And the first contestant in the 2009-2010 baby race...

is David Allen Mitchell. I stole this photo from Ned & Mary Beth's blog, but they are too sleep deprived to demand photo credit. (Photo by Ned Mitchell, proud papa). We had our quiet time eventually, but he did protest me holding him other than just like the position shown here and also my attempts at the baby burrito. Once he fell asleep, I swaddled him and held him with one hand so I could finish my glass of Post Partum Pale Ale and watch football. I think he still won the battle, but I am far from giving in. I look forward to many more evenings with Baby David in 2010. Great work Team Mitchell!!

For the One True Pride of the Blue

Middle Tennessee got a big bowl win against Southern Miss in the Big Easy on Sunday! Even the Vicksburg Post covered it. I was down there Friday and Saturday nights for the Cowboys-Saints game, and it was great to see so many Blue Raider fans walking around. I was not able to stay for the game, due to some early obligations on Monday morning at work, but I left some good vibes in section 103.

Food Is Good

While on travel in Charleston, I have considered just staying behind and making this my home. The area is beautiful, the people are so nice, and the food...wow, the food. Tonight was another great meal at FIG, a restaurant near the hotel. I had a salad with Benton's bacon for that Tennessee connection and braised pork shoulder for dinner. Outstanding.

Kitty Hooch

Thanks to Laura for sending the kitties an early Christmas present, from kittyhooch.com and all three of them enjoyed it. It remains the favorite toy, almost as popular as food.

You got to know when to hold 'em

This is an older picture, from October, but I just got it from Sara (shown on right) and Philip. We were hanging out downtown from the Fall Festival, and Manu got a little fussy, so I tried to lay him back and he put his hands behind his head and just laid there, relaxed. Glad I could help. Nathan (middle) was on an important phone call. Tomorrow is Manu's first birthday! Happy Early Birthday to one of my favorite Vicksburg babies.