Fall in San Diego

Contrary to popular belief, it's not all cacti and palm trees out here (although mostly it is). We also have leafy trees that drop their golden leaves just like other places in the country. It's just that these leaves don't drop until December. Here's our version of autumn.

Hello leaves!

I wonder when daylight savings will be over...

We Are Not Amused (2)

I heard a rumor that by 2 months old, babies stop crying. That's what I get for listening to the internet...

Crying because her pyjamas don't match the sheets.

Crying all day long and night.

Crying because she doesn't approve of horseplay.

Crying because her piggy bank is empty.

Night / Day

What a difference a night's sleep can make. Look at these two photos of Dillon--one at night before bed and one in the morning as she woke up. I wish nighttime Dillon would take notes from morningtime Dillon.

No bedtime! I want to watch David Letterman!

Cuteness...zapping my powers...

2 Months Old!

Taken on 12/15/2011, Dillon is now two months old. Here she is taking a nap in her proper crib (a feat she has not since replicated).

Dirty Dawg

Our Zeusy loves a good stroll around the lake. The pictures below illustrate a typical outing.

Start of the walk: dog clean.

Ruh roh.

Leaves and branches feel good.

I still clean, right?

PregTASTIC--the final podacast

So here is a link to my last episode with PregTASTIC. And guess what! It's all about me and Dillon. The birth story. The breast feeding. The grilled cheese. Clink on the link below or download the podcast onto your iPod thingamajig.

Episode 243: Michelle's birth story.

http://www.pregtastic.com/michelles-birth-story/

Happy Thanksgiving!

Here we are all together: us, Dillon and both sets of grandparents!

PS--That guy back left isn't with us.

PPS--That camera in the foreground belongs in a museum!

Vintage Wear: Mommy Style

Several decades ago, it wasn't Dillon, but me coming home from the hospital, and I was attired in nothing but the finest USAF had to offer. Turns out my mom kept that shirt for all these years and gave it to me when she came to visit her grandbaby. So I thought I'd see how my daughter looked in her mother's clothes. [Interesting factoid: Dillon and I weighed exactly the same when we were born.]

Have I been drafted?

My mom is how old???

Happy Monthday, Baby!

Taken on 11/15/2011.

Bathing Beauty

Every few days Dillon takes what must be the shortest bath on earth. She's learned to sit in the water peacefully (or her parents have learned how to fill the tub properly so it's enjoyable) but the second we take her out, she's screaming bloody murder. If only there were a way to put her pyjamas on in the water...

Sponge bath by experienced nurse. Notice relatively calm expression on baby.

Crazy bath by bumbling parents. Baby fondly remembers nurse.

Why do I have wash cloths for hands?!?!??!

Baby dreams of world with no water.

We Are Not Amused (1)

Here is the first post in what I hope will be a regular installation: Dillon crying. It seems silly to only post the happy, smiley pictures since, let's face it, babies spend a lot of awake time screaming like banshees. Dillon is always quick to let us know she does not like tummy time. At all.

Crying after her first sponge bath.

Crying after her clothes were changed.

Crying during tummy time.

Crying for no good reason!

Didn't you hear me the first time? I hate tummy time!!

Nursery Times

Here are a few pictures of Dillon's nursery. Hopefully it'll be a few years before she demands we change it.

Craig re-stained my old dresser. (PS-We got that diaper bag for $30!)

I made these felt birds and rose balls myself!

Grizzly makes an excellent foot rest.

These wall decals were a total nightmare to put up. I hate their guts.

My first sewing project was making this window shade.

This birdcage is from our wedding reception. I knew if I kept it for four years it would come in handy!

The whole room. Craig also painted the changing table!

Elephantastic

As most of you know, we like elephants in this house. This means that 1) Dillon received a lot of elephant toys and 2) we are now greatly outnumbered. As Michellephant always warned us: The Elephants ARE coming!

There are even elephants on the sheets!

Dillon, they don't like having their ears tugged!

Check out my pro-elephant shirt!

Good Times at the Hospital

Overall, we had a good experience at the hospital. All of the nurses and doctors were exceptionally friendly and professional and took great care of me and the baby. Also, the grilled cheese from the cafeteria was pretty awesome.

Here are just a few photos of Dillon at the hospital. More soon.

Daddy and Dillon finally meet.

Dillon's first shampoo.

All ready to go home!

Dillon Ginger is here!!

Earlier than anticipated, but more darling than could be dreamed, Dillon Ginger couldn't wait to be born and so came 9 days early.

10/15/2011 @ 1:52pm
6lbs 5oz
19 inches long

You digging my owl hat?

More from her deliriously sleep-deprived parents soon.

Baby Shower II

In addition to the wonderful baby shower thrown by my friends, Craig and I also enjoyed a baby shower thrown by my co-workers. We are lucky I work with such generous, caring people. We enjoyed a delicious potluck and tons of great gifts. Alas, we couldn't figure out how to get Zeus past security so he had to stay home.

Parents to be.

I was very excited about the fried chicken.



Craig opens up a sweet dress.



Please contribute to the piggy bank...paper money only.

As close to a smile as he gets in photos.





More PregTASTIC

I've recorded a few more episodes of PregTASTIC. The same as before, you can either click the links below and listen via the website, or download the podcasts from iTunes and listen through your i______. At 37 weeks so Donut's big debut is just around the corner!

Episode 233: Pregnancy Ups and Downs. Today my downs include wrestling with...stickers.


http://www.pregtastic.com/pregnancy-ups-and-downs-10/

Episode 234: 5 Must-Have Foods. Not surprisingly, I have plenty to say on this subject.

http://www.pregtastic.com/five-must-have-foods-when-pregnant/

Baby Shower!!

Since Craig and I don't have any family in the area, our good friends Jill and Jaclyn were sweet enough to host a baby shower for The Donut. Here is some photographic evidence:

How many of these socks will Zeus "accidentally" eat?

Jill's daughter, Carter, loved helping with all the presents.

Burp cloths and pacifiers.

Jill decorated a donut bib for our Donut.

Kimchi Baby!

Group portrait!