More Video Updates

Baby Leg Warmers

Here is the finished product from my earlier post. I am addicted to making baby leg warmers. These were made for Blake's friend Sophia who just turned one. I put them on Blake right before I washed and blocked them. Super fun!

For all you mama's out there

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Better Know a District - New York's 14th - Carolyn Maloney

Colbert at Christmas
Colbert Christmas DVD

Green Screen
Bill O'Reilly Interview

Learning To Walk on His Own

My Nana told me that ottomans are great for babies learning to walk. Boy was she right:

Knitting Obsession

For over nine months now, I have been getting used to my "mama brain" and everyday I try and remember what it was like to have a clear thought. I have always loved knit projects, but I couldn't imagine my brain learning anything new so I resisted the urge to learn how to knit. Jessica (my S-I-L) was knitting a wristie and I couldn't help but look over her shoulder and see what she was doing. Oh my goodness, it is just like crocheting, but kind of different. Now I am addicted. Every day is spent hoping my child will nap longer so I can add on a few more rows. Crocheting is out the window for me (for now) and I am on to neater and more fun projects. The above project is a gift so I can't let on to what it will be.
This was the beginning of a baby alpaca scarf for my mom. I forgot to take a picture of the finished project, but I will post it when I am back at my mom and dad's house. Super fun.

I'm off to go knit some more.

Rest In Peace Maggie

Maggie passed away the other morning after a long, adventurous life. My father and mother took such good care of her in her last days and I cannot thank them enough. The picture is from years ago when Maggie used to sit in the bread basket on my parent's kitchen counter. She will be missed, but we are so happy she went peacefully and without pain.

I love you orange kitty with six toes.

He Loves Ribs

Tonight for the first time since Blake was born I grilled up some pork ribs. We left a few without sauce so that Blake could enjoy them straight, and enjoy them he did. He actually got mad at Shannon when he dropped his first rib and had to wait for the next one.

Here is a video we took of him enjoying the meal.

Saying Goodbye

Blake and I lit this candle today to honor my cat, Maggie, in her last hours. I watched her be born and I am sad that I won't be with her when she passes. My parents kept Maggie while I headed off to college and have been her surrogate parents since. There was a short stint when I had her live with me in Davis to kill the mouse that was sleeping on my pillow, but they had quite the intricate mouse maze through the apartment and the two learned to coexist. Now, my mother and father are watching her closely while she relaxes on a heating pad. She hasn't eaten or drank for two days now. My parents agree they would like her to pass naturally, but once pain is evident then they will take her to the vet. My thoughts are with her for a quick and painless departure.

2009 Begins

January always gets off to a great start because we get to celebrate Blake's friend Jocelyn's birthday. This year she invited her family and friends to join her for a day at the beach. We met at Ano Nuevo http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A%C3%B1o_Nuevo_State_Reserve
just north of Santa Cruz to see the giant elephant seals. Her birthday was great and we can't believe she is two already.

The walk out to see the seals. Jocelyn was wearing the hat and scarf I crocheted for her for Christmas.


The house they built for the lighthouse keeper. The seals were getting into the house and dying in the bathtubs so they have since opened all doors and windows so the animals can come and go as they please. The island beneath the house is eroding so it doesn't make sense to maintain the house. Too bad since it looks like it was a great house (poor weather I hear).


The eroding cliffs.


We would stop so the guide could tell us interesting facts about Ano Nuevo, but Blake thought it was more fun to try to eat the sand than listen.


A mama feeding her pup.


Up close and personal with a snoozing elephant seal.


Not much movement. The babies don't move so they can store up enough fat to survive. The babies are weaned at one month and then teach themselves how to swim after the mothers head back to the ocean. I am glad I didn't have to leave Blake at the beach to figure life out.



More sand to explore. Blake seemed truly interested when I was explaining the seals to him. He didn't really know what to make of them.


Two males arguing peacefully. Within seconds they moved about three feet and plopped down into elephant seal blobs again.


One out for a swim.


We started a Prius lineup. Our group contributed three to the lineup, but two others joined in.


Blake fell asleep while walking back to the cars. He woke up once we all started singing Happy Birthday to Jocelyn. Too bad he couldn't eat the yummy banana cupcakes with chocolate frosting. Only three more months of waiting!


Happy 2nd Birthday Jocelyn. We love you.

Holiday Happs

2008 has passed us by and Blake celebrated his first holiday season. Wow, what a fun time we had. It was great to watch Blake enter into the Finnish Christmas Eve dinner with everyone.

Here are some pictures from our trip starting at the Hurst's:

We forgot bibs so we cut up one of Andrew's old t-shirts that said "Dog Boy" and it fared quite well.


Snow on Blake's head.


Mia painted the wrapping paper for Jim's gift.


Now onto the Burton household in Sacramento:

Blake wanting to hang out with Great Grandpa.


Amy and Chris opening their goodies.


Nana, Dad, and Mom doing the same.


My father's birthday is the day after Christmas so immediately the carols stop so we can sing Happy Birthday. This year was special because we also got to celebrate his retirement. Good job Dad!

Blake helping him blow out the candles.


Blake and LuLu watching the squirrels in their Christmas jammies.


Teenie hibernated in the couch while we were there.


Grammie and Grandpa with Blake on his new fire truck.


What a great 2008 and we hope your 2009 brings lots of joy and surprise.