Hawaii part 1

So we are on Maui for a few days for a work conference... good timing for us, since it's been non-stop rain at home since we left!

Ivy travelled well on the plane, it's not as easy as it was a couple of months ago... she's a lot more active now, but she's still a great traveller. Her adjustment to the new time zone wasn't as easy as we would have hoped... she continues to wake at 5:30, thinking it's 7:30 at home. Naps are a little hit or miss here- it's pretty clear she doesn't want to miss anything!

We've really enjoyed showing the baby off to our friends and acquaintences here at the NAPA meeting in Maui- she's got quite a fan club! This meeting is one that Brian and I attend every winter, and I can tell you that it's very differnt with Ivy in tow! For example, tonight, we were tucked up in our room with some takeout dinner at about 6:45 pm... and very happy to be there. Other years, we'd be out to dinner, having a romantic cocktail by the ocean... etc. The joy I've had introducing her around, is worth tucking into our room early! Fortunately, we've been able to take her to all of the events - so that's nice!

On monday, Ivy and I splurged and rented a cabana for the day- to hang out near the beach. It was perfect-- shady, room for all of our stuff, close to the beach, a little bit of lawn to play on... We really enjoyed it- there are some pictures of her in the cabana- and one of her playing peek a boo around the shade!

We bought Ivy a grass skirt... and a silke flower lei right when we got off the plane... I bought her another one today, in a different color! More pictures to follow!

This hotel is beautiful, and I've been enjoying walking arond on the grounds and watching the birds and looking at the tropical foliage! I even spotted some deer heading off into the brush the other day!

Snow!

So exciting to visit the cabin near Tahoe for the first time with tiny Ivy!

My dad is standing in the picture window, showing Ivy the snow...

There was about 3 inches of snow on the ground, and it snowed about 1/2 an inch 2 times while we were there. This night picture is of the guest house my parents built for us to enjoy when we visit. So nice to have our own space! It is like a bed and breakfast- so beautiful!

We think that Ivy was having a pretty hard time with teething for part of the time we were there... but no teeth to show for it. In spite of obvious teething pain- her true sunny personality always shines through brightly!

I'd say her first snow experience was good! She was all bundled up and we went for a walk together to take some pictures. She didn't say a word, just looked around and seemed to enjoy the view.

The cats ere pretty intrigued with her, but Ivy loves John Galt the best!

This is one of her favorite presents from Christmas-- a bouncy ball!

The holidays...

We enjoyed a nice holiday lunch at Mikuni with some other familes we know... Ivy's friend Sakura shared her rice crackers with Ivy- and now she loves them!

We enjoyed a holiday dinner at our house with our friends the Lorinis-- Ivy was a charming hostess- eating the placemats is cool, right?

Ivy's not exactly crawling, but she is definitely scooting. She moves all over the place, but with great purpose.

We drove out to a big holiday light display one night before Christmas- it was sprinkling rain, but Ivy was, as usual a good sport! We bundled her up and she was cozy for light viewing!

Christmas eve we went out to dinner with my parents-- after dinner we came back to our house to watch Ivy play for a while. She loves this cell phone and boxes and ribbons!

Oh, and did I mention that she is standing now? She can stand for a LONG time while holding on to something-- not too interested in steps yet.

Surveying her domain from her new armchair! I just had to have this chair-it is so precious. This picture is on Christmas morning and she is playing with her new fancy squirrel.

She enjoyed the presents, but typical for a kid of her age, the wrappings were a bit more interesting!

After all the presents, Ivy and John Galt took a little snack break before naptime! Of course, for John Galt, naptime is just about anytime!

Daddy's reading the kid's book, and Ivy's reading the Wall St. Journal... she will be smarter than both of us put together... I'm sure of it!



We had the most interesting, heartwarming, action packed holiday season we could have ever imagined. I've always enjoyed the whole holiday season, in spite of working for many years in retail- where the holidays are a living hell. This year of course, things I'd always enjoyed were suddenly loaded with sentiment and special meaning. If we uttered the phrase babys first Christmas once, we uttered it a hundred times! We were very social with friends and family, but so enjoyed our quiet moments playing on the floor with Ivy near the Christmas tree in the evenings. Ivy's on the cusp of big change these days. She seems to be getting bigger, if not heavier. She is moving around a lot on the floor- almost crawling and doing a lot of standing. Thanks to her bouncy Einstein contraption, she loves bouncing just about anywhere she happens to be. It's so cute to watch!

She's eating tons of food- zuccini, brocoli, cauliflower, sweet potatos, squash, carrots, cereal, apples, and crackers! With patience, she'll eat anything we make for her- she is generally very tidy when eating, but lately has begun to gesticulate during the feeding... which necesitates extra clean up! We're making progress with the sippy cup!

Our last post placement visit with our social worker was a few days before Christmas. We've got a case number through the court system, and once our final report is prepared, we'll get a date to finalize Ivy's adoption-- probably in February or March.

We enjoyed hearing from so many friends and family at Christmas! Hope you all stay healthy in our new decade!

SANTA!

This first picture was taken at my parents house, when Ivy got a first glimpse of Santa before the main event at Sally's house last Thursday! She studied Santa very carefully, but didn't cry or laugh... I'm glad we did a run through!

The Randolph Christmas party was fun! Ivy was only one of a few babies there- next year she'll be right in the mix of kids waiting to hop up on Santa's knee!

It was a really fun night-- such a difference from last year. I can't believe how our lives have changed!

Happy Holidays!

I had to take advantage of the fall foliage one last time and take some posed pictures outside! The weather here has been gorgeous in the middle of the afternoons- perfect for hanging out in the back yard!

Ivy's first Thanksgiving was fun! My parents came over for dinner- above you can see Ivy's place card... oh how long we waited to see that at our table! So much to be thankful for!

I made her some brussel sprouts and carrots for her dinner- she's liking food alot! I think oatmeal is her favorite- but she'll eat anything we give her pretty much.

On Friday, we headed up to Apple Hill to pick out a Christmas tree for baby's first Christmas! We think the tree is the prettiest one we've ever chosen. Brian insisted on colorful lights this year, because he thought Ivy would like to look at them-- so we have colorful lights inside and out! I have to admit I like the way it looks. People say that Christmas is totally different with kids- and so far I'd say that's pretty acurate. Normally I've got a lot of handmade gifts for everyone in the works- but this year I'm kind of focused on the baby! We bought her a chair that she'll get for Christmas-- so cute- its a club chair made of "leatherette" and it matches out couch! We can all hang out in the living room and read together!

Last week we had our 3rd visit of 4 with our social worker to complete the requirements for Ivy's adoption. We are such proud parents showing Melissa all the new things Ivy can do since last month-- lots of sitting, moving around on her blanket, playing with her toys, vocalizing, etc. It's pretty clear that she is teething in earnest- I simply can't believe there isn't a tooth popping through yet. We feel bad for the little scamp- it must hurt her, but she remains her sweet natured self through it all.

Next week is our neighborhood visit with Santa... we'll see if she freaks out like a lot of other babies do!