Another busy week

Papa Walter and Grandma Boo came over for dinner on Sunday night. It was a nice dinner and we got to break in the high chair that Emily and Josh loaned us.
Playgroup was at Jen's house Monday afternoon. Our group was cut in half due to the nasty cold that's making its rounds. We missed Ethan, Mallory, and Zach, but Lucy, Preston, and Oliver managed to have fun anyway.

Just within the last couple of weeks Lucy has really started smiling for the camera. Although she is smiling more, it's still not easy getting a good shot. Here she is playing "shy".

Lucy and Dad hanging out after dinner on Monday night. That's designated "Dad and Daughter" bonding time.

Me and my little cuddle-buddy. She is so warm and snuggly in the morning. She loves to play with my hair and rub my face when it's time to get up.

This is what I mean about getting a good photo. Sure she's smiling, but she's also ready to face plant.

The shirt says "Spoiled by Grandma", courtesy of Grandma Judy. We are very excited because we get to see Grandma Judy and Aunt Peg in a little over a month. We will make sure to take plenty of pictures to post on the blog.

You got mail!

Lucy recieved a package today. It was from Uncle Iain and Aunt Katie. I wonder what it is...
Let's open it and find out!
A nice card...
and a personalized coat hook!
Uncle Iain and Aunt Katie, I love my present. Thank you so much and can't wait to see you both this Spring. Love and XOXO, Lucy

Funny Girl

Lucy is too funny sometimes. Here she is having fun on some sort of jumper think that basically wrecks your door molding and ends up costing over 1000 dollars for a few hours of fun. But with the playgroups and social circle that she runs in, there are a lot of new toys for her to play with, and a lot for mom and dad to evaluate in order to keep up with the Jones'. I first questioned this jumper contraption - knowing the damage it will do - but then Lucy told me that Mallory had one so she needed to have one too. By the way, she told me this with her eyes since she can't talk yet.

People say that Lucy looks like her father...well, I am starting to think that is true because the photo below looks like Lucy's father....at Mardi Gras. One tip if you ever go; don't use the same hand gesture to cops or people in security uniforms...they will never get the fact that you were trying to say 'You're #1'. Helpful tips like that appear periodically throughout the blog.

Lucy chilling in her addidas sweatsuit that Grandpa got for her. Next will be matching crushed velour track suits for the whole family...nothing says comfort like crushed velour. When we first opened the gift, I thought Lucy would be 7 before she would wear it...now I know why my family always bought me clothes that were a little big and not necessarily perfectly 'fitted'.

Doctor's Appointment

Miss Lucy had another round of immunizations today. She nearly broke Dad's heart when that first shot was given. What a sad cry! We're home now and she's doing well; playing in her exersaucer and babbling incoherently (knock on wood). I hope that she stays like this, because I remember all too vividly what effect the last shots had on her.

Here are her stats for the month:

Head circumference-17 inches (90%)

Length-26 inches (90%)

Weight-16 pounds, 4 ounces (85%)

Dr. Cattaneo says that she's a very healthy girl and seems to be doing quite well. We talked about when to introduce cereal, and he recommended sometime in the fifth or sixth month, but no later than seven months. Apparently, babies are more prone to develop allergies and eczema if introduced to cereal and table food before three months and after seven. I'm glad I know that because I plan on waiting as long as possible. She's just so efficient on the breast that I know it's going to be more work switching her over.

Happy Baby; obviously before the shots.

Over the shoulder pose."I'm flying!"
"I love tummy time."
"I found my toes!"

Emily and Josh's Wedding

This past Saturday my dearest friend Emily married her Prince Charming, Mr. Joshua Sutton. She was a radiant bride and he a beaming groom. As I watched them exchanging vows I was reminded how truly lucky we are to find our "other-halfs". And they are just that, best friends and soul mates. They bring out the best in each other. I was a pround friend standing beside them at the alter.

When Charles and I went shopping for Lucy's Christmas dress we bought one we figured could serve double-duty: Christmas and wedding. After all, Christmas was only a few weeks before the wedding. Boy, were we wrong. It was way too small when I pulled it out last week. How does one little baby grow so fast? Well, since I'm trying to be a good steward, I decided to hit the thrift stores to find her a new dress. My search proved fruitless. There was little selection and what they had was over priced. Luckily Old Navy was having their end-of-the-season sale. I was able to buy her this adorable dress for under five dollars. I even stocked up on clothing for her next year. What a steal!

My mother is truly a saint. Saturday was busy from sun up to sun down. She met us at the church and watched Lucy and Mallory while all us girls were getting ready. Then, at the reception she took Lucy so Dad and I could have dinner. I tried to relieve her of her "duties" and she said, "Take your husband and go dance." She finally relinqushed Lucy at the end of the evening. I appreciate so much everything she does for me. I only hope and pray I can be such a good mother to Lucy.

Our first picture together at the wedding.

The beautiful bride and her adorable daughter.

This is my good friend Jen's husband and son, Jason and Preston. And of course Lucy and Dad. Jen and I call this the "soon-to-be-in-laws" picture. How cute will this picture be if they do end up dating?

Social Butterfly

This was quite a week for Lucy. We had an electrician at the house, so we made ourselves scarce. It gave us an opportunity to catch up with many friends and we no longer have to flip the fuse whenever we want to vacuum with the television on. Yeah!

Aunt Natalie came over for dinner on Wednesday night and brought us a thermal onsie she purchased in Chicago. It's fits great and is perfect for this cold weather we've been having. Here she is modeling her new top. A girl can never have too many clothes!
We went to Papa Walter's work and got a tour of the building. We also met many of his wonderful co-workers. Everyone told us how much they appreciate all of the hard work Papa does. He is truly a respected man. Okay, so she doesn't seem too happy in this picture, but she really did enjoy visiting with the old crew at White Oaks. Pictured Left to Right: Keli, Lucy, Laura, and Chris. They are such good friends and we don't get to see them often enough.

Message from Dad

A quick update from Lucyna’s father (the guy on the left)…the past year has been really eventful for me – and through everything that I have been through in life, nothing could have prepared me for the profound impact of being a new father could have. It has changed every aspect of my life and I have learned a lot – like a new language (ga-ga-goo-goo), how to react to being urinated on (very calmly), how to handle a screaming baby (hand over to mom), how to do 12 hours worth of errands in 3 hour intervals (between feedings), diaper changes (call me white lightening), and much more. I would like to give a shout-out to my wife – who is the glue of our little family and the person who I can always count on in when things are the in best of times…or the worst of times. To see how my daughter reacts to her just confirms that special bond between mother and baby, and I am so lucky that she is the person who continually gives Lucy comfort, security, and love. Although Lucy may think I am the Ed McMahon of the deal (heeeeeerrrrrrrsssss Ma-ma!), I am starting to be more than just the sidekick who is good for a laugh or two….at least until she figures out that I have a huge dork side that may be genetic!

Happy 20 weeks Lucy!

Lucy turned 20 weeks this past Sunday. She has grown so much over the last 4 and a half months. It's hard to believe that she was such an itty-bitty thing when we brought her home. This post documents her growth so far. Also, it would have been better if I had taken her picture at the same time, in the same place every month... but I did not. Oh well. Here she is, my bloody screaming baby, drawing her first breath, all 8 lbs 3 oz, 21 inches of her.

Lucy at one week old. At this point in her life all she wanted to do was sleep. Ah, I miss those days. What I do not miss is struggling to keep her awake during her feedings (obviously that is no longer an issue). Nowadays I am lucky if she gets in three 30 minute naps during the day. This girl is a cat-napper!

Lucy at a month and a half. She definitely inherited her father's hair.

Lucy at two months. Here she is modeling her first 3-6 month outfit. By the way, the shirt she is wearing is a turtleneck.

Lucy at two and half months.

Four months.

Four and a half months. Doesn't she look like such a big girl? If you ask me she looks more and more like Dad everyday.

Milestones

Lucy rolled over for the first time yesterday (back to front and front to back). As exciting as it is, I am a little sad. I can no longer trust her not to roll off the bed or her changing table. Drats.

Christmas, New Years, Birthdays, etc...

Let me just preface by stating this is an incredibly long post. I have a whole month of pictures to share, so let me begin with our belated Holiday greeting card. This is the picture that would have gone on our Christmas card if we had sent one out. And it would have said something along the lines of "Merry Christmas, Happy New Year! Love, the Charles, Nanthida, Lucy, and Ted"

Our playgroup met at Jen and Preston's house the week before Christmas to trade Christmas goodies and torture the children by making them pose for pictures in Christmas outfits and hats. I don't think I need to tell you how hard it is to get them all to sit still for a photo op. The photo below says it all. This is the best that I could do.

Lucy was good for the first few minutes of picture taking, but she got a little frustrated toward the end. Isn't she funny? This look is the calm before the storm. Mal and Ethan have moved to the hand-holding stage of their relationship. Pretty soon they'll be feeding each other Cheerios...

This is the same day, different outfit. She decided early on that she didn't want to wear her gingerbread outfit by blowing out in it. I think she almost likes the Santa hat.

Maly, Alison, Tatum, and Tessa singing in the cherub choir Christmas Eve morning. They were the warm-up for the real act, featured below...

Lucy as Baby Jesus! She made her theatrical debut and did an excellent job. Although not quite as good as Dad in the role of Joseph. Nice headress, huh?

We cheated and opened presents on Christmas Eve. Doesn't Lucy look enthralled with her rattle/chew toy? I think she is much more interested in Ted.

Ted was not impressed with his presents. I think he was expecting something he could eat.

Charles and I had not discussed this previously and neither of us had seen the movie yet, but somehow we managed to get each other the same DVD. By the way, it is an excellent movie and I believe the second copy will make a wonderful regift;) Adam, your birthday is in a few months, right?Lucy was very happy to receive her exersaucer. Although, technically, Santa did bring it a month early. Still, she loves to sit and talk the the Sesame street gang.
We spent Christmas day a Vadsana and Adam's. Here is Lucy with her Grandma Boo.
Everyone was really tired after a long afternoon of food and presents. Lucy's first Christmas really tuckered her out.
It really wore out Aunt Sue and Alison as well.
Maly's looking a little sleepy too.
We had a girl's night out the Tuesday after Christmas. Sarah had some very excititng news to share. She and Scott got engaged Christmas morning. Congratulations you two!

Kevin and Vadsana orchestrated a surprise party for Sue's 30th birthday. Kevin's family made dinner for everyone and it was absolutely fantastic. There were two sheet cakes. This one is the the chocolate one. Sue had all of the kids help her blow out her candles. I believe most of the adults ate from the white cake.
Miss Lucy helped Aunt Sue celebrate her birthday.Beth Ellen and her little Addie Sue. Addison is the cutest, smiliest baby. She is so fast on her feet and fiercly independent! I can't wait til Lucy is big enough to play back. This Saturday was Christmas with my Mom's side of the family. We also celebrated Mother's birthday, just a little late. Grandmas and the grandkids. They all got heart-shaped pendants with little diamonds. Very shi-shi! Just recently Lucy has found a fascination with fabric texture. Here she is admiring Dad's sweatshirt. Hopefully I'll have a new entry sometime next week. She will be 20 weeks Sunday, so we'll post some kind of growth progression in pictures.
New Years came and went quite uneventfully. We were all asleep by 10:30 pm. Quite a change from two years ago when we stayed out all night and then got engaged. That being said, I wouldn't have changed a thing. This past year has been the best of my life. I am so blessed and have so much to be thankful for. Our family has high hopes for 2007 and we wish everyone many blessings in the new year.