Here's a slideshow of some other photos that Jess took. She also created Walker's birth announcements. Keep her in mind for any photography and stationery needs you might have.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Our Little Party Animal
For the second night in a row, Walker went out on the town and danced his booty off. Earlier in the day Mom put a tie on his onesie, and he looked so stylish.
Chris and Laura's wedding was absolutely beautiful. The ceremony took place under some beautiful oak trees at Laguna Gloria, and it was followed by a fantastic dinner. All of the flowers and decorations were gorgeous.
Afterwards, Walker charmed all the ladies on the dancefloor with his suave salsa dancing skills. He took a break from dancing long enough to congratulate the bride and groom.
Chris and Laura's wedding was absolutely beautiful. The ceremony took place under some beautiful oak trees at Laguna Gloria, and it was followed by a fantastic dinner. All of the flowers and decorations were gorgeous.
Afterwards, Walker charmed all the ladies on the dancefloor with his suave salsa dancing skills. He took a break from dancing long enough to congratulate the bride and groom.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Walker's First Meeting with a Texas Legend
Tonight was a big night for Walker. The three of us went out into the Hill Country for Chris and Laura's rehearsal dinner, and Walker got to hear his first live music, courtesy of Heybale. They're a fantastic band, made up of musical legends in their own right. Walker danced under the stars (it was a bit too loud for him in the dancehall) after Mom had some brisket.
Soon afterwards, Walker had his first meeting with a Texas legend. Coach Royal remarked what a good looking boy he was, and he even shook Walker's feet. We think that means he'll grow up to be a field goal kicker for the Horns!
Soon afterwards, Walker had his first meeting with a Texas legend. Coach Royal remarked what a good looking boy he was, and he even shook Walker's feet. We think that means he'll grow up to be a field goal kicker for the Horns!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Learning to Smile
Walker is beginning to smile. Well, actually, he's making his face do all sorts of things, and every once in a while a smile comes through.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Baby Photos
Here are a couple of baby photos of Leann and Spencer. I'll leave it to you to figure out which is which. Who do you think Walker favors more? Vote in the survey below.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Holding on Tight
This photo was taken by our good friend Jess. She's a great photographer, graphic artist, knitter, and all-round renaissance woman. She's taken lots of great photos of our family, and she's been kind enough to allow us to re-post them here. Thanks Jess!Please check out her photographs and her Etsy page.
With this post, we're going to try to begin posting a photo or video daily, or at least every other day. And Spencer will try to keep his ramblings to a minimum.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Thinking About College Savings
Okay, so I've been doing some research this afternoon (while Walker and Leann were napping) on saving for college. I now know somewhat more about 529 plans and options, but I'm far from having it completely figured out.
I've been reading about the Texas Tuition Promise Fund, but I haven't decided if it's worthwhile. It's similar to the old Texas Tomorrow Fund, which is now billions of dollars in the hole. However, it's different in that you buy units at the current year's prices (as opposed to locking in tuition rates on the day you sign up). 100 units equals the cost of one year at a state school and covers tuition and fees, but not books, room and board, etc. Each year, you can buy credits at that current year's prices and then apply them toward the tuition bill when the kid is in college.
So it's obviously a better deal than paying tuition in 2027. (2027? Wow, that sounds so futuristic. Maybe we'll all have our jetpacks by then.)
Or is it? I guess if tuition increases at a rate that outpaces what I can expect from the stock market (which has obviously been the case over the past decade), then yes it's probably a better deal. But will that happen? Will the cost of education at a public school continue to skyrocket like it has since deregulation? On the other hand, the stock market has historically made huge comebacks in the years following a recession, so maybe it makes more sense to put our money in a stock-based mutual fund.
When Leann woke up from her nap, she and I discussed some of this. She points out that because colleges are essentially taking on the risk here (they're guaranteeing that they will honor the units, no matter which year they were purchased), they may be less likely to accept an applicant who is enrolled in the program if they start losing money on the deal. Would it reduce Walker's chances of getting into one of the participating schools if he's enrolled?
My current thinking is that we enroll in the TTPF and set up a separate investment to cover room, board, books, etc. But today I'm suffering from information overload paralysis, so we're going to wait a week or two before we make any moves.
Have any of you other new parents done some analysis on any of this? I would love to hear what your strategies are, either in the comments or via email.
We promise to get back to more photos or videos of Walker in the next post.
I've been reading about the Texas Tuition Promise Fund, but I haven't decided if it's worthwhile. It's similar to the old Texas Tomorrow Fund, which is now billions of dollars in the hole. However, it's different in that you buy units at the current year's prices (as opposed to locking in tuition rates on the day you sign up). 100 units equals the cost of one year at a state school and covers tuition and fees, but not books, room and board, etc. Each year, you can buy credits at that current year's prices and then apply them toward the tuition bill when the kid is in college.
So it's obviously a better deal than paying tuition in 2027. (2027? Wow, that sounds so futuristic. Maybe we'll all have our jetpacks by then.)
Or is it? I guess if tuition increases at a rate that outpaces what I can expect from the stock market (which has obviously been the case over the past decade), then yes it's probably a better deal. But will that happen? Will the cost of education at a public school continue to skyrocket like it has since deregulation? On the other hand, the stock market has historically made huge comebacks in the years following a recession, so maybe it makes more sense to put our money in a stock-based mutual fund.
When Leann woke up from her nap, she and I discussed some of this. She points out that because colleges are essentially taking on the risk here (they're guaranteeing that they will honor the units, no matter which year they were purchased), they may be less likely to accept an applicant who is enrolled in the program if they start losing money on the deal. Would it reduce Walker's chances of getting into one of the participating schools if he's enrolled?
My current thinking is that we enroll in the TTPF and set up a separate investment to cover room, board, books, etc. But today I'm suffering from information overload paralysis, so we're going to wait a week or two before we make any moves.
Have any of you other new parents done some analysis on any of this? I would love to hear what your strategies are, either in the comments or via email.
We promise to get back to more photos or videos of Walker in the next post.
Hiccups
Nothing too exciting here today, but we thought y'all would like to see how frustrated Walker gets when he has the hiccups.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Two Week Weight Check!
Walker went in for his two-week weight check today. He was 9 pounds, 9 ounces! He lost over a pound in the days after he was born, but he's already gained 2 pounds since then. Walker continues to shatter records and exceed even the loftiest of expectations!
No pressure, son.
No pressure, son.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Walker in the News
Walker made his debut in the mainstream media this week with an appearance in the Taylor Daily Press. Here's the scoop:
Birth news
 |
Maxwell
Leann and Spencer Maxwell of Austin proudly announce the birth of their son, Walker Lee. He was born April 1 and weighed 8 pounds, 12 ounces. His grandparents are Claire and Bill Maxwell of Taylor and Carol and Pat Findley of Burleson. His great-grandparents are Lou Wilson of Alvin and Ivan Walker and Ed Findley of Forth Worth (sic).
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Walker's First Present to Dad
I know that Walker will one day be mortified that we posted this for the world to see, but it cracks us up. You may need to turn up your volume to hear it.
Video in the Hospital
Here's one of Walker's first videos, recorded by his Granddaddy. His Emma is holding him, and Marnie and Zoe are watching.
Walker from Spencer Maxwell on Vimeo.
Walker from Spencer Maxwell on Vimeo.
Photos of Walker
In this first post, we want to get some photos posted. We'll try to update this page as often as we can. These are just some of the photos we already have. If you'd like to see more, check out the slideshow of Walker's First Week!
One of our first days back home from the hospital.
Tio Hernán and Tia Natalie.
His first tattoo. It says "MOM."
Touchdown!
Uncle Matt imparting some wisdom.
A beautiful mom and Walker.
Hanging out with Granny.
Checking out Granddaddy's pencils!
Baby Burrito!
Coming home from the hospital!
In Emma's arms. (Carol, is that how you want that spelled?)
With Grandpa Gator.
Huge feet!
In the nursery, about 10 minutes after being born.
One of our first days back home from the hospital.Tio Hernán and Tia Natalie.His first tattoo. It says "MOM."Touchdown!Uncle Matt imparting some wisdom.A beautiful mom and Walker.Hanging out with Granny.Checking out Granddaddy's pencils!Baby Burrito!Coming home from the hospital!In Emma's arms. (Carol, is that how you want that spelled?)With Grandpa Gator.Huge feet!In the nursery, about 10 minutes after being born.
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