phase 2 - summit

We traveled up Mt. Washington via the Cog railroad. It was a really unique way to experience a summit. The railroad used to be powered by a coal engine and is a pretty spectacular engineering feat.
C & C on the way up.
The view of Mt. Washington and the railroad tracks.
Evidently the top of Mt. Washington is home to the worst weather in the world. So glad we didn't experience anything like the world record holding wind gust of 231 mph!

Post knee surgery Susie couldn't resist making it to the top. Way to go!

Caris' first summit at age 4 months. 6,288 feet! She LOVED it up there. She was she happy, squealing and cooing and taking everything in. Can't wait to take our first hike!

NH trip - Phase 1

Day 1

Caris geared up to cheer on grandpa JJ at his Ironman Triathlon. She loved the bikes passing by and got the hang of cheering on the competitors; and the cheering helped encourage an 11th place age group finish!

The Barn on the Farm.

Caris meets the cows.....Checking things out with JJ and Susie

This cow's head was bigger than lil' C! She had to watch her back.

Art Cards come to life!! All that practice payed off. She stared at these guys intently! Loving the black and white patterns.

Baby girl meets baby calf. JJ teaching her the ropes of life on the farm.

p.s. The overalls in the above pictures were mine when I was just a lil' C myself. I have pictures with my mom in the same barn in the same overalls. Pretty fun :) I'm hoping for a side-by-side comparison soon.

Did I mention we spent the night in the airport in Philly? That was fun. Here we are. Do you think U.S. Airways will use this to advertise?

'Fly with us! You will experience a wonderful night in our deluxe 'gate ready' suites. It doesn't get closer to the airport than this, folks! Uniquely furnished with beautiful florescent lighting, blaring televesions, state-of-the art foil emergency blankets, and our innovative eco-friendly beds that also serve as seats! All at the small price of delayed/cancelled flights. Your infant child will love the experience!'

Light The Night

My sister, Tara, has headed up the organization of several Light the Night campaigns for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Tonight, the first walk in Abilene kicks off the season of events. Tara has worked so hard on this event and it sounds like it is going to be a huge success!

I can say first hand that the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is a great resource to patients. It is one of the few organizations I have seen in my work at MDACC that provides much needed funds directly to patients along with education and support. It is a great organization and resource for patients. If so inclined, please take a look at the link above to learn more.

Thinking of you guys tonight and honoring all of those who have battled this disease.

Wide Open Spaces

Yesterday at this time I was breathing in the fresh smells of the farm, soaking up the crisp Eastern air, surrounded by pines and maples, with cows as my neighbors, my baby girl and husband at my side.

Today, I am eating lunch at my desk, surrounded by the sounds of computers and telephones, have already faced the traffic, greeted by smog and humidity, missing my family..

As we approached home last night, I felt the 'busy-ness' that we are encompassed by here in the city. Heard the noises, felt the tension of the traffic, drove by high-rise buildings, rushing, always rushing. Walking into our home, I could feel the clutter, the residual of our harried packing and proceeding week. I felt the ensuing stress of our chaotic daily lives. I had the sensation of all these 'things' literally closing in around me.

And I missed the 'space'.

I love the outdoors, the expansiveness of the forest and mountains. I love the simplicity of towns and the character of life in the country. I think I will always have a little small-town girl in me. Although I truly love all of the culture and experiences the city has to offer, and I am so grateful Garrett is receiving training in the best medical center, sometimes I just need a little space :)

- Caris, although big city girl by birth, is a small-town girl by proxy, as is claimed by her dress, loved visiting the farm her JJ grew up on-

We returned last night from our trip back east, visiting the farm in New Hampshire. (details to come :) We had a wonderful few days, full of life, full of experiences.

I am so grateful for the opportunities we have been given to travel. I really feel almost an innate need to experience all things new and all things life has to offer. Garrett and I enjoy sharing these experiences with Caris and love to teach her as we show her the wold.

I love that in Caris' short little life she has been able to experience the ocean breezes of both the Pacific and Atlantic, has felt the sand, soil, and grasses of many places between her little toes, has seen vineyards and summitted a mountain, talked to cows and watched seagulls, and has gazed at the leaves of giant redwoods, fragrant pines, ancient maples, giant oaks, and native mesquites. (have I mentioned staring at trees is her favorite activity??) She has loved every new place we have taken her and soaks up each experience with her curious little eyes.

But I also love that when she returns home to her little room, she is happy to see her butterfly pictures above her changing table and greets them with a happy squeal, talks excitedly to her art cards hanging in her crib, feels comforted by the familarity of her pink rug and hardwood floors, and rests her head peacefully in the protection of her bed.

I hope that we can continue to experience all life has to offer with our little girl. And along the way I hope that we remember to see the beauty in all places, near or far, and to experience each moment we have been given as a family. Each is precious and if we are careful to seize those moments, no matter where they are, we can experience all God has given to us in each day.

I hope that in the midst of all the clutter, all the rushing, that our daily lives in the city demands, I will remember to stop and see each moment. Trying to embed simplicity among the reality of this busy stage of life. And in doing so, carry the wide open spaces with me wherever I may be.

What?? 4 months??

I realized about half-way through my morning that today Caris has officially reached the fourth month of life. Am I the type of mother who is going to forget her children's birthdays??? I sure hope not. But in addition to this mid-morning realization leading to questioning my mothering, I was also in disbelief that my once teeny little infant is 4 months old!!


I am making up for my forgetfullness of this significant date by actually posting on the date. I have forgone my attempts to post her (insert month) pictures on the corresponding post as the last time I did that, I barely got them in before the next marker. I think I can attribute all of these things to the fact that time is going by sooooo quickly I can barely keep up; a month feels like no time at all! (side note - when do you transition from measuring age in weeks to then months to years? at 12 weeks we started on months, do you measure in months until 2 years?? reason this intrigues me...)


For some reason, this marker is a big one for me. I think because so much I have read and researched says things like - 'under 4 months, don't worry about a set nap schedule' 'before 4 months don't expect your infant to sleep through the night' 'at 4 months you can talk to your doctor about introducing foods' - you know, really important things. In my mind, I have justified quite a few things by adding the phrase 'well she's still just 3 months'. Without the ability to add this caveat, what will I do when she still doesn't have a rhythm to her naps and wakes up sometimes at night? We have no more excuses!



So now on to the real purpose of this post, our 4-month-er CARIS!



Little woman, what are you up to these days and what adventures did your 3rd month of life bring?


- You continue to LOVE to eat and that is usually the first thing you want to do when you see your mommy. This is evidenced in your continued growth. Although I haven't weighed you in awhile, at last check you were almost 15lbs!! That is quite a change from the 6lb baby we brought home. I am anxious to get to the doctor and see how long you are as it seems to me you have grown quite a bit in length as well.


- You are losing your once VERY full head of hair. Every morning you leave quite a stash on your crib sheet....I guess I need to explain to you that the tooth fairy only comes if you leave teeth behind... I can no longer put little bows in your hair. It is starting to grow back in now and is looking a little blonde, but still has a red glow :) We are curious what hair color you will end up with! (Don't worry about the hair loss sweet girl because your mommy is losing hers these days too! I support you!)


- You have been rolling over for awhile now, but it isn't exactly always the first thing on your mind. You seen to go through spurts where you will do it alot then you take a break ;) But you are definately developing your skills.

- You continue to show a preference for standing. You are constantly trying to push up and many people aside from your biased parents have commented on the fact that you seem quite strong. You love to be standing on people's laps.

- You are enjoying tummy time much more these days and have had a few long stretches of about 20 minutes where you hold your head up so high to look at your world.


- Your night-time sleep has been very good the past few weeks (outside of a few minor setbacks). Last night, we tried something new and you took it upon yourself to welcome your 4th month by sleeping from about 7:15 p.m. to 7:15 a.m. WHOA!! Your mom was really surprised by this and once she had the proof that you were, in fact, still breathing, said a big prayer of thanks!


- My favorite thing right now is that you are constantly smiling, laughing, and talking to us. You LOVE to ham it up and give everyone a big gummy grin and you have started to giggle and 'laugh' along with your smile. It is absolutley adorable. You are starting to really recognize your mom and dad and you get excited when we pick you up from school and sad when we leave :)


- Your little personality is really starting to emerge in the past few weeks. You seem to have a very sweet temperment and are very adaptable to new things. You intently examine your surroundings and are very intrigued by new faces. You continue to love new stimulus and activity.

- Your favorite activities include : anything outside - you love the trees but the sunshine hurts your light eyes. anything with water - you love swimming, baths, the sound of your bath running, etc. anything with music - you love our silly songs, daddy's guitar, your many playlists, car radio. you love lights/shadows - you like the computer screen, ichatting with your family, watching the 'music lights', looking up at the ceiling fans and lights. and going to parties and going to dinner, we tend to do a lot of this!


- Your hand skills have developed in the past few weeks as well. You have started to hold onto your toys, reach for objects, and you even try to put your paci in your mouth and help your dad hold your bottles.


- You have attended your school for almost a whole month now and it seems you are thriving. Yesterday, you were able to play with the bigger babies in the sprinklers and you loved it! You are a favorite there and we are proud of you.


- You took your first commercial flight this month as we traveled to Amarillo, TX for your gret-grandfather's 80th birthday party. We were able to spend time visiting your 'big Granny' (machita's mom) while we were there too. Thus completing the introduction to all your great-grandparents.


- You are are very loved little girl and have been lucky enough to see all your gandparents, aunts, and uncles at some point in your third month. You change so quickly that we try to see everyone as much as possible!

I'm sure I have missed something important as this month seems to have produced the biggest amount of growth and change thus far. I have loved seeing you grow every day and can't wait to see what our next month has in store! We love you sweet girl.

....since I am at work and have no pictures from today, I'm including our latest video of Caris standing (and no, garrett is not holding her up, she's up there on her own!......

although it is kind of long, you can stop at any point as it is pretty much the same thing the entire time plus the sooner you stop watching the less of my annoying voice you will hear (why do I sound so annoying on video? do I sound like this in real life?).....or if you are Caris' grandparents, go ahead and play it over a few times :)

A different kind of owl....

When is G working nights the hardest?

Choice A : - When Caris decides to go on either a growth spurt, or a sleeping strike (haven't decided which yet) and wakes up every 3 hours wanting to eat and play for the past several nights. And her mom has to work the next day. And dad isn't there to take a shift.

Choice B: - When Caris decides to empty the entire contents of her stomach. Twice. Before leaving for school Friday. Thus convincing her family she should stay home from school. With her dad who didn't sleep the night before. And she refuses to take a nap all day.

Choice C: - All of the above.

These two minor issues aside, Caris is such a sweet girl these days, enjoying her little life completely. She filled her weekend with pool party and lunch dates that included many prosepctive boyfriends and BFF's. And was, as usual, the perfect party guest.

These three = Night Owls. And I love every minute of it ;)

Sunshine

The past two days we have seen our share of tenacious thunderstorms in H-town. As I rocked my little one to sleep with the sound of rain and thunder in the background, this little song kept playing in my head. Although at initial glance it may seem simplistic, I felt the depth of the meaning as it echoes my nightly prayer over our sweet girl.

'You are My Sunshine, my only sunshine'

You make me happy, when skies are gray

You'll never know dear, how much I love you

Please don't take my sunshine away.

Caris truly brightens my day the moment I see her; no matter how rough or trying it may have been, her sweet smile lights up my world. I don't know if she will ever know just how much I truly love her. The depths of which I really can't even put it into words myself and I could not have expected. I would do anything to protect my little one and pray for her continued protection every night. I couldn't imagine my life without her. I'm so thankful for the blessing we have been given and for the joy and beauty she adds to our lives.

Caris, You Are Our Sunshine!

(pics from Caris' 3 month photo shoot....finally!!)

Hoot Owl

Lil' C is cooing and giggling up a storm these days. She spent her weekend talking to her parents, sounding like a little baby hoot owl. So cute. At least to the biased parents. Might we have a Chi-O in the making? Sorry, couldn't resist.



Caris gets so excited when she is able to talk to us and will do so for quite awhile as long as she has an audience. In the mornings when I lay her on her blankie at school before I leave, she smiles and sings away up at me and it is hard to leave her because she is just so dang cute and happy! Such a sweet girl. I love watching her little personality and skills develop.



To me, it is another testament to the divine Creator that one of the first skills a baby develops is that of smiles and laughter. It's enough to make you forget all the sleepless nights and fussy days. One little smile makes it all go away and I spend my days trying to find them.



Another video clip for your viewing pleasure. Entitled 'Coo Coo Jump Jump Squeal'. Well now you don't even need to watch it because I have given away the ending. And middle. And also the beginning.... I hope you enjoy regardless of the spoiler.

Milk. It does a body good...

I was not completely prepared for how much our lives would revolve around this substance. Production. Consumption. Storage. Volume. Supply. Demand. Intake. Out-take. All surrounding the topic of milk. The sole source of life giving support for our little one.



So when my friend passed along this cute forward, I could not resist posting. A humorous take on what consumes our lives every few hours.

Students in an advanced Biology class were taking their mid-term exam. The last question was, 'Name seven advantages of Mother's Milk', worth 70 points or none at all. One student, in particular, was hard put to think of seven advantages. He wrote:

1). It is perfect formula for the child

2.) It provides immunity against several diseases.

3.) It is always the right temperature

4.) It is inexpensive.

5.) It bonds the child to mother, and vice versa.

6.) It is always available as needed.

And then, the student was stuck. Finally, in desperation, just before the last bell indicating the end of the test rang, he wrote......

7.) It comes in 2 cute containers.

He got an A.

Too cute.

And along the lines of this topic, we get a kick out of Caris after she finishes a big meal, she starts acting what we deem to be 'Milk Drunk'. Eyes half-open, head bobbling, trying to smile but too full and groggy to do so, so funny. We tried to capture it on a short little video. I don't know if it does it complete justice, but a glimpse at least.

Caris goes to School

Lil' C is officially a new little 'friend' at a Montessori school (identity concealed to protect the innocent :) We are very excited about our choice and the opportunities it provides our little girl. Although I hate being away from her so much and wish it could be a part-time gig, we really feel that this is the 'next-best-thing'. It is fairly close to my work, so I am hopeful that I will be able to visit from time to time.

The Montessori philosophy encourages independence and focuses on creating a nurturing learning environment beginning even in infancy. They are very attentive to the infant's needs and try to work with each individuals personality. We really like the home-like environment they create and all the opportunities Caris will have to learn and interact with other friends. Her school offers art, gymnastics, swimming (when she is older), and they even have a chef to provide healthy meals. She has an eclectic group of students in her class and they are located in the heart of so many opportunities, I think this will really be neat for her as she grows.

Caris and mom - First day of school , Outfit by Dad

We spent last week transitioning Caris to her new environment (one hour, then 2, then half-day, then 3/4 day, and Friday was her big full day!). Things were pretty hectic last week as I am already back at work and I was juggling dropping off Caris, spending time with her there, heading back to work, then back to pick-up the little one. Now, she is a full-timer at school and we are slowly adjusting to our new routine.

We (mainly me) have had a few rough moments. I truly hate being away from her so long and my fears always wander off to whether or not she will even remember that I am her mom or whether she is scared there without me....etc etc irrational thoughts.

However, Caris appears to do great there. She doesn't nap long (surprise) because she seems to hate missing out on anything and I think she wishes she was like the bigger babies that can sit up and crawl around. But she is happy and content and sleeps great at night after a long day of school :) She loves all the mobiles, toys, and books they have to play with. I think it is harder on me than it is on her, but I still hate that she has to be there so much. Caris is very adaptable to new situations and loves change and activity, so I think this is the right choice for her.

Well that is my justification at least.

According to her teachers, little one is now putting herself to sleep on her little bed for naptime, that is evidently really great. They also say she is a very 'visual' baby. I concur. Caris rolled over for me when I put her down before leaving school last week. I was so grateful I was able to witness her first big move! (I'll try to attach a video)

Way to go Caris.

We are proud of our big little girl.