Playing Soccer (well, sort of..)

Mia loves her soccer ball. She's gotten very good at dribbling and kicking it through a target. The only problem happens when she's afraid Daddy will steal it away. Then the hands come out and the game is more like football.

Hiking and Photo Class

Rob is taking a photo class on people photography through the community college, so the last two pictures here are the pictures that he took to work on "lighting" - one indoor and one outdoor.  We also went hiking at Great Falls (VA) this weekend, so there are pictures from that excursion as well.

A Night Out

It was time again for the rotating dinner with Mia's friends (all born within 2-3 wks of each other). The kids had a great time playing together and seemed to especially think it was fun to all be in PJs at the same time hanging out. Who doesn't like to be allowed to stay up past their bedtime?

House Guests

Friday night, Aunt Kate and her daughter Ellie, along with Aunt Kate and Mommy's cousin Lori and her daughters Azure and Ember, spent the night en route back home after visiting Grandma and Grandpa in South Carolina.

Mia and Ellie had a wonderful time eating breakfast together!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

I love you!
Love,
Mia

Snow Day!

Snow days are pretty rare for us, but one is March is completely unheard of. Mia had a great time playing in the snow.




And, one of the best things about a snow day is an impromptu playdate with a neighbor! Maddie and Mia had a blast dancing and drawing together.

All in a Line

Mia has become a big fan of lining up all of her little dolls. She then stands in line and we count everyone. Even Mom and Dad get to share in the fun when Mia has us stand in the line, too.

Bostonians Visit

Our friends Chris and Alex and their 6 mo old daughter Kiera came for a long weekend visit to escape the cold Boston weather. We were able to give them a few warm days before the snow storm hit the East Coast.

A New Sweater

Mia got a hand-knit sweater and hat from Grandma. They are beautiful and the color looks wonderful on Mia.

Spain

We had a wonderful time visiting Allan, Raquel, and baby Alan at their home in Zamora, Spain. We spent most of our time in Zamora and took some day trips to nearby cities and villages.

Mia loved being able to spend time with her Uncle Allan, Tia Raquel, and Cousin Alan. We also had a wonderful time with them. This was Mara's first trip to Spain and we were able to get to see a lot of the local history and sites. We have lots of pictures of various sites, but have mostly posted pictures with people here. (Click here for a direct link to the album.) Let us know if you'd like to see all of those.

We can't wait until the Spaniards come to visit us in just a few short weeks.

Big Bed

Mia has officially moved into a big bed.

She even has a quilt especially made for her bed by Grandma.

Good-bye Raskal

Raskal was put to sleep last night after sudden complications from a previously undetected heart tumor.  We'll all miss him terribly - he was an exceptionally well-behaved, loving and playful dog.

I will remember him for poking his nose around the corner and sulking to the back of the house when we would show up with Mia, barking furiously at anyone who went into the pool and being so patient with Mia as she learned how to pet a dog.

In Memoriam

Mary Elizabeth "Betty" W

October 20, 1917-February 2, 2009

This picture was taken at Grammie's 90th birthday party when Mia was 4 months old.

Random January Pictures

We have just a few random pictures to post from January. Hope you enjoy.

Mia hanging out in the kitchen.

Mia playing

Mia really loves her ball.

Welcome to the world Andrew Nicholas

Congratulations to our wonderful friends and now proud parents Nick and Betsy!!

Andrew Nicholas

January 26, 2009 1:33pm

6 Pounds, 0 Ounces

20 Inches long

Baby Brother

Mia found out today that she's getting a little baby brother in June (or there about).

Hair Styles

Since Mia had the flu this week and Daddy has had to work a lot, Mia and Mommy have spent a lot of time together. Saturday, it was still too early in Mia's recovery to go anywhere so Mommy decided to see if Mia's hair would go up in pigtails. It did and seemed to stay in, until Mia found a moment when Mommy wasn't looking and pulled the rubber bands right out. Oh well, it was cute while it lasted.

18 Month Update

Mia had her 18 month well-baby visit today. Despite having the flu earlier this week and not eating for 4 days, she's a happy, healthy little girl who has clearly grown quite a bit.

The Stats
Height - 31 1/2 inches (up 1")
Weight - 21 lbs 6 oz (up 8 oz)
Head - 18 1/3 inches

Trip to the Zoo

During our vacation, we took a trip to the National Zoo with our friends Noah and Noah's mom Jennifer. The kids had a great time together, especially in the indoor exhibits.

Noah and Mia are watching the tortoises.

A close up for size comparison. These are huge animals.

Three pandas were outside eating, enjoying the sunny day.

Mia in her Christmas dress