Just a quick movie of some snapshots of Katie from this Christmas. As you will see, we had a wonderful Christmas-- We hope you all had a good one too! I'll try and get some more posts up here once the holiday madness has passed.
Merry Christmas!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Redecorating by the Baby
I mean, I knew we'd have to rearrange the house to make things safer and easier for the kiddo-- but I really didn't expect her to get so involved so soon in the "deciding" where things should go...
All I wanted was 10 minutes of peace to take a shower and this is what I returned to in the nursery-- Of course, she was so proud of herself for figuring out how to get the clothes out of the drawers and off the shelves. Oh well, could be worse-- at least she hasn't been taking lessons from her cousins and dipping everything in the toilet first!
I was wrong. (see a small portion of the chaos below)
All I wanted was 10 minutes of peace to take a shower and this is what I returned to in the nursery-- Of course, she was so proud of herself for figuring out how to get the clothes out of the drawers and off the shelves. Oh well, could be worse-- at least she hasn't been taking lessons from her cousins and dipping everything in the toilet first!Katie's First Thanksgiving
She wasn't a huge fan of her mashed potatoes and turkey bits-- and she fell asleep during dinner itself-- but apparently some things are genetic--
Mom tells me I did this at my first Thanksgiving too (ok... I was only 2 months old and it was my great-grandmothers "fault", but still!)
Mom tells me I did this at my first Thanksgiving too (ok... I was only 2 months old and it was my great-grandmothers "fault", but still!)
And isn't she way cuter than a turkey anyway?
Brownie-Spider 2008
Even though the Brownies lost miserably-- it was one of the most enjoyable games I've been to. Garrettson and Craig argued about the two teams merits and the gals all enjoyed catching up. We headed out for lunch afterward to thaw out-- it was COLD! But seriously-- Katie was the cutest Brownie there. (And I was mistaken for a student, but that is a WHOLE different issue!)
Off to DC with Katie!
We spent a few days in DC last week-- Craig was at a conference and Katie and I tagged along to enjoy the city. We went to the Natural History Museum (Katie liked the small tropical aquarium there-- dinosaurs were not interesting yet though!) and took a picture just for my Mom... so Mom- Here you go! (sorry about the lousy look, 
we'd hiked 10 blocks in the pouring rain-- and then I had to haul her stroller up 9 billion stairs to the entrance because NOWHERE was it marked that the handicapped access was around the other side, and it was still pouring and there was NO way I was hiking to the other side of the building at that point!)
The next day we went to the National zoo-- it was pretty chilly, but we met up with friends and walked around. Katie got a HUGE kick out of the small monkeys--- particularly the golden tamarins--
they were so colorful and active. She also watched the gorillas and orang utans (yeah, that's 2 words, who knew?!)pretty intently.
The new Asia exhibit has a lot of nice features-- there are displays at kiddo height with swatches of the fur of each animal that you can touch and buttons to push that make the animals sounds and such-- Katie was a big fan of the Red Panda fur-- so we got a snapshot of her on the panda statue!
It was a nice day at the zoo overall.
And then to top it off, we finally got to eat at Jaleo-- a Spanish restaurant in the DC area that I have wanted to go to for years! We had pan amb tomaquet (toasted bread with tomatoes), gambas al ajillo (sizzling garlic shrimp and peppers), house made chorizo, and rosejat-- sort of a paella made with vermicelli and seafood. It was all delicious-- and other than the hostess thinking we were nuts for having our baby with us, it was wonderful. I'm not sure why she was so shocked it was a Sunday-- its not like I feared a wild party crew was going to come and start a brawl or something... who knows? Katie was pretty good though, so it all worked out well.
It was definitely a nice trip away and I enjoyed taking a few days away from work!
we'd hiked 10 blocks in the pouring rain-- and then I had to haul her stroller up 9 billion stairs to the entrance because NOWHERE was it marked that the handicapped access was around the other side, and it was still pouring and there was NO way I was hiking to the other side of the building at that point!)The next day we went to the National zoo-- it was pretty chilly, but we met up with friends and walked around. Katie got a HUGE kick out of the small monkeys--- particularly the golden tamarins--
they were so colorful and active. She also watched the gorillas and orang utans (yeah, that's 2 words, who knew?!)pretty intently.The new Asia exhibit has a lot of nice features-- there are displays at kiddo height with swatches of the fur of each animal that you can touch and buttons to push that make the animals sounds and such-- Katie was a big fan of the Red Panda fur-- so we got a snapshot of her on the panda statue!
It was a nice day at the zoo overall.
And then to top it off, we finally got to eat at Jaleo-- a Spanish restaurant in the DC area that I have wanted to go to for years! We had pan amb tomaquet (toasted bread with tomatoes), gambas al ajillo (sizzling garlic shrimp and peppers), house made chorizo, and rosejat-- sort of a paella made with vermicelli and seafood. It was all delicious-- and other than the hostess thinking we were nuts for having our baby with us, it was wonderful. I'm not sure why she was so shocked it was a Sunday-- its not like I feared a wild party crew was going to come and start a brawl or something... who knows? Katie was pretty good though, so it all worked out well.
It was definitely a nice trip away and I enjoyed taking a few days away from work!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Still confused, but bits of good news
Still unclear on what people are thinking-- I know Bush was unpopular--- but to think that a swing away from personal responsibility is the answer-- well, that I don't get!
There were some good bits of news coming out of the election cycle-- sadly the defeat of Murtha was not one of them-- that man is really a jerk.
Anyway, Californians upheld their previously passed and then knocked down by the judicial system act-- to limit marriage to a man and a woman. Whether you agree with the purpose of the bill or not. It does demonstrate the power of the voters over the power of judges which may become important again in the future.
A number of states had ballot issues surrounding affirmative action (a BIG pet peeve of mine!) Nebraska passed theirs banning state and local governments from giving preferential treatment to people on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity or national origin. YAY! I am pretty sure that even though we have elected a president of a different race-- many will still claim it is "impossible" for minorities to gain success without handouts based on skin-color, but we shall see. Nebraska joins CA, MI, and WA in similar bans. The decision in Colorado is still up in the air.
There were some good bits of news coming out of the election cycle-- sadly the defeat of Murtha was not one of them-- that man is really a jerk.
Anyway, Californians upheld their previously passed and then knocked down by the judicial system act-- to limit marriage to a man and a woman. Whether you agree with the purpose of the bill or not. It does demonstrate the power of the voters over the power of judges which may become important again in the future.
A number of states had ballot issues surrounding affirmative action (a BIG pet peeve of mine!) Nebraska passed theirs banning state and local governments from giving preferential treatment to people on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity or national origin. YAY! I am pretty sure that even though we have elected a president of a different race-- many will still claim it is "impossible" for minorities to gain success without handouts based on skin-color, but we shall see. Nebraska joins CA, MI, and WA in similar bans. The decision in Colorado is still up in the air.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
No sour grapes, just a lot of confusion...
Apparently the majority of voting Americans feel that the government knows better than they do how to manage their lives-- so that being said--
I expect that those who voted for Obama will remove their children from their private schools and enroll them in the public ones-- after all, the goverment knows best and we want to ensure that EVERYONE receives exactly the same education and opportunities.
That those same people will allow the bureaucracy that plagues the VA to infect their medical care. I mean, just because you've PAID for your health insurance, doesn't necessarily mean YOU should get medical care before others or in the location of your preference. Expect months to year long waits for procedures and diminished access to health care for "hopeless" cases.
That they will allow the government to determine the timing and viability of your children-- its only a small step from allowing abortion to encouraging it in the cases of "undesirable" children who would be a "drain" on society. Particularly when society is footing the bill for these children.
That they will abandon their protests of free speech since they rapidly have abandoned their recognition of other portions of the Bill of Rights.
That they will immediately start writing checks for the government to determine where and how to spend. Regardless of income-- your tax money will be used to fund an increasing array of social-welfare and special interest groups.
That they will prepare for a semi-imminent shift in world-power and increased intimidation in the face of a US leader who is more interested in accomodation than defense.
But, the majority has spoken. That being said, I hope you all somehow found something I missed and that our new president turns out to be the man you hope for, and not an embodiment of the lack of traditional American values I fear. I will defend those values in my home and with my family and will watch the next 4 years with a mixture of curiousity and hope that things are not as dark as they seem right now.
I expect that those who voted for Obama will remove their children from their private schools and enroll them in the public ones-- after all, the goverment knows best and we want to ensure that EVERYONE receives exactly the same education and opportunities.
That those same people will allow the bureaucracy that plagues the VA to infect their medical care. I mean, just because you've PAID for your health insurance, doesn't necessarily mean YOU should get medical care before others or in the location of your preference. Expect months to year long waits for procedures and diminished access to health care for "hopeless" cases.
That they will allow the government to determine the timing and viability of your children-- its only a small step from allowing abortion to encouraging it in the cases of "undesirable" children who would be a "drain" on society. Particularly when society is footing the bill for these children.
That they will abandon their protests of free speech since they rapidly have abandoned their recognition of other portions of the Bill of Rights.
That they will immediately start writing checks for the government to determine where and how to spend. Regardless of income-- your tax money will be used to fund an increasing array of social-welfare and special interest groups.
That they will prepare for a semi-imminent shift in world-power and increased intimidation in the face of a US leader who is more interested in accomodation than defense.
But, the majority has spoken. That being said, I hope you all somehow found something I missed and that our new president turns out to be the man you hope for, and not an embodiment of the lack of traditional American values I fear. I will defend those values in my home and with my family and will watch the next 4 years with a mixture of curiousity and hope that things are not as dark as they seem right now.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Trick or Treat!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Visit to Annapolis
This past weekend we headed down to visit Becky and Garrettson in Annapolis. We went to my second Navy football game-- and I can at least say it was warmer than the last one-- wetter, 
but warmer. We had a wonderful time, and Katie stayed all cuddled up in my sling inside my raincoat! WE even invented the newest sport craze to sweep the nation-- Awning-sailing! It was one heck of a windy day!
Then on Sunday we went to walk around Annapolis and the Naval Academy. It was a beautiful day to be outside and we learned that Katie is just the right size to be a cannon ball.
And, that she seems to like being inside artillery.... hmmmm... I am soooo in trouble with this kid. She had fun flirting with the pictures of midshipmen... yeah-- soooooo in trouble with this kid.
but warmer. We had a wonderful time, and Katie stayed all cuddled up in my sling inside my raincoat! WE even invented the newest sport craze to sweep the nation-- Awning-sailing! It was one heck of a windy day!Then on Sunday we went to walk around Annapolis and the Naval Academy. It was a beautiful day to be outside and we learned that Katie is just the right size to be a cannon ball.
And, that she seems to like being inside artillery.... hmmmm... I am soooo in trouble with this kid. She had fun flirting with the pictures of midshipmen... yeah-- soooooo in trouble with this kid.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Hayride with the Babies
Some of the moms from breastfeeding class got together with the kiddos and Dads to go out for pizza and then on a Hayride. Katie had fun-- so here are some random cuteness pictures!
Katie's the oldest by 6 weeks and then is about 3 months older than most of them... still, she's the teeny one! (in a frog hat!)
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
another good quote
“A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government. A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover that they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy, which is always followed by a dictatorship.”
Andrew Tyler (Tytler?) 1787
Whoever said it... I think they may be right and we're all heading right along with it.
Andrew Tyler (Tytler?) 1787
Whoever said it... I think they may be right and we're all heading right along with it.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
From one of our founding fathers.
"A wise and frugal government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, which shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government." –-Thomas Jefferson’s First Inaugural Address (1801)
I'm pretty sure he had it right. Not the ideals of "spread the wealth around" we're hearing about these days!
I'm pretty sure he had it right. Not the ideals of "spread the wealth around" we're hearing about these days!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Random Bathtub Baby Cuteness
This kid sure loves the water. I think she'd stay in there all night if we let her!
Bathtime is Daddy's domain, hence the crazy hairstyles, but they have a blast in there!
But seriously, how cute is the kiddo???
Bathtime is Daddy's domain, hence the crazy hairstyles, but they have a blast in there! 
But seriously, how cute is the kiddo???
My godson
This weekend was also the baptism for my new godson, Sam. He was perfect all through the ceremony-- even though there were 10! kids being baptised that afternoon. He actually SLEPT through most of it. Unbelievable!
Craig got to enjoy some quality sling-baby nap time in church too.
My first cake job!
I had my first wedding cake job!
It was for a friend from grad school's wedding this past weekend. Three tiers, served about 100. The bottom tier was coconut cake with raspberries, the middle was a vanilla pound cake with lemon curd and the top tier was a chocolate cake with mocha cream filling. All frosted in buttercream in a spackle/plaster fashion (what was requested). It was pretty darn good if I do say so myself! I even got some very nice compliments from the reception hall staff and was asked what shop I worked for. No one believed it was my first wedding cake (ok... 2nd)! Here are some pictures of the masterpiece. (the flowers and ribbon were the bride's choice and how cute are those little mice for a science-y couple?!?!?)
As a bonus, Craig and I actually had an adult night out for a change! My mom got to stay with the munchkin and other than some bathtime related poo, they had a blast too. 
Friday, October 3, 2008
Craig is soooo going to run with this business idea!
Who'd have ever thought I'd link to PETA... but this is TOOOOO funny!
"The breast is best! Won't you give cows and their babies a break and our health a boost by switching from cow's milk to breast milk in Ben and Jerry's ice cream? Thank you for your consideration."
Craig has been saying I should do this for months. Breast milk ice cream and cheese for Katie.
Nutty.
"The breast is best! Won't you give cows and their babies a break and our health a boost by switching from cow's milk to breast milk in Ben and Jerry's ice cream? Thank you for your consideration."
Craig has been saying I should do this for months. Breast milk ice cream and cheese for Katie.
Nutty.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Mom, Still think they're blue?
Here's a newer photo pf Katie. Her eyes are definitely changing color.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
A Message for Kakie from Craig and Katie
In honor of today's momentous sporting event, I was ordered to share the following happy baby image.
And also to point out that she is NOT happy as a Steeler's fan...
I would like to add though, that she knows where her TRUE loyalty lies....
As a side note, Mom, she's eating "spaghetti" in these photos-- Pastina with tomatoes, cheese, and garlic/italian seasoning. It's a hit.
And also to point out that she is NOT happy as a Steeler's fan...
I would like to add though, that she knows where her TRUE loyalty lies....
As a side note, Mom, she's eating "spaghetti" in these photos-- Pastina with tomatoes, cheese, and garlic/italian seasoning. It's a hit.Friday, September 19, 2008
Bits of news on the Peanut
Katie is still a very inquisitive little girl. She has now started to try and climb out of her crib! My 6 month old?!?! I'll have to get a picture of her little escape artist tricks up here to share. She looks so mischevious.
She continues to LOVE every food we put near her. The biggest hit is the Cauliflower-Tomato Gratin. She screams bloody murder if we don't shovel it in fast enough. She's also eating Barley and Oatmeal cereal (no more rice, that stuff is HORRIBLE tasting), carrots, green beans, yams, acorn and butternut squash, a Pea-Potato-Leek puree (also makes an amazing soup for grownups), applesauce, nectarines, and a little bit of banana.
Coming up this week I think we'll try pears, parsnips, and spinach.
Other than that, she has started creeping, mostly backwards-- but she's getting around. So the baby-proofing has begun, we've barred off the fish tanks and electrical cords and picked up some gates-- all ready to install this weekend!
She continues to LOVE every food we put near her. The biggest hit is the Cauliflower-Tomato Gratin. She screams bloody murder if we don't shovel it in fast enough. She's also eating Barley and Oatmeal cereal (no more rice, that stuff is HORRIBLE tasting), carrots, green beans, yams, acorn and butternut squash, a Pea-Potato-Leek puree (also makes an amazing soup for grownups), applesauce, nectarines, and a little bit of banana.
Coming up this week I think we'll try pears, parsnips, and spinach.
Other than that, she has started creeping, mostly backwards-- but she's getting around. So the baby-proofing has begun, we've barred off the fish tanks and electrical cords and picked up some gates-- all ready to install this weekend!
Happy Talk Like a Pirate Day 2008!
Just a quick joke...
"What kind o' socks does a pirate wear? - Arrrrgyle!"
"What kind o' socks does a pirate wear? - Arrrrgyle!"
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Family Pics and 6 Months Old!
We finally got some family photos taken and YAY, they turned out really well. I am posting a few here, but if you click on the link and use my name, you can see many more. Click here for more pictures
The JC Penneys here converted to digital equipment and we were one of the "learning experiences" so there are lots of odd editing things they did with the pictures, but the photos themselves are just great.
The JC Penneys here converted to digital equipment and we were one of the "learning experiences" so there are lots of odd editing things they did with the pictures, but the photos themselves are just great.
Katie's doing well, we started feeding her "solids" on Friday-- so far rice cereal is ok, green beans are better with a little milk mixed in and avocado is a BIG hit-- the jury is still out on the barley cereal. She is pretty darn cute when she's eating. Very very excited!
My Mom was here to visit on Sunday and helped me make up a bunch of foods for the peanut to try-- we made butternut and acorn squash, yams, carrots, green beans and nectarines-- not as hard as I had figured, but I was very glad for the help! Frozen cubes of food are now stacked to the gills in the freezer just waiting on their turn to be used as a body paint by the munchkin.
YUM. Thanks Dada
I can soooo do this myself, just give me that spoon.
This food on a spoon stuff isn't too bad!
And just one last photo of random Katie cuteness (this kid is very photogenic... it sure isn't my genes on that one- I always look lousy in photos)
Friday, August 29, 2008
North Carolina Trip
Just a few random pictures from the trip to North Carolina for Craig's Uncle Don's retirement party.
Katie tried out swimming, As you can see, it was a hit! (of course, the lake was warm as bath water)
Katie got to visit with Aunt Maggie (and she wonderfully gave me a break from baby lugging for a few minutes!)
Katie's first birthday party-- well, she was a guest at L.'s party. She was not a huge fan of the hat though...
Katie tried out swimming, As you can see, it was a hit! (of course, the lake was warm as bath water)
Katie got to visit with Aunt Maggie (and she wonderfully gave me a break from baby lugging for a few minutes!)
Katie's first birthday party-- well, she was a guest at L.'s party. She was not a huge fan of the hat though...
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Little Brother
Little brother and his wife are here for a few days... have new pictures, but will be a bit til I post them... I am busy trying to prevent him from teaching her any more.... 
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