Sunday, December 28, 2008

Baptism Day

Cousins Holden and Jack were baptised last Sunday at St Austin by Father Steve who made the ceremony festive with his good humor.

Holden was happy as ever, dancing to the organ music and singing out during mass. He managed to stay in good spirits even though he had a stomach bug and subsequent poo-tastraphe in the middle of the mass. I cleaned him up the best I could and wrapped a blanket around his soaked overalls. He stunk to high heavan but luckily his godmother Michelle was gracious enough to hold him anyway and he slept peacefully through the entire baptism ceremony like a cherub, only stirring a bit at the second dousing of holy water.

We were happy to get him home and in the bath, a quick change and then a fun celebration for the newly baptised boys at our home.

We are delighted to have the honor to be baby Jack's godparents and glad that our boys were able to share this special day.



Baby Holden and GG at the begining of mass.

Baby Holden waving 'Hi' - one of his newer talents.


Holden with his godmother Michelle and GG with Lily.
Our big boys with Grammy and Papa.

Will absorbed with his trains on the church steps.


Lily


Baby Jack with parents Tia Christy and Chris and paternal grandparents Mary and John.


Holden's godparents Stuart and Michelle.

Our boys.

Christmas Day

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Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Monday, December 08, 2008

Santa

Our friends Renee and Ned hosted a party with Santa this weekend.

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Last Day

Yesterday was my last day at Dell. They offered voluntary separation packages so that they can hopefully avoid layoffs. It ended up being the nudge I needed to leave work and stay at home with the kids.

Before it was just too difficult for me to give up a part time position with a good salary and benefits. I was only in the office three days so I could still be home with the kids most of the week. It felt like a good compromise. But with the offer of almost a half a year pay it tipped the scales to staying home full time. It feels like good timing now that the 'big kids' are two. They are needing more individual attention and new activities.

Being home will allow me to get them out of the house more for trips to the zoo or nature center. We will be able to do some more activities like swimming classes. And I'll be able to get a better handle on our home routines, like meal planning or seemingly simple stuff like getting the day started. I'm keeping Carmen. I need her right now so that we can get out of the house and so I can spend the individual time with my kids that I have been craving.

It is a big transition. It feels good to close that chapter of my life and look to what is next. This past week I was able to reflect on my six years of work then let go of all those old work files and emails. I feel lighter. Someday I do want to work again but taking some time away will help me figure out what I really want to do and in the meantime spend some meaningful time with my children.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Monkeys

Four can fit in our new tub.


Three little monkeys jumping on the bed.


Picking bananas for breakfast.



Friday, November 28, 2008

Thankful

We have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving... a beautiful new home and a big happy family to fill it. I'm thankful I have the opportunity to take some time away from work. Only two more days in the office and then I'm taking a year off to spend more time with family. I asked the kids what they were thankful for and Lily added 'Pacha', our neighborhood coffee shop. Me too, Lily, me too.

Our trio's third Thanksgiving, I can barely believe it. They were just two months old their first Thanksgiving.
Will's first Thanksgiving.

Evan's first Thanksgiving.
Lily's first Thanksgiving.





Last year we celebrated with GG in Florida.


Will at GG's house, Holden looks so much like him in this photo. Holden is already wearing these hand me downs too.
This year we spent the day with david's parents Grammy, Papa and my dad, Grandpa and introduced Holden to the holiday traditions. He enjoyed his first feast.
Baby Jack's first Thanksgiving.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Jack Owen


Happy Birthday Jack. Aunt Christy delivered a bouncing baby boy yesterday. He was a whopping 9 lbs 9 oz and 21 and a half inches long.
He is absolutely perfect, a darling beautiful baby with a thick head of dark hair and long legs, fingers and toes. I can see Chris' eyes and Christy's chin and long legs and fingers. He is already so strong and was already lifting his head up this morning during my visit.

Jack Owen
Congrats to the happy new mom and dad.
Tia and baby


I'm an Aunt.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Waiting for Baby


David's sister Christy was due last Tuesday so we are expecting the newest addition to the family very soon.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Happy Birthday David!

Candles arranged by Lily.

Holden stayed up for the birthday party.


Uncle Jason introduces Holden to chocolate cake.


Isn't life great?

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

First Steps

Holden took his first steps yesterday!

Jessica was here and she handed him a toy and he just walked over to her. I had to have her repeat it for me. And sure enough, he took three steady steps. David got to view his new skills just before jetting off to the airport.

Holden is still really a crawler and cruiser but it looks like he will be toddling around in time for the holidays.


He has also figured out how to crawl out of his highchair onto the table. Right after I snapped this photo Holden grabbed a little handful of Will's cheerios.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Treasure


Click here if you want to hear something beautiful.

I love the way Pia plays this song 'comptine d’un autre été' by Yann Tiersen on a old piano that needs a little tuning. It has a slightly imperfect quality that somehow makes it feel even more rich and tangible. I think it is a bit slower or more languid than originally composed...very peaceful.

Sunday, November 02, 2008

And More Halloween Festivities

Party at Jenny & Greg's house.

Holden

Lily


Will


Evan


Lily

Lil stinger.


Jessica and Lily.



Dancing late night.