October in November

I can't believe its almost thanksgiving already. We have done our best to make the best of the nice weather we have been having. Going on lots of walks, the Como Zoo, and a quick photo shoot yesterday in the backyard. I have never been a big fan of flash photography, but recently got the 430exII. It is taking some practice, but I am really happy with a few of these shots with the sun at their backs.

From Mia Nov 09

She is also starting to talk to us this week. So blasted cute. We had a "practice" day care day with the 2/3 grandmas that went REALLY well. Nonetheless Mol isn't overly excited to start work this week. Luckily its a short one. Mia did sleep 8 1/2 hours STRAIGHT on Friday night.

From Mia Nov 09

Mia's first Ely Deer Camp (with the ladies)

This weekend we realized how much stuff Mia has already. The car was packed full for just two nights - and Molly still had to get more diapers. Thankfully we got an early start and there was no traffic. Mia slept the whole way (just over 4 hours) both ways. She is smiling more now and making all kinds of different faces. She is trying really hard to make more noises but hasn't really figured it out yet. She does make a really funny snort noise a lot though.

Here is a link to the full album

And here is the Album from Halloween if you missed it.

little footprints

Its so amazing seeing how Mia is already growing and changing so fast in just 2 weeks. Last night we gave her 4th bath and finally got our system down so she didn't cry at all, and seemed to even enjoy it. So of course I ran and got the camera. I will always be glad I took those first two weeks off - even it was with out pay. This first week back at work has been interesting to say the least. She has just started having trouble some nights getting back to sleep after feedings and diaper change. Our friends Andrew and Liz recomended a great book The Happiest Baby on The Block The 5 S's actually work. Swaddle, Sideways, Shhh, Sway, and Suck. It doesn't work EVERY time but when it does - it feels like someone gave you a secret baby code. And its comforting to hear every single person congratulate me - and then sympathize for the lack of sleep they know we are getting.


Animoto is the best. This was so easy and fun to make its crazy. Now that I know how easy it is to incorporate video - I can't wait to take more.

Welcome Baby Mia

A friend of my mom wrote: "Her little feet are already leaving footprints on our hearts." As cheesy as it may sound - its so true. Its nice to have had a couple of nights at home to adjust and get to know our little one. Each new sound and face she makes blows me away. This song by Ray LaMontagne has taken on a new meaning for me. Molly made a great mix for us while in the hospital. That combined with amazing midwives and nurses we held a really peaceful space for Mol and Mia. I was blown away with how well Mol handled labor - while every birth is unique - relative to the stories I have heard, this one was on the longer and harder end of the scale. Saying I am deeply proud of Molly would be quite the understatement.

The outpouring of well wishes, support, gifts, cards, visitors, food, and more - has been truly amazing. We are so grateful to be bringing Mia into a community that is as rich in love and spirit as our family and friends.Already in these first few days - in the first few moments even - we have realized what so many have been telling us. Nothing compares. This is even more amazing and wonderful than we could have expected. We are taking lots of pictures and doing our best to savor each moment. We posted some of our favorites below. Check out the full album here.

Impulse Control

Ever since reading Daniel Golemans Emotional Intelligence
- in which he references the now infamous marshmallow test - I have always imagined how fun it would be to watch the kids cope with this challenge.


With the increase in the pace we live our lives - and how easy it is to achieve instant gratification - the lesson of impulse control - and delayed gratification is only more relevant today.

More Dog Jumping

Cin figured out why Leonard preferred jumping off the pontoon - traction. Now with some improvised astro-turf on the dock he can let it all hang out.

From More Dog Jumping

Burning Energy

Mol and I couldn't wait any longer, everyone we know has dogs so - even though we have a new baby due to arrive in the next few weeks - we thought it was a good time to get a NEW PUPPY !!!

Yeah right. No puppy for us for a while - but our neighbors were like "really... a new dog huh...?" We were just watching our friends Anne and Aaron's dog Karma for a couple of days. Thankfully everyone else invited us out to the dog park. We had never been, but it was the best place to go to burn Karma's infinite puppy energy.


Ruby lovin the Baby Bjorn: