Take me out to the ball game

The sun may not have been shining, but it was the always constant 74 degrees in the Metrodome this afternoon, a perfect temperature for Alyssa's first Twins game. And while Alyssa didn't get any peanuts or cracker jack, she did make some new friends with all those sitting around her. Of course, how could you not be friends with this cutie, especially when she stares at you, smiles & giggles the whole game. She was even cheering in her own unique way. The Twins won 3-1 over the Angels, so it was a great day. I told Aaron we really do have a wonderful baby, she didn't cry once, and even slept for 30 minutes during the middle part of the game - we are so blessed.

We had a wonderful weekend, spending lots of time with friends. It's so fun to watch the little ones "play" together. For the most part they just stare at one another, but ocassionally they reach out to touch one another. Way too cute. Alyssa tried telling her cousin-to-be (aka Baby K) that he/she should come out because she can't wait to have another new buddy, but it hasn't worked just yet.

I've started trying to jog again and so Alyssa's tried out the jogger stroller a couple days this week; she likes it a lot, except for when the wind blows. She doesn't like that all; she actually screams when the wind blows. Of course, any one we jog past has to smile at her; one guy the other day told me he thought I should be in the stroller & she should be pushing me - I wish!

Really not much new here other than Alyssa has been quite slobbery this weekend with some pretty rosy cheeks. We'll see if it's teeth or just baby drool in time. Aaron and I have also decided she's going to be a thumb sucker, she's doing it more and more, especially when she's tired or upset. I guess it's good that she's figured out how to soothe herself, but we'll see what happens. Here's wishing you all a wonderful week-

Alyssa's first Easter

What a beautiful day Easter was! In fact, the few days leading up to Easter were just amazing. We attended Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter vigil masses all in preparation for Easter and my confirmation. At the Holy Thursday mass, the Last Supper was celebrated and parishioners were able to wash the feet of others and have their feet washed a well; while we didn't participate in the feet washing, it brought home the way Jesus served others and how we should humble ourselves to serve others as well. And at the Good Friday service we take nails up to the cross, as a symbol of our role in the crucifixion. Very powerful to say the least.

My confirmation evening began with a beautiful banquet put on by the church. The social hall never looked so good. Each table had a different theme, with centerpieces, place mats, candles, napkins, and glassware that were all coordinated. Those who were "working" the banquet wore black pants, white shirts, and bow ties. The menu included a citrus pecan salad, Mediterranean stuffed chicken breasts with beans and seasoned potatoes, and a lemon parfait dessert - wow! The mass itself started outside with the burning of last year's palm branches and lighting the Paschal candle from that fire. We (those of us to be baptized and confirmed) led everyone into a darkened church, at which time our candles were lit and then we passed the light on to others. The readings began with creation and went through Easter. We all renewed our baptismal vows and then we were confirmed and made our first communion. They had a reception after for everyone to congratulate and welcome us. I think we were home between 10:30 and 11 that night.

Alyssa of course was the perfect baby. She slept through part of dinner, ate right before the mass began, and then after a few hiccups and a little bit of "singing", she went to sleep and slept through the rest of the mass. When we got her home, she didn't even open her eyes as we transferred her to her crib, sleeping until 6:30 the next morning when the Easter bunny came.

The Easter bunny was pretty good to all of us, bringing us each some of our favorite treats - Cadbury eggs, peanut butter cups, and new lounge pants for Aaron; Craisins, jelly beans, and chocolate for me, and a lawn chair, Veggie Tales CD, Fuzzy bee book, Twins outfit, and Easter eggs for Alyssa. She really likes her book, enjoyed playing with the eggs, and listening to Aaron & I sing along with Eggplant and Tomato on the CD. I'm super excited about this CD as it has a lot of songs we sang in Sunday School on it, some of which I had forgotten!

We spent Easter day down at Stacy's. Aaron's parents and Uncle Bob celebrated with us. We had a super yummy brunch, played with Alyssa at the playground, went for a short walk, and just visited. Stacy got to feed Alyssa cereal for the first time and did a great job, she was laughing at how fast Alyssa likes to be fed though. Spring is definitely here now. Alyssa is loving her walks outside; we got her some sunglasses for when we're walking. The first few times she didn't fuss with them, now she's pulling them off - grrr! She has been in the swing and gone down the slide, and I think she likes the swing better, but we'll see what she prefers as the summer continues.

We think she may be starting to get some teeth as you can see a few little nubs on her bottom gums, but I guess we'll have to wait and see. And while she still can't get off her stomach, she's definitely pushing herself backwards while on her tummy. She loves to be sitting and she's now figured out if she holds on to our fingers she can pull herself to standing. She's so strong, it's kind of scary. And she's getting so independent already, I'm so glad we have the video of when she was just a blob because I can hardly remember it; it's going by so quickly.

Here's sending you some of our sunshine and blue skies!

While the cat is away...

the mice will play! Aaron left yesterday morning for a business trip to Jacksonville (sounds a little funny to say that about him), so it's just been Alyssa and I here at home. We've had a wonderful time playing together over the past two days. She has been such a pleasant baby (even more so than normal) in the afternoons as of late. I picked her up yesterday and we played while sitting on the floor, then today we played in the jumper and also rolled around on the floor. Alyssa can roll to her right pretty easily now, but she can't remember how to roll from her tummy to her back. But she's learning that being on her tummy doesn't have to be all bad. Tonight she pushed herself back a little bit!

Alyssa and I have also enjoyed a few walks. The sun has been out to warm things up a little bit (we like a lot of you had snow not too long ago - 1" on Sunday), so we've been enjoying some fresh air. I think Alyssa has been getting outside more at day care as well. I know that today they went to the park. I'm hoping that this weekend we can get to the park and try out one of the baby swings. I think Alyssa will really love it since she loves to move!

Alyssa is loving her rice cereal. We've found that if we make it thicker she eats it better. She really gobbles it down, opens that mouth up wide for each bite. It almost seems like she can't eat it fast enough, she's so funny. The only thing that can distract her from eating is Roni. She is totally fascinated by him; as of late Roni has even let her pet him every once in a while. I caught the two of them having a staring contest the other morning.


We are looking forward to this Easter weekend. I will be confirmed in the Catholic church, and we celebrate Easter with Aaron's family. The church is hosting a special dinner for those of us who have gone through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults on Saturday night, and then we'll be confirmed (some will also be baptized also) at Easter Vigil. We had a practice for it last night and it seems like it will be a beautiful and meaningful service. As much as I think the Church sometimes emphasizes the wrong thing, I'm quite taken with the meaning and symbolism of some of the rituals. I've been struck by the passion of some of the individuals for the Lord and the Church, and look forward to being able to participate fully in the activities of the church.


Alyssa already has her dress picked out for Easter. She also has a pair of bunny ears to wear for some comic relief. We had her 5-month and Easter pictures taken last weekend, and she was such a ham during the photo sitting, smiling from ear to ear and looking so grown up. I can't wait to show you the pictures. In one, she's wearing only her bunny ears and a diaper, and eggs are scattered around her. We struggled to get any pictures like this though because she wanted to check out the eggs, and she wasn't happy holding just one egg, she wanted them all! So it was pick one up, spot another, grab it, see a different one, try to pick it up, and so on. We had a really fun day with her that day at the mall.

I guess that's it for now. Aaron will be home tonight, so tomorrow we can get back into our normal routine. I guess I'll have to get used to sharing Alyssa again :) Happy Easter to all of you!


I know this isn't the best picture ever, but her facial expression is kind of funny - hope it makes you laugh :)