Tucson Trip

Last week Keira and I had the privilege of flying out to Tucson, AZ to surprise Laura for her 29th Birthday. I had known about it for months and even our dad was able to keep it a secret, until that day. He ended up going to the hospital the day I was arriving so he had to have my sister pick me up from the airport. But she had been totally surprised and was sooo happy we were there! For some reason we took all of our pictures with Laura's camera so here are some of the ones she sent me.

The first day we visited my dad in the ER. He was in rapid A fib and had been feeling short of breath and weak. They didn't allow Keira in the hospital so it was a bit of a bummer. So Laura and I went to the best fast food restaurant ever, In-n-Out! YUMMMM!

The next day Laura showed me the super nice Orthodontic office she works at and I got to meet the super nice doctor she works for and the other assistants. She then hung out with some of her co-workers for a bit while Keira and I hit one of the Tucson malls and the best grocery store ever... TRADER JOE'S!!! I wished I had more room in our luggage to bring more home with me. We visited my dad again in the hospital and he got out later that night. We then gave Keira her first bath in the sink. Usually we use her little tub in the sink. Keira loved it and being able to splash around so much. But wet babies are a bit slippery so I think I'll wait until she's a little more steady sitting before I advance to sink or bathtub baths.

The next day we went to the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show. We hadn't been since I was about four, so it was fun to see what it's all about and why my dad left me home alone for a month at a time my junior and sophomore years of high school, and see people who've known us since we were Keira's age. It was really sweet and cute how my dad was so proud of his first granddaughter. She had her biggest blow out ever shortly after we got there but thankfully and unfortunately I had some extra jammies for her. Afterwards my dad treated us to the Olive Garden for Laura's Birthday dinner.

The last day I was there was just beautiful so we took Keira swimming. It was sooooo much fun! Even for Keira! She loved being in the water for about 10-15 minutes until she started getting a little chilly. She was sooo cute! I've decided she's going to be my triathlon buddy, although she's going to be a much better swimmer than me!

Later that evening we finished our trip with another visit to In-n-Out!

(Wow, even my dad makes me look white. And this was after I went to the pool. I need to hang out with Keira more.)

I had such a wonderful trip and it was soooo fun to see my lil' sis and Dad! Keira was marvelous on all of our plane rides. (We had a layover in Los Angeles, too bad we couldn't stay there for a couple of days too!) It was also great to see where Laura has been living and working, to meet some of her friends, and find out that her "laying out at the pool with palm trees" is one palm tree about 100 yards away! :-p This trip also made me realize how READY I AM FOR SPRING!!! At least these past few days it's been snowing and not just cold.

Mini Update

These pics were taken too long ago to be included in the Six Month Update coming later this week after Keira's Well Check on Friday.

Me and my Buddies

I try to read every night to Keira and she is really starting to enjoy it. Well maybe it's just touching and looking at something new. She pretty much loves to touch everything that's not hers and she's not supposed to play with. What Mommy has is always better!

She's starting to get good at sitting! She can even correct leans and reach for things all over.

She also loves standing and looking around. She's usually not really into looking at Mommy smiling and trying to give her kisses when she's standing because she's too busy checking everything else out.

2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland

Two weeks ago Chris flew to New York, New York to pick up his new Jeep. To avoid paying a ridiculous amount for a taxi he ventured onto the bus system. It took him three hours to get from the airport to the hotel (which was only 12 miles away), mostly spent figuring out the Port Authority Bus Station. If he would've walked at 4 mph he would've arrived in the same amount of time. But he spent $8 rather than $75.

He received the Jeep later that night although it did have a few small problems. He was able to fix the stereo before he headed out the next morning. (And he's been able to fix the other problems also.)

He spent 12 hours driving on the first day and then got to hang out with his friend from junior high and his family that night near Indianapolis, Indiana.

Mike Kinzie and Chris with three of Mike's seven children.

The next day he spent another 12 hours driving before he stopped in Hays, Kansas. He got in late, left early and drove five hours the next day to arrive safely at home with his new Jeep. And even with plenty of time for me to check it out before I headed to work that night and to Tucson the next day.

Chris "loves his new Jeep. It's making me lazy. It has so many options I don't even remember them. It automatically wipes the water off the windshield when it senses wetness, dims the mirrors at nighttime and turns on the headlights, checks the tire pressure, has heated seats, automatic climate control, it remembers my seating position, it has full time four wheel drive so I don't have to figure out when to turn it on and off, and the cruise control even works. So all I have to do is turn the steering wheel and put gas in the tank it takes care of the rest."

Debbie won't mention what else he wants to upgrade on it and "is thankful to still get to shift my car, decide and control what temperature I am, and have control over my wonderful Toyota Corolla! ;-p

Keira's Feedings

Keira and I (and Chris) had a rough couple of weeks. Keira was sick and wasn't eating much but I didn't really realize it at the time. It took a while for my milk to catch up. With the help of several supplements and lots of pumping we're back in business- just in time to start solids- see a later post. :o)

This was the first time Keira kind of held the bottle by herself, not for very long and when it was almost empty. And no Mom, she's not ready for a sippy yet!

Teething?

I think Keira might be teething. She's been unusually fussy. For the last few nights she's been having episodes where she cries for 3-10 minutes (longer if I'm not home) and I can't do anything to make her stop, my usual tricks weren't working. It's been very sad. She puts everything in her mouth and loves to chew on things and she's drooling a lot. I hope it doesn't last long!

I still haven't decided if it's a good idea to put her in her highchair while we eat. Although we love having her join us, I hope it's not teaching her bad habits to let her play with her toys.

Growing Up

My little girl is growing up.

Yesterday she rode in the stroller for the first time without her infant seat. She loved it! She could actually look around and didn't have to look up the entire time.

She also was in the carrier facing me for the first time. Usually she's burritoed in there sideways. She's still a little too small to face out which she'll really enjoy.

Chris' New Car

On Sunday Chris will be flying to New Jersey to pick up his new 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. This is his dream car he's been wanting for many years. He's very excited!