Caitlin's First Christmas

What a week!!! Uncle Chris, Grandma and Grandpa braved the winter snow and travelled from the East Coast to the West Coast to celebrate Christmas with the three of us. After a bit of worry about winter travel everyone made it to Spokane safely. Christmas day was a delight. It began with an aebleskiver breakfast. No eating contest like in years past, but a good breakfast to start the Christmas day. Then off to celebrate Christmas mass. The snow must of discourage some from attending as there church was half full. Then we returned home, where we opened presents and had a wonderful prime rib dinner. In all it was a wonderful day to spend with family.

Lots of snow

December was the snowiest month in Spokane's recorded history. I do not know the exact amount of snow, but I do know that my back is sore from shovelling. If you can get past the aches and pains of shovelling and the cabin fever of not leaving the house, it is amazingly beautiful. It snowed so hard over a 30 hour period that Gonzaga cancelled the last two days of semester finals. The snowed stayed around making for a wonderful white Christmas.

Tomato Contest Winner

This post is well past due. Papa Gizmo is this years tomato contest winner. He had the most tomatoes and the largest tomato. I am not sure what the exact count was, but he had over 100 tomatoes. Easily beating my 50 tomatoes. I am never heard David's count, but from what I gather it was not a good year. Anyways, great work to Papa Gizmo who has now won two of the past three years.

Christmas is coming and the Baby Goose is getting fat

Christmas is on its way. Caitlin is doing well, weighing in at approximately 11 and a half pounds. We bought her first Christmas tree. It looks like the best tree ever. However, everything looks like it is the best ever these days. We were able to get the Christmas lights up just before the snow came and the temperatures dropped into the teens. The snow is beautiful and will hopefully stick around through Christmas.

Caitlin visited Gonzaga this past week. She enjoyed all the attention as she seems to be a social butterfly. She certainly has a lot of Kim in her. If Caitlin is not trying to be part of the activities, she is probably staring at the ceiling fan. She really loves to stare at the fan. I guess if I stared at the ceiling all day, I might like the fan also.

In the video you might notice Caitlin's super strength as she tears the handle from the sun. She does enjoy her daily workouts, although not so much with the tummy time.

Two Months and Turkey Day!

On Tuesday, November 25, one day before Caitlin's official 2 month birthday, she had the first round of shots. Caitlin was a trooper and only cried a little. She was a bit cranky the next two days, but by Friday she was back to her happy smiley self! We enjoyed a snowy Thanksgiving in Spokane at the Rays' with lots of delicious food. Caitlin was a big hit with everyone, and Maggie did a great job holding her. John was very happy that we could take some leftover turkey so he could have his traditional "turkey on toast" Friday morning. Caitlin made her Whitworth debut on Monday and was welcomed graciously by the School of Education faculty and staff. We are looking forward to our first holiday season with Caitlin.

Weeks Seven and Eight

Caitlin has been discovering her environment over the past two weeks. She is very aware of lights, fans, and the animals on her swing and in her play gym. She has traveled throughout Spokane to Babies 'r' Us, Target, and Riverpark Square. On Friday, November 21, Caitlin was officially 8 weeks which means it is time her her first shots. She is scheduled for the shots this Tuesday, and we aren't sure if it will be more traumatic for Caitlin or for her mom. We are enjoying using Skype with all Caitlin's grandparents. It's such a great way for them to see her on a regular basis.

Week Five

Caitlin has been a busy girl recently. She is growing out of the newborn clothes and into 0-3 month items. We are very fortunate to have been given so many adorable outfits. Turning the clocks back an hour seems to have played havoc with her schedule, but I think we are getting back on track. Caitlin also has daily activities such as tummy time, reading, and time in the play gym where she is starting to reach for things.

Since most Halloween costumes were far to big for Caitlin, we chose to accessorize instead. She is wearing a onesie decorated by Grandma Gizmo (John's mom).