grand-baby.

      

     

"Are we done with pictures yet!"

Gettysburg, PA September 2009

We took our first family vacation with Autumn to Gettysburg, PA and had a blast!  It was definitely an eye opening experience traveling with an infant.  We took at least twice as much stuff with us as we normally would!  We had a great time and enjoyed an important location in our nation's history.

Brandon and Autumn at Gettysburg National Cemetary.

By the headstone for all the unknown soliders from the state of New York.

The entrance of Gettysburg National Cemetery