Dad's gone - day 1

We survived our week in Florida. I'll post pictures and stories soon. Right now I want to post a photo of the day for Joel. He is back working in El Paso. We have no idea how long this trip will be. The unpredictable schedule is a big bummer.

Today was a good day. Jace was happy and tried out a rice cake for the first time. He seemed to enjoy it though I don't think he ate much. Mostly it was smeared all over the tray and his hands and his hair and his bib and my clothes and my hair and the table. He would crinkle up his nose and laugh. It was adorable.

Still a blur - I should be packing

I should be packing! I am just now stealing a few precious moment while Jace naps to post something new. Our holiday season was a crazy blur of activities and it really still has not calmed down. Tomorrow we leave for Orlando where Joel, Jessica and Don are running the Disney World marathon on Sunday. I am nervous about the flight but super excited to visit Dan and Becky again.
How do you pack all the stuff for a baby in bags that won't bring hefty fees at the airport? Oh, yeah and I have to remember a few things for Joel and I as well. Thank goodness we are staying with family and there are a few big items that they managed to procure for us that I don't have to worry about (crib, high chair, stroller, baby carrier).
Anyway, I'll post more awesome holiday photos when I get a chance (after the Florida trip). Until then, enjoy the ones we took at Winterpark skiing with Curt and Kadra before Christmas.

Love and prayers to the Sullivan family during the fires in Boulder County.

Skiing Winterpark, December 2008

Jace, meet Santa.

Christmas is coming...

Joel is working in town this month. It is so nice to have a normal schedule with him home at night and Jace and I staying home for a change. It is great to give our suitcases a short break. Next week we start our holiday traveling.

Jace is on the move!

He sits up on his own now. We just place a little ring of pillows around him for when he inevitably topples over. He can easily roll over and is starting to scoot across the floor. I am trying to stay a couple steps ahead of him with baby proofing but it is difficult to anticipate what he might be able to do from day to day.

Joel and I were disappointed when Jace didn't go crazy for fruits. He continues to prefer carrots and sweet potatoes over anything new we offer. He hates the strained peaches. One feeding session ended with him screaming and spitting them out. We wish he would eat more solid food during the day because he is waking up hungry in the middle of the night sometimes. It is frustrating right now but I know this phase will pass and soon he will eat more. (We witnessed this with Cole, our friend's 10 month old boy)

Jace got more prunes on his face than in his mouth. The result: Baron Von Jace.

We are looking forward to fun Christmas plans in the coming weeks. Our decorations are up. Jace is helping me clean up the house (he cries when I run the vacuum unless I am holding him so I vacuum with one hand and hold the baby with the other). He never misses an opportunity to grab the tree when we move past it. Our shopping is mostly done. I can't wait to start wrapping gifts. I'm not sure how safe they will be under the tree so we may have to make a gift shelf.

I have been trying to get some cute holiday photos of Jace. He is less than thrilled to be dressed up and posed. The resulting photos have not been exactly what I hoped for. Our Christmas card might be a little goofy.

Next week Curt and Kadra arrive and we are headed to WinterPark for some skiing. Then back to Wray to celebrate an early Christmas with Dan and Becky before Curt and Kadra have to leave. Our actual Christmas might be pleasantly quiet. We plan to celebrate with Palmer's the day after. Hopefully, we will get a chance to see everyone.

Curt & Kadra got a puppy! His name is Toby. Between Toby and Jace, Chrismas will be a little different this year! See you soon.

Thanksgiving in WY 2008

Thanksgiving in WY 2008

Thanksgiving in Burns was lots of fun. We enjoyed all the traditional Thanksgiving elements: eating tons of yummy food, visiting with family, watching football and competing in card games. We stayed Thursday night at Little America Hotel with Gary, Elaine, Jessica, Don, Dustin, Alyssa and Janae. On Friday, before we headed for home, we got to meet Angela's baby girl, Victora, who is also 6 months old. She was born May 20th, just 3 days after Jace.

Thank you to Lori, Scott, Brandon & Travis for hosting the great party!