Holiday Parties

This past week we have been to three parties. Last night was Andrew's department Holiday Party. It was at the Dartmouth Outing Club. David was on his best behavior, flirting with some grad students who sat by us. It was nice for Andrew to get away from work for a few hours. The food was fancy and we even chatted with his elusive advisor (who is gaagaa over our Baby David).

One of my friends whose husband is at the Tuck business school here at Dartmouth invited me to their holiday kids party earlier in the week. It was pretty deluxe, with lots of food and plenty of activities for the kids, including pictures with Santa. David was very interested in his beard, he even took a handful of it with him :)

We attended a one year old party last weekend where we attempted to take a picture of the whole crowd of kids. David is over in the left corner. Jasmine, the birthday girl is standing in her blue jumper and pink shirt on the right. As you can see it's not easy to settle them all down at the same time. The party was a nice time to have Andrew meet a few of David and my friends.

Our first video attempt, David eating

Here's our first attempt on video, hope it works:

First "solid" meal

David had his first meal of rice cereal, fairly thinned out with breast milk. He did great, first sucking right off the spoon, then opening up wide for more. Pictures will tell you the rest

Baby David at 6 months

Our Baby David is 6 months old! He is so much fun. I took him to his 6 month appointment last week and he did great. He now weighs 16 1/2 pounds and is 26 1/2 inches long. The doctor said he is healthy and thriving and ready for the next milestone, eating solids. We are planning to start this week, Andrew is building the high chair as I type.

David is enjoying life. He keeps me busy and company, as Andrew is pulling long days and nights so that he can take as much time off as possible when we are in CA and Hawaii. David loves exersaucing and his leapstart toy (see picture). He tries to chew on all of his toys, so everything is slobbery. During tummy time David loves to roll onto his back. If I distract him with toys he will stay on his tummy and wiggles around. I help him practice rolling over from back to tummy, he gets halfway over and then just gives up. He cracks us up. In the morning he wakes up chatty and makes all sorts of noises. When we go to pick him up he is super smiley and shows off his two little teeth. After his feedings he gives me the same content smile, but I still can't get a good picture. We'll try to capture the moment when it happens, more to follow.

Christmas Tree Lighting

Last Friday we attended the Dartmouth Christmas tree lighting. We braved the cold, rainy, windy weather and witnessed the beginning of the Christmas season at Dartmouth. They place a giant tree in the middle of their famous green. Everyone gathers around the tree and a Dartmouth choir sang. We all joined in on traditional carols. After about 15 minutes they move the festivities inside, a well catered community event with more music and plenty of food and drink. It was a great way to start the holiday season.

Visiting family and friends for Thanksgiving

This last week Andrew, Baby David and I flew back to California for Thanksgiving. It was so nice to visit with everyone and catch up with what is going on in your lives. I really enjoyed watching David interact with everyone. The best times were spent just relaxing and laughing at the guys playing Daniel's new Wii, everyone got into the action, it was hilarious to watch.


I also really enjoyed breaks from my little guy. My mom did a wonderful job with David, allowing me to relax physically and mentally.
I think I gained back all the weight I had lost, trying to get my fill of Mexican food, at home, at restaurants, and even at Blanca's (Mario's mom). Thank you to everyone for making our time at home so special. Baby David misses you all.