Christmas Day 2008!

Merry Christmas! We were up early Christmas Day of course, but I had no problem getting up because I was so excited for Carina to see what Santa brought her, and open her presents from us too! We had practiced opening up presents a few days before: Mike wrapped up his Blackberry for her to open and that did the trick. She is now a pro! Mike went downstairs first to start coffee (yay!) and take a few pre-present opening pictures. Carina and I waited upstairs until we had the "all clear" from Daddy. This is a tradition I had growing up and I was happy to continue it! Carina was super excited to see that Santa brought her a Rody-she started bouncing right away and wasn't too interested in anything else for a while. Then we called my grandparents in Texas on the web cam so they could see Carina open up their present. They got her a Bounce n' Spin Smart Pony! The web cam has really been the best thing for our family since we are so spread apart. We talked with Papa and GiGi on the web cam too before we packed up to head over to Mike's mom's house. We had a delicious breakfast of Swedish pancakes and banana fritters-yum! Then it was on to more present opening. Carina got a big rocking/bouncing/talking horse...apparently Santa and all of our relatives know how much energy Carina has! It was really a wonderful Christmas, and Mike and I had so much fun watching Carina take it all in. The holidays are so different now that we are experiencing them with our daughter. She is such an incredibly happy little girl and we can't help but smile every time we look at her. She really is the very best gift of all :o) ("Awwww"...come on you know you said it!)

"Whoa! Look what I got!"

Talking to Papa and Gigi on the web cam

Bouncing on my new friend Rody!

Christmas Eve Fun!

The Ogg Family~Christmas Eve 2008
Here are a few photos of our Christmas Eve celebration at Mike's mom's house. Carina had a blast opening presents and zooming around the house-quite different than last year! Santa even stopped by to see the kids and make sure they were still being good. Merry Christmas everyone!

Are you kidding? Of course I've been good!

Is Santa here yet?

Rockin' my party dress!

A Family Tradition...

For the past 28 years, Mike's mom and her family have had a Christmas get-together with her good friends Jim and Meredith. Gloria and Meredith met when they both started working at the university together in 1974 and have been friends ever since. They eventually started the tradition of having dinner and exchanging gifts at Christmas, alternating houses each year. We draw names between the 7 of us and every year we have a theme for the gift. We have a $15 limit, and having a theme makes us get creative! This year we had to buy something that started with the first letter of that person's middle name. I had Gloria and her middle name starts with "J", so I got her earrings (jewelry) and a jigsaw puzzle since she loves to do them! We had a wonderful dinner at Jim and Meredith's home in Healdsburg and it was fun to see what ideas people came up with for their gift. Meredith also started a new tradition for Carina: She gave her two Annalee Christmas mice (picture coming soon!). One was made in 2007 (for the year Carina was born) and a 2008 for this year. Gloria gave Meredith one years ago because they are made in Meredith, New Hampshire! So Meredith wanted to start getting one for Carina every year. It will be a very special collection for her, and it will always remind her of her super sweet "Uncle" Jim and "Auntie" Meredith!

Auntie Meredith reading to Carina

Carina with Auntie Keiko's purse-She already wants to accessorize!

Elfin' Around!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

My Birthday Present

Mike got me tickets to see Phantom of the Opera for my birthday back in October, and although at the time December 12th seemed far away our big weekend was suddenly here! We had a wonderful dinner at the Market Street Cafe right across from the theater. (I highly recommend the gorgonzola-walnut ravioli!) By the time we got to our seats I was so excited-I must have asked Mike what time it was at least 6 times! I vividly remember seeing Phantom for the first time as a kid, and I couldn't wait to experience it again. I wasn't disappointed! It was incredible-I even had goosebumps during some of the scenes! Mike enjoyed it too, which I hope means he'll want to see more shows in the future. The next morning we got up early, (I guess we can't sleep in even when we have the chance!) had breakfast and shopped the rest of the day in Union Square. It was really nice spending time together as a couple-my hubby spoils me rotten and I love it! We were anxious to get back to Carina, who is getting her molars and had a bit of a cold. I felt so terrible leaving her at her grandparnent's when she wasn't feeling well, but apparently she was just fine! Mike you are the best and I had so much fun-I love you!

Yes, we saw Phantom, not "ntom"...this is what you get when you ask random people to take your picture!

Ah, shopping paradise! I love Union Square at Christmas time!

A Tribute...

I went Christmas shopping with Mike's Mom, Aunt Lynn, and cousin Trisha yesterday. This is a tradition we started about 4 years ago, and we definitely shopped till we dropped! We were in Corte Madera, and I had a coupon for Gymboree so I decided to find an outfit for Carina there. I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with that store. I think their clothing is super cute and good quality, but I usually can't bring myself to buy anything that makes my eyes pop out of their sockets when I look at the price tag. I know they are not the most outrageously priced children's store, but when I know that Carina will out grow the clothes so quickly it's hard for me to justify buying them. So because I am a bit of a nut and maybe a little over-caffeinated, I have composed a song to dedicate to Gymboree. (Don't make fun of me, this is my blog and I can be as ridiculous as I want!)

Oh Gymboree
(think Oh Christmas Tree)

Oh Gymboree, oh Gymboree
Why must you be so pricey?

Your clothes are so adorable
Wish they were more affordable

Oh Gymboree, oh Gymboree
Why must you be so pricey?

A dress that costs $79
Won't even fit in two weeks time

Oh Gymboree, oh Gymboree
Why must you be so pricey?

I try to buy on sale but still,
Mike would faint if he saw the bill!

Oh Gymboree, oh Gymboree
Why must you be so pricey?


(I did get her an outfit of course, but it's a Christmas present so I'll post pics of her in it later!)

She really is a peanut!

Carina had her 1 year well baby check up yesterday. Yes, she has been a year old for 2 months, but Kaiser does the 1 year check up between 12 and 15 months old. Anyway, the Bean is in excellent health. Well, I'm assuming she is...it was rather hard to hear the doctor over her protests of having to put her clothes back on. Dr. Miller said as soon as he walked in "14 months old? She'll be fussing in 2 minutes!" I thought, "Oh no, not my sweet, easy-going little girl." Ha ha...rookie mommy assumption. She was in a bit of a stubborn mood, and nothing in my diaper bag of tricks interested her in the least. I finally just put her down and let her run back and forth across the exam room, and prayed there was a huge vat of Purell somewhere to dip her in! I try not to be a germ phobe, but doctor offices are just paradise for all sorts of little critters.

So as I was saying, she is doing great. Dr. Miller did comment that she was a bit on the small side, but he wasn't concerned because she has shown consistent growth overall. She weighs 19 pounds, 13 ounces and is 30.5 inches tall. (No forward facing car seat yet!) She is in the 14th percentile for weight! He wants to see her again in about 4 months to check her growth. I told him not to expect too much-it's not like she is coming from a family of NBA players! I somehow managed to get her clothes back on and head over to the nurses office for her battery of shots. The poor thing was due for 5 vaccines! I had the option of spreading them out over several visits, but her doctor said it was fine to do them all at once. So being the caring mother I am I decided that my daughter could be a human pin cushion to avoid multiple trips to Kaiser. Of course she was not thrilled about the shots, but the nurse was super fast and blew bubbles when she was done to distract her. Carina was such a little trooper that I rewarded her with a Peppermint Mocha from Starbucks afterward...oh wait that was me...she was asleep within 3 minutes of being in the car! We are so lucky that our little Peanut is a happy, healthy, and active little girl!

Wii are Thankful

The Ogg, Brown, Bates, Carlson & Hutchinson Family, Thanksgiving 2008

Our Thanksgiving was fun and tasty as usual! My parents drove up with my Mimi in their motor home. It took them 11 hours but they finally arrived safe and sound Wednesday night. Carina was so excited to see them the next morning, and they were thrilled to watch her walking all over the house! We had a delicious meal at Mike's Mom's house, followed by our usual family game night. However, this time Mike and I brought our Wii so everyone could try it out. What a crack up! We all took turns bowling, playing baseball, and even some Wii Fit hula hooping! (That was by far the funniest to watch.) Apparently we were having so much fun that we didn't realize we played for 4 and a half hours! I feel it was justified because we were at least burning some calories while we played. It was a great day and we all enjoyed spending time together as a family.

I am thankful for:
*Our beautiful baby girl who eats her veggies, goes to bed at 7 p.m., and makes us laugh daily!
*My fantastic hubby who lets me sleep in on the weekends!
*Our supportive and fun-loving family and friends
*My 50% teaching position-I have a career but can still be home with the Bean a few days a week, and all summer long!
*Our home-sure it's worth less than what we bought it for, but it's OURS (and the banks too)

*COFFEE-Enough said.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Grandpa Dave playing Wii Tennis

Papa (Dad) hitting a home run!

Fall Leaves

In Autumn when the trees are brown
the little leaves come tumbling down
they do not make the slightest sound
but lie so quietly on the ground
Until the wind comes puffing by
and blows them off towards the sky
-Anonymous

It was a beautiful fall day in Sonoma County, so Carina and I played outside for a while. She loves to watch the leaves blow in the trees and on the ground, and she found a leaf that she walked around with for a while. Just a simple, relaxing day outside!


Look at my leaf Mommy!

Our beautiful brown-eyed girl

Aquarium Trip

We decided on Friday night to take a trip to the newly remodeled aquarium at the CA Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. I love spontaneous trips, especially when they postpone the ever present household chores! So we left early Saturday morning and arrived right when it opened. I highly recommend checking this place out-the exhibits were amazing! Although it was pretty crowded, we were able to see what we wanted to see and avoided any major stroller collisions. I have to say the best part for me was watching Carina take everything in. She was totally enthralled with the fish and other sea life, and she walked around pointing and saying, "WOW!" You really do look at the world differently when you consider the perspective of someone who is experiencing things for the first time. Thanks to Grandma Gloria and Grandpa Dave for suggesting the trip! Here are some pictures and video of our fun family day!

"Wow! Fish!"

Daddy sharing his love of the ocean with the Bean

It looks like she could just slip right in!

One Penguin Puppet: $29.99
One happy little girl cracking up at penguin puppet long enough for a good video clip and then leaving gift shop without the aforementioned puppet: PRICELESS

Look at me go!

Here is another video of Carina struttin' her stuff in her cowgirl outfit from Texas! This was actually taken 2 days before Halloween...she is gaining speed every day! She has also learned a new game...it's called "I can get into all kinds of things I'm not supposed to now!" Mommy & Daddy aren't big fans of this game. Oh well, it's still exciting to watch her toddle around!

(Not sure why the sound isn't working-any one know why the sound would disappear after uploading?)

I Voted-Did you?

Only 17 more years until I can register to vote!

Regardless of your political views and beliefs, having the right to vote is an incredible privilege we have in this country. I hope everyone that could vote did so today, and more importantly, I hope everyone made INFORMED choices. Even if the results are not what you wanted, you can at least take solace in the fact that you voted for what YOU believed is best for your state and your country. Respect the viewpoints of other people even if you do not agree, because everyone is entitled their own political opinions whether we like it or not.

I voted absentee for the first time ever. I have to admit I missed going to a polling place...there is something exciting and patriotic about standing at miniature cubicle to cast your vote. However the thought of entertaining Carina for who knows how long at a polling place was something to consider. As silly as it sounds, I talked to her about what was going on today. We dressed in red, white and blue and I tried to read the book Vote! to her (it's a little long for a 13 month old...and yes of course as a teacher I have literature for every occasion!) I want her to grow up with a love for her country, and to learn that you can stand up for what you believe in even when others don't agree. Things may not go your way, but if you can fight with respect and dignity then you can always be proud of your part in the outcome. I'm proud to have been a participant in this election no matter what!

Trick or Treat!

Halloween was spook-tacular at the Ogg house this year! Our little monkey trick-or-treated at 3 houses. Mike and I initially thought it was silly to take a baby trick or treating because it's obvious that you are just out getting candy for yourself. However our neighbors insisted (not that we were hard to convince...we do love candy!) It was a lot of fun-Carina even left her monkey head on, which was a rare feat! I quickly pinned a bow to an ear after a little girl said, "Oh what a cute little boy!" Here are some pictures of Carina in costume along with our jack-o-lantern (aka Kimi's work of art) Yes, I even scooped the guts out...okay I used a glove...who wants that gunk under your nails? We hope everyone had a great Halloween!

Happy Feet!

Big news in our house-Carina has started walking!!! Now I guess she is officially a toddler. She seems to get more confident every day, but I think she still prefers her peg leg crawling technique to get her where she wants to go. It's definitely a faster method at this point. Our little pumpkin is growing up so fast! Here is a short clip of Bean showing off her new skills (notice Bailey sadly watching from afar...banned to the backyard again!)

Super Surprise!!!

My hubby is the BEST!!! He kept asking me what I wanted for my birthday, and in typical annoying wife form I just kept saying, "Nothing, I don't need anything, blah blah" (which we all know is code for I still want some kind of a present) Well it was all a ruse because he had already bought us tickets to see Phantom in San Francisco!!! We are going December 12th, and another surprise is that we are staying in a hotel overnight & shopping in Union Square the next day!!! I was so shocked...he knows I have been wanting to see Phantom for years. The first time I saw it I was 10 years old. My parents took me to see it after I memorized every word of the soundtrack. (Hmmm...it would appear that I get what I want when I annoy my loved ones...must keep that in mind) Anyway it was the first musical I ever saw and I was totally mesmerized by the experience. I CAN'T WAIT!!! Thank you so much Mike I LOVE YOU!!!

I also have to mention that my job share partner organized a surprise party in my classroom today. The kids made a banner that said "Happy Birthday Mrs. Ogg!" and hung it in the room. We all shared a birthday treat of doughnut holes and milk. Many of the kids also made me cards and brought in gifts. I was so surprised and touched by all of the little munchkins-2nd grade is so much fun because the kids still like school and their teachers. I have the best job and today was another reminder of that. Overall the big 2-9 was a wonderful day!!!

The smell of Pine Sol makes me smile

We've finally accepted the fact that we don't want our good quality family time to be spent extensively cleaning the house. Between work, Mike's grad school, and a precious little girl who thinks naps are for sissies, we were having a hard time keeping up with the housework. I feel a little pathetic admitting that but it's the truth. Don't get me wrong we are not total slobs, but we needed more than just superficial surface cleaning. So after much cajoling and promises to give up Starbucks (he didn't fall for that) Mike finally succumbed to my pleas for a cleaning lady. She has been here twice so far and let me tell you it is pure heaven. The first time I felt a little weird and even guilty for indulging in such a luxury, but that lasted all of about 9 minutes. Our shower is so clean that I actually feel embarrassed that I thought we had cleaned it well before. My new best friend is probably going to come only once a month, but that is just fine with me. My sanity appreciates it!

Our Baby is One!

Wow...a year ago today we were in the hospital welcoming our beautiful baby girl into the world. After an incredibly long labor and the best invention in the world-the epidural-she made us a very happy family of three. In a way the year has flown by but I think Mike and I made an effort to really cherish every moment so that we wouldn't wonder where all the time went. Carina has, of course, grown and changed so much in year, but Mike and I have as well. We've both learned a lot about ourselves as we strive to be the parents we want to be to our daughter. I still can't believe our baby is one year old. She will always be our baby, even though my weekly email updates about her development started calling her a toddler today...sniff...so here is a letter to my baby on her birthday:

Dear Carina Bean,
Happy Birthday baby girl! You are 1 year old today. A year ago today you made your Daddy and I the happiest people in the world because you made us your parents. We didn't even care that you were 12 days late or that we had to spend 2 of those days in the hospital hoping modern medicine would help urge you along. Daddy forgot all about the uncomfortable night he spent sleeping in the chair/bed as soon as he held you in his arms for the very first time. All of the pain I had experienced instantly disappeared as soon as I heard you cry. That moment was so surreal but I will never forget it because it changed my life for the better.
You are sleeping in your room while I am writing this, which is a blessing because sleep has been our biggest struggle. You've finally started sleeping all night...I really don't know how your Daddy and I have functioned for an entire year without a full night of uninterrupted sleep, but hopefully that is behind us now. You still hate to take naps for a decent length of time but I've learned to stop stressing out about that. You are always such a happy girl with an infectious smile so I shouldn't worry.
You learn things so quickly it's amazing. You sing the Ee-i-ee-i part of Old Macdonald had a Farm...no "O" yet but that will come soon I'm sure! You can say Mama, Dada, Baby,Papa, Gigi, Mimi, Kitty, Bailey (Bay), more, cheese, shoes, juice, book, bye bye and hi. You also say "Na" which at first we thought was "no" but we think you might be trying to say your name!
You love to dance-You swing your arms around and shake your head to the beat. (Yay! Our girl has rhythm!) You love to do "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and "Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes". We dance to the song "All I Want to Do" by Sugarland and you start to laugh as soon as you hear it come on.
Carina I could go on and on about you. You are such an amazing child and your Daddy and I look forward to watching you grow and learn and become the person you were meant to be. We will always be here to guide, comfort, and support you with the choices you make. Thank you for being our wonderful little Carina Bean!
All our love, hugs, and kisses,
Mommy & Daddy

An Amazing First...

Believe it or not, but we had to buy our very first package of diapers the other day. Some of you moms probably hate me for saying that! My parents started buying diapers (I think about a package a week) as soon as we told them that I was pregnant. Every time my mom had a coupon or saw them on sale, she bought a package. She also made sure to buy them in a variety of sizes as well. So when they came up to visit before Carina was born, they loaded up the motor home with ALL of the diapers! I wish I had taken pictures of us unloading all of them! Mike and I had packages all over the house and the garage. So finally, after nearly 11 and a half months and including having packs of diapers at Mike's parents house and at day care, we ran out! I know we were incredibly lucky to have nearly a year long supply, so thanks a million Mom and Dad! Now I guess we have to be like all of the other parents out there who actually have to buy their own...although I think my Mom mentioned bringing up more for Carina's birthday!

Back to School

Don't worry everyone, I haven't given up on the blog already! It's just that super busy time of year for teachers and anyone with kids...back to school time! My district started on the 13th, so we've been in full swing for almost 2 weeks now. So far I have to say (and hopefully I'm not jinxing myself) that my job share partner and I have a very sweet class. We deserve it after surviving last year! Carina is back to going to day care a few days a week, and although I miss her on those days I know she's having fun playing with the kids there. So my summer off has come to an end (*sigh*) but I am so thankful to have had so much time at home to just be Mommy :o)

I love the beginning of a new school year. It reminds me of why I wanted to become a teacher. The kids are so excited about starting a new grade, and the teachers are happy to have a fresh start, try new ideas, and have big goals for their students. Although teaching routines and procedures can be a bit tedious, it is SO worth the time spent. I'm excited to watch my students grow and learn this year.

Speaking of growing and learning, Carina is "wow-ing" us daily! It's amazing to see how many words she knows, even if she doesn't say them all yet. If we say "Bailey", she looks at him and says "Bay"! I feel like at any moment she will look at me and say, "Excuse me Mommy, but I would like some banana please." She's so fun and sassy and stubborn, but we love it!

Mike celebrated his 30th birthday a few weeks ago! I love teasing him about being old, but it doesn't bother him. (No fun for me!) I surprised him with a cooking class at Sur la Table. It was a Hawaiin date night, so we got to learn to cook Ahi Tuna with Pineapple Mango Salso, Coconut shrimp, and pineapple-rum sorbet with coconut macademia shortbread cookies. It was lots of fun...especially when it was time to eat-YUM! I even deveined the shrimp-yes, me, little Miss I don't like to get my hands dirty and touch yucky stuff! Mike was very proud of me :o)

Well that's enough of an update for now. My posts may be few and far between until we get settled back into our routine again, but I'll do the best I can. Here is a cute (aren't they all?) picture of Carina in one of her cowgirl outfit from her Great-Grandparents.

Ogg Look-alike Meter

Ha ha! I knew it! From the minute she was born all I have heard is how much she looks like Mike, which I really have no issue with other than it would be nice to occasionally hear that she looks a little like me too! I was there after all! 7% baby...yeah!

P.S. Mike tried this with a different picture of himself and Carina and it said that she looked more like HIM by 3%...I told him that although I only teach 2nd grade, I do know that 7% is greater than 3%. I wouldn't let him post it! Sorry babe!

Granbury & Great Grandparents

Howdy Y'all!

Well we made it back home from our trip to Granbury, Texas last week. What an amazing time we had! I decided that I would just write a few of my favorite moments from the trip as well as my favorite pictures. Also check out the slide show to the right for the complete album!

*Watching my grandparents meet their first great granddaughter for the first time.
*Carina shattering a plate at Cracker Barrel!
* My Grammy "borrowing" a few little spoons used for samples for Carina to eat with since we forgot to bring a baby spoon! (I told you I would blog about that Grammy! LOL)
*Mike getting to spend LOTS of time with Carina-he's such an amazing Daddy!
*Going to water aerobics with my grandparents-I think my Grandad was the only guy in the class!
*My Grammy singing "Jig-a-low my fanny" (you had to be there!)
*Visiting downtown Granbury and having lunch at Rinky-Tinks...in the sweltering heat!
*Going to the Dr.Pepper plant and having the most well behaved child on the tour :o)*Lunch at the Hard 8 bbq-super good food!
*My Grandad telling me I was lucky to have Mike (very true!)
*Taking pictures with the tree my grandparents had named for Carina.
*Carina riding in the golf cart with Grandad and Mike
*Our special 4 year anniversary dinner with my grandparents and Bill and Sandy
*Carina wearing her first Cowgirl hat and pink boots.
*Staying up late chatting with Grammy and learning more about her life.
*Mike setting up the web cam so we can see them any time we want!

I know I'm forgetting a lot but I wanted to share what a fantastic time we had. I miss my grandparents so much but I'm very thankful that we got to spend an entire week with them. Even though I was there with my husband and baby girl, I still felt like a kid who was having a blast at my grandparents house like I always did. We can't wait to go back! Thanks Grammy and Grandad-we love you!

10 Months old...

Dear Carina Bean,

You are 10 months old today, and once again I am amazed at how quickly the time seems to have passed. Yesterday when I got the mail there was a catalog in it for planning a baby's first birthday party! I guess it's really time to start thinking about that, even though it's still two months away. It will be here before we know it, and definitely before I'm ready to admit you're growing up.

We just got back from a vacation to Texas to meet your great-grandparents. Daddy and I were so impressed by what a great little traveler you are, and we hope you stay that way. You had lots of people on the plane smiling and laughing. Even after the long flight, you turned the charm on for Grammy Great and Great Grandad. They were so thrilled to meet you, and we had such a wonderful visit. I will always have special memories of our time together there.

You become more of your own person every day. You are quick to let us know when you aren't happy about something, like getting in your car seat sometimes or going to bed. Luckily you are picking up on baby sign language quickly, and that has helped us communicate. You can sign "more", "eat", and "all done". (Mommy is working on "please" and "thank you", but primary needs come before manners I guess!) You also wave and say "hi", and say "mama", "dada", and every once in a while "uh-oh". Sometimes it's just the "uh" part, but you use it appropriately, like when you drop food from your high chair! One day you'll learn that "uh-oh" is said when you've done something on accident.

Speaking of food, we have yet to find something that you don't like! We always give you little bits of what we are eating, and you try it all. Your high chair tray looks like a little baby buffet line sometimes, and you enjoy picking up bites of food and feeding yourself. You even started sharing with us! Daddy especially likes it when you share Goldfish crackers with him. You start laughing when you see someone cut up banana for you, and you gobble that up fast. You have also learned how to drink from a sippy cup...you do quite well until that ends up on the floor too!

You have become much more confident in your ability to pull yourself up, walk while hanging onto things, and climb. The stairs are no longer an obstacle for you! You climb to the top with no problem at all, but we're right behind you the whole time. Such a fearless little girl! We want you to be confident...but please be careful too!

About two weeks ago you learned how to blow kisses, complete with the "mu-ah" sound effect. This is one of my favorite things that you do. Can you get any cuter? You also give big hugs, and every time you put your head down on my shoulder I fall in love all over again. When you give Daddy hugs I can practically see his heart melt. We both love you so much. You are such an incredible child and although we are cherishing every moment, we can't wait to see your personality evolve and change with time. Happy 10 month birthday Miss Bean-We love you to pieces!!!
Love,
Mommy & Daddy

Howdy from Texas!

Carina and her Great-Grammy

Mike and Carina and I are visiting my grandparents in Granbury, Texas this week. It's been lots of fun to watch Carina get to know her great grandparents. She was an absolutely wonderful traveler on the plane. Although it wasn't her first time on an airplane, this was a longer flight than the quick one down to Southern California. She's also a lot more mobile than she was before, so we were hoping that we wouldn't be the family on the plane that makes everyone grimace and think, "Oh please don't let them be sitting next to me!" Carina was so busy waving and smiling at people around her that she didn't even seem to notice the plane taking off. She had some snacks and then slept for nearly 2 hours of the 3 and a half hour flight! We can only hope our return flight is just as smooth.

We stopped at a Cracker Barrel for lunch after my grandparents picked us up from the airport. Mike frequented this restaurant during his many business trips to the south, and he was glad that I would now be able to relate to his dining experiences there. We were all starving and enjoyed a huge meal. Carina was so excited about the cheesey hashbrowns and fried apples that she threw her plate on the floor, causing quite a loud crash with chunks of the plate flying in all directions. It's amazing how quiet a noisy restaurant can get! We're pretty sure it was an accident because she does have impeccable table manners for her age (alright you can stop laughing now) but the good people at Cracker Barrel cleaned up the mess quickly and didn't seem too irritated!

We are having a very relaxing time so far. The heat is, well, HOT, but we expected that. Thank goodness for my grandparents lovely air conditioning! Carina has impressed all of us with how well she is handling a new environment. Fortunately my grandparents were very prepared for our visit. They had a crib, high chair, stroller, diapers, wipes, toys, and books all ready and waiting for us to use. It's been the perfect home away from home. We'll keep you posted on the rest of our adventures!

Great Grandad and Carina Bean

Letters to Daddy #2

Dear Daddy,
Mommy wouldn't let me use the computer last night so I have two days to tell you about now. Yesterday was another fabulous day with Mommy. We had our swim lesson again...the water was pretty chilly but I didn't complain, unlike Mommy who was ready to get out as soon as possible. I told her to toughen up and she stuck with it. After lunch and a nap we went shopping with Auntie Trisha in Petaluma. I was pretty disappointed with this shopping trip. I was on my very best happy baby behavior, waving and smiling at everyone, and Mommy did not buy me anything. We even left Carter's empty handed! Can you believe that?! I was so shocked and Mommy was smiling and bragging about how she showed restraint. I don't think I like that word, but I'm sure I won't hear it next time we go.
Last night was a bit challenging for us. Mommy said it was bedtime and went through our usual routine, but this time she did not come get me when I cried for her! What's the deal with that? I cried for such a long time but I finally fell asleep and slept all night in my crib. I even woke up at 3:30 a.m. and called out to Mommy but it didn't work. In the morning, Mommy was SO happy to come and get me! She jumped up and down and kissed and hugged me and told me that she was incredibly proud of me and of herself. I don't know what she has to be proud of...I did all the work! Mommy told me that it was time for me to learn how to fall asleep on my own, and that I was clean, had a full tummy, and I was safe in my room. Duh, I know all of that! I just like to make you guys come and get me. But if you must sleep, then so be it.
Today we took it easy at home. Later in the afternoon we went and picked up Great Grandma and went to Grandma's house for Game Night. I had a most delicious dinner. I had green beans, cheese, avocado, watermelon, and blueberries! An interesting variety but I enjoyed feeding myself. Grandma also gave me a banana for dessert-yum!
I will try and go to sleep all by myself tonight. I guess it is important, and I know that you and Mommy will always do what is best for me. We're all in this together! I hope you are having fun in Chicago. Did I mention again how wonderful Mommy is and that you should bring her a present? I know you will bring one for me, that's a given! I love you and miss you bunches. Thanks for being the best Daddy ever!
Hugs and Kisses (with no teeth),
Carina Bean

I love my Daddy so much!

Letters to Daddy

Mike left today for Chicago for a conference and will be gone until Tuesday night. (For those of you who counted, yes, that is a total of 5 nights I am by myself with a kiddo who doesn't like to sleep at night) I thought it would be fun to keep him filled in on our daily happenings from Carina's perspective:

Dear Daddy,
Thank you for kissing me good-bye this morning when you left for the airport. I was still snoozing away but if I was awake I would have kissed you right back...without teeth, I promise! I had a very fun day with Mommy. We had breakfast, and I helped feed Bailey by flinging Joe's O's onto the floor from my high chair. Then we went to swim lessons. I must say that not only am I the cutest baby in the class, but I'm a great swimmer too! My favorite part was jumping off the wall when we sing "Humpty Dumpty". Of course Mommy has to assist me with this, but she won't hold me back for long! After class we had snacks by the pool with our friends Gretta and Addison. Addison shared her goldfish crackers with me. I tried to save you one because I know how much you like them, but Mommy didn't think you would want one that I had already tasted.
I took a good nap when we got home. Mommy tried to take a nap too, but that never works for her. After another snack we went to Grandma's house to swim again! Our friends Gretta, Addison, and Gina came to swim also. I had so much fun swimming with everyone, especially Auntie Keiko! I'm glad she's home for a long visit this time...she can't resist my cute-ness I guess. We stayed for dinner and I was a little cranky because I was getting tired. I need my beauty sleep! Grandma gave me a bath in the kitchen sink with lots of bubbles and that pleased me greatly. Then Grandpa played with me so Mommy could finish her dinner...she's always wanting to do that. We said good night and headed for home, and I fell asleep in the car because I was quite worn out after such a fun filled day. My Mommy took very good care of me...you should bring her home a present. She keeps saying the words "Coach" and "purse" a lot...I'm not sure what she is talking about but I bet she deserves it!
Well Daddy, it is time for me to go. I hope you have a good time on your trip and that you don't miss me too much. I love you very much and I think you are the best Daddy in the whole world. Did I mention how great Mommy is too? I am going to try not to wake her up too much tonight.
Hugs and Kisses (with no teeth),
Carina Bean

Monday Mommy Moment...

A lesson I've learned...
When shopping with your baby, it is helpful to always try and park near a cart return. That way when it is time to return your cart, you can unload your purchases into the car, return the cart to it's designated place (after removing your child of course) and hop into the car which is conveniently only a few feet away. This avoids being one of those lazy people who push their carts into the bushes or leave them in the middle of a parking spot. Shopping requires strategy my friends...

Queen of the Cuisinart

Oh boy! I love pureed...anything!

I have nothing against Gerber or any other company that makes baby food, but I decided that I would make homemade baby food for Carina. Most of you that know me are probably surprised because Mike is the chef in our home. He actually enjoys cooking and is great at it. Me...not so much. He still wont let me forget the unfortunate lemon chicken incident of 2001. Please don't be worried for our little one's digestive system, because making baby food is so darn easy! I am having lots of fun baking, steaming, and puree-ing away! Carina has not shunned any of my creations so far (that's my smart girl!). Her favorite I think is what I call Baby Smoothie: bananas, blueberries, and peaches. Yum! I pour it into ice cube trays and freeze them, then I just pull out a couple cubes at a time for meals. Mike likes it because it does save a little money, and has made my trips to Target a little less frequent...hmmm...maybe I should rethink this!

Top: Cantaloupe
Bottom: Baby Smoothie