Here are a few new pics of Banks. I know the angles on him are not that good but thank the Lord, Leigh Anne is coming on Tuesday to spend the day with us and she is going to give me a crash course in how to photograph an infant. It is just hard because he can't sit up or hold his head up....but we do the best we can!
This weekend, we took on the difficult task of trying to get a picture of the 5 of us for the Christmas Card. Casey did not make it in all of the pictures because she is so BAD and will not cooperate for the camera. It was a true Christmas miracle that we were able to get the final one with all 5 of us in the photo. I will give one disclaimer: the final photo is not the best of all of us and it turned out a little dark, but we got it and were fairly happy. 
Bryan's work Christmas Party was Friday night at The Country Club of Birmingham and we were so excited to go. I wasn't going to attend, but the Delk family offered to sit for us anytime, and so I took them up on the offer. For just a little background, I started sitting for the Delks my Sophomore year in college and continued to babysit for them on a regular basis until about 3 years ago. Their children are older and do not need a babysitter but I love how the roles are reversed. They are such a kind family and I am so grateful to have them nearby because I trust them immensely. Banks was very well behaved for them, making my evening even better!
Here are a few pictures I snapped on Banks' two week old birthday. He was awake....(finally) during the day and so I was able to get a few of him. He now officially has his days and nights correct. He has gone to bed around 1o:00 p.m. three nights in a row and sleeps until about 8:00 a.m., getting up every 3 and 1/2 hours to eat. The great thing is that once he is finished eating, I just swaddle him up tightly and he is back down to sleep. Such an easy baby!! I am not going to brag too much because I am still scared that he is going to change and be difficult. Let me just say, we are very thankful that he is a good baby for now and pray that it stays that way. He also is so good in the car (again, thank Goodness!). He cries when we put him in the car seat, but once the car is going, he is quiet. This is another thing we know we are blessed to have. We had a great outing today at Brookwood Mall, where I got to enjoy getting out of the house and walking around, and true to form, Banks was so sweet, sleeping the entire time! 
This past weekend, Bryan's Dad, Weejie, and Susan came to visit Banks. We had a great time together and I loved watching them interact with him. They were very helpful with the Christmas tree decorating and held Banks so Bryan and I could rest. We had a wonderful steak dinner Saturday night (thanks Bryan) and Banks was an angel during dinner, allowing us to have full adult time! Overall, it was a very enjoyable weekend for everyone.
Today (Friday) was a very good day. Bryan took the day off work to spend the day with us. First of all, I got up to feed the baby and was able to go back to sleep since Bryan was here, so the day got off to a good start! We then had to take Banks to the doctor, followed by a few errands and then a quick lunch at Olexa's, where Banks was an angel. This afternoon, I had a nice long visit from Tara and Whitney, two of my best friends since childhood. I was so glad to have visitors since I have been by myself for a few days. I have to give a special shout out to Whitney. She has been WONDERFUL since I headed to the hospital. For starters, she lives 2 streets over, so she has helped with the dogs, mail, etc. while we were at the hospital. Next, on Saturday when we came home, she and Peggy came over and brought presents and these delicious baby boy cookies from Icing on the Cookie. YUMMY! Then, on Tuesday, she took me to the doctor while my mom stayed with Banks. She has checked on me every day morning and night and has given me the best advice about the first few weeks at home. She just did this with Peggy last summer. Needless to say, she has been a great friend and I have to recognize her. Thank you Whitney! Tara has also been wonderful--checking on my and giving me words of wisdom about boys (she is a pro at boys!). Thank you Tara and Whitney for a great afternoon!
Yesterday, Banks was one week old. I know it does not sound like much, but that one week has changed my life! I can not believe that just one week ago, I was still pregnant and had no idea how much my life would change in a matter of minutes. So far, Banks has been the best baby. He just eats, sleeps, and is awake a good bit (most of the time in the middle of the night!). That is probably the most challenging thing so far-- he has his days and nights mixed up a bit, but I do not mind so much when we are up with him and he is just looking around. He does not cry when he is up at night, so that makes it much easier. He also makes the funniest faces. They are so cute and different from the one before. We are enjoying him and can't wait to see what this week brings. I will post some better pics when I get them...it is just hard when he is asleep so much!
On Sunday, the Butler family came to Birmingham to see Banks. Georgia Anne, Jack, and Daniel were very excited to see their cousin and I was excited to see their reaction. Georgia was more exited to see me, Jack was a little stand offish, but later warmed up, and Daniel was full steam ahead! He loved Banks and would have held him the entire time if we would have let him. I can't wait for Banks to get a little older so they can really play together. We have some fun times ahead.
Daddy
