Marin's First Christmas

We took Marin to meet Santa Claus since it's her first Christmas. Her sister seems to be panicked at the sight of him so after we ushered her away from the scene, it was all about Marin and Santa. I wasn't sure how it would go down. Sometimes Marin is a little wacky around strangers. I wasn't sure what her reaction would be. She seemed to have no reaction. She just kept alternating between the camera and Santa. She looked back and forth and back and forth. He took about the book Twas the Night Before Christmas and she was very interested in that. She loves to turn the pages. Santa's Elf was nice enough to give me a few of the photos on a CD so I got a few keepsakes. Merry Christmas Marin!

Katie's First Haircut

Once Katie's hair was long enough to warrant a haircut, she was going to have her flower girl debut adn I wasn't willing to take any chances. Soon after that it started growing like crazy. Before I knew it, it was long and needed a trim. I didn't have a go to place since this was her first time but after talking to another local mom, I made an appointment last Saturday morning for later on that day.

I said it was her first haircut so they would allot enough time for this "event". Katie wasn't too excited about it. She's a little uncertain in these situations. This might take some cajoling. Of course, when you say it's a first haircut, they expect to see a older baby or a young toddler, not a 3 year old. She was a little shy but once they turned on a movie (Toy Story 3) she zoned out. They could have shaved her head and she would have had no idea. After a quick cut, we tore her away from the movie. Success! She looks great. She tells everyone that we had to cut her hair to "get the snarls out!"

Eight Months of Thanks

Thanksgiving is one of our favorite holidays. We had a lovely Thanksgiving dinner at my Aunt Sheila and Uncle Bob's house and a relaxing and restful weekend. We are thankful and grateful for many things in our lives but I think in 2010 the one thing that tops the list is the newest member of our family. Marin is now eight months old! There are always humbling moments in life and this past year we had one that made us incredibly grateful to have a healthy and happy baby join our family. She brings us lots of joy and makes us laugh. We are a stronger family with her. The fact that we have two lovely girls makes me and Chad very thankful.

There is something so hopeful about a new baby. The day after Thanksgiving, my cousin Sean and his wife Jill welcomed Kevin Joseph Ashton Kerrigan to their family. He is one handsome guy! We are thankful that he arrived healthy, happy and already routing for the Chargers! Welcome Baby Kevin!

Sleepy Hair

Anyone recognize this hair? We went to the Cape to visit Nana and Papa this weekend. We try to come and go during nap times so we don't screw up Marin's schedule. On the way home, it was during the time that both girls take a nap. Katie took some toys out of her "back kack" and then fell asleep. Katie crashed into a pile of toys.

Seven Months

Seven month and Marin is on the move. Nothing is safe at our house and everything is free game. She's fast and quick and we are out of practice in this area. We are not baby proof and Katie is learning that her toys are vulnerable. We're trying to create a little Marin-free space so that Katie can have her space without Destructo looming near. But it's hard to resist that little laugh and bright smile. And she is a hugger. A really good hugger. She's also a ham. She loves the camera and anything that lights up in front of her. Her favorite thing now is her jumpy seat that hangs from the doorway and she can really move in that thing. She's a chowhound eating alot of food and throwing back the formula.

My friend Jess noticed that I stopped letting Marin hold the signs at around six months. There was a good reason for this. Here is the rip...

...and into the mouth.

This was the first time with either Katie or Marin that I had a full on rip-and-chew.

Abby's New Tail

Katie: I think Abby needs a new tail. Me: Why is that? Katie: We just have to take that one and get her a new one Me: Why? Katie: Because that one wacks me every day! Here is Marin on her way to terrorize Abby. Abby may wack them every once in a while but it goes both ways...

Happy Halloween 2010

Halloween 2010 was a big success. We went downtown for Clinton's annual Trick-or-Treat event with the local businesses. Grammie came along and we ran into OMF (Owen Michael Frick). I think Owen and Marin were a little overwhelmed by all of the costumes and the huge crowd. I know I was! Here is my little duckie on her first Halloween! She seems to like the costume, even when the hood fell over her eyes. She could crawl in it so she was happy since that is her new favorite activity. We went to the Kramer's annual Halloween party which is always a sucess. Here is Katie trying to eat a donut from a string with Domenic and Ainsley.

Later that night, we hit the streets. Marin only visited two houses so she could be introduced to our neighbors. Chad did one end of Cedar Street with Katie while I did the other end. Whoever was home would give out candy with Marin. Katie was really excited this year and for the first time really understood the whole concept. At each house, she would turn around when she was done and say "I said trick-or-treat, took one candy and said thank you!" We had Abby join in on the fun too. Abby is wearing the same costume she had on last year. That was because of my laziness and cheapness. Then I thought that it would be more funny (for me at least) if the kids wore different costumes and the dog wore the same costumer year-after-year.

After all the activies, Marin decided to play a little before bed...

...and "Katie the Friendly Dragon" caught the end of the Patriots game.