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).

One Month Old

On Friday Caitlin was four weeks old, and it seems like she has always been part of the family. This past Saturday Caitlin met her Uncle Chris for the first time. She stared at him for quite some time . . . . . that is when her eyes were open. Caitlin went to church for the first time on Saturday. Even though her dinnertime fell right in the middle of mass, Caitlin was well-behaved during the whole hour. On Sunday we headed up to Green Bluff to pick a pumpkin. Green Bluff is a beautiful area north of Spokane with many orchards. They grow apples, cherries, peaches, raspberries, and pumpkins just to name a few items. The picking options were pretty slim, but we found Caitlin's first pumpkin and will carve it later this week. There is a vineyard called Townshend there as well, and since it was so convenient we stopped by for a quick tasting and to pick up a few bottles. Caitlin abstained from the wine, but her mom and uncle did not! Today we took Caitlin to the hospital to be weighed. She currently weighs 9 pounds!

Just the three of us

Well, it is now just the three of us. All the grandparents have gone. So far we have been able to survive. The first night on our own went very well. Taking shifts allowed each of us to get a solid four hour chunk of sleep along with some cat naps. However, the past two nights have been a bit more difficult. Caitlin has been a bit more fussy during the night, and we have been a bit more paranoid. With that said, I think we have a schedule that will work for Kim and I, if only it will work for Caitlin. We are not sure exactly what the fussiness is about. We are thinking gas, but are not too sure.

During the day Caitlin is doing quite well. She eats regularly, every multiple of three on the clock. She is participating in some tummy time and has been able to turn her head a few times. She enjoys her play gym and swing even though she can only handle a few minutes before she gets overwhelmed and begins to fuss. She had her first bath and went for a couple of walks in our neighborhood.