Oh, Right! Christmas!

With all of the Christmas celebrating I've done over the past couple of weeks, I almost forgot the big day itself! And what a great day it was!

We started off by opening gifts with Grandma Debbie, Grandpa Woodie and Great-Grandma Maxine then over to Diane & Steve's for dinner with over 30 family members! It was the first time that I had met many of them and they were all so excited to meet me too!

We didn't have nearly enough time to spend with everyone because we had to get back to Bear and Milhouse who had to stay home while we were away. Our neighbors took care of them for us. The boys were very happy to see us, especially me. They are very protective of me and always have to check that Mommy and Daddy didn't forget me somewhere.

I ran into a problem with Christmas pictures... we didn't take any except for in the morning! Grandma and Grandpa took most of the pictures that day so we'll have to wait for them to send us some that we can post.

I sure loved Christmas and am already looking forward to next year! Merry Christmas everybody!

My First 'Solids'

My doctor told Mommy and Daddy to wait until I was really showing an interest in solid foods before feeding me any. Over the past few days, I have reached the point of showing an absolute fascination in everything from steak to caffeine-free Diet Coke.

Enter Rice Cereal. Not exactly what I would consider a solid, since it's just a minor step up in consistency than my bottle. But, that's what I'm supposed to start with, so rice cereal it is. I did pretty good opening my mouth, but swallowing is a bit different from a spoon instead of a bottle.

Check off one more milestone for me!

Christmas Eve

Today was a long day! We drove to Great-Grandma Maxine's home in Canby, OR (and went over a river and through woods to get there) which took us 4 hours! Then we spent the evening with Grandma Debbie's sisters and their families.

I was on my best behavior and really enjoyed spending time with everyone. I especially liked my second cousin Ashleigh, who's 3. I showed her my new favorite face ~ I pucker up my mouth and scrunch my whole face and, well, there's a picture below that describes it better. I look really mad when I do it, but really, I'm very happy! There's a little huffing and puffing sound that goes along with it... Mommy and Daddy are trying to get it on video.

I even had my first 'solid' food tonight, but that will go in a separate post. I was super-tired at bedtime and passed out on Grandma's lap. Then I woke up an hour later, severely overtired and cried for almost an hour and a half. I've only ever been this upset about three times in my life, so it made for a long night of restlessness. Between you and me, I was just excited about Santa coming and had a hard time sleeping.

My Face















Grandma Debbie's Sisters ~ Sandy, Grandma & Kathy















Grandpa 'Woof' & Me















The Calm Before The Storm

Christmas Eve Eve

Grandpa Woodie (Woof) and Grandma Debbie arrived today from Hawaii for a whirlwind 48 hour visit. It's been almost two months since I saw them last and they can't believe how big I'm getting.

Since we'll in Portland for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Mommy and Daddy decided that I could open my presents a little early so we wouldn't have to take them with us. I got some stacking rings, sorting blocks, a book of all the Disney stories, some little teether toys and an animal choo-choo train that makes all sorts of sounds and songs. (And for Mommy and Daddy, it has an off button. That's something they've learned about buying baby toys... if it makes noise, it needs to have an off button!)

Here's a picture of me surveying all my new stuff! This Christmas thing is great!

Baby's First Christmas

Here are some recent pictures that show me celebrating the holiday season in my "Baby's First Christmas" hat that Daddy got for me. And one of my other new favorite toys 'Santa Bear' that Lisa Moore (one of Daddy's co-workers) got for me. Happy Holidays!

My Darla

Finally, a picture of my wonderful Darla who cares for me during the weekdays. I love to hang out with her. She's very creative and talented and she's made me some very nice gifts. I especially love my Silkies which are just like a lightweight blankie for me to carry around. She's made me two, one in a teddy bear print and the other in WSU Cougar print. I also really love my winter fleece blanket with the snowmen on it, it keeps me very warm when we're out and about.

Thank you for everything, Darla! I'm missing you during the holiday break!

Santa & Me

Mommy and Daddy took me to have my picture taken with some guy named Santa. It was pretty cool. He was a nice guy (who apparently brings presents for everyone on Christmas so I was very careful not to spit-up on him) and his elves were nice too.

I smiled very big and Mommy cried as the photo was taken. The elves said that my smile was so perfect that they were going to have to pick the best picture of Santa!

Then we got home to a message saying that the camera broke and we would have to come back for retakes. Bah-Humbug!

We went back a few days later and ended up with this picture. It's not too bad, but Mommy and Daddy will always remember the picture that once was. Besides, later that night I started rolling over! Now I do tricks!

I'll see you next year Santa!

Our Family Picture

Our first family picture complete with the boys! We spent the evening setting up our Christmas tree and then had our picture taken in front of it with Bear and Milhouse. It wasn't easy getting a picture where we all look good, but this one is pretty close! Bear and Millie really hate those antlers, but I think they're cute!

Early Christmas In Port Angeles, Part Two

Later in the afternoon, we went to go celebrate Christmas with Grandma Sharon, Grandpa Jeff, Uncle Denzel, Aunt Lisa and Cousin Khia. It was so much fun! I got totally spoiled with tons of fun toys like a baby remote control, music makers, rattles and teethers. It's a good thing that I have my own bedroom to keep all my new toys in!

Grandma Sharon has a special little tea table set up in her house so that Khia and I can have tea parties. I'm not big enough just yet, but I can't wait until I am!

I'm so lucky to have so much family around me! I really enjoy spending time with everyone and I'm already looking forward to my next Christmas!

Early Christmas In Port Angeles, Part One

I know this is going to be my first Christmas, but I really like the way it's shaping up! Instead of just celebrating on Christmas Day, we get to celebrate several times with different family members - Christmas-time!

We drove up to Port Angeles today to celebrate with Grandpa George, Grandma Ellen and Aunt Lonee in the afternoon. It was bundles of fun and I got the coolest toy EVER - FrogDuck! He may look like a frog but he's also a puppet that 'quacks' out Old MacDonald. He's so great! I almost unwrapped him all by myself, but got distracted at how wonderful wrapping paper is.

Whenever I hear FrogDuck quacking, I get very excited and smiley. I love him! Thanks Grandpa George and Grandma Ellen!

Kung Fu Baby

For those of you who don't know, my Daddy is a Third Degree Black Belt in Kung Fu San Soo... and he's getting his Fourth Degree next month! He teaches Kung Fu at our house three nights a week and one night after class, he put his belt on me and helped me do a few moves like kicking! I guess we all know what after school activity I'll be joining in a few years! According to Daddy, I make a perfect fist already. Watch out, boys!

Laugh Attack!

Mommy has been very sick the past few days so Daddy and I decided that she needed some play-time with me to make her feel better. Up until now, I've only laughed for Daddy so you can see our plan worked and we helped make Mommy feel a lot better. Well, mentally, anyway!

Making Some Noise

Finally! A video of just my fun sounds! Is this a new trend? Only time will tell!

Saturday Night

In an effort to get me doing something, anything cute on video, just when Mommy and Daddy were about to crack, I decided to put on a little verbal show. I kept a little for myself though, I'm not fully laughing like I do sometimes, but there's a hint of it.

Bear and Milhouse were in the background trying to steal some of my attention - wasn't going to happen, guys!

I Am Clearly Not Tempted

Here are some pictures of Mommy trying to tempt me into playing with some plastic keys. I was clearly not interested in them so she finally quit trying. (Hee-hee, right after she turned off the camera I started playing with them. I LOVE to do that!)

Gobble, Gobble

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you all had a great turkey day... I did even though I didn't get to eat any of the yummy stuff everybody else was having. I ALMOST had an olive that Mommy and Daddy were putting on my fingers and toes until one of them said, "Hey, wait a minute, I'm pretty sure an olive is a choking hazard." (Would someone put some childproofing books in their stockings this Christmas?) Anyway, I was foiled on the one time I decide to show an interest in solid food.

Daddy got me a Seahawks outfit when he went to the game last weekend with Aunt Lonee. They had a great time and I got to spend the day playing with Mommy. She's ready to start putting bows in my hair so everyone knows I'm a girl. Don't worry, Mommy, my hair is growing a lot faster now. No bows, please.

Cutest Picture Ever!

...Until the next one, anyway! Many thanks to Cousin Anna for making the bunny hat and sweater!

I'm Four Months Old!

I'm 4 months old today! Here I am doing one of my favorite things - being naked and having my diaper changed. Mommy and Daddy always sings songs to me - mostly Sesame Street songs based upon whichever character is on my diaper. "C is for Cookie" if it's Cookie Monster, "Rubber Duckie, You're The One" if it's Ernie, and then made-up lyrics to either of those tunes for any other characters.

I really love "Baby Maggie, You're The One" with Daddy's special lyrics!

Trip To Sequim

Hi Everybody! Today Mommy and Daddy took me up to Sequim to for a very busy day!

First, I finally got to meet my Uncle Denzel (Daddy's brother), Aunt Lisa and Cousin Khia! We had lunch together and then went to a park for some pictures. It was a short visit, but we'll get to spend more time together soon, I'm sure.

Then we went to visit my Great-Grandma (and namesake) and as a bonus we got to see Grandma Sharon and Grandpa Jeff. I had a ton of fun and was a total show-off. In addition to the pictures we took, Mommy got a great video of me talking to Grandma!

Drool

Mommy was just importing some photos of me (I'm up to 985 in her iPhoto library!) and she thought that this one really shows what a fantastic drooler I am. Oh yeah, and that I'm really, really cute.

I've recently discovered my 'voice' and now love to make all sorts of sounds and squeals. Mommy and Daddy have been trying really hard to get this new fun on video, but just like when I first started smiling, I'm playing hard to get. I just LOVE messing with them!

My First Video!

OK, so it's not the very first video ever taken of me, but it's the first one to appear online! Mommy, Daddy and I went to Aaron and Gena's house yesterday to see their 2 1/2 year old son Soren and their 5 week old daughter Julia. It's the first time I've ever met a baby younger than me! We had a great time and I can't wait to see them again!

Here's the video of Daddy and me, then some pictures of our fun day.

First Day With Darla

Mommy went back to work full-time today. Although I miss her terribly, I get to spend all day long with Darla. She is a wonderful woman who Daddy found through some of his co-workers. She and her family live really close to Daddy's school and she has TONS of experience with day care. She's got four wonderful kids of her own and has been watching other people's kids for a long time too.

My goal is to be the cutest and best baby she's ever taken care of (aside from her own kids, of course) and so far I think I'm doing a pretty good job. But I guess only time will tell. I don't have a picture of me with her yet, but I will soon!

Many thanks to Grandma Sharon and Grandma Ellen for staying and watching me while Mommy worked part-time during October. It was so much fun to spend time with you! I've told Mommy and Daddy that they need to go out more often so that you can come and spend even more time with me! I love you!

My First Halloween!

My very first Halloween! Daddy was just as excited as me, since I'm old enough to go trick-or-treating but I'm not old enough to eat candy yet (bummer for me, great for him)! I was the cutest (and only) hot dog that we saw and even though I slept some of the time, I made out like a bandit! Many thanks to Jason who held my candy bag while Daddy pushed my stroller. I'm already thinking of costume ideas for next year. Any suggestions?

Snuggling With Mommy

This evening Daddy snapped a picture of me snuggling with Mommy after a feeding. I get so relaxed when I'm full that I tend to fall asleep on Mommy's shoulder. It's one of my favorite things to do. She loves it when we snuggle because I look so comfortable and beautiful. But that's just her personal opinion. What do you think?

Bumbo-Mania!

Grandma Debbie was told by her Grandma-friend Margie that I absolutely NEEDED a Bumbo chair. It's this fun little foam chair that helps babies sit up when they can't do it on their own yet. I LOVE MY BUMBO!!! I look like such a big girl sitting up "all by myself".

A Note From Mommy: Yes, we know that the Bumbo is not without controversy. Within a week of getting Maggie's Bumbo, the manufacturers had to issue a warning about the safety of the chair when used on raised surfaces (which it says on the chair NOT to do). Apparently, some parents don't know how to read the warnings on the Bumbo and they put their babies in the chairs on raised surfaces like a table or counter. And, very unfortunately, some of these babies squirmed their way out of the chairs and fell, getting hurt in the process. It's very sad that these babies were hurt, there's no doubt about that. But I feel that these accidents could have been avoided if the parents acted a little more thoughtfully. If I put Maggie in the Bumbo on a high counter and she squirmed her way out of it and fell, I'm fairly certain that would be MY fault, not the chair's. Anyway, we LOVE the Bumbo, and so does Maggie.

My Receding Hairline

Right after I was born with my very full head of hair, a bunch of people told Mommy that it's very common for babies to lose the hair on the back of their heads. This happens because we babies spend a lot of time on our backs and our heads rub against whatever surface we're laying on. So, we lose hair in spots.

Mommy thought that surely, this wouldn't happen to me because of how much hair I had when I was really little (and that at first I didn't lay on my back a lot because I was being held all of the time). But, sure enough, over the past month I have lost a lot of hair in a funny ring around my head. It's still long in the back and thinning out a bit on the top, but you can clearly see the ring. Mommy calls it my 'Monk's Mullet' and Daddy just prefers to keep a hat on me.

Don't worry, it will grow back!

My Aunt Lonee

Hi everybody! This weekend my Aunt Lonee came from college at WSU to visit me. I don't get to see her that often since she's busy with school, but we had a great time together! Here's a picture of us together in my bedroom. I have a little game I like to play with her... basically, I start to fuss and cry which makes her panic a little and call for Mommy or Daddy to come and help. Then I stop. It's funny. Maybe when she comes for Thanksgiving I'll come up with a new game that doesn't make her worry.

I'm 3 Months Old!!!

Time is passing by so quickly ~ I turned 3 months old last Thursday! Mommy was really sick otherwise she would have posted sooner. I've been really good and have let her get a lot of rest.

I'm getting really big and am outgrowing another size of clothing. I'm probably between 12-13 pounds right now and maybe 23 inches long or so, but still look little to Mommy and Daddy. I've lost a good portion of my hair (look for another post soon on that topic) and Daddy prefers to keep a hat on me to cover my 'Monk's Mullet'.

Mommy is back at work part-time in the morning and the first week Grandma Sharon looked after me and then last week Grandma Ellen watched me. I love spending time with them, they play with me and tell me how much they love me and how pretty I am. They will split the next couple of weeks with me until Nov. 1 when Mommy goes to work full-time and I start going to my new day care lady. She's really nice and I know we'll have a good time together.

Mommy and Daddy have been kind of slacking off taking pictures of me, but I've told them to get on it because I've got adoring fans out there! I'll talk to you soon!

I'm A Hallo-Weiner!

I know I'm jumping the gun a little bit, but here's an advanced screening of my Halloween costume. Get it? Hallo-Weiner? Aren't I cute enough to eat?