Happy Halloween!

Spencer Ray has, of course, been the center of our world these last four plus months (five months on November 3!). He melts our hearts daily with his smiles, squeals, and coos. Every day seems to bring a new skill, sound, or movement. He's rolling over and swimming on his tummy (building core muscles for sitting up), bouncing around in his activity center, and helping me water the plants from his Ergobaby carrier. 

James is back to work and slowly getting back to running as he waits for his appendix surgery. We're so thankful his body protected him from his ruptured appendix and that he was able to fight the infection with antibiotics. Currently, his surgery is scheduled for the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.

It seems I am in a crash course on priorities. Juggling chores around the house with a full time job, being mom and wife and conducting the Central Texas Philharmonic Youth Symphony creates a very long to do list with only enough time to get a few things done each day. So many of you already know what that is like and I have even more admiration and respect for you now :)! There are so many amazing parents in our family. You are all true inspirations.

Now for some Spencer pictures! Lots of love from Austin. Hope to see you all in December!

Hannah (James, and Spencer)

Happy Baby pose

Laughing with Daddy

Enjoying his new activity center!

In his Longhorn onesie

A picture from daycare

This is how we water the plants :).

Uncle Andy, Aunt Katie, cousins Theo and Natalie were here for Labor Day Weekend!

Our drool monster

Josh came to visit!

 

New Hobbies:

Hello from the Givan’s at 408 E 13^th.  I thought I would share some pictures of some new and expanded old hobbies.

First, Tim.  He is really getting into his woodworking.  He has been gradually setting up his workshop in the basement where the temps are much more regulated than in the garage.  Here he is hard at work!  Kate and I gave him a hard time because we never see the top of his head and didn’t realize what was going on up thereJ

 

I’m really enjoying my house plants.  The weirder the better actually.  I’m convinced that they grow much better with company but I’m also sure the boss won’t let me work from home just to keep my plants company.  Here are succulents in their ‘home”

And now for some favorites…

       

This one grows very fast.

My first hydroponic one.

 

A favorite but I have no idea what it is.

 

 

12 year old Bonsi plant that is actually Kate's

My largest aloe vera.

We are continuing our puppet hobby as well.  For about 18 months, we recorded weekly chapels for Sunday School.  When Sunday School went back to in person, we took a break.  Now we have started to do shows at the Early Education Center once a month.  It’s great fun and a good stress reliever.  Here are our three main characters.

Oral played by yours truly, Granny Feathers played by Charles and Elcee played by Aunt Pam.

Have a happy Fall and a good holiday season.