Independence Day in Detroit

We visited Tom's family in Michigan for a long fourth of July weekend. We saw several relatives during our trip and Luke traveled well. He was well-behaved during both flights, but the pilot on the outgoing trip interrupted two of Luke's naps to report weather conditions in Detroit. Tom, Luke, and I also enjoyed a quick getaway to Frankenmuth (a Bavarian village) for two days - Luke took his first train and second boat rides while we were there.


Having fun with Grandma Nancy


Look Daddy - I'm on my first train ride


Isn't Luke cute?


Bath time with mommy


Look Mommy - My second boat ride


Having fun with Grandpa Tom


Tom's family


Uncle David, Aunt Marcy, Tom, and Luke


Hold on tight, Luke


Tom's family - Nancy, Tom, Tom, Doug, Luke
At Greenfield Village

Birthday Smiles

Wow, 31 years have gone by quickly. I celebrated my first birthday as a mom and I had such a great day. Tom took the day off work (even though he has a deadline approaching), so we could spend the day as a family. After spending some time at the dinosaur exhibit at the zoo, I had a chance to relax at the spa. We even had an evening alone (first time since February, since Luke takes the bottle again) thanks to my aunt and uncle for volunteering to babysit. Enjoy some of Luke's recent smiles below.

Luke update: He loves to sit unsupported now (has been sitting for the past three weeks), pick up balls, and bang cups on the floor. By far, his favorite toys are balls, so we may have a little athlete (making me very happy). He has also started eating "real" food. We thought Luke would be a great eater after he spent so many months jamming whatever he could into his mouth, but the last thing he wants in his mouth is the spoon. Oh well...he is learning how to to swallow soft foods. So far, here is how he ranks various foods:

Squash - loves it
Yams - ok
Carrots - ok
Peas - hates them (in fact, he threw up shortly after his first swallow of peas last night)
Bananas - ok


Luke's first taste of squash


Happy Birthday, Tammy - at the zoo


Luke likes the slide


Luke loves Grandma Eileen


Luke is a Gustie fan!!! Thanks to the MCS Dept. for this onesie.

Summer Fun

The weather has finally felt more summer-like the past few days. Luke sure enjoys stroller walks, so we spend lots of time outside. During the month of June, we have enjoyed a Beavers baseball game, Jamie and Ryan's wedding, and celebrating the June birthdays.

Tom celebrated his first father's day, too! Luke surprised him with a book of pictures he chose with mommy. We had a relaxing day at church, out to lunch, and watching an exciting US Open (golf). I know that most people think golf is dull to watch and to play (and I, of course, have a very different opinion), but the US Open was great theater.

I am looking forward to my birthday next week. Tom is taking the day off work, so we can spend the entire day together as a family. My aunt and uncle are generously giving their time to watch Luke in the evening, so Tom and I get to have dinner alone.

Update about Luke:
Little man is 5.5 months old now and "grows up" a little each day. Most people ask about his recent skills. No, he is not hitting golf balls yet. He can roll from his tummy to his back (started this at 4 months) and can sit unsupported for about 30 seconds. He loves gravity, too - watching water poured on him in the bath, watching toys fall to the floor, and daddy throwing him in the air. Enjoy some recent photos of Luke:


At the Beavers game with Uncle Jim, cousin Mark, and daddy



Luke is a Tigers fan (thanks to Uncle Doug)



Having fun at OMSI's baby area



Luke can sleep in amazing positions



Look - grandma and Luke match!



Our family at Jamie and Ryan's wedding





Enjoying an evening at the park



Anna and Luke



Happy Father's Day, Tom (Luke with his book)



Baby play date at our house

New cousin Maddie

Luke has a new cousin, Madeline. She was born on May 31. Look how sweet she is...

Our first "family" vacation

Tom, Luke, and I took our first family vacation to San Diego, California. We certainly enjoyed our time together. Tom worked at Qualcomm's headquarters one day while Luke and I enjoyed the sunshine. We spent the next four days on vacation, taking in some sights of southern California. Luke took his first swim in a pool, saw the Pacific Ocean for the first time, napped through several animal shows at Seaworld, saw a koala and panda at the San Diego zoo, attended his first Major League Baseball game, hiked (rode) in Torrey Pines State Park, and enjoyed the sunshine.

Luke loved the vacation and it was quite easy to travel with him and his gear. He rarely fussed while we were out of town and took to any stranger who greeted him. He was a hit with the hotel staff. Enjoy a few photos from our trip.


The airplane ride


Luke's first swim


At the Shamu show


Luke eyes the sharks


Shamu


Tall enough, Luke?


Beach at La Jolla


Torrey Pines State Park


Cute Luke


Koala at the San Diego Zoo


Panda Bear


On the sky ride


Padres game at Petco Park



Luke's first swim

My first mother's day

Little Luke is now 4.5 months old. Time has flown by, hasn't it? We celebrated my first mother's day by going to church and out to lunch at a French cafe. I look forward to the gift Tom gave me... a massage. Carrying around a baby (even though he is not heavy) and breastfeeding are creating tight muscles in my back. We went to the driving range last week (first time I hit balls since Luke was born) and I learned quickly that I lost all my strength and flexibility the past few months.

We took a few videos of Luke, so you can see him in action. He is a man of motion (which is why I think he is so skinny). The first video shows Luke laughing at Tom. In the second video, I am helping Luke learn to walk (yes, he has shown a preference for standing and moving on his feet).






Enjoy some of his recent photos:


Luke did not enjoy his sunglasses


Laying on his surfboard


Luke likes daddy's mouth


Adelaide and Luke napping during church


Luke's first Portland Beavers (baseball) game


Grandma Eileen and Luke at book babies


The bubbles


Grandma and Luke played while mommy was at faculty meetings


Luke and Kyle at "Babies and Me" group


Luke tolerates his tummy time now


Family photo for mother's day - we are wearing red for Pentecost


Happy mother's day, Tammy