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Hello! It's been way too long since posting last. We're switching over to a new blog address and are making it viewable to invites only. Since Lucia is getting older, we thought it best to make her blog accessible to only family and friends for safety reasons. If you want to continue viewing, please let us know and we'll gladly add you.

xoxox,

Catherine, Ben, & Lucia

catherine dot "mylastname" @ gmail dot com

May Update

Lots happened in May. Mama Roxana came up for a visit. We made a trip to the MN Zoo. Lucia called everything a "doggie".

Lucia is starting to want to do everything herself, including pushing her stroller...absolutely everywhere we go... But what we don't complain about is her insisting on helping around the house.

Auntie Christine graduated from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design with her Masters of Fine Arts. We checked out her final show in the old Soap Factory and attended graduation the next day. Congratulations Christine!

Walking

Lucia went quickly from taking just a few solo steps in late March to a walking pro by mid April. Look out world! Guard your breakables!



(listen to her "talk" on the phone, "woof" to the dog on tv, and say "mmm" to the dog food.

Happy Easter

Lucia took her first flight for a visit to Chicago over Easter Break.

She did great on the plane.

She practiced reading and walking at the library

Sniffed the flowers at the conservatory

Went swinging at the park

Put on some bunny ears

And had a taste of lamb cake

It was at this time last year that Lucia met Grandma Roxana and Papi John for the very first time. We all can't get over what a blessing Lucia has been for our family. Happy Easter!

She's so vain

Chillin'

Lucia's current past times include:

Chillin'

Jumpin'

Stackin'

Faxin'

Flashin' "this face"

Birthday Bash

Lucia got a second chance to get her hands in some cake! Her birthday was celebrated with both sets of grandparents, Auntie Christine, Uncle J.R., Uncle Sam, and tons of friends and family. Here are some pictures.

Lucia, Sampson, and Kasey

Lucia & Alex

Lucia with Grandma and Grandpa

The Yannie kids and pal

Yes, there was a pinata!



Can you tell what the theme was? Thank you to Grandma Sue for making the incredible treats!


With the out-of-towners
Papi John, Grandma, Uncle J.R., Auntie Christine

Here is what Lucia really thinks of birthday cake.

Minnesota Children's Museum

Cousin Pierson came into town. He and Lucia made plans to check out the Children's Museum in St. Paul. Clifford's exhibit was a big hit. Later, the kids had a jam session with Grandpa.

Happy Birthday, Lucia

Together with Auntie Christine, we celebrated Lucia's birthday today with a specially-made cake courtesy of Byerly's and a hand made paper crown courtesy of her daycare providers. Lucia was cranky-tired and we discovered that she doesn't like sweets. So it was off to bed at her regular time. The adults all enjoyed some cake and wine in her honor.

Of course we can't believe that just one year ago today starting from that first labor pain at 2:30 am to her delivery at 7:44 pm was a dramatic thrust into a new life for the three of us. We never could have imagined how much the heart can swell with the joy and love that Lucia brings into our lives. She made us into better people. She made us into parents.

We are so blessed to have received Lucia and to have had a wonderful year together with her. We look forward to each day, each milestone, each step. As a mother I've realized, as reminded to me by a friend in Boston, that, when pregnant, we are the closest to our babies--and once born, we spend the rest of our lives letting go.


Happy Birthday, Lucia. We love you.

Pigtails

Finally enough hair for pigtails.

11 Months

A LONG winter

It's been a long and ridiculously cold winter here in MN. We finally had a thaw that melted some of the snow, which let us break out the stroller for a frigid tour of the neighborhood. Lucia wasn't impressed with the slushy stroller ride and was mad that her parents weren't able to snag a baby sled which had all sold out by early December...

The flu and an endless chain of colds have been keeping us miserable. But it hasn't been all bad. While indoors, Lucia has gotten into checking her Facebook page, helping Mom with laundry, and relaxing in a warm tub.

Sharing words and a snack

Lucia is Dottie's new best friend.

Just don't judge us after watching this...

10 Months

Lucia has become a "Little Miss Chatterbox". She absolutely loves to talk. Even pretending to talk on her "phone". She also said her first word ever this month: "Dottie". Of course the dog is her favorite household member. Followed closely by "Daddy" and later by "Dolly". "Mommy" isn't in the vocabulary yet. Mom is a little sad. She is also using sign language to say "more", "all done", "milk", "eat", "drink", and "bye-bye/night-night".

The next time you call the house, we'll have Lucia answer the phone...

Happy New Year!