Blue and Gold and in the cold!

This week we had our first heating adventure as the heat went out in the condo. It was back on by the mid afternoon, but it was still pretty cold. Mom and Dad should have moved Rachel into a warmer location (despite the number of blankets that were put around her) since she did get her first cold/ fever from the exposure. As she worked through her little coughs, we prepared for a big game of Marquette vs. UW. We had a few friends over to watch the game and it was a good time (even though the wrong team won). Rachel still took her nap - only on Miss Julie's shoulder! Rachel continues to feel better and better each day and we suspect her cold will be gone in no time. We will continue to have a fun week preparing for Christmas!

Week 16 Growth Photo

Week 16 started off with a celebration of St. Nicholas day - so Christmas attire was in the cards. The shirt says, "Elf in training"...and little Santa's helper she has been! We so enjoy her smiles and giggles each and every day.

A few firsts this week!

This week was a week of a few firsts. On Thursday afternoon, Rachel decided it was time for her to flip over from her belly to her back at the end of her nap! Mom was very excited and couldn't wait to tell as many people as possible. Then, during the middle of the night, Rachel continued to flip over, and Mom wasn't so excited anymore! Pictured below is Rachel's first flip on her own with a bit of a smirk for the camera. That's our girl.

Another first this week was Rachel's first St. Nick stocking. Even though she is not really all that aware of what was going on, she certainly had a smile for the camera as she attempted to figure out what she was looking at.

The last picture isn't a first, but it is Rachel's reaction to the MU game on Saturday afternoon. MU played very poorly as you can tell from her gesture! The next few weeks are busy with Christmas decorating, wrapping, and cooking baking before we are on the road visiting family. Happy Advent season to everyone!

Week 15 Growth Photo

"Well, Mommy says we're going to be here awhile...I think I'll just relax and make myself comfortable."

Happy Thanksgiving!

For my Thanksgiving vacation, I got to visit lots of special relatives at Grandma Barbara's house in Escanaba: Uncle Philip, Uncle Peter, Uncle Colin & Aunt Sarah, cousins Amy & Michael, and younger cousins Madeline, Rebekah, and Leah. Madeline and Rebekah were very nice and played with me on my playmat, and Leah really enjoyed saying "hi" to her next youngest cousin.

Grandma Barbara even took care of me one night while my Mommy & Daddy and a few aunts and uncles went to see a movie. (Of course, I was well-behaved for Grandma...I'm an angel. Just ask Daddy.)

And when they weren't busy eating or playing board games, Uncle Philip and Mommy & Daddy even got to watch two Marquette basketball games during the long weekend - and they were thrilled to see Marquette (unexpectedly) beat the stuffing out of Xavier and Michigan. As Mommy will tell you, I was just happy to get an occasional glimpse at the TV. I know I'm only three months old, but I REALLY enjoy watching TV. Mommy tries and tries to keep my eyes away from the screen, but I'm just too smart - I always find a way to catch a peek.

No matter what, I'm already thankful to have such great relatives. I know I speak for Mommy & Daddy when I say we're already looking forward to visiting Grandma Barbara and Grandpa & Grandma Handrich again in December!

Week 14 Growth Photo

Officially in my 4th month of life and I am sitting up in chairs pretty well and smiling a LOT more! I still sleep through the night (most nights) and have finally stopped being super messy when I eat, just a little messy! I love time on my play mat, looking around, sitting up, reading with Mom or Dad, and did I mention that I love to sleep!?!?! Next week Mom said I can start wearing some of my Christmas outfits...it's a good thing that I look good in red!

busy busy busy!!!

The week started out to be a slow one, most of the time we spent on the new favorite toy, the play mat. Rachel has taken a great interest in choking the sun sponge in a very serious way! She entertains herself for up to 30 minutes on her own, taking great interest in everything around her. We practice rolling over and still read at least one book each day. Later in the week Rachel and Mom were able to visit Grandma Barbara and Great Grandma Sickel. This is only the second time that Rachel has visited her Great Grandmas Sickel, so we took a few pictures. One of the favorite pictures is that of all four generations. It was a good time visiting Green Bay. Then over the weekend we were back in Waupaca for the early Handrich Thanksgiving feast. Mom thought there were pictures taken of Rachel with Grandma and Grandpa Handrich, but I guess we will just have to catch them at Christmas time. Rachel has been geeing and gooing more and more. Mom and Dad love spending as much time with her as possible. She is so fun!