John's First Tooth

Well, the day has come... The first sign of a tooth is evident within the gummy grin on my little guy's face. A bottom front tooth is barely poking through the gums with razor sharpness. He hasn't bit me, nor has he shown the other "usual" signs (I.e., drooling, fever, fussiness). I just thought he had stuck something in his mouth that should not be there so I started fishing it out, and that's when my finger ran across its edge. I can't get him to let me look at it, but it's definitely there. I can't believe he's growing this fast!!  We went out to celebrate at fogons where he demanded the guacamole with yells of nom-nom!  It was super cute. I will include video soon. 

Baby's First Bath

Paul had his first bath at home today (June ?, not the date of the post). Erin even helped out! It was very sweet of her but it meant we had to be extra attentive. I was so preoccupied that I didn't get the camera out! I'm sorry, Paul, it was a momentous event I was unable to document properly. I was able to get a few pictures after while you lay drying in my arms. The one below was the best.

It was pretty good as far as infant baths go. He screamed a little. We had to use soaked washcloths because the shower bit wasn't working. Erin helped out with a washcloth by dripping water over him. There were a couple times she got close to and on his face but it was still all good.

Erin Walks!

Erin has lately been taking a few steps at a time, but tonight at Small Group she walked all the way across the kitchen! It was amazing!!!

Falling Asleep at the Meal

OMG! Erin was so super cute, it was just a few minutes ago, at lunch. I was feeding her and she kept zoning in and out, staring off at things and whatnot (she had a staring contest with Ursila) and chewing extra long time on her spoon. I just figured she wasn't really that hungry (Because she wasn't acting hungry beforehand, I just decided that since we were all going to eat, she should sit down and eat with us)... that was until this happened!

She just started closing her eyes, and zzzzzzzzzzzzzz!! It was sooo cute! We all started laughing so loudly that she slightly woke up, but went right back down. I had to run and get the camera, when I got back she woke up again, and then went right back down! It's the first time I've seen her this tired since she was a newborn. Even when we got her out of her highchair and I lifted her out, she rubbed at her eyes, so I was thinking she wouldn't go back to sleep, but then she fell asleep on my shoulder before we even got all the way down the hall to the bedroom! That was a first, and soooo cute! Definete "awe" moment!

You see, she does get tired at the dinner table, but usually she fusses and rubs her eyes. And when she gets super fussy, I take her out because she's done eating at that moment, but this time there was no fussing, no messy hands rubbing her eyes, just eyes dropping and the *plop!* head drops!

Erin's First Air Travel

Chris and I were given the opportunity to take Erin on her first plane ride today. Yes, it was for a very sad occassion, but I am greatful I was able to take her on her first trip alongside Chris.

Erin helped me do some last minute packing:


Our timing to the airplane was a bit off, but we still made it to the airport with time to spare. Erin decided to chill out with her toys, but waited wide-eyed with anticipation.


We were lucky enough to be able to board before most people, which was nice, because then we were able to sit in the same seat on every flight (the second to last seat in back left). Every flight was sold out (but luckily in the second one somebody didn't show, so we got a free seat next to us) there and back. But I took some pictures on the first one before everyone got seated:

Chris shared some water with her:


I nursed her on the way up and on the way down on all flights, but normally when I cover her while nursing she tries to expose me, so we decided to "bind" her hands by putting her in this really cool swaddle called a "Woombie". She ended up falling asleep durring the second flight, so we laid her in the extra seat for a minute or two.

While she was awake she played a lot... she was very squirmy towards the end.



She did really well, didn't cry at all! A major success. The only thing was when she started getting squirmy from being couped up all that time.

Christening

Erin got christened today! We are so proud and happy that we were able to do this. I have to admit, I was the one putting a major push behind it due to fear.

WARNING, PERSONAL BELIEFS BELOW. PLEASE REALIZE THIS IS JUST MY VIEW:
I remember being taught that all babies are born with original sin, so if something were to, God forbid, happen she would go to either pergitory (aka limbo) or hell. I didn't like the idea of that one bit! And I realize that not everyone was taught that. Chris wasn't and he didn't understand why I insisted it had to be a christening and not just a dedication.
You see, original sin goes something like this:

The Council of Trent solemnly expressed the Church's faith concerning original sin. In the previous catechesis we considered that Council's teaching in regard to the personal sin of our first parents. Now we wish to reflect on what the Council said about the consequences of that sin for humanity.

In this regard the Tridentine decree states first of all:

Adam's sin has passed to all his descendants, that is, to all men and women as descendants of our first parents, and their heirs, in human nature already deprived of God's friendship.

The Tridentine decree (cf. DS 1512) explicitly states that Adam's sin tainted not only himself but also all his descendants. Adam forfeited original justice and holiness not only for himself, but also "for us" (nobis etiam).

Therefore he transmitted to the whole human race not only bodily death and other penalties (consequences of sin), but also sin itself as the death of the soul (peccatum quod mors est animae).

Here the Council of Trent uses an observation of St. Paul in the Letter to the Romans. The Synod of Carthage had already referred to it, repeating a teaching already widespread in the Church.

Letter to the Romans the Apostle wrote: "By one man's disobedience all became sinners" (Rom 5:19), and in the preceding verse: "One man's trespass led to condemnation for all men" (Rom 5:18). St. Paul connects the sinful situation of all humanity with the fault of Adam.

The Tridentine decree contains another statement: Adam's sin is transmitted to all his descendants by generation and not merely by way of bad example. The decree states: "This sin of Adam, which by origin is unique and transmitted by generation and not by way of imitation, is present in all as proper to each" (DS 1513).

Therefore original sin is transmitted by way of natural generation. This conviction of the Church is indicated also by the practice of infant baptism, to which the conciliar decree refers. Newborn infants are incapable of committing personal sin, yet in accordance with the Church's centuries-old tradition, they are baptized shortly after birth for the remission of sin. The decree states: "They are truly baptized for the remission of sin, so that what they contracted in generation may be cleansed by regeneration" (DS 1514).

Straight from the Vatican itself

I hope this explains a little better on why I was pushing for the Christening to happen. And please realize, this is my personal belief as I have grown up with Catholic teachings. I understand that others don't believe this view at all. Chris, for example, does not believe in Purgatory (which is somewhat understandable. It is a mainly Catholic device) and believes that because Erin herself has not sinned she would go straight to heaven. Eather way... she's Christened and has been saved.
................................................................................................................................................................

Allright, back on track:
So we had Edwin Gungor preside over the christening, which was great. He was the same man who married Chris and I in the faith (we had already been legally married).

Erin's godmother is Heather Mary Ward, and her godfather is Joshua Adam Rich.

Tim and Patty hosted the lovely "swarre". It was nice and light. People were wearing sandals, no suits, just some jeans and nice shirts. It was a wonderful event and I wouldn't want it any other way. It was good that it was intimate as well. Only a very small crowd joined us, which was perfect. It was our closest people: Clayton, the Balliquoi's (and Liz's sister), and Gail. 14 total (not to cout the 2 buns in the oven or the 4 dogs outside).
We had brisket and bbq chicken (and sides). I made a georgous honey glazed lemon cake that I'm told was very good. I also made shortbread.
We ate before hand, then the Christening happened. It was wonderful. I will have to share the video Clayton took for us soon.
Afterwards some more munching and major swimming! It was good, most everyone (of the young-uns got in), except Liz and her sister.
And Erin recieved some wonderful gifts! (which I will also list soon)
It was a good day, and a great event. We are so very blessed and thankful to have such wonderful people in our lives. For those of you who are too far away to attend such an event; please know you were in our hearts. We miss you and know that you will help us keep Erin's path with God right. Thank you, everyone. We are truely blessed to have family, both near and far, praying and watching out for us. Thank you.

First Veggie!

Today Erin ate her first veggie today (which is her first food other than rice). A real step in the solids. I am so proud of her, and am proud of myself because I made the food!

I have been going crazy making fresh foods for her! One of Jen's many gifts inspired me and I've been on a role since. It's so much easier than I thought, too! I just peel/core the item, then cut it into 1 inch "squares", steam it, puree it, then freeze it in an ice tray. After a day I take it out of the freezer tray, put it in individual (snack sized) plastic bags, and then put all of those in a gallon size freezer ziplock bag.

And it's super easy to heat up, just microwave one baggie worth for less than 30 seconds. Make sure it's not too hot, and it's ready to go!

I've made apple sauce, acorn squash, and roasted red bell pepper (which made the house smell delicious!)... so far! I've bought carrots, corn, and butternut squash to make as well and am soooo looking forward to it. It takes about 30 minutes to do everything, which is nice. I try and do it while Erin's awake and talk her through the steps.

But anyway, enough about the preparations: because I made the acorn squash today, she was able to have it fresh... and she loved it! she tried to clean the bowl. As you can see, she gets a bit messy, but it's all good. She loves her veggies!

On to Solids

Today we started solids!

Well, in a way... There are these things, rice rusks (by Mum-Mum), and she ate them like she tries to eat paper. She only ate a little bit at a time.

Snow Angel

So it had been snowing all day yesterday and a bit of today. After this morning, though, it stopped... so Chris and I took the opportunity to take pictures of Erin's first snow (in spite of the fact that there was snow on the ground when we brought her home from the hospital). Enjoy the video we made as well!