tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12404668612724099682024-03-05T02:45:48.633-05:00Escape Hard, Inner NinjaHere to keep our friends and family up-to-date on our adventures (and reverse culture shock) moving from Kyoto, Japan back to the United States.Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08876467908066716333noreply@blogger.comBlogger187125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240466861272409968.post-51623257299377108852017-10-01T19:31:00.006-04:002017-10-01T19:31:57.991-04:00Kodomo no Rakuen 2.0 We noticed that the playground we'd been going to had a splash pad and wading pool area, so the next hot day, we packed up the swimsuits and towels and tried it out. Zoe really loved it (and the chance to wear her Ariel!)<br />
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<br />Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797325239935596580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240466861272409968.post-35400877973127066482017-09-30T23:15:00.001-04:002017-09-30T23:15:51.582-04:00Getting around Kyoto One difference to life in Japan is that we don't have a car. Sometimes, we use some public transportation (buses, trains, subways), but mostly we walk. This makes everything take longer, but you also notice lots of beautiful things along the way that you would have missed otherwise - like this little guy.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwNwvLnDMRR37Feakt3uBWNF0hcDPjn997-SeK1qk2KGpRyjANT_EXD4THNF9PvrApaiYX76Mmg_-dTcv0-cw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="background-color: white;">Butterfly = <span style="color: #2d2d2d; font-family: "Crimson Text", georgia, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">蝶 (kanji), </span><span style="color: #2d2d2d; font-family: "Crimson Text", georgia, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">ちょう(hiragana) - pronounced "chou" </span></span>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797325239935596580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240466861272409968.post-36609204090243305232017-09-30T22:45:00.000-04:002017-09-30T22:45:57.164-04:00Takaragaike Park - Kodomo no RakuenAbout 15-20 minutes walk from our apartment, we found a great playground, Kodomo no Rakuen (Children's Paradise). On the weekdays, we can play nearly alone and on the weekends, it's an incredibly popular place with tons of families enjoying themselves and a picnic lunch. Some people even bring along camping tents to provide some shade.<br />
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Vanessa especially liked the giant climbing spider's web and the hammock swing. Xavier loved the maze and the "mountain" in the middle of the park. Zoe insists the park had delicious rocks. Toddlers are weird, haha.<br />
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Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797325239935596580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240466861272409968.post-59749924181693099342017-09-08T09:25:00.001-04:002017-09-08T09:25:42.875-04:00Art Class for Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our first weekend in Japan we made our way back to the Kyoto City International Foundation which housed many of the events and clubs we enjoyed back in 2007. They were having a KoKo Kids <a href="http://www.kcif.or.jp/HP/jigyo/tabunka/en/kodomo/2017/0902kokokids-en.htm">meeting</a> to do an art project with shrinky dinks. There were only two families in attendance, so we all got to participate, even the "grown-ups."<br />
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Can you guess which project(s) belong to which Rasmussen?<br />
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<br />Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797325239935596580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240466861272409968.post-59755707603547497252017-09-03T19:17:00.000-04:002017-09-08T06:16:56.963-04:00Guess who's back? After a five year hiatus, our blog is (temporarily) back. Enjoy!<br />
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Last month, I graduated from nursing school with the 2017 cohort of the SCSU ACE Program. It was an incredibly crazy, but wonderful year. I was chosen by my classmates to give a graduation <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jh2duw0-KcA&feature=youtu.be">speech</a> at the pinning ceremony.<br />
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Next, Chris was the Best Man in Hunter & Corinne's wedding. Here's the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiaOV09iymY&feature=youtu.be">toast</a>.<br />
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Last week, I passed the NCLEX and we moved to Kyoto, Japan for the semester. Bit of a week, eh?<br />
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Our initial flight departed JFK at 1:45am, so that was a bit of an adventure with three kids. But, we made it to our layover in Shanghai more or less in one piece. Then, after a few hours of "patiently waiting", we headed for Osaka. The kids were really excited about the flights since they were the first that Vanessa and Zoe had ever been on. Xavier had only flown once previously when he was a baby, so he was as excited as his sisters. They did great.<br />
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Now, we are in our apartment in Kyoto slowly recovering from jetlag. It's great to be back in Japan!<br />
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<br />Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797325239935596580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240466861272409968.post-19555119451677571512012-12-19T12:25:00.001-05:002012-12-19T12:25:44.648-05:00Time Flies...<br />
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<br />Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797325239935596580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240466861272409968.post-91212858050612966262012-04-30T21:52:00.001-04:002012-04-30T22:07:40.697-04:00Meriden Daffodil Festival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We met up with friends for some fun at the <a href="http://www.daffodilfest.com/">Meriden Daffodil Festival</a>.</div>
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Japanese greetings from high up on the Ferris Wheel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc3zez0WWuKpIyWKENz5hpdDR4rvBN16qJrW-LEEyuj-xS2gGUe4rU_y6_VCctP0HJpJpM1o1Fo7IWS6i9hxSM2yzTiXm6VFwRqujEuvTz2YjLR67eCD4yQU7GvSMBxieozTlSxmbylo45/s1600/IMG_0136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc3zez0WWuKpIyWKENz5hpdDR4rvBN16qJrW-LEEyuj-xS2gGUe4rU_y6_VCctP0HJpJpM1o1Fo7IWS6i9hxSM2yzTiXm6VFwRqujEuvTz2YjLR67eCD4yQU7GvSMBxieozTlSxmbylo45/s320/IMG_0136.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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William and family </div>
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Mike and Sophie</div>
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Adorable mischief maker - deciding not to listen</div>
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Expert Driver of the #10 Pace Car - He was so excited to get the green one!</div>
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What you do while you wait for the big kids to get off the teacup ride</div>
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Daffodilly silly! </div>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797325239935596580noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240466861272409968.post-21807601021037783662012-04-30T21:43:00.000-04:002012-04-30T21:43:51.975-04:00Vanessa's Poetry Hour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
The Swing<br />
<br />
How do you like to go up in a swing,<br />
Up in the air so blue?<br />
Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing<br />
Ever a child can do!<br />
<br />
Up in the air and over the wall,<br />
Till I can see so wide,<br />
River and trees and cattle and all<br />
Over the countryside--<br />
<br />
Till I look down on the garden green,<br />
Down on the roof so brown--<br />
Up in the air I go flying again,<br />
Up in the air and down!<br />
<br />
-- Robert Louis StevensonReneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797325239935596580noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240466861272409968.post-63971820837402371072012-03-07T21:17:00.005-05:002012-03-07T21:25:02.738-05:00Deja vu<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAg-d8qBKShnfkSaqR8fcdCe_xa85GLt70Uwf5bMYwoVbNiGfKtna-o-_mKR-GoSNjVHFiRO1AHext_YeRzMfXmywUuvyjsAB9KEks8vfr43LNNN_PIOXZGYGDzs4J2cAygjkYZPAh7VYw/s1600/IMG_2505.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAg-d8qBKShnfkSaqR8fcdCe_xa85GLt70Uwf5bMYwoVbNiGfKtna-o-_mKR-GoSNjVHFiRO1AHext_YeRzMfXmywUuvyjsAB9KEks8vfr43LNNN_PIOXZGYGDzs4J2cAygjkYZPAh7VYw/s400/IMG_2505.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717346641011079282" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTckxsOKXOTl_RcrC_7vx8ZnFlq_6677Z6WspeW4duG08Z7KXfAtMBcLcLYfiTmXdm_9rJEIB-l3Bj87xEonZDHD_DtDNPek7DuXFhZaU9KfdWyi6JgMQB-viODbOgG5CJ3u8yQX6us59/s1600/Renee+over+shoulder.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTckxsOKXOTl_RcrC_7vx8ZnFlq_6677Z6WspeW4duG08Z7KXfAtMBcLcLYfiTmXdm_9rJEIB-l3Bj87xEonZDHD_DtDNPek7DuXFhZaU9KfdWyi6JgMQB-viODbOgG5CJ3u8yQX6us59/s400/Renee+over+shoulder.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717346272054021458" /></a>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797325239935596580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240466861272409968.post-85868493662691860782011-07-10T20:51:00.003-04:002012-03-08T21:04:46.942-05:00Introducing...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxflgv_odKiIH8YmldGnG9JMfepTzpfypSUhCg85OmR1RSB6AYnO7rxxOGB0t7l3vatz2ifNtDjeHRKmAEXYHReDCyx_-vuslbl8LA3y06lSinXtfvc45cx0S6Dl3Fbw2Ub-VewqRnf2K/s1600/IMG_2375.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxflgv_odKiIH8YmldGnG9JMfepTzpfypSUhCg85OmR1RSB6AYnO7rxxOGB0t7l3vatz2ifNtDjeHRKmAEXYHReDCyx_-vuslbl8LA3y06lSinXtfvc45cx0S6Dl3Fbw2Ub-VewqRnf2K/s400/IMG_2375.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717711959324308786" /></a><div><span style="font-size: 100%; ">Vanessa Quinn Rasmussen</span></div><div><br /><div><div>Born on July 10, 2011 at 8:51 pm </div><div>8 lbs. 5 oz. and 19.5 inches</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>She's a cutie and a beauty. <span style="font-size: 100%; ">We're all smitten. :) </span></div>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797325239935596580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240466861272409968.post-38624415675319896042010-08-04T14:15:00.000-04:002010-08-04T14:15:34.417-04:00Blast from the PastIn April 2008, Renee volunteered for the <a href="http://chrenee.blogspot.com/2008/04/takasegawa-canal-sakura-festival.html">Takasegawa Canal Sakura Matsuri</a> (follow the link to read Renee's original post about it). By coincidence, the area was also being filmed that day for a PBS documentary. Then, two years passed, and look what we just found on-line! (The real fun starts at roughly the 2:20 mark.)<br />
<br />
In case the embedded video below is showing poorly in your browser, here is an external link: <a href="http://www.5min.com/Video/The-Cherry-Blossom-Festival-in-Kyoto-Japan-225768748">Video</a>.<br />
<br />
<div><div style="text-align: center;"><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" height="338" id="FiveminPlayer" width="420"> <param name='allowfullscreen' value='true'/><param name='allowScriptAccess' value='always'/><param name='movie' value='http://embed.5min.com/225768748/'/><param name='wmode' value='window' /><embed name='FiveminPlayer' src='http://embed.5min.com/225768748/' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' width='420' height='338' allowfullscreen='true' allowScriptAccess='always' wmode='window'> </embed> </object><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.5min.com/Video/The-Cherry-Blossom-Festival-in-Kyoto-Japan-225768748" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px;" target="_blank">The Cherry Blossom Festival in Kyoto Japan</a></div></div><div><br />
</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08876467908066716333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240466861272409968.post-26426653364766742792010-07-31T19:07:00.001-04:002010-07-31T19:13:34.349-04:00A Dental Story (Part 2)<b>Warning</b>: <i>Be sure to read </i><a href="http://chrenee.blogspot.com/2010/07/dental-story-part-1.html"><i>Part 1</i></a><i> first. It really sets the mood!</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
In the last few years, I <i>have</i> had problems with my teeth. I started biting my cheeks and tongue frequently while eating. Also, my only point of contact between top and bottom is with my front teeth -- this has caused excessive wear, and so temperature and pressure sensitivity to these teeth. It has also started causing painful headaches, for example, when I rest my head in my hands. So, when Renee and I moved to Connecticut, I found an orthodontist with lots of positive referrals, and started treatment this summer.<br />
<br />
In order to fix my bite, the solution is to either shorten the space for my lower teeth (<i>Boo!</i>) or enlarge the space for my upper teeth (<i>Not-quite-as-Boo!</i>). Because of the cheek-biting, we're going to enlarge the top. This involves expanding the palate in the roof of my mouth. An appliance has been attached to my top molars, which contains threaded screws pointing at each molar. In the middle is a gear-box, which is turned using a small key. As the key turns, the screws push out, thus widening the palate. Using one or two turns a day for a few weeks should reposition my teeth enough to fix my bite.<br />
<br />
This works in children, because the sutures that connect the upper jaw to the skull are still open; the pressure from the appliance can actually push the two halves of the palate apart. If you are past a certain age, then the device only works if you <i>first</i> have a surgery that breaks those sutures again. The procedure itself will not take too long; roughly two hours. First, I'll be put under general anaesthesia. Then, the surgeon will lift my upper lip and make an incision above my front teeth. This is to gain access to the palate. Going through that hole, the surgeon will insert a chisel and break apart the two halves of my palate. To be sure the break is complete, he'll go ahead and use the expander to widen my palate a little.<br />
<br />
This will be the first time I am put under general anaesthesia, which probably has me the most worried right now. Even though I know the relevant statistics (such as, only 1-in-350,000 dental surgeries involving general anaesthesia lead to an anaesthesia-related death), I'm not too keen on being knocked out. "Irrationally terrified" is perhaps a better description.<br />
<br />
The other fun part will be the gap between my front teeth as the expander goes to work. The gap can grow as large as the width of a full tooth. This is charmingly cute in a six-year old, but perhaps will not do so much for me. But at least Xavier and I should be able to match! I've never thought of myself as being too concerned with appearances, but now I spend a lot of time thinking about what my students will think when I go back to teaching in the fall. Eek!<br />
<br />
So, I'm freaking out a little before my surgery this Thursday. Just thought a blog post or two might help calm me down.<br />
<br />
p.s. - If you're like yesterday me, you didn't know that "suture" could refer to certain bone connections. Here's a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suture_(anatomy)">wikipedia link</a> which confirms my usage.Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08876467908066716333noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240466861272409968.post-38407216956297924782010-07-31T18:21:00.003-04:002010-07-31T19:10:45.583-04:00A Dental Story (Part 1)About ten years ago, in graduate school, I went to a dentist to get my teeth cleaned. After the cleaning, the dentist came in to do the oral exam. After a few minutes of poking around with her implements, she said, "OK, now bite down."<br />
I complied. "No, bite down all the way."<br />
"This is all the way down for me."<br />
"No, your molars should touch."<br />
"My molars can't touch."<br />
My dentist's jaw dropped and she stepped backwards from the chair, as if I had said I was carrying the plague. See, apparently this is very abnormal, and very, very wrong. Immediately I was referred to an orthodontist. He was very professional and friendly. Unfortunately, someone had given him some very bad information about what a graduate student was going to be willing and/or able to pay for orthodontics. I don't remember exact figures, but his quote at the time may as well have been "Eleventy Bajillion Dollars." Still, we had a brief conversation about finances. He thought my joke about "interest free payment plans" was very funny. Finally, we came up with a solution I could afford: I decided to postpone treatment.<br />
After a few months, and because it was financially convenient, I decided that I had just bumped into a well-meaning but over-zealous dentist, and that I didn't <i>really</i> need to fix my bite. After all, I was healthy -- I didn't have any problems eating, or any pain in my teeth. I mean, who knew better for my teeth? Me, a 24-year old with no formal training in dentistry? Or my dentist, who had been fixing teeth longer than I had been alive? Right!<br />
Grad school came to an end, and Renee and I started bouncing around again. Each new city brought lots of new adventures. And new dentists! Annoyingly, they all seemed united in their desire to bring my molars together. It is as if the dentists all viewed my molars as star-crossed lovers, cursed to spend eternity apart, unless and until the dentist stepped in and (for a reasonable fee) used their god-like powers for good, and reunited them.<br />
Uniformly, the dentists agreed something should be done. The only thing that kept me from believing them (besides the hefty price tag, which let me assure you, definitely helped) was that each dentist had their own <s>terrifying</s> creative solution for fixing my teeth. (For the record, I am not making any of these up.)<br />
Dentist #2: <i>We need to shorten your lower jaw. The operation is simple -- the surgeon removes your lower jaw, cuts a piece out of the center, and then re-attaches it. Afterwards, we will have to wire your jaw shut while it heals. Not too long: six to twelve weeks at most.</i><br />
Moving on...<br />
Dentist #3: <i>We can definitely avoid surgery. We will simply file your back eight teeth down to pegs, and attach enlarged crowns to form a new biting surface. Of course, the life span of a typical crown is five to fifteen years, so you may expect to be replacing a crown once every 1-2 years after a while. But apart from that minor inconvenience...</i><br />
Ah. Well, we'll put that in the "Maybe" pile.<br />
Dentist #4: <i>We will pursue aggressive treatment, first with a surgical operation in which we peel back your gum line, and razor thin cuts are made in the jaw bone between all of your teeth. This will let the teeth "walk" more freely and allow for more lateral movement via orthodontics. Because of the new positioning, some splaying will occur (that is, the top teeth will point out at an angle, not straight down). Nevertheless, your bite will be restored.</i><br />
Wait... I only get to do this once? Pass.<br />
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Coming next: <a href="http://chrenee.blogspot.com/2010/07/dental-story-part-2.html">My upcoming surgery</a>!Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08876467908066716333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240466861272409968.post-79342207996715674822010-03-24T00:45:00.005-04:002010-03-24T01:19:17.930-04:00Rest In Peace, Leroy H. RasmussenMy grandfather, Leroy Henry Rasmussen, passed away this weekend. It is a sad time for me and my family, but I am comforted by the support of loved ones, and my fond memories of him. Known simply as "Pa" to his children and grand-children alike, he was born in Laramie, Wyoming, married young, received a Purple Heart for his service in the Navy in World War II, founded a school in Tunisia, and spent a career working for the State Department and its foreign aid missions to countries around the globe, such as Nigeria, Laos, Algeria, and Haiti. You might think that Renee and I are seasoned travelers, but check out the following page of Pa's passport from the height of his career:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHMOYXAgRdjMfkZFn7C616Z-V0X0NDgZ7aCuXJrjueyI8np_SLeuCNEh8nzaYOfWDS7dnPtxtshwcVIASnvkKNAVX5B7fRxp6s-___Mi19kaCaeQGYNXOPLmBywH5wxLNykaXRWozf0k/s1600-h/lhr0010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHMOYXAgRdjMfkZFn7C616Z-V0X0NDgZ7aCuXJrjueyI8np_SLeuCNEh8nzaYOfWDS7dnPtxtshwcVIASnvkKNAVX5B7fRxp6s-___Mi19kaCaeQGYNXOPLmBywH5wxLNykaXRWozf0k/s200/lhr0010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452064078309576066" border="0" /></a>Every page is more of the same, and then extra pages have been taped in as addenda. (In fact, my parents met in North Africa, as both sets of my grandparents' were working there when they were in high school.)<br /><br />My grandfather is why I root for the Denver Broncos, and why I can solve a Rubik's Cube. When our enthusiasm for bridge outlasted that of my sister and parents, we invented a three-player version and roped my grandmother into playing it in the morning before I would go to school. He loved crossword puzzles, Garfield, Jumbles, and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Muppets</span>. And as a result, I do, too.<br /><br />It was by his example and encouragement that Renee and I took the plunge to live abroad, and Pa helped me meet family half a world away. I am grateful that he got to meet Xavier, and I hope and pray that he knew how much he was respected and loved by his family.Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08876467908066716333noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240466861272409968.post-74310551777241107032010-02-27T21:23:00.005-05:002010-03-04T22:07:52.617-05:00Career PlanningWhat do you want to be when you grow up? Xavier's already thinking about his options. Looks like he's considering becoming an accountant or file clerk.<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORcowGBjX_abLrsbxDJNmDZpNevp3v2Nd4agtN9sODr0Ui2CmkSIj7fLgT33Rv6IW3UN65YZbMPwH9bEvNapjVcI9R4x_7BIXvP7feLVrKEank_XEkQ3shojKdynBx0deEe1LXWtph5Xx/s1600-h/IMGP7483.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhORcowGBjX_abLrsbxDJNmDZpNevp3v2Nd4agtN9sODr0Ui2CmkSIj7fLgT33Rv6IW3UN65YZbMPwH9bEvNapjVcI9R4x_7BIXvP7feLVrKEank_XEkQ3shojKdynBx0deEe1LXWtph5Xx/s400/IMGP7483.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444971243353210946" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAq8_ofqLl18LN3gOgH11NK5tfgMm8fhorn4f1pa75oXL9B4zTf_fadHPyYWNdxwgsKlTXwTdHHNxzZAkhdKdu3XGgnkiwe_Isd_Bt0CEYdHfdJEluI5EJSOdoRXmdZvCnDBcQpQzyFrz/s1600-h/IMGP7484.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAq8_ofqLl18LN3gOgH11NK5tfgMm8fhorn4f1pa75oXL9B4zTf_fadHPyYWNdxwgsKlTXwTdHHNxzZAkhdKdu3XGgnkiwe_Isd_Bt0CEYdHfdJEluI5EJSOdoRXmdZvCnDBcQpQzyFrz/s400/IMGP7484.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444971250351882706" /><br /><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9p7IpHl5BSj9qZ5F9M3Xn2w5bkH0dFgSbg-1sOB_BRd1ay8CgqQ8eJTXntitdiv14tmd42Hq7aCE8IRGfCGMaMTS7pjsI024-xWnk9u7Lf-vXKY4pWnPlYly-srAzcHB7qPRF93cxmUC/s1600-h/IMGP7485.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9p7IpHl5BSj9qZ5F9M3Xn2w5bkH0dFgSbg-1sOB_BRd1ay8CgqQ8eJTXntitdiv14tmd42Hq7aCE8IRGfCGMaMTS7pjsI024-xWnk9u7Lf-vXKY4pWnPlYly-srAzcHB7qPRF93cxmUC/s400/IMGP7485.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444971236492626178" /></a></div>He was alone in the living room for less than 15 seconds and in that time managed to roll (I assume... since he doesn't crawl, cruise or walk yet) across the entire room over to our finances file box. He was quite proud to have his hands on the folders. Now, if only he'd start reconciling our accounts!<div><br /></div><div>He's also considering careers in banking and financial advising.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKIAt0Z6UeeaK7HVmhWrqxVacjEmjv2IeFmtr25CxxfJQi-rFwx56Qzo-WpJTLEYFZb5_30Zf-d3DnLgmafyieHD6JK8gpZqXcx0909_oENiIcGCX2nfnp6o7ypVGMV7RusY1eOI73u10/s1600-h/IMGP7464.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKIAt0Z6UeeaK7HVmhWrqxVacjEmjv2IeFmtr25CxxfJQi-rFwx56Qzo-WpJTLEYFZb5_30Zf-d3DnLgmafyieHD6JK8gpZqXcx0909_oENiIcGCX2nfnp6o7ypVGMV7RusY1eOI73u10/s400/IMGP7464.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444979782098004098" /></a>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797325239935596580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240466861272409968.post-8151372677410394402010-02-21T12:23:00.003-05:002010-03-03T22:51:49.812-05:00Lyman Orchards Winterfest<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVvHXD-IkxLOMyUjROcnRZdLEuqHpdgIlJIa-zwG9v7zi1hIjgeBzR0HH-z_PdpFCaqZXX7XAnfuNx9PvbooZTgGZ3e48SjbakoHjvsbhbjKITQbU0pLiHJlkKQ7OPWP5Bg9Jv7zKkCaz/s1600-h/IMGP7364.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVvHXD-IkxLOMyUjROcnRZdLEuqHpdgIlJIa-zwG9v7zi1hIjgeBzR0HH-z_PdpFCaqZXX7XAnfuNx9PvbooZTgGZ3e48SjbakoHjvsbhbjKITQbU0pLiHJlkKQ7OPWP5Bg9Jv7zKkCaz/s400/IMGP7364.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444532560462396594" /></a>This weekend we went to the Lyman Orchards <a href="http://www.lymanorchards.com/events/winter.shtml">Winterfest</a>. When I read the advertisement, I was so excited by the claims of ice sculptures, illuminations, an igloo village and sledding. It sounded a lot like the amazing Frozen Waterfall <a href="http://chrenee.blogspot.com/2008/02/frozen-waterfalls.html">festival at Sounkyo</a> in Hokkaido. So, we all dressed warmly and headed out for some wintry fun. For X-man, this fun included eating Puffs sneakily in his car seat.<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgdrdKcavXt5PngcEr-aYDIP3zx9Vwa3PvGe4dRWMInqyvJVBZwy7mhklD1pxbs0En_GdJqP1RmozOd2I2rqJcG1DlP_NADEGminglurTUChyphenhyphenfQcRKGUnToHkyxaDRxd3jWZDV9FV8JDS/s1600-h/IMGP7369.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgdrdKcavXt5PngcEr-aYDIP3zx9Vwa3PvGe4dRWMInqyvJVBZwy7mhklD1pxbs0En_GdJqP1RmozOd2I2rqJcG1DlP_NADEGminglurTUChyphenhyphenfQcRKGUnToHkyxaDRxd3jWZDV9FV8JDS/s400/IMGP7369.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444532551485792578" /></a>As you can see in the photos, the two events weren't quite the same after all. For one thing, it was a fairly warm day for February and a lot of the snow had melted which really impacted the winter ambience. But, the medieval ice sculptures were neat. Xavier liked the knight slaying the dragon and the castle sculptures. He smiled a lot at the artist who was building a drawbridge out of ice. I liked the wizard best. As for Chris, I think he liked the delicious free samples in the Apple Barrel shop most of all. :) </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVCzwtB2hiZyvEOXTHhJmbsSBat0cDr0cj9hK93fyqBJlS771cwtziw2g7x457BM6XYIcqLjMOIAOEeDSmdGCj5E89ZGBs7cGL5zEAKLZ9KfRC-x1x49v7mkg3x_zjs7Bkbm6b7oTPezXI/s1600-h/IMGP7374.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVCzwtB2hiZyvEOXTHhJmbsSBat0cDr0cj9hK93fyqBJlS771cwtziw2g7x457BM6XYIcqLjMOIAOEeDSmdGCj5E89ZGBs7cGL5zEAKLZ9KfRC-x1x49v7mkg3x_zjs7Bkbm6b7oTPezXI/s400/IMGP7374.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444532544066726338" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTd2IjtRDOw_-G_nZujR-Vm6N-3M7_HfmG1cfVUBWNUCTOeu-CaVOCbG01bdpc9NpLY_KIusGRbu2jR768pvq492YW2KYMMLHD29sR7jd4VwOxzu5Yh5mh0nsG0JVgIn_Zmv0e1V4I_6N/s1600-h/IMGP7373.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTd2IjtRDOw_-G_nZujR-Vm6N-3M7_HfmG1cfVUBWNUCTOeu-CaVOCbG01bdpc9NpLY_KIusGRbu2jR768pvq492YW2KYMMLHD29sR7jd4VwOxzu5Yh5mh0nsG0JVgIn_Zmv0e1V4I_6N/s400/IMGP7373.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444532538960300146" /></a><br /></div>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797325239935596580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240466861272409968.post-51948851242763904542010-01-22T13:13:00.011-05:002010-02-17T23:03:42.936-05:00Eight Months Old<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWFWWXW0Bc-44XVY1aH1eMO4Xm9nSxthfdWxrjrtAYteZ1GgglCLS14aRkKSxgs-xepwo-mgGBrQIpFCqMvAGt9IdTUgt9ologGPqreERDBIOFtYj4_HX-rVbZGAWkbRbbLqySAcOP0N6/s1600-h/IMGP7145.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWFWWXW0Bc-44XVY1aH1eMO4Xm9nSxthfdWxrjrtAYteZ1GgglCLS14aRkKSxgs-xepwo-mgGBrQIpFCqMvAGt9IdTUgt9ologGPqreERDBIOFtYj4_HX-rVbZGAWkbRbbLqySAcOP0N6/s400/IMGP7145.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439403625427728770" /></a><div>Xavier is <a href="http://web.me.com/cjrasmussen/Xavier_James/Eight_Months.html">eight months old</a>. It is such a fun age! Not that his other ages and stages weren't fun too, but he's really starting to come into his own now. </div><div><br /></div><div>We've seen signs that his personality is patient and sweet in this month that included way too many illnesses for our taste. He came down with a cold/congestion/cough right as we headed to NY. His cough got croupy and he started wheezing.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jjKh6Dl0ycEpKzmpr05YIBNlGvyiHl7ZRNQYLbo9G0YKrV66xr3ELyc8y8yWn19uM-ty-Y1tUouF_c-sRd4VNeK65FFL7Pqn8c3Ou574KwNVu8gI8cVkfGY33k0altbx_FcVjAsk4uCq/s1600-h/IMGP7164.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jjKh6Dl0ycEpKzmpr05YIBNlGvyiHl7ZRNQYLbo9G0YKrV66xr3ELyc8y8yWn19uM-ty-Y1tUouF_c-sRd4VNeK65FFL7Pqn8c3Ou574KwNVu8gI8cVkfGY33k0altbx_FcVjAsk4uCq/s400/IMGP7164.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439403639320522914" /></a>These symptoms prompted his doctor to suggest an inhaler for times of wheezing/breathing distress. In case you were wondering, seven and a half month olds don't really like using inhalers with face masks. It took about a week and a half for him to feel completely better - just in time to start day care - and start collecting germs again! We all caught the stomach flu, fevers, and another round of cold/flu illnesses with sore throats, coughs, and congestion. Poor Xavier also added an ear infection to the mix. After a run like that, we are so thankful for Alexander Fleming and his brilliant accidental discovery of antibiotics!<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaawOxE6ABUN_dp4M3uyteaHY_sBHeUxTAWZEKZoS0tcWf34712xO5PE0vHk8ZUsm9wrZP3Aj15VkvdV46T23n6oMDd18-Y9Iph8XM-APICYQde6sRZDZNJ7za0NU1uQKtmOVari4RbWa7/s1600-h/IMGP7119.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaawOxE6ABUN_dp4M3uyteaHY_sBHeUxTAWZEKZoS0tcWf34712xO5PE0vHk8ZUsm9wrZP3Aj15VkvdV46T23n6oMDd18-Y9Iph8XM-APICYQde6sRZDZNJ7za0NU1uQKtmOVari4RbWa7/s400/IMGP7119.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439403614114813346" /></a><div>But, throughout it all, Xavier's spirits were fairly high. Some days, he really couldn't do much besides sleep, snuggle and whimper. You could tell he *wanted* to be happy. He *wanted* to laugh, smile and play. What a trooper! Just another reason why I love my patient and happy little man! All of the pictures in this post are from January 22 when he was home sick from daycare.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqD-k7ZySjcuK0-Q1QmNW_O-Nqcl_anzWvvAHVEPxCliMjBOXJBS67nyKm2wwVdKhVj-ZO73rO-gXFhzg8oxQeROalabc6MGEFjYmVS6T_W9ZV4PU_J-f0y44dNbU-s2dcrQ0DvQXd3w17/s1600-h/IMGP7166.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqD-k7ZySjcuK0-Q1QmNW_O-Nqcl_anzWvvAHVEPxCliMjBOXJBS67nyKm2wwVdKhVj-ZO73rO-gXFhzg8oxQeROalabc6MGEFjYmVS6T_W9ZV4PU_J-f0y44dNbU-s2dcrQ0DvQXd3w17/s400/IMGP7166.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439404775839538082" /></a>Eating was very unpredictable this month. We introduced a few new solid foods - Applesauce, Squash and Bananas. He liked all three of them - at least at first. Then, he started refusing all solid foods - both at home and at day care. I think he just didn't feel well and didn't understand that solids are actually a food. It probably seems more like a game than a meal to him.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIqKFUVBVaQyPQx5CcglbaWhxLV_k9JidZ4oLn1XR5kxZMa8qoLgfa09o_BbV7yr7rBgUJd-QEchCqcGr28YeQtx4EYbYJvNQ-TZZHV-M1gmLJPrW5GSHkv1i04Ejzq1K2SyUNw6W7SH8/s1600-h/IMGP7110.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIqKFUVBVaQyPQx5CcglbaWhxLV_k9JidZ4oLn1XR5kxZMa8qoLgfa09o_BbV7yr7rBgUJd-QEchCqcGr28YeQtx4EYbYJvNQ-TZZHV-M1gmLJPrW5GSHkv1i04Ejzq1K2SyUNw6W7SH8/s400/IMGP7110.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439404786555841346" /></a>Sleep has continued to improve. Most nights this month Xavier went to sleep right around 7pm and slept through until 6am. Some days, he even "slept in" until 7:00 or 7:30! Twelve consecutive hours of sleep - I thought we'd never get here. But, we did! Go X-man!<br /><br />Another huge development on the sleep front was that he's not always asleep when we lay him in his crib for the night. But, he doesn't cry or throw a fit anymore. It seems that he has learned to self-soothe and fall asleep on his own! He's also started napping in his crib a little bit. Many days he takes a morning nap and that's it. Other days he takes a morning, afternoon and/or late afternoon nap. It's completely unpredictable - but still SO much better than the zero minute average of yore.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ3-KeH6FNS-2eh-JpKJkDJXo6V4_13vEZmFVDXJAa-gPr8DGd4RuRIEg6Y2kWh3fbQGubCB3baBpeOhHlVh4J1utFNXQK5hPUDwlqkrSKaR-FubH3tLpL7Hkc-QPNkpWfJ08so4rv_XoJ/s1600-h/IMGP7122.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ3-KeH6FNS-2eh-JpKJkDJXo6V4_13vEZmFVDXJAa-gPr8DGd4RuRIEg6Y2kWh3fbQGubCB3baBpeOhHlVh4J1utFNXQK5hPUDwlqkrSKaR-FubH3tLpL7Hkc-QPNkpWfJ08so4rv_XoJ/s400/IMGP7122.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439403623646719122" /></a></div><div>Our first excitement of 2010 was my heading off to work and Xavier going back to daycare at Apple Tree! His old classroom filled up during his absence, so he joined the new infant class. So far, there are only three other babies and they are all younger than he is. Much like before, Xavier seems to enjoy the social aspects of daycare. His teacher, Miss Erin, is always telling us how he spends time flirting and rolling and "reading" books with his new girlfriend Juliette. :) </div><div><br /></div><div>At home, his favorite activities are jumping in the jumperoo, playing with his stacking cups, playing with his Rock-a-Stack and hitting the piano keys on his Leap Frog musical table. It is excellent that he likes playing with these toys since they are all "strategic." Most of the toys encourage him to practice sitting up. He's pretty much mastered it now. Next step - learning to get into a sitting position on his own.</div><div> </div><div>Dislikes worthy of mention this month include using his inhaler, teething, fevers, coughing and sleeves. Yes, sleeves. </div><div><br /></div><div>He recently discovered tub toys - which makes it a bit easier for us to rinse shampoo (and sometimes conditioner!) out of his hair without too many tears. Speaking of his hair - Can you believe we have to blow dry his hair sometimes? How many eight month olds have to do that?!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgg39H0D8LaEJvT53C803DHokOy9Omc62S2LwbZl5FSKHG-2eJIV5dEjiPoSZecQjI4eilu6lECGnoLdbayphEQo2WA7hYgys81KB_OcJrXD8pXM0BlW9udg8RSnH-IwPCZ6yYri47WnWA/s1600-h/IMGP7148.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgg39H0D8LaEJvT53C803DHokOy9Omc62S2LwbZl5FSKHG-2eJIV5dEjiPoSZecQjI4eilu6lECGnoLdbayphEQo2WA7hYgys81KB_OcJrXD8pXM0BlW9udg8RSnH-IwPCZ6yYri47WnWA/s400/IMGP7148.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439403632673996434" /></a>A new trick that Xavier learned this month is coming towards us with open mouth and hands. It's kind of like a cat pouncing, so I call it his "Cat Attack!" Then he bites/open mouth slimes our cheek (or nose or chin...)while holding our face/hugging us. It's his intense version of kissing. He always seems ecstatically happy and affectionate when he is about to "attack." Let's hope these love bites stay friendly as more teeth come in! <div><br /></div></div>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797325239935596580noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240466861272409968.post-26521613994921236232010-01-17T22:35:00.003-05:002010-02-11T00:04:09.577-05:00Xavier's Baptism<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Ru786J1A5sSXcCChBU9HYcsW12ghfWmX22s0jTIjABT9v8wkkM-vuTgeqBxGOa6B4UzU8MT55UtWXWaBGDq1WTLnLNNpUFZjwtMFoKNkUrioRd4QHSQuaeaDEeAcW70QvMU4Qdt914hp/s1600-h/IMGP6978.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Ru786J1A5sSXcCChBU9HYcsW12ghfWmX22s0jTIjABT9v8wkkM-vuTgeqBxGOa6B4UzU8MT55UtWXWaBGDq1WTLnLNNpUFZjwtMFoKNkUrioRd4QHSQuaeaDEeAcW70QvMU4Qdt914hp/s400/IMGP6978.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436846533050233922" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:small;">Today was Xavier's Baptism at Saint Sebastian Church in Middletown. This event has been in the works for a long while. It's so exciting that we are finally ready to celebrate!!<br /><br />The day was off to a bit of a rocky start when X-man woke up very early and very fussy. He's been feeling under-the-weather since Christmas. First, he had some sort of cold/congestion/cough. Then, he caught (and shared) a stomach virus and now it looks like he's starting another cold. Poor little guy! Happily, his sweet personality won out and he let us give him a bath and get him ready for his big day.<br /><br />The most important step in getting ready was choosing which baptism gown to wear. Xavier had the enviable choice between two beautiful, handmade, family heirloom baptism gowns with different histories. He tried on and took pictures in both gowns. I only wish he could have worn them both for the Christening itself!<br /><br />One choice was the McNichols Family gown. It was handmade from an old wedding dress by Helen McNichols Hayes, my maternal grandfather's younger sister. This baptism gown was worn by several Mc Nichols babies including my Aunt Joan, my mother, several of my first cousins and several first cousins once removed. In the <a href="http://web.me.com/cjrasmussen/Xavier_James/Baptism.html">pictures</a>, it is the gown with the long, long see through skirt and tight cuffs on the sleeves.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQjZ2rxnah_wjjs1Kx-Xl_bzrDjn4dblN6tPscfosA4mA3rN4pqkR8pYB9Rr2U1aQcZift9mlSceRq6LHjPf547gpObtRQCB7hDeU3iCpYMadd6LJyMLhBshizBeCMEp1u7rUp2paWylQ/s1600-h/IMGP6991.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 319px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQjZ2rxnah_wjjs1Kx-Xl_bzrDjn4dblN6tPscfosA4mA3rN4pqkR8pYB9Rr2U1aQcZift9mlSceRq6LHjPf547gpObtRQCB7hDeU3iCpYMadd6LJyMLhBshizBeCMEp1u7rUp2paWylQ/s400/IMGP6991.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436846541263593154" /></a>The other choice was the Le Febure Family gown. It was handmade for my father by Jeanette Grujon - a first cousin of my paternal grandfather. Worn only by my father at his baptism, the gown "escaped" Castro's regime when it was sent by Jeanette to my father in a French diplomatic package from Cuba. While I'm sure my father (single and in his 20's at the time!) probably questioned the utility of sending him a baptism gown, it's really nice to have it today! Key features on this gown are the shorter skirt, more lace details, and the loosely tied sleeves.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:small;">Xavier ended up wearing the Le Febure baptism gown - mostly because it fit him so much better. Seven month old babies are a bit older (and larger) than the average baptism recipient so it was nice to have a less snug garment. Another consideration was that Xavier loves standing up so much. The shorter skirt was a huge help keeping him happy and quiet during mass and the baptism itself. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:small;"><br />Unknown to us, we learned that January 20th is the Feast of Saint Sebastian in the Catholic Church. To celebrate Sebastian's sainthood, local third grade children performed a play in six (long) acts highlighting many details of his life, miracles, conversions and martyrdom before the mass began. The Knights of Columbus also joined in on the processional in full regalia.<br /><br />After the regular mass, Godfather/Uncle Charlie and Godmother Emily Smith joined Chris and I in baptizing Xavier. He did very well throughout the sacrament. In fact, when the priest was pouring water on him, he tried craning his head back to see the pitcher!<br /><br />After the mass and ceremony we held a small reception at our place. Highlights included catering dishes from Illiano's, my favorite non-alcoholic punch (pineapple juice, diet ginger ale, OJ "ice" cubes, and orange sherbet), and a delicious cake from <a href="http://frontstreet.kpsearch.com/df/default.asp">Front Street Bakery</a> - the best bakery ever!<br /><br />What a lucky little man to have such amazing Godparents, family and friends there to celebrate with him! God Bless Xavier James! </span></div>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797325239935596580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240466861272409968.post-79645847464999901182009-12-28T13:16:00.007-05:002010-01-26T21:41:37.106-05:00Back to "Japan"Nihon e ikitai desu. Nihon e ikitai desu. Istu? Ima. Mochiron. Ikimasenka? Ikimashou!<br /><br />It's been a year since we have set foot in our beloved Japan. And, while we enjoy living stateside now, we do miss LOTS of things about our lives in Kyoto.<br /><br />Thanks to Pa, this Christmas, we were lucky enough to be able to return to "Japan" for a day.<br /><br />With grandparents chomping at the bit for an extended babysitting opportunity and two fellow fun-seekers (Charlie and Erin) to share the day with, we headed out on an Asian Adventure in New York City.<br /><br /><div>Our first stop was Katagiri. Chris says that they are the oldest Japanese grocer in New York City. Sugoi desu ne! We stocked up on lots of Japanese favorites that we hadn't been able to find in the US - (real) Udon and soba noodles, Pocky, Sansai (Kyoto mountain vegetables), Tonkatsu sauce, (good) gyoza sauce, and kabocha, a Japanese pumpkin that my Dad said looked like a calabasa. Yum!! They even had a fridge full of C.C. Lemon! </div><div><br /></div><div>Just in case we didn't have enough authentic groceries in our bags, we hit another Japanese grocer - JAS Mart. This shop was larger, but carried more snacks and non-food items as opposed to fresh foods. I was excited to find so many brands of canned Japanese coffee. Also, they carried the dehumidifying pouches and containers for drawers and closets. Not that I need them in the middle of dry winter, but I got a few anyway for when warmer wetter weather prevails!</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH55Zssim0whaDQibw70cVk8ER9nBQdr8chtG6AvjMIOnEiIOPXtDVcQNQPVmYL6Hkd13Y5Y64bi_iqGK2NtUYjGUOXC3NOmQrAkokJ7tBNQeB7oIu8vQ82xt_NtpI4Gk655B0kfaJ8oQH/s1600-h/IMGP6800.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH55Zssim0whaDQibw70cVk8ER9nBQdr8chtG6AvjMIOnEiIOPXtDVcQNQPVmYL6Hkd13Y5Y64bi_iqGK2NtUYjGUOXC3NOmQrAkokJ7tBNQeB7oIu8vQ82xt_NtpI4Gk655B0kfaJ8oQH/s400/IMGP6800.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431242395793346178" /></a><br /></div><div>Next, on the recommendation of my friend Dan, we went to Ippudo, a New York branch of a popular Japanese ramen chain. Even though we arrived before 5pm, there was still a bit of a wait. This place was SO popular, and rightfully so. Our ramen was **amazing!** Chris and Charlie both got the special and Erin and I both got the Akamaru-modern. Following the traditional custom we all ordered "Kae-dama onegaishimasu!" - a second helping of noodles for our ramen broth. As we were leaving, the lines of hungry diners filled the bar, lobby and poured out onto the street. Clearly, being early was the way to go.<br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekBvMvmoxGB-itO4CThhLWN5_0oWoldtkKjpc0PExLJHmIAmx6IgEs6UvX5AK5auF0nnmawJbod2GxWsICqXDS6D0IgwxGCqpCjV7G1JGo2BYCJ0IPQgTN2etWLShggu8zBYdkXl-2qlI/s1600-h/IMGP6803.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekBvMvmoxGB-itO4CThhLWN5_0oWoldtkKjpc0PExLJHmIAmx6IgEs6UvX5AK5auF0nnmawJbod2GxWsICqXDS6D0IgwxGCqpCjV7G1JGo2BYCJ0IPQgTN2etWLShggu8zBYdkXl-2qlI/s400/IMGP6803.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431242386540140130" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexd5Bt5fzOmErM_1eR-InyQX3NQHn-JxWTpdi6oW8yEeT0H14U5Jl9FKm7olzdIj25opBC1Un2lMhafhgAnKBR7Ki_HXyhoZjnpW9UmFSDnnvO0VgH0cO8nNkjdVN5APPMPPCzsaTWPiT/s1600-h/IMGP6798.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexd5Bt5fzOmErM_1eR-InyQX3NQHn-JxWTpdi6oW8yEeT0H14U5Jl9FKm7olzdIj25opBC1Un2lMhafhgAnKBR7Ki_HXyhoZjnpW9UmFSDnnvO0VgH0cO8nNkjdVN5APPMPPCzsaTWPiT/s400/IMGP6798.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431242377620477202" /></a><br /></div><div>Our final stop was Duet 35 - an authentic Japanese karaoke place near Penn Station. Japanese karaoke is so much cooler than a typical American karaoke bar because instead of putting your name on a long list only to have to then sing in front of a room of strangers, you get your own private room with a big screen TV and microphones for just you and your friends! We met up with a bunch of Charlie's friends there- all of whom were excellent singers. :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxolMt7WfA_hSXSArwV_4hb6QeOS1BaFGP2AD11thognl1w4qHOoewU0x_QZtCpECqwU5YJrKBckiye5_IvGrsL7tYoeOL50xf0UYz0-BV0vu8ZDbt8aSCOU9DZuh1AXeIue5a9fCc1Rr/s1600-h/IMGP6816.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxolMt7WfA_hSXSArwV_4hb6QeOS1BaFGP2AD11thognl1w4qHOoewU0x_QZtCpECqwU5YJrKBckiye5_IvGrsL7tYoeOL50xf0UYz0-BV0vu8ZDbt8aSCOU9DZuh1AXeIue5a9fCc1Rr/s400/IMGP6816.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431242405866562370" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGf2PV6PLys7B6y0vdXlCLye452I4dWAFN0xbjUMA3laRvIie9nQ7wu-tkNfuVSrIM1k9LIUmY6HQPIjSzkT3QysFdlptbE-4ekQiPKJOPwN9BuLamkGT_mJYwSW54kTbkJSOF410FgvvJ/s1600-h/IMGP6814.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGf2PV6PLys7B6y0vdXlCLye452I4dWAFN0xbjUMA3laRvIie9nQ7wu-tkNfuVSrIM1k9LIUmY6HQPIjSzkT3QysFdlptbE-4ekQiPKJOPwN9BuLamkGT_mJYwSW54kTbkJSOF410FgvvJ/s400/IMGP6814.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431242403914695138" /></a><br /><br />Another fun feature, you can order drinks and snacks to be brought to your room. Chris and I each ordered one Kahlua Milk drink just like we did on most singing occasions with Muraki-mama, Sayaka and Dominikus! Natsukashii desu ne! Plus, the drinks made everyone sing (and hear) better! We stayed for over two hours, until our vocal chords begged us to hop on the next train home. <br /><br />What a fun and nostalgic day! For the record, not having to take a 15 hour flight to enjoy these Japanese foods and activities is AMAZING! Anyone up for a repeat adventure? <br /><div><br /></div></div>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797325239935596580noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240466861272409968.post-91390676194455432222009-12-25T13:11:00.005-05:002010-01-26T21:44:24.913-05:00Merry Christmas!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBCa-C9oXub80-NnIHRcgxaWe0HQgKovZ9nhDxD5r8Z4jS59i5XBiIHZOnCQExwehkB51BCQ2lBb73ljogxjAE0k8gVxD2IQGN1dMoWmybmcvDABq-i6teeNY1CzNc4i6QLilezz2jUKkx/s1600-h/IMGP6740.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBCa-C9oXub80-NnIHRcgxaWe0HQgKovZ9nhDxD5r8Z4jS59i5XBiIHZOnCQExwehkB51BCQ2lBb73ljogxjAE0k8gVxD2IQGN1dMoWmybmcvDABq-i6teeNY1CzNc4i6QLilezz2jUKkx/s400/IMGP6740.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430891383609623986" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWglDLnMPiwbIaZbc9sy_jkYSsqpGgnKdgZrd15ZiAZsitWFl-GtpEevBfIn3m-qjkU0KpsZYx_2YbxomwRHXKT1nh46i6ypS_XXgsAZp7u2MRdE9jZmhyphenhyphenCeRBGj-eA94aqVJ94A86iHO8/s1600-h/IMGP6768.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWglDLnMPiwbIaZbc9sy_jkYSsqpGgnKdgZrd15ZiAZsitWFl-GtpEevBfIn3m-qjkU0KpsZYx_2YbxomwRHXKT1nh46i6ypS_XXgsAZp7u2MRdE9jZmhyphenhyphenCeRBGj-eA94aqVJ94A86iHO8/s400/IMGP6768.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430888548342596354" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4rVA2XYpt2M-EgAAaQR8r0BRsL0B0c5pWtaaZiOxZjhj14wBA8VcmbSFMn3dIXm8DUj78QX5te7huCtzUTcDmYYlF0NISK_E4hgVMnOlbbCe6_FH-k4wBdBVb4rrGc6WqztheDe7gXrG/s1600-h/IMGP6744.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4rVA2XYpt2M-EgAAaQR8r0BRsL0B0c5pWtaaZiOxZjhj14wBA8VcmbSFMn3dIXm8DUj78QX5te7huCtzUTcDmYYlF0NISK_E4hgVMnOlbbCe6_FH-k4wBdBVb4rrGc6WqztheDe7gXrG/s400/IMGP6744.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430888538619549202" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgysbLKQ41tXr30WlS5FfjmacApUDaV-zxXvC3WYL67ftcuoN-9ie4O9lxbv4v3KPF3L12jhBCRCAYXcGFQ5WuUTlFy5x17r7zxaGIHLJCgsS3DQJ7FzVe9pxGARfm_1kNk03gA7wPx5rla/s1600-h/IMGP6738.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgysbLKQ41tXr30WlS5FfjmacApUDaV-zxXvC3WYL67ftcuoN-9ie4O9lxbv4v3KPF3L12jhBCRCAYXcGFQ5WuUTlFy5x17r7zxaGIHLJCgsS3DQJ7FzVe9pxGARfm_1kNk03gA7wPx5rla/s400/IMGP6738.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430888538232442418" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZDIfRe64TvW1injSNb85ShJSJUoo6qOCVMsvc4uAoLnRNxNHciBFhpUj1u4hVOqE3MTIURZftMBQaT_dELrVyapiaFujbU-iL5ps4_aaVgItC_r8eumxZb-yha3mRy9bObV_J3pv2Crs/s1600-h/IMGP6728.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZDIfRe64TvW1injSNb85ShJSJUoo6qOCVMsvc4uAoLnRNxNHciBFhpUj1u4hVOqE3MTIURZftMBQaT_dELrVyapiaFujbU-iL5ps4_aaVgItC_r8eumxZb-yha3mRy9bObV_J3pv2Crs/s400/IMGP6728.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430888526820920850" /></a>Merry Christmas Everyone! Can you tell that Christmas makes us happy? X-mas definitely agreed with X-man. :)Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797325239935596580noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240466861272409968.post-6336156279598585082009-12-22T12:54:00.008-05:002010-01-24T23:08:14.008-05:00Seven Months Old<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9-wwaO3dJkpP1KsnDmLsRKVA2_OxavNh6alsGOxV-ie3Oe0_kQOKfUunALXtheIn0YTugZtjHEk8K-rifxUVq8gdr7J5mNGyftsccZJNb3lstPCHdcZavoRIk-ZlB4AEVib9Vt88tOPE/s1600-h/IMGP6558.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9-wwaO3dJkpP1KsnDmLsRKVA2_OxavNh6alsGOxV-ie3Oe0_kQOKfUunALXtheIn0YTugZtjHEk8K-rifxUVq8gdr7J5mNGyftsccZJNb3lstPCHdcZavoRIk-ZlB4AEVib9Vt88tOPE/s400/IMGP6558.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430516923403991042" /></a>Today, X-man is <a href="http://web.me.com/cjrasmussen/Xavier_James/Seven_Months.html">seven months old</a>. As usual, we are shocked and amazed by the continual passing of time.<br /><br />This month was jam packed with exciting baby milestones. It's possible that more "firsts" occurred in the last few weeks than in the first six months combined!<br /><br />Xavier celebrated his First <a href="http://web.me.com/cjrasmussen/Xavier_James/Thanksgiving.html">Thanksgiving</a>. He also "enjoyed" his first set of holiday road trip traffic. It took over eight hours to get to Baltimore! But, it was definitely worth it. We had so much fun staying with Sara, Julian, Catriona and Gareth. During this trip, Xavier also got to see his Rasmussen Grandparents again and meet his Great Grandfather - Pa. Of course, we took some great "Four Generations of Rasmussen Men" photos. On the way back home, we stopped in NY to see my parents and joined in the festivities of the traditional post-Thanksgiving dessert party with my cousins. Sadly, X-man was already asleep by the time guests arrived. <div><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAaIemar4oVMl5_DMfDgUsJBSoOjFSPnO0sDlEFWpNZHsj7vThOEtKoqcoVAVLNNKgyyLo03pzvcIoa88MF-Jj_kpse4gKujyxqjDPPrdJNPD7fSEU_zUvabQjmmFXMGDaTbXPw9UAE-on/s1600-h/IMGP6536.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAaIemar4oVMl5_DMfDgUsJBSoOjFSPnO0sDlEFWpNZHsj7vThOEtKoqcoVAVLNNKgyyLo03pzvcIoa88MF-Jj_kpse4gKujyxqjDPPrdJNPD7fSEU_zUvabQjmmFXMGDaTbXPw9UAE-on/s400/IMGP6536.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430523176788824034" /></a>In other seasonal milestones, Xavier witnessed his first few snowfalls this month. Nothing huge, but enough to coat the world in white and be really beautiful for a few days! Plus, it was a great chance to go outside while wearing his super cute snowsuit. (Thanks again Sean and Kerry!)<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAb9N0eCB98TrshGkmxQyPOX2QGFurA_gPdxSJ-6WRb8rnNznyrWdc4cts999YlhnVIYMDLI6O5cFrWGL4I1XhYrkwHkbQdHIU-2CfCSh3VIVXIIffYVxOevQGbXeIN1vV9bSvCYiBQGq/s1600-h/IMGP6576.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAb9N0eCB98TrshGkmxQyPOX2QGFurA_gPdxSJ-6WRb8rnNznyrWdc4cts999YlhnVIYMDLI6O5cFrWGL4I1XhYrkwHkbQdHIU-2CfCSh3VIVXIIffYVxOevQGbXeIN1vV9bSvCYiBQGq/s400/IMGP6576.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430516913842961570" /></a><div>Xavier had his first introduction to solid foods on 12-1-2009. He had rice cereal and was not all that impressed. Later in the month we also introduced sweet peas (hates them) and sweet potatoes (likes them). We can sometimes fool him into a few more bites by hiding peas inside a spoonful of sweet potatoes.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwoQS6hxKnXAcY19VoAWTlCFfSUGdGbx8AoX65PdN8ChVXpCXxA5zQc6l_9k_UOxlnHMI1xEuATz9UNaG21czaFe00touQ9JRV_g8ybmCe6hcxmHXXpGJCgs-puPYhNXi3kIkGSUB7X5d/s1600-h/IMGP6699.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwoQS6hxKnXAcY19VoAWTlCFfSUGdGbx8AoX65PdN8ChVXpCXxA5zQc6l_9k_UOxlnHMI1xEuATz9UNaG21czaFe00touQ9JRV_g8ybmCe6hcxmHXXpGJCgs-puPYhNXi3kIkGSUB7X5d/s400/IMGP6699.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430518829063838642" /></a></div><div>As you saw in an earlier post, Xavier had his first haircut on 12-5-2009. He did fine and looked so handsome once it was over. With his hair growing skills, I wonder how long the cut will last?<br />Another milestone moment was the eruption of his First Tooth. The lower right front tooth appeared on 12-15-2009.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-clzOrcCyjAmS0lKIqaGbF2etImDVsPX9QYa7PXxuDEMezfT9xPGcRCh_PdPf_GkexYeNoG-tydujKIEctocZvLBNoVdnp3TaCbeP05WmJ83kMW8jbwbMzLGaWpkAJG2QJ6FcRByISCw/s1600-h/IMGP6560.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-clzOrcCyjAmS0lKIqaGbF2etImDVsPX9QYa7PXxuDEMezfT9xPGcRCh_PdPf_GkexYeNoG-tydujKIEctocZvLBNoVdnp3TaCbeP05WmJ83kMW8jbwbMzLGaWpkAJG2QJ6FcRByISCw/s400/IMGP6560.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430516926458188162" /></a>Xavier's likes and dislikes this month remain pretty much the same. But, moving teething up to the top of the dislike list is in order. While we wait for teeth 2, 3 and 4 to erupt, poor Xavier and his swollen gums are trying to be patient. He manages the discomfort by pulling on his ear, chewing EVERYTHING in sight, and sticking out his tongue. High energy distracting, especially in the form of silly sounds, songs and dances also seems to help. A new favorite is the vibrating grapes teether shown in the photo above. Its great! He likes playing with the ladybug on the handle and biting it all day. Plus, it doesn't matter if it it loses its chill like other teething rings.<br /></div></div>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797325239935596580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240466861272409968.post-41363546541926406422009-12-05T19:14:00.005-05:002009-12-13T21:30:37.625-05:00X-man's First Haircut<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7RijAhwHno3PX-PRKwXslEZnSUoIzveDKzedjmiilhjJwdqXAuk1w_wDfaHomSxA1TMag3V_rdtmJQ_MyoBwx2O9Bw9eJgj_d4Qk75cCaG-XPQ3oaI_sy6LKeUwhwZ_QaUbU8uLyjFQaE/s1600-h/IMGP6491.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7RijAhwHno3PX-PRKwXslEZnSUoIzveDKzedjmiilhjJwdqXAuk1w_wDfaHomSxA1TMag3V_rdtmJQ_MyoBwx2O9Bw9eJgj_d4Qk75cCaG-XPQ3oaI_sy6LKeUwhwZ_QaUbU8uLyjFQaE/s400/IMGP6491.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414905542905523234" /></a>It seems that one of Xavier's best talents is growing hair. It finally reached the scruffy point of no return - hair extending past his eyes, past his ears, and creating a baby mullet in the back. It was time for his First Haircut! <div><br /></div><div>We went to Scissor Kids, a salon nearby that specializes in haircuts for babies and kids. There were novelty chairs shaped like cars, trucks and horses. Xavier was feeling a little too wiggly that day though, so he sat on my lap for his haircut this time. They even had tiny smocks with cute designs. Xavier's had zoo animals on it - very appropriate since he brought Sophie, his giraffe, and his little orange lion with him to the salon. <div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rLiC1bRrdgKgJ0wmksC6-cxlF1JxOpBAbTtxTAkH7NsWeVtfWhN5I8WBRkR-T5ZxihDHLbtyIvfzj9tM5DGBdzzCoAkWJbFT1whp_Z7_q-8PWLReADxsaRPghjWSUtoAKpKpB8PWfonn/s1600-h/IMGP6493.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rLiC1bRrdgKgJ0wmksC6-cxlF1JxOpBAbTtxTAkH7NsWeVtfWhN5I8WBRkR-T5ZxihDHLbtyIvfzj9tM5DGBdzzCoAkWJbFT1whp_Z7_q-8PWLReADxsaRPghjWSUtoAKpKpB8PWfonn/s400/IMGP6493.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414905547262388050" /></a>During the haircut, which took less than ten minutes, there were no tears at all - neither from mommy nor baby. We both did so well! Lisa, his stylist, was impressed by his big kid bravery and his big kid hair. She guessed that his hair will grow in even more thick and full as he ages based on the growing pattern she saw now. Not a big surprise given how much hair all the rest of us have in this family!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wNNWuSMIOfaX1drOLoVC0m6qBCBrseWAhUMcDMJP4fzB9re6e14_eJpFUTPgbR68pqtz4VZ8nsFZabZgnkDRtKfeeNuFW0zZ1cjSpyjvVzpQZ8Y96zfM3huRRv_HZr8mZrPGb0e222uF/s1600-h/IMGP6494.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wNNWuSMIOfaX1drOLoVC0m6qBCBrseWAhUMcDMJP4fzB9re6e14_eJpFUTPgbR68pqtz4VZ8nsFZabZgnkDRtKfeeNuFW0zZ1cjSpyjvVzpQZ8Y96zfM3huRRv_HZr8mZrPGb0e222uF/s400/IMGP6494.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414905548607308434" /></a>They gave us a "Baby's First Haircut Certificate", complete with a lock of hair and a photo. Now that his first haircut is done, what do we think of X-man's new look? We think he's more handsome than ever! Clearly, he, in all humbleness, agrees.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFufYQvk44CFIyUJ99Z-LIfuBFdGcsOFgZ6yTIKsWm9vUosap9EFBXbZ9XtQq-bbvTUGdoc2f2kVVYao7zkqvraOa2mLNCAplb5BqtIBg2rnJsAfq4nTCOjDUjvPY_uXJquZWLSwYHEvv/s1600-h/IMGP6498.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFufYQvk44CFIyUJ99Z-LIfuBFdGcsOFgZ6yTIKsWm9vUosap9EFBXbZ9XtQq-bbvTUGdoc2f2kVVYao7zkqvraOa2mLNCAplb5BqtIBg2rnJsAfq4nTCOjDUjvPY_uXJquZWLSwYHEvv/s400/IMGP6498.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414905555659210194" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div></div>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797325239935596580noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240466861272409968.post-59111677005655816742009-12-04T18:55:00.000-05:002009-12-13T21:30:52.999-05:00Twinkle Toes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjqJ9Q0caK6Nv2aC9K6a2Ud7bDLFYR8DfzUFKtN21xzbDUw-a8C6PnZc5kji8oUZ2y0xnm6tu-5YEhYQs5vDunGGL4qAL3h-cHemq2waYHXJcxAXkNABWtnC-cwSD93E7-5b7pPMhJgUDP/s1600-h/IMGP6530.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjqJ9Q0caK6Nv2aC9K6a2Ud7bDLFYR8DfzUFKtN21xzbDUw-a8C6PnZc5kji8oUZ2y0xnm6tu-5YEhYQs5vDunGGL4qAL3h-cHemq2waYHXJcxAXkNABWtnC-cwSD93E7-5b7pPMhJgUDP/s400/IMGP6530.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413300428460858882" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMRUspu1Anx482dCalAUY2lUWfGMg3wdnzS3NUs-Pt3odvUBm0ihyphenhyphenIgRGKgde5vySYp3IhyJf7-qAGyTGYTY-0QFdRfl6_kx8V1ED0hOTu73FhMKcekYwkJkomsKeEF2R4R0hnwwuhx_q/s1600-h/IMGP6531.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMRUspu1Anx482dCalAUY2lUWfGMg3wdnzS3NUs-Pt3odvUBm0ihyphenhyphenIgRGKgde5vySYp3IhyJf7-qAGyTGYTY-0QFdRfl6_kx8V1ED0hOTu73FhMKcekYwkJkomsKeEF2R4R0hnwwuhx_q/s400/IMGP6531.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413300438560695090" border="0" /></a>Check out the sweet kicks that I found for Xavier on <a href="http://www.babysteals.com/">babysteals.com</a>. These shoes are SO cute! They were on special for 54% off. Plus they keep his toes warm, which is perfect for winter in Connecticut. Lucky little man.Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797325239935596580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240466861272409968.post-1893127077296090762009-12-02T14:37:00.012-05:002009-12-09T06:50:31.935-05:00Baby Zagat<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiYq6iwsbfvZ5LMtsy0SAAJC51DxUN_n9HPGrcI_9wW_5z3nLNfsR39S-SCx04DPPwwJQj_enwamMMDdnYuNg7UnITVGbG6E0S3BJQqZGgqWSxrrjkzJgqQ-FubkRvoxltYM4J3fZpm0h3/s1600-h/IMGP6474.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiYq6iwsbfvZ5LMtsy0SAAJC51DxUN_n9HPGrcI_9wW_5z3nLNfsR39S-SCx04DPPwwJQj_enwamMMDdnYuNg7UnITVGbG6E0S3BJQqZGgqWSxrrjkzJgqQ-FubkRvoxltYM4J3fZpm0h3/s400/IMGP6474.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413192861963438642" border="0" /></a>Court Street Cafe<div>Food = 2/30</div><div>Decor = 28/30</div><div><div>Service =13/30</div><div>Cost = $0<br /><br />The "less than astronomical" cost of eating here makes this establishment ideal for "deal-seeking" babies in Central Connecticut. Keep in mind, "you get what you pay for" though. The “service can be hit-or-miss” and the waitstaff seems to take it as their personal mission to make sure you finish (or at least attempt to finish) your meal. This makes for a "less than pleasant" dining experience. The Precious Planet highchair decor was both "comfortable and entertaining." The suction cup animal toy set up for diners at each table was a "charming touch" that added to the restaurant's overall ambiance. Just a “touch above ok”, diners may leave feeling "unimpressed" by the sparse menu consisting of their "signature dish" of rice cereal and nothing more.<br /><br /></div></div>Xavierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07179300837829648348noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1240466861272409968.post-90785748004825392452009-12-02T14:32:00.008-05:002009-12-09T13:19:30.206-05:00Six Months Old<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjex8g-VojKQcnLjNJ_qQBa8bEG1dw64aE3TfwIPBpjRNznxs6skbJ5f29eCCnVI2-S7TfsUyPi0y6UmzXxMmucf77aAVN4hoi64mEVthFF_FW8EvqnaI_UvyTehbQUZbEqhZdMrCH8buS2/s1600-h/IMGP6117.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 282px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjex8g-VojKQcnLjNJ_qQBa8bEG1dw64aE3TfwIPBpjRNznxs6skbJ5f29eCCnVI2-S7TfsUyPi0y6UmzXxMmucf77aAVN4hoi64mEVthFF_FW8EvqnaI_UvyTehbQUZbEqhZdMrCH8buS2/s400/IMGP6117.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413088931245251202" border="0" /></a>On November 22 Xavier turned <a href="http://web.me.com/cjrasmussen/Xavier_James/Six_Months.html">six months old</a>! We're not sure where the time is going, but it is getting there in a fast and very fun manner!<br /><br />We've made some slow but positive progress this month on the sleeping front. Primarily using the strategies outlined in "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" by Dr. Marc Weissbluth, we kept moving Xavier's bedtime earlier and earlier until he started to sleep through the night with more consistency. Daylight savings time helped us out nicely with this. We got to make a 90 minute change with only 30 minutes of "effort". Bedtime is between 6:30 and 7:00 these days and X-man wakes up 1-2 times each night while logging 10-12 hours of sleep. Much better than last month! Naps are still a challenge most days, but we're taking things one step at a time.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvW9iyVGWrfXoMZxLTFvtEvYQakzAYMyisOUA46hC0GlK5FyN8IDUst1G3k4HburEuSl6VNv9bh7hOSH00IibqmmZjHZQ7N3t5fHJq9_7PAczpUpw6XJS7Lr3UoJt66SzgA1FiEL0xxw_h/s1600-h/IMGP6102.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvW9iyVGWrfXoMZxLTFvtEvYQakzAYMyisOUA46hC0GlK5FyN8IDUst1G3k4HburEuSl6VNv9bh7hOSH00IibqmmZjHZQ7N3t5fHJq9_7PAczpUpw6XJS7Lr3UoJt66SzgA1FiEL0xxw_h/s400/IMGP6102.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413091951612979522" border="0" /></a>This was his last full month of nursing exclusively. I am both excited and a little apprehensive about introducing his first foods soon. If he likes solids even half as much as he likes milk, we'll have an eating champ on our hands.<br /><br />Each week our little social butterfly becomes even more interactive. In addition to clearly loving people, he has finally noticed his "brothers" of the feline persuasion. He will laugh and squeal at the cats, and always smiles when Ventura walks into a room or pays attention to him. A Venty sighting will even (temporarily) stop a meltdown. Yeah! His repertoire of sounds has increased a lot this month, but so far, most of the "words" he uses resemble cute pterodactyl noises more than human ones.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjTw4kKJ0CjgLdZdSwaPDlpEfHKyi3XF_O8mcHupYmREJbPh-8et2T7hi2CBNMaen_s4M-YB7L-UM0wLN8zoclfbfhFBv6zYcCijwNvQtYyojOVHRpAoc6_UG4vDSo6qC7XtK3tjB9Gbh/s1600-h/IMGP6122.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjTw4kKJ0CjgLdZdSwaPDlpEfHKyi3XF_O8mcHupYmREJbPh-8et2T7hi2CBNMaen_s4M-YB7L-UM0wLN8zoclfbfhFBv6zYcCijwNvQtYyojOVHRpAoc6_UG4vDSo6qC7XtK3tjB9Gbh/s400/IMGP6122.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413088928250128290" border="0" /></a>At night, we have transitioned from using our beloved Pea Pod swaddle to a fleece sleep sack. Xavier seems very glad to have his hands at his disposal at night. Sometimes, he can grab his paci and successfully put it in his mouth. This is a key skill to have. Other nights, he will find his <a href="http://www.angeldear.net/cuddle/1108_tiger_c.php">tiger lovey</a> and snuggle and hug it to soothe himself. It's SO cute!<br /><br />Getting one last milestone in just under the wire, X-man began rolling in both directions (front to back and back to front) on his six month birthday. And, now there is no stopping him. He constantly rolls to reach toys, to get a better view of us or the cats and to try to sneak a peek at the TV or the computer screen. Illegal activity, mister! :) He is also working on sitting up unassisted. He can sort of sit up for a few seconds and then he either lists to one side, folds in half at the waist (sometimes using his arms to support himself and other times going way beyond "nose to knees") or falls over completely (which can be painful when he topples headfirst onto a toy!)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDNqogk0M02W8zuz3PzjTbtjE8J4yOnZmW0RQdDGn7cc-TOLkUnIQPTkyH2XuEPNHOKQNTj7iSKRlSjWqOI9bX2ACffUhX_K3PT7yv4mOiTw1i6GjqEj6UziGQWJm6yPgbMKoCUfyx2f5/s1600-h/IMGP6120.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDNqogk0M02W8zuz3PzjTbtjE8J4yOnZmW0RQdDGn7cc-TOLkUnIQPTkyH2XuEPNHOKQNTj7iSKRlSjWqOI9bX2ACffUhX_K3PT7yv4mOiTw1i6GjqEj6UziGQWJm6yPgbMKoCUfyx2f5/s400/IMGP6120.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413088919643622898" border="0" /></a>Pat-a-cake, baths and eating continue to be favorite activities. New favorites are singing "Pop goes the Weasel" (he anticipates the "Pop!"), watching the "Magic Flower" paper toy as we open and shut it, playing with his frog castanet toy from Nadine in Japan, getting "thrown" up in the air, (don't worry - we don't actually let go, we only play this over a soft surface and we are careful to mind his head and neck) and being kissed on his chest/tummy on the count of three. He will usually be laughing by "2" before the kisses land!<br /><br />He also likes chewing on everything, "standing", being held upside down and watching the leaves when we go for walks. He does not like the wind.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqzVB_7AASWQC0-5UUlwY4_PU3ffqM_Jw61yxtXje1LAzDENWrsL8_LD8lRply7ra9u-NDKfC8T_I3xbOaaM6DygfAEEu20zJJADhWw6yMdyb2wDSPfnq7JLShB7Kfnx2Nab3H6qeJc7q/s1600-h/IMGP6151.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqzVB_7AASWQC0-5UUlwY4_PU3ffqM_Jw61yxtXje1LAzDENWrsL8_LD8lRply7ra9u-NDKfC8T_I3xbOaaM6DygfAEEu20zJJADhWw6yMdyb2wDSPfnq7JLShB7Kfnx2Nab3H6qeJc7q/s400/IMGP6151.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413088940751479314" border="0" /></a>His six month stats from his pediatrician appointment on 11/30 were 16 lbs, 14 oz, 28" tall and 45cm in head circumference. (He weighed 16 lbs, 4.6 oz on 11/24 - Can you guess when his growth spurt occurred?)Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797325239935596580noreply@blogger.com0