Luke's First Mariners Game

Tom, Luke, and I took a quick trip to Seattle for the weekend in mid-July. As you can probably tell by my lack of posts, we have been busy lately. Our trip to Seattle was, yet again, a whirlwind tour visiting several friends. On the way, we stopped to visit Luke's godparents in Tacoma and caught the beginning of the Air Force Flight Show - it was a great air show. We managed to get to the Mariners game by the end of the second inning (traffic was heavy), grabbed the last parking spot in a nearby lot, and a Mariners employee gave us free tickets! It was our lucky day. It was not so lucky for the Seattle Mariners, though - they played awful with several errors in the field and poor hitting. Despite the poor play against Cleveland, Luke enjoyed the game (well, probably just watching nearby spectators). Kimmy and Alan graciously hosted us for the evening. On Sunday, we attended our former church and saw several friends. After church, we visited with three sets of friends: Jessi, Matt, and Lukas who are friends from college; Ratul and Martha who are friends from grad school; and Lindsey, Mike, and Isaac (Lindsey is a childhood friend of mine). We had a wonderful time and hope to get up north soon! Enjoy pictures from our trip.


Luke enjoys being almost naked


From the air show


Watching the Seattle Mariners


Our family at Safeco Field


Luke with the Pauls Family


Tammy, Luke, Matt, and Lukas (Lukas is almost exactly 1 year older than Luke)


Luke and Ratul - such different skin colors (Ratul and Tammy are good buddies from grad school)


Isaac, Lindsey, and Luke

Look-alike contest

My mom loaned me my dad's baby album a few weeks ago and I thought I was seeing twins! Tell us what you think...


Grandpa Mark (top), Luke (bottom)


Here is the photo of my dad and his two brothers (Paul and Dale)

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