Summer at the beach

In the evening Hollis gets cranky, so to distract her we like to go on walks. The other night I was having hot flashes because it was so stuffy in our house, so we tried to cool down by sitting at our beach park for a while. Neal took some cute pics.

More adventures with food

It seems like the best pictures come from Hollis eating. This is my favorite. 

Whistler

We got to go to Whistler with the Zorn-side of the family. It was really fun. Neal got to downhill mountain bike each day, and I even went for a day. It was way more fun than I thought, and I'd really like to do it again. Hollis did great. She loves to swim! I don't have many pictures from the trip (my mom and sisters took a bunch and eventually I'll get some), but here are two that drew some funny attention.

Rice Cereal

It's amazing that babies are fooled into thinking that this gloppy, sloppy, goopey stuff passes as "food". Hollis is a champ at wearing her food all over her face and hands. Our dog Koa does a licking clean-up job afterwards all over Hollis, chair, bib and the floor. Thanks Koa. 

Hollis the big girl

Wow, I'm definitely a blogging dud. There's just not a lot of time with a wee one. She sprouted two teeth last week. I was very surprised since she is only just over four months old. I'm very proud and am convinced she is the most advanced baby in the world. She flew to Washington DC and Boston this week and did wonderful. I'm guessing travel gets only tougher the older she gets, but for now it's fine. I was kind of annoyed that it took so much gear--stroller, suitcase, car seat, breast pump, pack and play--to get her to DC, Boston and home, but I just can't think of a way to travel with less--those items are essentials! 

Hollis Joy

She arrived!! I was so thrilled to have my water break on my due date (December 28th), and I delivered her the next afternoon. I had a 17-hour labor, but only a few hours were bad thanks to a blissful epidural. She's perfect of course, and pretty good as far as eating and sleeping goes. Neal is nothing short of amazing, and has been so kind and patient with me, and to watch him care for and love on his baby daughter is SO wonderful. I couldn't ask for a more stellar husband.

We found the name--Hollis--in a name book. I immediately loved it, and it had to grow on Neal. Again he graciously let me make the final pick after she was born, and now we both think it fits her well. I think it means "lives by the holly bush." It fulfills all my requirements: unique, cute, easy to spell, and easy to pronounce. I still can't really believe I'm a mom, but I love it!

Geting bigger...

It's been a long time since I've posted anything on our blog. Neal and I have been busy with lots of different things, but nothing much worth reporting on the blog. I'm just getting bigger, we are anticipating the holidays and the birth of Baby Mitchell. She still doesn't have an official name. My mom affectionately refers to her as "Rachaelina", but unfortunately, it's not on our list. It's such a huge responsibility to NAME a child. I really don't want to make a mistake on that! This Friday I will be 32 weeks, which is 8 months, but people, don't be deceived....pregnancy is a TEN MONTH endeavor. I still have a ways to go, but my swollen feet, ankles, wrists and ankles may pop before then. That might be interesting.