Baby Likes Sweet and Sour Chicken

Kate has evidently reached that stage of grasping at things. Allie and I were playing Rummikub during dinner and I was about to make a mega move when Kate decided to go for my sweet and sour chicken. I had greatly underestimated her grasping abilities until tonight. Apparently eating, holding Kate, and playing a game was too much multitasking for me and Kate seized the opportunity. By the time Allie yelled, "Mom!" and I realized what was happening it was too late.  With lightning speed the fistful of food went into her hair, all over the floor, the table and me. I instantly learned it's a lot easier to get rice and sweet and sour sauce off those bald baby heads than the hairy variety. Actually, I think she was just as surprised as the rest of us at the whole ordeal. Notice the rice and sauce all over her sleeper and in her hair. I personally love the carrot perched on her shoulder--it really did land that way! 

I'm Back

My Aunt Peggy, Kate and Me at the Funeral

It's been a long time since I've had a chance to post--things have been really hectic. I just returned from CA where I went to my Grandma McGuire's funeral. It was a quick trip and just took Kate with me. (Thanks to Pete and Julie for watching Allie and Luke!) My grandma is finally resting after struggling so long with Alzheimer's and it is a blessing that she does not have to suffer anymore. I love to imagine her with her family and so happy to be released. She was an amazing woman and had so many talents. She could cook, bake, sew, garden- she could do it all. She was incredibly organized and was an extremely hard worker. She is a great example to me. I definitely I have been lucky to have great grandparents. It was a nice trip and as always a joy to be with family. The weather in CA was fantastic--100 degrees and NO RAIN! I got to meet my new niece Andee and my cousin's daughter, Bella who are both super cute. I also got to show off Kate to lots of family that hadn't met her yet. I will post more pictures when I have time, but I just had to get something posted!

Happy Birthday Allie

Alile turns 7 today! I can't believe that it's been 7 years already. Sometimes she seems so old but then again she is still my little girl. I wish I could slow down time and keep her from getting any older. We're so blessed to have her in our family. She is a beautiful, wonderful girl who has done so well in her first 7 years--I'm excited to see what she will become in 7 more. She is so talented, smart, loving, beautiful, helpful, funny, sweet, and reponsible. I hate to be too proud, but I think she is just wonderful. She said she wanted a locket with a picture of her Mom and Dad or a cell phone for her birthday. Hmm...we'll see what happens. I'll post birthday pics later. Here's some pics of her when she was younger (we didn't get a digital camera until she was almost 3--so these are just some of the digital ones I had--no time to scan the older ones)

Something overheard

This afternoon I was sitting on the couch nursing Kate while Allie was unloading the dishwasher. She did something and dramatically said, "Oh great, Mom's gonna kill me!" I then heard a little boy who was coloring in the laundry room mumble quietly to himself, "Oh good, then I get to be the first and the oldest"
Luke cracks me up.

Park Hopping

Two scaredy cats

Allie braving the descent

The Conquerors

One of the best things about Oregon is that there are lots and lots of parks. When we are out running around, if Kate needs to nurse, I just pull into a park so that they kids can play. Today we discovered this fake rock to climb. The funny thing was that once they got to the top, they were a little scared to come down and were stuck. I had Kate and didn't think climbing up there with her would work. So after a few minutes, some funny pictures, and teasing that I was leaving I finally convinced Allie to give it a try. She made it but Luke would not come down. So I climbed up halfway and helped him down. I was thinking, "Hooray, now maybe he will be more cautious", but as soon as his feet touched the ground he was climbing up again. They wanted to do muscle shots to show they had "conquered the rock"

PS Maybe by the next post Luke will have a haircut--he keeps begging me to cut it. He likes it short.

9 Years!

Today is our 9 year anniversary! Wow! 9 years! Way to go team!

Baby Galyan

Neil and Jill had their baby girl on Monday, May 5th. Hooray! We're so glad she's finally here and can't wait until we get to see her. (We can't wait to find out her name either!)