We bring you good tidings of great joy!

Merry Christmas from the Hassells! We pray that this holiday season you will know the free gift of God's grace through his Son and will grasp how wide, long, high and deep is the love of Christ. 

(Please don't mock our Benton-sized Christmas tree. It's the best we could do with a very curious and destructive crawler around.)

Future runner

A couple of weekends ago, me and Benton witnessed something crazy. Brack ran his first ultra-marathon. It was bananas.

About 150 people ran the 40-mile trail race in a state park in middle Georgia. Benton and I got to see Brack about every 4-5 miles at the aid stations. We were there waiting with more water, energy gels, fruit, chocolate and lots of cheering.

It was super cold. I tried my best to bundle up the little man and we stayed in the car between stops as long as we could. I expected him to protest: getting in and out of the car, sitting in the wind, wearing a hat. But there were no meltdowns. In fact, one man who we saw at every stop said, "That's the best baby I've ever seen." At least Benton had that guy fooled.

This REI hat is my favorite baby purchase to date.

At one stop, I unbuckled a slightly-asleep Benton from his car seat and went to get stuff out of the trunk. About 45 seconds later, I found him like this.

Benton cheered on his dad all day. Nothing like an adorable baby to keep you motivated. He made a pretty great race crew. This is the last stop, about 6 miles from the finish line. Looking good, Daddy!

Brack finished 40 miles in 8 hours and 10 minutes. We couldn't be more proud. Can't wait until Benton can run beside him.

Whose kid is this?

November was a big month around these parts. We have some accomplishments to recognize.

Teeth

That's right, teeth. Plural. We have two. And they are sharp. Some "toys" we thought were baby-proof now have tiny chunks missing from them.

Crawling

Benton is officially crawling like a real baby. He still sneaks in an occasional army crawl, but for the most part his knees are getting put to good use now.

Standing

Was not expecting this so soon. The kid pulls himself up everywhere. His bed, the couch, the coffee table, the ottoman, the bath tub and walls. And after he stands, he lets go with one hand, just to be sure we know he has no fear. Apparently, falls are not going to keep him down. He also walks along the couch if you hold one of his hands. 

In his free time, he likes to clap, say "dada" (Pretty sure he doesn't know that's what he's saying. Not bitter.), climb one stair, eat graham crackers, not take naps, watch Handy Manny, read (and chew on) "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?", or have his ears cleaned out with baby Q-tips.

Little man had a great first Thanksgiving and was sufficiently spoiled by all. We went to Uncle Zach's house in Florida and then to Mimi and Bunk's house in Alabama. Such fun visits!

One more worthy note. Benton had his first visit to the always exciting Chuck E. Cheese. It was special. I think he's covered until he's 16 and can drive himself there.