More Family Fun!

After a lazy morning of sleeping in (yes, even Katelyn slept in till 10:30) Kyle, Katelyn and I headed down to San Diego to visit with my cousins. Jamie is now 6 months pregnant and it was so great to see her little belly growing. My Uncle Greg, Auntie Beth, and my cousins Dan and Kelly are in town so it was so wonderful to spend time with family. We had a delicious dinner (thanks Auntie Beth!) and then spent time catching up on how everyone is doing. My cousin Dan wants a camera like ours so I decided to take the night off and let him take pictures. I love spending time with family!  Thanks cousins for having us over today!

Katelyn is beginning to love puppies! She kept trying to reach out and pet Lucy. At one point Lucy sat at my feet waiting for Katelyn to finish her bottle and then promptly rolled over on her back so Katelyn could scratch her tummy. Too cute! Now that I see how well she does interacting with dogs I sometimes wish we had one, but then I remember a baby you can cart anywhere ... can't really do that with a dog.

Well I'm off to bed. For those of you in this area, our family jeweler is opening a jewelry store in Newport Beach called Newport Jewelers. If you take the 55-s to Newport Blvd. Then take Newport Blvd to PCH-S. It's across the street from Starbucks on the right side of the street. The opening is tomorrow, so pop buy if you have some time and check out all his great jewelry.

Getting lovings from Auntie Beth

"That's my toy Lucy."

Katelyn's starting to push up on her hands and knees and scoot backwards. We're not sure why backwards instead of forwards, but we're sure she's going to be crawling before we know it.

Cooking with Auntie Beth

I love this picture, she makes the cutest faces!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I love the holidays! Yesterday we headed down to the beach house to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends. There were about 30 of us enjoying the beautiful weather and fellowship with friends. I had tons of fun taking pictures of each family on the patio overlooking the water. Kyle's Mom's best friend Colleen just got a brand new King Charles Spaniel and Katelyn had so much fun watching the puppy wander around sniffing everyone's feet. She made sure to keep on eye on the puppy every time she was around. We tried to take a couple pictures of them together, but the puppy kept trying to lick Katelyn's mouth. Too cute! This year I'm so thankful for not just my family, but for our newest addition, Katelyn, being able to be a stay at home mom, a wonderful husband, and new friends. 

It's hard to believe how fast time goes by and before I know it another year will pass. Christmas time is my favorite time of the year and I can't wait to start putting up my decorations around the house. Of course some of my smaller decorations will have to stay in boxes as Katelyn's starting to become more mobile. 

Play Date Tuesday

We didn't have MOPS today because it's Thanksgiving week so I invited Meygan & Kylie and Jessica & Ella to come down to the beach house for a play date. I thought it would be fun to enjoy the sunshine and warm weather before the clouds and the rain roll in.  Now that Katelyn can sit up, it's so cute to watch her interact with Ella and Kylie. Well she still mostly watches them. I think she's wishing she was on the move like they are. I'm okay to wait a couple more months before I have to go crazy baby proofing the house because Katelyn is crawling around and getting into everything. Thanks ladies for hanging out, it was great to see you and watch the girls play together. What a fun morning!

We came home from our play date and Katelyn played with her stacking toy. She gets excited when she figures out how to take the first ring off. So cute! I couldn't resist taking a picture.

We went to check the mail and Katelyn got a Thanksgiving card from Great-Papa and Grandma Circle. She carried it all the way home! She also got a card from Great-Nana and Papa Billings earlier this week.

Matchy, Matchy

I love playing dress up with Katelyn. In fact I love having a baby girl, she's so much fun to hang out with.

BBQ at the Gruewell's

On Saturday Rosh and Rachel had a pre-Thanksgiving bbq at their house. It was so much fun to get together with all our friends for some food and laughter. We hadn't seen everyone since before Halloween because Katelyn was sick and then we were in Boston. We even got to reconnect with some friends we made when we were attending Rock Harbor church and they have a 9 month old baby girl. It was fun to watch the girls hang out in the living room. Mike and Jessica brought over their doorway jumper and Katelyn had a good time hanging out in it. She would spin her self around and around and then she figured out how to jump in it. We might have to invest in one to take with us places to keep Katelyn busy. Thanks Rosh and Rachel for having us over!

On the Move!

Being that her daddy is so passionate about music, I'm not surprised that Katelyn loves music too. This morning I turned on Lady GaGa and immediately Katelyn started moving and smiling. So adorable! I had to turn on the video camera and capture it.

Mommy look at me!

Katelyn's latest obsession is to sit at the computer with my while I check my email and try to type on the keyboard. So naturally when my mother had Katelyn in her lap at the computer, she decided to play on the keyboard. I've decided to try and video as much as I can so that I can look back and enjoy these rare precious moments. 

Love, A

xoxo

Katelyn Rolling Over

Katelyn's been starting to roll over a lot during the day. I've been trying to catch it on video, but of course she likes to play shy when I take it out. I was finally able to catch it on video tonight. You'll have to excuse the laughing, she got stuck half way and I've never seen that happen.

Be Jeweled ... Designs by Joanne

Almost a year ago my Mom started a jewelry company. She has some amazing pieces as well as some that are one of a kind and can be specially made. It's been fun to watch her company grow and while we were in Boston last week she and I started a blog for her business so people can order pieces online. Check out her blog, you never know with Christmas right around the corner you might find something great for someone you know.

http://bejeweledjoanne.blogspot.com

Love A,
xoxo

Growing Up!

I think Katelyn's starting to look more like Kyle again. Here are some pictures I got of her today.

We're Home!!

Well we made it home safely on Friday night and have spent the weekend relaxing and catching up on some sleep. Katelyn had an easy adjustment to east coast time and has readjusted coming home. In fact the last 2 nights she's gone to bed at 10ish and woken up around 9. Awesome! Guess I was worried for nothing. We had such a wonderful time visiting my mom, brother and grandparents. It was sad to leave and feels strange not to wake up and see Katelyn watching Sesame Street with Grandma and Great-Nana.

Thanks for such a great trip, we love you guys!!
Love, Kyle, Alissa, & Katelyn

Day 6

This morning while we all scurried around to get ready (there's only 1 shower in my grandparents house), Katelyn watched her Baby Einstein DVD. My Nana and Papa were absolutely amazed by how attentive she was to the DVD. She wasn't even aware that there were people in the room watching her. We had to get a picture of her laying in Mom's bed propped up by pillows and covered by all her warm blankets. After we got ready we headed downstairs to try the sweet potatoes I made her with my Beaba baby food maker. It's amazing! So far I think she likes the sweet potatoes the best off all the veggies she's tried.

After lunch we were off to The Picture People to have Katelyn's picture taken with Santa. The Santa they had was amazing, and Katelyn loved him. He kept coming over and giving her high 5's and making her giggle. It eased all my worries about how she was going to do sitting in a strangers lap, especially one with a great deal of facial hair and a big red outfit. She had a jolly good time, and Kyle, Mom and I laughed as we watched her ham it up for the camera. Her personality has really come out during this trip. She has spent most of the trip smiling, giggling and jabbering up a storm. She loves my mom, her grandma. I know that they are both going to be really sad when we leave tomorrow. Mom has rocked her to sleep every night and Katelyn, being the cuddler she is, has savored every minute of it I'm sure. It has been so wonderful to be with my family and I'm sad that we are already heading home tomorrow. I know Katelyn's only 5 months old, but I'm sure she's going to miss having her grandma, great-nana and great papa around all the time to play with her.

When we got home from taking pictures with Santa, I sat down to finish a painting project that I started. When I was growing up each summer when we came to visit I would paint with my Nana. It was our thing. She saved a project especially for me. I had fun sitting at the dinning room table painting with her. It's our time and I loved it! Here's a picture of "Frosty."

Katelyn and the apple

Tonight my mom was eating and apple and Katelyn decided she wanted some too. She grabbed at my Mom's hand and pulled the apple to her mouth. After tasting the juice she decided she had to have it. We, of course, had to capture this moment on camera. Katelyn's gums are swollen so I think she liked the fact that it was cold, it probably felt good on her gums. 

Vacation - Day 3 & 4

Yesterday we decided to lay low and other than a trip to Walmart to grab a few things we decided to stay home. We had been out and about quite a bit over the weekend trying to fit in as many fun things as we could while my brother Josh was here, so we felt it would be good for Katelyn to stay home and relax. Katelyn has been loving watching Sesame Street in the mornings. She's fascinated by Elmo.... I mean who isn't!?

Katelyn watching Sesame Street.

Today we ventured into Boston so that we could take Katelyn into Mom's office and show her off. She has not only taken her first plane ride on this trip, but also a subway and train ride as well. She was so intrigued by all the people around her and was all smiles as people walked by and commented on how cute she was. She is also becoming quite the talker. I can't wait till she starts saying "Mama" and "Dada." I know it's coming.... in the meantime, it's fun to hear her jibber jabber. The train and subway ride pooped her out and she was already asleep in her Bjorn before we got to the office. Then once we arrived and started talking to people she woke up with a smile and began jabbering away again. Everyone loved her!

After we met everyone at the office we headed to CPK for some lunch. Katelyn ate and fell asleep on Mom's furry jacket on the seat in the booth and Mom, Kyle and I were able to chat and enjoy our lunch. Then we were off again to head to Newbury Street to the Johnny Cupcake store. Kyle had heard about this store a couple months ago and we almost made it to the opening of the LA store. We figured since it was right across the street from the building my Mom works in we should make a pit stop and check it out. I love the logo... crossbones and a cupcake. We had to take a "tourist" picture while we were there. After Johnny Cupcakes it was time to head home so we could eat dinner and Mom could relax before choir practice. Kyle stayed in Boston and headed to The Roxy to see The Academy Is. We got home a little after 5pm and were greeted by the 4 neighbor kids who had been waiting at my grandparents for over and hour for Katelyn to come home. Even though she was exhausted from not having her regular long afternoon nap she was all smiles and enjoyed hanging out with Kaitlyn, Maura, Jack and Patrick. They were enamored by Katelyn and didn't want to go home when their Dad came to collect them. With promises they could come visit tomorrow they headed out the door and down the street. It was a long day, but a fun one! We are having a great trip and wish we could stay longer!

Tomorrow we're heading to Burlington Mall to have pictures taken with Santa. She's going to look so cute in Santa's lap.
Love, Alissa
xoxo

Katelyn on her first train ride.

Katelyn riding the subway. She wanted to look at all the people... too cute!

At Johnny Cupcakes in Boston.

In my "Your baby is 21 weeks" email I got today it said that Katelyn should start to show an interest in sitting up on her own. It's so true. She loved sitting up playing with the new toy her Grandma bought her today.

Family Photo Fun!

Today we headed over to The Picture People at the mall to take family photos. It was so great to have Katelyn's 5 month old pictures done as well as pictures of the 4 generations. Katelyn was all smiles and loved having the attention of her whole family. The store manager thought she was so cute he asked for the rights to 3 of her pictures to frame and put up on their wall. Of course we said yes! We had such a great experience that we're heading back there on Thursday to have pictures taken with Santa.

Vacation - Day 2

This morning we woke up and headed to church to spend some time with God. It was wonderful to enjoy the service while Katelyn napped in the swing in the nursery. Katelyn got all dressed up in a cute outfit so her grandma and great-papa could show her off to all their friends at church. After church we came home, ate lunch and my Auntie Bev came over to visit. Katelyn loved hanging out watching football, Go Patriots!! Kyle, Katelyn and I took a long afternoon nap and it was back to hanging out with the family. Mom got me this amazing baby food maker called the Beaba from Williams-Sonoma so we decided to home make some carrots for Katelyn. I mixed in some breastmilk to make the taste the little sweater and I think Katelyn liked them a little better than the green beans and sweet peas. We had lot's of fun hanging out today and can't wait to go take family pictures at The Picture People tomorrow morning. 4 generations!!! So awesome!

Well I'm off to eat Cinnamon Rolls and head to bed.

Love, Alissa

xoxo

Day 1 Saturday

This morning I woke up around 7:30, came downstairs and found Katelyn watching Sesame Street with her Grandma. She gave me a big smile when I said good morning and then went back to focusing on Elmo. Too cute! She hung out for a while and then took a morning nap from 9-11am. After her nap Mom, Katelyn and I headed to the grocery store to pick up some yummy food to cook this week.

Here's Katelyn enjoying hanging out with her Great-Papa and eating her dinner.

We decided to put Katelyn in her Bumbo with some toys and show her what the rest of us were eating for dinner. LOBSTER!! So yummy! I haven't had lobster in years, it was such a wonderful treat. Thanks Mom! Katelyn thought it was funny to watch the lobsters try and crawl across the kitchen floor.

We ended up doing a lot of fun stuff today from going grocery shopping, to Target, and then after dinner we headed over to the local mall so that Josh could buy a rad peacoat and we could check out Santa. I think we're going to try and have Katelyn take pictures with Santa on Monday after we take family pictures at The Picture People. Katelyn was such a trooper today and spent the day laughing and smiling in the laps of her Great-Papa, her Grandma and her Uncle Josh. Great-Nana is getting over a cold. She didn't even fuss when she got tired. Of course, she was so pooped out she could wait to get home from the mall, take her bath and go to bed. And now as I'm writing this I'm exhausted and ready for bed.

Goodnight all, Alissa xoxo

I Got My Wings!

Well me made it here safely last night and Katelyn did a lot better than we expected during the flight. She did have trouble getting some sleep, and pooped out of her diaper at one point (so great!) but other than that things went smoothly. We arrived at 8:45pm Boston time and were met by my brother, mother and grandfather. My brother and I had talked a month ago and decided to surprise Mom by having Josh buy a ticket and fly out to visit for the weekend also. His flight came in earlier than ours and you can imagine Mom's surprise when she got a call from my brother who said he was "waiting." "Waiting for what?" Mom said. "Waiting for you to come pick me up at the bus station!" It was so much fun hearing Mom's excitement as she retold the story to us while we waited for our bags at baggage claim. 

I'm a big girl on a plane!

We headed back to the house and were greeted by my Nana, who was so excited to finally meet Katelyn. Katelyn was all smiles and loved spending time with everyone. At 10:50 p.m Grandma gave Katelyn a bath, she nursed and she was off to bed. She slept from 11:15 - 7:00am!! Since she's sleeping in my mom's room, when she woke up Mom gave her a bottle and her and my papa played with Katelyn till I woke up. Talk about being spoiled! 

Katelyn with her Great-Papa

Bath time with Grandma

Leaving on a jet plane....

Well we're off to Boston tomorrow to visit my mom and grandparents for 7 days. It's taken me the last 2 days to pack and even as I sit here I'm wondering if I've forgotten to add anything to my list of stuff to pack. At this point I guess I need to let go and resign myself to the fact that if I have forgotten anything then I guess it's a good thing there's a Babies R Us near by. I'm so excited for this trip and I'm praying that Katelyn does well on the plane. 5 1/2 hours is a long time for our little active one to sit still. I'm also praying that we can convince the person who has booked the window seat next to us that a seat in another row might be more comfortable for him/her. I already packed my camera so I'll have plenty of pictures to share from our trip. 

Bon Voyage,

Alissa

xoxo

Thanks Great Grandma & Grandpa

Last night I was asked to be a part of a panel at Azusa Pacific University's Orange campus. Every term one of my former professors puts together a panel for her class on Education Foundations/Classroom Exp. K-8. It is one of the final classes you take while student teaching before you receive your teaching credential. The panel gives students the opportunity to ask alumni questions about interviewing, how we got our first teaching job, etc. This is the 3rd time I've sat on a panel for Dr. Brady and I love it. It's so great to meet other teachers who are passionate about teaching. 

While I was at the panel I dropped Katelyn off at Great Grandma and Grandpa Circle's house down the street in Orange. When I got there Great Grandma Circle had bought a beautiful quilt and an adorable pink poodle for Katelyn to use when she's at their house. Katelyn loved the poodle and didn't want to let it go when it was time to go home. We ended up bringing it home with us and Katelyn cuddled up next to it and fell asleep on the way home. 

Thanks Great Grandma and Grandpa for watching Katelyn and for her pink poodle!!! We love you. Love A, xoxo

Home for Halloween

Every year for as long as Kyle and I have been together he's always been known for dressing up in his cow costume. It amazes me every year how everyone loves to tell crazy stories about Kyle in his cow costume. So since Kyle was dressing up as a cow for Halloween we felt it was only fitting since we had acquired another cow costume in the last year that I would dress up as a cow also and then Katelyn would wear her little ladybug costume. Ahh well the best laid plans as they say. We had already RSVP'd to 2 parties when on Thursday night Katelyn started coughing and sniffling. By Friday it had turned into a little cold and she spent most of the day sleeping or fussing. Can you blame her? Who likes to be sick? I sure don't. We decided to keep and eye on her throughout the day and if she felt better we would head out to 1 or both parties we had planned to attend. Katelyn kept falling asleep and you should've seen the look on her face when I decided to try and put her costume on her. We took a couple pictures and then she was over her costume and ready to head to bed for the night. Oh well! Maybe next year.....