Rowan enjoyed some Valentine's day breakfast at Coffee Planet in town. A nice lady gave him a cookie. Note his shirt.

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I sit Rowan on the counter and give him a spatula to mix whatever I'm baking/cooking. The event turns out a little messy but I love having him help me anyway. So of course, I put an apron on him. I can't say Alan is too into this but I like to think of him as the next great chef. I've also discovered the use of the apron for spaghetti dinners - it totally saves the khaki's from ruin!

Pics from our time in NJ,...

Ghost Baby in Action
Great Pop Pop
Pops and Great Grandma

It's all been quite a transition to move from Maryland to New York. As adults, we adapt and learn the lay of the land as well as how to live in a new "culture". There was no adjusting necessary for Rowan for daily life here at home and the joy of children, even Rowan, is that they just continue to be themselves in any situation. Since our relocation Rowan has kept us laughing:

Same Sunday, Different Church
- he still squirms when I drop him off for Nursery and still doesn't want to leave the toys when it's time to go home. Confusing for me - but makes perfect sense for him.
- after service he runs up and down the aisles of the sanctuary with the joy of practically running to Jesus and then plows up the stairs to the pulpit where Daddy stands only to run out the back exit and try to lose me for good.

He uses tools properly
-the stud finder is slammed against the wall and he moves it left to right while still looking at the wall as it beeps crazily just like it does for Mommy.
- he carries the tape measure everywhere he goes pulling it in and out and making sure to study the length left to right when it's at its widest.

Around the house
-no jacket, hat, or gloves necessary for this guy - if there is an open door he still goes for it, for freedom - even though he'll freeze on contact once he hits the threshold.
- his hand goes right to his ear to sign for phone when any cell phone or home phone rings and now even when the door bell rings,...we'll have to work on that.
-yeah, he's got his Mommy, Daddy, and his blanket and toys but the real seller on living in our new home is that its ranch style allows him to run wild from one end to the other. Life couldn't be better!

This how it is done in the North Country. Rowan's new snow suit and sled in action.

Rowan needs new boots to go out in the NY snow. Looks like he will not be using these boots just yet.

We're packing up and getting ready to head out of town. We'll be MIA for a few days as we transition from MD to NY. Rowan is still lovin' life like nothing is changing while Alan and I are a little more focused on the task at hand. Please pray for undamaged goods, safe travel, and an efficient transition! Love!

Merry Christmas Eve!

May the anticipation of Christ's birth be a joy to you all!
We know Santa will be good too...

Rowan with Santa at the Damascus UMC Advent Workshop

Rowan is making his list and checking it twice to submit it to Santa.

Christmastime for the Rudnick's means cutting down our own tree at Maynes Tree Farm. Rowan was a little frightened by the noise of the tractor but he liked the ride and, as always, he liked following Dad around!

Nana passed away on November 30, 2008 after 92 beautiful years of life. Her passing brought us all together as a family to mourn her loss, celebrate her life, and share all of our memories as 3 daughters, 8 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren.

Rowan enjoys learning how to climb.