Calista continues to amaze us with her charm, cheerful outlook on life and rapid developmental growth. As my dad said about Calista, who he nicknamed Little Miss Wonderful, “watch out world!”
Since the last time I wrote in April, Calista has changed in numerous ways, but every day she still wakes up smiling and excited to play. I absolutely love that pure, joyful smile of hers. She sure knows how to light up a room!
Some updates…she weighs more than 15 pounds, has gotten much stronger (she likes to stand up now while grabbing onto our hands!), more verbal (can carry on in-depth conversations with varying levels of intonation – I only wish I could understand her because she clearly has a lot on her mind), and definitely more coordinated (can grasp smaller objects and hold onto toys longer). Her attention span has also expanded -- she is now totally engrossed with a cloth book my Aunt Susan got her titled “My First Farm Book.” When she grabs the book it crinkles and captivates her.
Her vision is also much better. (By the way, her eyes are still a gorgeous blue.) One day as we were walking through Lithia Park in Ashland with Michelle, she was mesmerized by the tree canopy above. I love it when she discovers things as it makes me look at the world anew as well. Sometimes she will stare and stare at her feet and hands and it makes me laugh because I don’t think she’s quite realized that they belong to her!
As you can see from the photos we recently posted we took our first trip back East to Atlanta and DC. Scott played in his first-ever golf tournament, and we celebrated our friends’ Steve and Karen’s wedding. It was a blast. It looks like Calista might be a jet-setting munchkin -- she did so well on the plane that passengers raved about what an excellent baby she was. Proud parents that we are, we could only agree! She also did very well on the road trip to Ashland - thanks to Michelle for all her help calming Calista! She would reach back and massage a leg or an arm and Calista would settle right down and fall asleep. Phew. I couldn’t have done the trip without her. Thanks again to my mom for hosting a lovely brunch in Calista’s honor. We really appreciate all the lovely gifts she received! And thanks again to my dad and Mary for baby sitting while Michelle and I saw "As You Like It." Since little missy wasn't taking her bottle, they listened to music and danced and danced her to sleep.
Since we returned from Ashland Calista’s sleep pattern finally seems to have become somewhat regulated. She now likes to get up around 7-8 am, nap around 9, 1, and 3, and then go to bed sometime between 7-8 pm. Scott and I are very much enjoying having some more quality time together in the evenings. Tomorrow is our 4-year wedding anniversary and our friends Nancy and Paul are coming over to baby sit (thanks guys!). We are hoping that Calista will be a good sleeper for them. Since I go back to work on Monday, and will be in Napa Saturday for my friend’s Liz’s bachelorette wine tasting day, we hope she will like her bottle sooner rather than later.
Speaking of going back to work, while I know I will miss Calista something terrible, I am also looking forward to reclaiming my professional life and getting back into the swing of things at The Urban School. The next chapter unfolds…
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Dad danced with Calista for hours while Michelle and I saw a play. They both had quite a time!
Calista Arrives in Ashland!
Nonni shows Calista how to make some cute new faces. They are really similar!
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Sundial Bridge on roadtrip to Ashland
Brisen and Calista went for a week trip up to Ashland, Oregon to visit the grandparents. Brisen's friend Michelle joined as she hadn't been back to Ashland in years. Here they stopped at Redding at the new Sundial bridge which looks really cool!
Calista and Kirsten in DC
Kirsten spent some quality time with Calista while we were at the wedding! Thanks Kirsten!
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Steve and Karen's Wedding pre-party
Calista flew all the way to DC for Karen and Steve's wedding. We had lots of people compliment us as they got off the plane on how well behaved she was! As you can see, Calista had a great time at the party. We didn't get many stills as we were videotaping and had our hands full with the munchkin, but you can see that mom looked very pretty (with friends Nathalie and Stacey below). Steve at bottom between Scott and Stacey, the night before walking the plank...
The Howes visit
Don, Brendan, and Wendy came over to visit. Thanks for the great bagels and lox! Calista promptly began flirting with Brendan. Hope Sydney can come visit soon!
Evan and Amanda visit
Calista seems to have a look that says, "whatever you do lady, don't hand me to that crazy Kiwi...I've heard stories about him!"
Jeremy Stone visits
Brisen's friend Jeremy Stone stops by (they used to work at the Art Institute together) and makes fast friends with Calista. Thanks again for the pastries Jeremy!
Stef Lee visits
Finally, someone in the group who looks younger than Stef!
Calista is wearing a super cute outfit from Brisen's Dad and Mary.
Monday, May 7, 2007
For you friends of ours considering or recently having kids...
You must check out this article...hysterical. Thanks to Sharon Kim for the tip off. Who says you have to grow up? Up with...Grups?
http://nymag.com/news/features/16529/
http://nymag.com/news/features/16529/
Playing with her Play-mat animals
She's got a grip! And, shockingly enough, we are more or less up to date on the blog...she's gotten a little bigger in the past few postings as we've covered about a month.
Calista...and some gorgeous new sweaters!
Sporting a hand-knit sweater by Susan Munn (a colleague of Brisen's at Urban)Our naked wonder here, and looking very trendy in her purple and gray striped sweater hand-knit by Michelle!
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