Monday, December 31, 2007

More Christmas-time Pictures

I realize the pics are the best part of the post...so here's a few more of the last week!

Olivia's First Christmas, of course a special dress was in order!



Tired after a long day of post Christmas sales - she is a trooper!


Hanging out on the couch...check out those cheeks!


The following were taken after Christmas, but we pretended it was since we didn't take very many that day!

Olivia's GiGi (Great Grandma) and Great Grandpa...she loves them!!


Nana & Papa - have fun in California!!


Grandma & Grandpa - we miss you already but we'll see you soon!


Happy New Year!

Friday, December 28, 2007

Parent's Visit, Olivia's First Christmas and a Major Haircut!




My parents arrived at Sea Tac on Sunday, it was a great reunion! Brian, Olivia and I drove over Snoqualmie Pass (that's I-90, the major east and west interstate that we drive to get to Seattle) there was lots of snow (and a nervous Californian in the back seat!) on our ride, it was a beautiful winter wonderland! We arrived at the airport just in time to greet them as they came down the escalator. Of course, my mom went straight to the stroller and grabbed her grand girl! I got a little less attention this time. It was an emotional and happy reunion - it's only been a couple of months since we've seen them but Olivia has grown and changed so much and they miss her like crazy!

I was a little nervous not knowing how my mom and dad would react to the snow since they haven't seen it in over 20 years. They absolutely loved it! They were in awe of the trees and mountains and we drove by the ski resort and saw people skiing and snowboarding. We stopped at our favorite coffee spot, Pioneer Coffee Co and my dad was hilarious, thrwoing snow balls and just standing there taking it all in. It really made me happy to see them enjoying it! We've enjoyed having them here all week!

Olivia's first Christmas was fun. She wore the cutest Christmas dress! I have lots of pics which I will post later because Brian loaded them on his parents computer! My mom in law made an awesome dinner (great job Deb!) and it was so wonderful seeing how well our families blend together. Highlights were getting a DVD camcorder from Brian's parents and getting a digital camera from Brian! Yay! I also got snow boots - my mom asked if I ever thought I'd be receiving those for Christmas. Ha! Olivia got lots of clothes, she is a growing girl (size 6-12 months already!) and a few toys from her papa. But her favorite toy this year was the Old Navy wrap - half bag, half wrapping paper. Go figure! She stares at it all day. Note to self, for the first few years babies enjoy the wrapping and the boxes instead of what is actually inside.

Last but not least, yesterday I chopped 5 inches off of my hair - call me crazy, but it was time! I found a new salon in town that's a little hipper for this LA girl and funky stylist that did a great job! Not as good as you Sarah, but she'll have to do - miss ya! Brian took before's and after's. Yesterday I told my friend Tricia that I was starting to feel like a "What Not to Wear" new mom candidate. LOL! Funny how your priorities change - ponytail to the rescue! It's a fun cut and gave me a little boost that I needed.



Hope you all had a great Christmas. If I don't get to post before 1/1 Happy 2008! We hope to make a trip down South soon!!

Friday, December 21, 2007

Fun Web Site

I know, two postings in one day, crazy but I am excited to share this blog with everyone, it's full of fun and great ideas!

http://www.tipjunkie.blogspot.com/

Thanks Julie D. who linked me to a blog that linked me to this blog!

Olivia - 3 Months



Olivia will turn three months old on Christmas Eve - time flies when you're having fun (or sleeping less!). I'm so excited to see her change everyday and to experience such love. She is such a happy and easy going baby (must get that from her dad!) - she smiles constantly and is even telling us what seems to be a lot on her mind!

Christmas will be in Washington this year (our first and maybe even a white one). My parents arrive on Sunday, I can hardly wait!! The cards are out (thanks Andrea - tobeinvited.com!), the baking is done, presents are just about bought (and wrapped and shipped, let me know Jen!), but most important Brian and I reflect on what means most to our family and that is the birth of our Lord and Savior. Take time this busy season to slow down, and spend time with the ones you love!

Merry Christmas!

Friday, December 14, 2007

Olivia & Sawyer

Last night Sawyer came over to our house while his parents, Cortney and Jake went to Jake's company Christmas party. It was the first time he had been babysat by anyone but his grandparents...he did pretty good! He and Olivia are funny, they just stare at each other and smile. It's like they recognize that they're about each other's age although Sawyer is a bouncing big boy. He is 4 months old! We are really enjoying getting to know the Hardy's. I am in MOPS and MOMS club with Cortney and we occasionally meet for a walk (when the weather is nice) or for coffee at Starbucks for some needed time out of the house - yes, I'll even brave the snow to do it! Here are some funny pics of them from last night.




Friday, December 7, 2007

O Christmas Tree!






We had fun picking out our tree the other night. The trees up here are so fresh, our house smells so good. We went to a lot near our house with our next door neighbors, Josh, Addy and Bryon. Olivia slept through it - we're excited for next year when she'll be toddling around and we can go cut our own like REAL Northwesterners do (right Jen!?).

Anyway, I decorated while Olivia sat peacefully watching me. I'm sure you all can attest to this being the one and only year for a while that this will be a pleasureable process. Next year the ornaments will be moved halfway up! Christmas is finally feeling in full swing to me - trees up, cards are getting addressed and I started my shopping. I always kick myself for not doing it gradually over the year, but then again there's something about the hustle and bustle that I enjoy too. I've always worked better under pressure :-).

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

McCown Christmas Card - Year 1

I love getting Christmas cards with family photos. It's so fun to see how families grow and change every year. I decided this would be a good year to start our tradition of a family photo at Christmas! Our friend and neighbor Josh came over and played photographer - he got some good shots. And I love his camera...hint hint Brian! Olivia was a good sport - she put up with our poking and prodding her to smile and of course delivered. She is smiling and starting to giggle more everyday, it is so cute! Here are some candids!