Halloween

We've posted some pics of our Halloween costumes on Picasa. This was my first project with a sewing machine. I didn't sew Nathan's costume- I'm not that talented. I just put the cloak and dress together that Andrew and I are wearing.

http://picasaweb.google.com/frshante/Halloween?feat=directlink

I'm really enjoying staying home with Nathan and having the opportunity to attempt developing some talents.

Superman at 6 months

Nathan is just six months old, but he has so many extraordinary abilities- you may even call them superpowers!

His greatest ability is to soak his victims- you can probably determine how and with what. In case you need clarification, I've provided video proof of this ability.



He has the power to weaken his enemy's senses with his terrible shrieks.

And his giggles... they're infectious! They leave his victims laughing so hard, they become immobilized.

In a nutshell, he's wetter than a category 5 hurricane, he louder than train, and he's funnier than grandma trying to play volleyball! He's super Nathan!!

But in all seriousness (well, as serious as a Moore can get), here are some things he is up to: he is sitting up and reaching for things, he's really good at opening his mouth when it's time to eat from a spoon, he loves his carrots and oatmeal so far, he equally hates his green beans, he's a chunky 17.5 lbs. (it's all head though since he's 50th percentile for everything but his head which is 80th), he loves playing with Daddy and Mommy, he's beginning to get up on his hands and knees though he can only push himself backwards, he doesn't have any teeth yet though we're expecting one any day now since he's drooling enough to fill a small fish tank and he wants to chew on everything in sight.

We're so lucky to have such a special boy as a part of our family. He is such a great joy! I can't tell you how many people comment on how easy going Nathan is whenever we're out in public. He really is such an easy baby. I fear that it can only go downhill from here. We also get several comments on his beautiful eyes. Just telling everyone now, please do not comment on his eyelashes. Yes, they are gorgeous and the envy of many women, but I fear that if Nathan hears this too much, he will one day follow in his father's footsteps and at the age of 3 cut his eyelashes to make them look more manly. It's terrifying, right?

To close, I want to share with you the best part of our day. Every day before we go to bed, Andrew and I sneak into Nathan's bedroom to check on him. We love to watch him sleep with his little monkey blanket in one hand and pacifier in the other. If you try to remove one of these items from his hand (which Andrew likes to do since he's such a tease), Nathan will stir in his sleep till he can find the missing item again. He's very protective of his monkey and pacifier. So cute.

We miss everyone and we look forward to the Fisher reunion next summer!

Videos of Nathan and "The Encounter"

Just wanted to share with everyone some of the fun things Nathan is up to.


Nathan got a serious case of the giggles...


Nathan rolling over for the first time...



Nathan playing with Joshua at Aunt Nessa's house...



Nathan playing with his girlfriend Lana...

As you can see, Nathan is a busy guy. He is such a joy! Andrew and I just can't get enough of him.

Now, a tragic story I would like to share with you. Over a week ago I walked into my bedroom and came face to face with one of my greatest foes. This enemy has crossed my path countless times and has taken advantage of my squeamish disposition. Sometimes I am beaten by the enemy and he escapes, leaving me in fear of our meeting again- especially in the night. Sometimes I conquer the enemy, but often shaken by the encounter, Andrew, my knight in shining armor, must dispose of the remains. Well, as I was saying... recently my foe and I met again. I was determined not to lose this fight. I was willing to do whatever it would take to walk away victorious! Who is my foe? Watch the video to find out and to see the remains of our battle.

Home Sweet Home

Hello all! Just wanted to update everyone on the comings and goings of the Moore family. Nathan is still a growing, healthy and happy little boy. Mom and Dad couldn't be prouder! He's laughing at all of his father's antics while I can only get smiles from the kid. Who can blame him, right? His dad is just hilarious plus that beard just tickles. When he laughs, we can't help but laugh ourselves. Before we know it, our stomachs are sore from laughing at Nathan who is laughing at us, who are laughing at Nathan, who is laughing at us... you get the picture.

Andrew is studying hard for his CCIE certification which entails a written examination and a lab. It's a toughy, but I'm sure he'll do well. It's in his nature to succeed. I mean, look at him- he's happily married to an incredible woman (wink), he has a great job, he somehow managed to fix up this insanely scary house, and he has a son who adores his daddy! Life is great!

I'm not doing too shabby either. After discussing with Andrew our options, we decided it would be best for me to stay home with Nathan. So, I'm home! (Hence the title of this post- "Home Sweet Home") I feel so blessed to get to stay home and raise my son. It was killing me the idea of missing him grow up, which I've learned happens so fast.

So, just an update on our house, which is on the market now. You can check out the listing on allentate.com and search for the house using the street name: Rothgeb. The address is 2705 Rothgeb Drive in Raleigh. We had an open house a few weeks ago and had a couple nibbles, but no bites. We've also had several showings, but again, no bites. Looks like we're just going to have to enjoy living in this house... dang.

Special Delivery

He has arrived! Yes, Nathan Andrew Moore arrived March 26, 2010. It was a Friday morning- I woke up at about 3:30 AM and discovered that my water broke. I shook Andrew awake and told him I think my water broke. He sleepily got up turned on some lights, grabbed some towels for me, turned the lights off, and crawled back in bed. He then turned to me and said, "Oh, would you like the lights on still?"

And so the adventure of Andrew and Shantel becoming parents began.

I proceeded to calmly explain to Andrew that I think we need to call the doctor and that I'm pretty sure we're going to have to go to the hospital ASAP. He then realized that he wasn't dreaming and that I really was having our baby. Sure enough, the doctor told us to come to the hospital. So we packed our hospital bag, grabbed some more towels, and made our way to Rex Hospital.

We arrived around 6:30 AM (it took us so long because I insisted on taking a shower). I wasn't having any contractions, so the doctor started me on pitocin. I started getting contractions every couple of minutes and the contractions stayed at this rate throughout the day until I was 10 cm dialated. I did get an epidural when I reached about 6 cm. Boy am I grateful for anestesia! At about 4:15 PM, the nurse told me I'm ready to start pushing. That was such a workout- Andrew was such a great help. In between pushes, Andrew would provide me with some water through a straw and some oxygen through a mask. I felt like I was in a boxing ring and Andrew was coaching me through each round.

At 5:06 PM, little Nathan Andrew Moore made his way into the world at 8 lbs. 9 oz. and 22 1/4 inches long. I couldn't help but smile when the nurse place Nathan on my chest- he was beautiful! Our little boy has a full head of dark hair. The doctor and nurse were quite surprised by this since when they felt Nathan's head earlier, they both said he was bald. I'm so proud of my beautiful boy!

As things calm down around here, it's beginning to set in that I'm a mom. I feel so lucky to have two wonderful men in my life now. I'm grateful we are all healthly and doing well. Thanks everyone for thinking about us and praying for us! I've attached videos and pictures below. Enjoy

"A little advice from Grandma and Grandpa"

"The Big Toe"

"It's Over!"

"Lookin' Around"

My cutie's first moments

First Moments with Daddy

Before the big push

Nap time at Grandma's

Nathan's cradle

Like daddy like son- go Wolfpack!

First Family Photo

The long awaited arrival, no not our son's...

We're finally here! We're blogging! I figured now that there is a little one on the way, Andrew and I should get this Blog thing going so we can brag about all our little one's accomplishments on at least a weekly basis. You'll have to know when he smiles for the first time, when he laughs the first time, when he calculates his first chi-square distribution without using a calculator, his first steps... You know, the basics.

Andrew and I can also fill you in on the many adventures of Andrew and Shantel. If you like action, suspense, drama, and yes... romance (sorry Andrew), tune in to our blog. We'll leave you wanting Moore!