I'm not sure how December got away from me...but I guess better late than never! December was a very busy month filled with family, friends, and lots of good cheer.

Check out some of Cohen's new tricks & adventures:
* laughs out loud
* went to Pittock Mansion for G-ma Rathbun's birthday
* had lunch with Barb (my friend from Stein)
* turns head in direction of mommy's voice
* 1st Santa visit
* slept through the night beginning 12/5
* baked cookies with Cammy and post game friends
* went bowling with HB friends
* Visited with CEA at Parker House
* Reaches with two hands for stuff
* Found my voice
* found thumb and sucks it/or chews it
* both toes in mouth
* survived the "Artic Blast" snowstorm (12 to 18 in. of snow)
* sits in Bumpo to play
* squeals for mommy
* flew to Hawaii ( a perfect traveler)
* 1st dip in ocean

Our trip to Kauai couldn't have come at a better time!
Good-bye Snow...Hello Sun!
We (my mom, Chris' parents, my sister & her family, my brother & his family, my sister-in-law's twin and their dad, plus Chris, Cohen & I) had a wonderful time enjoying the sun, each others company, surfing, boggie boarding, hiking, sight-seeing, looking for shells, exploring the island, shave ice, Java Kai, shopping, dinners at home, board games, movies, and so on...

From Artic Blast

What a crazy past couple weeks! At first, we endured the tease of "big snow" for about 5 days prior to the actual dump. Each day the media would say, "today is the day" expect 4 to 6 inches and/or freezing rain...then the day would come and go. Our schools even closed down without the sight of snow...I've never seen such frenzy. But, at last, Saturday the 20th the snow came and it came down hard. We accumulated somewhere around 18-20 inches and had snow drifts up to 4 ft.(maybe even higher). It was beautiful...until we got cabin fever :)

Cohen loved Christmas...or at the very least, he loved watching his cousins, aunts, uncles, grandma's, grandpa's etc. He is a people watcher and marveled at all the commotion. Can't wait til next year!

From December Hanging out @ Home

Thank goodness Cohen can turn on the charm when he needs too...because all the way to see Dr. Costa - Cohen screamed (when he was supposed to be napping). I "thought" I had timed it perfectly so that Cohen would nap on the way and be well rested for his check up (apparently not) but regardless, Cohen did great! He cooed, smiled,talked to Dr. Costa, tracked her every move, and raised to his feet as she lifted from his arms. Cohen is happy and healthy and perfect (Dr. Costa's words, but we agree).
Cohen weighed in at 13 lbs. 2 oz. (16%)
He is 2' 1" tall. (55%)
His head circumference is 16.5" (41%)

Every month we take a picture of Cohen with "Big Bear" to chart how much he has grown and changed. The white onesie will remain the same, although each month he will be sporting a new pair of shoes! Enjoy

Laura, Brian, Chris, & Melissa

This year we all gathered at a bowling alley to ring in some "Christmas Cheer" (with ugly Christmas sweaters)! I've missed my crazy Baller colleagues and can't wait to get back to work.

On Sunday, we all gathered at the Safeway distribution center to make Christmas cookies. Cammy, an amazing family friend, organized the whole thing! We had so much fun and all the proceeds goes to Dornbecker. You would not believe how many people come to this event. Can't wait for next year.

Santa's Little Helper

Cohen got to visit Santa twice this year! Our first visit was at Clackamas Town Center with Grandpa and Grandma Butler. Luckily, we went on a night when there weren't too many kids waiting in line. Our recipe for success included Grandpa walking Cohen around until he fell asleep (after his 15 min. power nap, he was ready for Santa)!

Olivia, Ethan & Cohen

Then early the next morning we got ready to visit Santa with Olivia and Ethan at Santa Land in Macy's downtown Portland. If only we had video to show the six adults trying to coax Olivia to sit on Santa's lap. It was too funny!! But in the end, Olivia talked to Santa and told him that she wanted a baby, Ethan wanted a dog and that Cohen wanted a kitty.

To celebrate my mom's birthday we decided to go to Pittock Mansion. Pittock Mansion was once the private home of Henry Louis Pittock, founder of The Oregonian newspaper. This 22-room house was built in 1914. The mansion sits 1,000 feet above sea level and commands a view of five mountains in the Cascade Range. During the holiday season the Pittock is elaborately decorated and features a festive holiday theme "Twas the Night Before Christmas."
We loved wandering through the home. It was so beautiful. Then we headed to NW 23rd to have lunch...and lucky for us Cohen slept the whole time. We had a peaceful and delicious lunch. My mom and I really loved the butternut squash soup. yum!
That evening the rest of the family joined us for dinner and cake. Olivia loves birthdays! She helped make Grandma's cake, blow out the candles, and eat it too.

For a couple seconds Cohen sits and leans forward
with his arm supporting himself
(then he face plants)

David Douglas Playoff Game

Grandpa Butler & Dad playing with Cohen
Thanksgiving Day

Cohen is a happy baby who has a smile that will melt your heart and a squeal that makes you laugh out loud! Each month keeps getting better and better...

Things I love, things I've learned, and/or places I've been:

* love my fingers, especially in my mouth
* love to drool
* found my toes
* went to GGPA's
* lifted head 90 degrees
* Slept 7 hours 11/5
* meet Dave and Joyce
* stayed at playoff game til 1/2 time (I was very happy)
* went to 1st movie "Madagacar" (slept through it)
* had a visit from Uncle Tom & Frankie
* visited Sharon & Jack for lunch
* 3 month photo shoot
* spent night at Grandma Rathbun's house with mommy
* went to Ethan's 1st B-day party
* got pictures with all my cousins & Gma Rathbun at Yuen Lui
* Spit up 5 times in about 1 hour
* loves to pinch (grabs Dad's hair on arms)
* pouts and puckers up lip to cry
* pinches the back of mommy's arm
* spent all day with Grandma Rathbun (while we went to Seahawks game in Seattle)
* went to Night with the Scots
* Rolls from back to side to play with toys
* 1st Thanksgiving
* met Terry Junior
* sit in Bumpo
* 1st STTN / Slept through the Night 8:30-5am
* Holds myself up with arms on my tummy
* sits and leans forward with arm supporting for a few seconds
* went to cut down Christmas Tree

The whole crew went out in search for the perfect tree yesterday. Cohen began the search in the car fast asleep and missed his dad cutting down our tree (but somehow I don't think he minded too much). Our tree this year was love at first sight...meaning, the first one we saw we tagged as a possibility. Then after a walk around, we went back to our first pick. It is the most beautiful tree! As the Chris(x2) were putting the tree in the truck our little pup woke up! Cohen enjoyed the sights from G-ma's shoulder and got to see his uncle cut down their tree :) Now for the decorations....

Last year for Chris' birthday I promised him a trip to Seattle to go to a Seahawks game. But as you can imagine, a little boy (who I won't name) put a kink in our plans that were made 9 months ago. Sure, back in February 08, we were thinking how hard could it be to bring a baby to game... We'll pack up for the week-end, spend a night in a hotel (my mom's b-day gift to Chris & I) and we'll have a blast!! Yeah right! Parenthood is not so easy But just when we gave up on the idea of going to a game, my friend Cynthia, had two "club seats" for sale...and just like that, we were back in. Only what to do with Cohen...should we take him or not? After all, it would be the first time we'd (meaning me) would be away from him the whole day The question was...could I do it??? The answer was obviously "yes" Although is was hard to leave... I knew Cohen was in good hands with G-ma Rathbun. They played all day and grandma sent us pictures and text messages to keep us updated Grandma even got a 3 hour nap out of him! No fair! Grandma has the touch
Chris and I thoroughly enjoyed our day together and we can't wait to do it again!

The whole family got together this week-end to celebrate Ethan's 1st birthday. We partied, played, and ate to our hearts content! I wish I had some pictures of the party but I was busy playing games with the kids! Then on Sunday we all headed to Yuen Lui for a photo shoot with all 5 grandkids. The pictures turned out so cute! Rowan did awesome holding Cohen and Cohen even smiled for his individual picture Enjoy...

Watch me kick Grandpa!

Oklahoma Trip

Baby Class Reunion

Visits with Great Grandparents
Great Grandpa McIrvin & Cohen

Trip to the Zoo

October was a pretty amazing month! Cohen has grown so much and he has chubby thighs, chubby cheeks, and double chin to prove it. First of all, everyone was right when they said, just wait until 8 weeks and it will be a lot better...it really was! Cohen smiles and coos and talks to us all the time. Our favorite time is when he wakes up in the morning. He stretches his arms above his head, arches his back then brings his hands together and holds them under his chin with a big smile on his face as he's looking right at you. It's the best!! We were quite busy this month. Here are some of Cohen firsts...
* 1st trip to Zoo with cousins
* 2 month appt. stats 10lbs. 5 oz and 23 inches long (head = 15.51)
* Slept in my crib on 10/4 and everyday thereafter
* roll from tummy to back ( all the time)
* 1st airplane ride to Oklahoma for a family reunion
* Daddy went back to work 10/13 (we were sad)
* 1st cold 10/13 (nose and chest congestion)
* Makes clicking and smacking noises with mouth
* 1st stay at Aunt Michelle's 10/17
* 1st overnighter with Seattle cousins 10/18
* Visited Great, Great Auntie Helen 10/19
* Played with Great Grandpa McIrvin
* Loves his fists and loves to put them in his mouth
* Met babies from Birthing Class
* Went to pumpkin patch
* hold hands together
* his cry sounds like "ma" / his first consonant vowel combo...j/k
* reaches for toys (especially his star)
* still is not fond of the car, but doing much better! Actually, one day he cried all the way to Grandma Rathbun's house (a painful shrieking cry) So, I decided I deserved Starbucks (a pumpkin spice latte calms my nerves)The second I opened the door to get him out, he stopped crying instantly, and gave me the biggest smile
Can you believe it? He was so happy, until I put him back into the car...

September...Geeze...I can't believe September has come and gone so quickly! Cohen was a busy and popular guy last month. He visited his Great Aunt Billie, Great Grandpa Blaine, Aunt Sharon, Kiana & Leilani, his cousins, Aunt Trish, and of course had many visits from his grandma's and grandpa.
Here are some of Cohen's "firsts"
* Burped milk out of his nose (freaked mom out)
* 1st DDHS Football Game
* Slept through 1st Seahawks Game with G-ma Rathbun & Dad
* Turned head from side to side
* Smiled at Mommy
* Liked swing
* Noticed mobile in crib
* Rolled from back to tummy (1 time)
* Held head at 45 degrees
* Slept 6 hours (1 time )
* Figured out his kick start gym

Jennifer Short of Camas Photography has been capturing our family's most precious moments and will continue to do so throughout Cohen's first year. I hope you enjoy these photo's...it took 3 hysterically funny hours and many cloth diapers to get the perfect pictures. As you can see, Cohen is naked in all the pic's...and you know what happens when cold air wisps over little boys Let's just say...there was plenty of good laughs (mostly at Chris' expense).

So, we made our first "over night" venture out of the house over Labor Day week-end...and it was quite the feat! Let's just say, when we take off for a trip, not only do we have the extra challenge of a baby, but we also have to take our geriatric cat with us ( who is on two/three pills a day ). There's nothing like driving down the road with your cat strapped into the passenger seat and your baby strapped into the car seat(one meowing, the other crying). It was a LONG 4 hour trip to Oceanside(which usually takes 2 hours).
Scroll down and click on "1st Trip to Oceanside" to read more

But once we got there we had a great time. The ocean is so relaxing and it was nice to stare at different walls for a change. Cohen enjoyed his grandma and grandpa and his first walk on the beach. And lucky for us the ride home was a dream!! Cohen slept the whole way without a peep! And so did Pineapple (our cat).

It's hard to believe we've been parents for two weeks and 3 days now The three of us are doing well, especially Cohen! When Cohen came home from the hospital, he was in the moderate/high zone for jaundice...which meant he had to be wrapped in a "billie blanket" to receive light therapy for a couple days. And luckily, it only took a couple days for him to pass the jaundice through his body. Yeah! Last week Cohen went for his two-week appointment. Dr. Costa said he was "perfect" ...just what new parents want to hear! Here are his stats:
8/14/08 7lbs. 0.5 oz.
8/21/08 7lbs. 3 oz. 1' 9.25 inches Head: 35.6 cm
8/23/08 7lbs. 5 oz.
9/7/08 8lbs. 7oz.

Cohen has also enjoyed meeting all his cousins, friends, and family. Cohen's cousins can't wait until he is ready to play!!

Cohen and I were invited to our "1st party" in honor of his Grandma Butler. If you've never heard of a "Grandma Shower"...it's a pretty cool thing! Basically, it's a celebration of becoming a grandma for the first time...and this celebration was a total surprise to Sue! Her friends Cammy and Jan pulled off the ultimate party filled with baby clothes, books, bath towels and soaps, all to fill Grandma Butler's house when Cohen comes to visit. We all had a great time and Cohen was a dream He pretty much slept the whole time so everyone go plenty of snuggle time!!

As the story continues...after we went home, I got about 2 hours rest until my contractions started back up. By nighttime, they were very intense! But I waited as long as I could before going back to the hospital because I didn't want to get turned away. Finally around 6am we took off...only to find out I was still 1 cm. I just about died! The nurses couldn't believe it either. My contractions were peaks and mountains with not much let down. So back in the tub for an 1 1/2...when I got out, I was a whopping 1 1/2 cm dilated! Thank goodness the nurses took pity on me and fudged a little to get me admitted (between you and me, there was NO way I was leaving). So, long story short...once I got an epidural my body relaxed, dilated, and a few short hours later "Cohen" arrived.

Cohen arrived at 6:17pm with a head full of dark hair and big brown eyes. I was shocked..I was expecting a bald baby with blue eyes. But now, after a few days his eyes are turning blue and blond hair is appearing at his temples. (so cute) He weighed 7 lbs. 6 oz and was 20 1/2 inches long. He has long fingers and long toes (especially his big toes, they look like little fingers)
On Tuesday, 8-12 we left the hospital for home. Parenthood is wonderful...but very tiring. Thank goodness for Grandparents to help out! Grandma Butler has been a dream and real trooper (staying over night and helping with Cohen's wake and sleep patterns...which allows Chris and I to sleep for a FULL two hours in a row). We couldn't have survived the last two days without Grandma and Grandpa Butler running errands, bringing us food, doing laundry, etc. etc. We are so LUCKY!! Now come tomorrow, Grandma Rathbun is coming to help (it's been hard for her to stay away for the first few days...but she didn't want to get Cohen sick)
That's it for now...keep posted for more!

Looks like Cohen wants to make an appearance! Early Saturday morning (4am) I went from discomfort to "oh my!" My contractions were 3-6 minutes apart and lasting 30-60 seconds, off to the hospital we went. After evaluation, I had dilated 1 cm and seemed to be moving along, so I went in the jacuzzi to see if I'd continue to progress. While the jacuzzi was so nice, it slowed down my labor and I was released to go home. We have been home all day trying to sleep and rest for the next big push. Pray for us...maybe we'll have a little one by tomorrow!

Cohen still appears to be quite comfy! We are off to our non-stress test to make sure all is well I think Parker and Rowan said it best on my voicemail this afternoon.."Tell Cohen it's time to come out now!!! OR as Grandpa Butler would say it time for "little Beijing" to meet the world!

Our test went well! Cohen is happy and healthy. He has plenty of fluid and a strong heart beat Now we continue to wait...if nothing happens over the week-end we'll go in on Monday at 11:30pm to be induced.

For those of you who haven't heard this story, at the beginning of our pregnancy, we were told our due date would be 8/8/08 but after one of our ultrasounds our doctor moved us up to 8/5. But now, since 8/5 has come and gone, maybe 8/8 was more accurate...At any rate, we are over due and patiently waiting for Cohen's arrival. During the last week or so, I've had some tightening or at least I thought it was tightening? But after many trips to the doctor in the last week, he has assured me "nothing" was going on. Maybe it was just gas...ha!ha! So, if we don't go into labor by Friday, we'll have a non-stress test where they monitor the baby for a half hour by ultrasound. Basically, they will check to see if he is still thriving, ie. maintaining his weight, heart rate is good, enough fluid, etc. Then if he still hasn't arrived by Monday, we go to the hospital at 11:30pm to start the "induction" process. Pray for us that we'll go into labor before then...
Luckily, I feel good and have been able to sleep well
Check our website for updates!! And remember to create a login and password so you'll be able to see pictures of Cohen (once he arrives)
Love to all!!

After our doctor's appointment on the 24th, we found out that Cohen was nowhere near ready to join us...so we decided to go camping. Although most places we checked were booked for the week-end, we did find a really great "first come, first serve" campground on the way to Oceanside called Gale's Creek. We didn't do much but take long naps, eat smore's, did I say...take long naps, took a little hike, and sat by the campfire talking about what we thought life would be like with Cohen. Then on Sunday we joined Chris' parents in Oceanside to enjoy the beach and the annual Hoedown. We had a great time, as always!!

July 22, 2005 is an important date for Chris and I...as it was the first time we met Now, 3 years later we're married and expecting our first baby. It's amazing how fast one's life can change!

To celebrate I surprised Chris with an overnight get away to Bonneville Hot Springs and Resort. If you ever have the chance, I'd highly suggest going there. The surroundings and staff were superb and the mineral baths were to die for...my skin has never felt better! Plus we had a hot tub on our deck that was also filled with mineral water! AMAZING

I wish I could stay there until Cohen is born! Looks like were about 14 days away from the big day...Time is a tickin'

We'll keep you posted...

On our way home we also stopped by the Cascade Locks for a tour. It was pretty interesting as well as "Jane" our Cascade Lock expert!! Check out the funky carpet...too funny!

What a wonderful day! Cohen(Baby Butler now has a name) is very lucky to have two amazing, energetic, loving, and organized grandma's who can do anything they put their minds to! Chris and I feel very fortunate knowing we'll have the support we'll need when Cohen arrives in August

The grandma's hosted the shower at Peterkort Woods, which was perfect. The guys (Chris, his dad/Dick, my brother/Mark, and my uncle John kept the kids entertained in the pool, so the ladies could mingle, eat, and play games in the clubhouse. The best game was a "birthday card" activity. First, a note card was passed out to each person with a number on it. Then the number corresponded with an age Cohen will be in the future. So, if you picked the number 5, you'd write a birthday card to Cohen for his 5th birthday. Cohen will be sent a card each year from each person who attended his shower! Pretty cool, huh

After reading and researching about sailboats for the past 6 months... Chris with the experienced knowledge of Roger, his dad and his uncle (who waved good-bye after the launch) went for his first sail last Wednesday. Chris enjoyed every minute of it and can't wait to go again! I think "sailing" will be a new Butler family hobby.
Anyone up for a sail?

I usually tend to think I'm not easily surprised...but oh my goodness, did my sister pull together a wonderfully executed get-together!! It all began on Friday night when Dee, Chasen, and Gavin arrived in town. (The Peabody's are back in the States from Japan, Yeah! and moving to Virgina/Washington D.C.)I thought I had planned a BBQ with my sister's family and the Peabody's but apparently I was just a decoy in the master plan.
Click read more...

Little did I know, awaiting me at my sister's house was Lauren, Mark, Maile (who I hadn't met yet), Nicole, and Laura...who were there to surprise me. You see, we rarely have the opportunity to get together these days. Everyone is so busy and life pretty much takes over when you calculate in kids, work, etc....Plus, it's really hard to see Dee when she was living half across the world!
So, when I walked in the door at my sister's house and saw Lauren peek around the corner, it took me a good 5 seconds to even register who it was... I thought I was losing it! I was thinking to myself "that girl looks a lot like Lauren...." That's weird, then out toddled Maile and Nicole, etc....and it finally sunk in. Then I was thinking they were here to surprise Dee, but of course Dee was in on it too!

All I can say is..holy cow! That was the best gift ever We totally enjoyed our week-end together just hanging out, eating, and watching the kids play. What more could you ask for!! The girls even took me to Mother's Bistro, on Sunday morning for a wonderful breakfast and baby shower.

So, my first "Father's Day".. Although I am not officially a father just yet, I had the pleasure of experiencing my first gifts for father’s day. Melissa and my mom coordinated with the core of the David Douglas Football staff, Denise, to have a DDHS Football onesie made!!

It was a great day. It started with a walk with my own dad along Marine Drive from the 42nd street boat ramp, and concluded with dinner and Grandpa McIrvin’s. Overall a great start to my new holiday!!

All I can say is WOW!
It's been almost a week since my first shower and I'm still in awe when I pass the baby's room and see all the amazing gifts we received from my friends at Baller. We feel so grateful and so blessed! It feels like we'll be set for life, but apparently the Costco size baby wipes and diapers will run out sooner than we think...(It doesn't seem possible)
One of the best gifts we got was an "Advice Book" handwritten by some true veteran mom's (and a couple non-moms)

Advice for the new mom:
~When your baby spits sour milk all over your best clothes; just strip and go naked.

~Each thing you do, whether it's good or bad, won't affect your child for the rest of it's life. Keep a good relationship with your husband. Forget about having a neat and tidy house...it's not important!

~Well, coming for two women that don't have kids..or pets...I guess Laura has a dog...we don't know much about babies...but we do know how to have fun! So, when you need a break and certainly you will...give us a call...we will be sure you remember how to have the old kind of fun! The new kind will be fun too...it will just include baby butt paste, diaper rash, *****feeding...baby spit up, cleaning...Did I say that was going to be fun? Enjoy your little baby boy...you will be a great mommy!

~Sleep when the baby is sleeping. Cuddle with your baby! The time passes so quickly.

~A HAPPY mommy means a HAPPY baby!

~Ummm..can I skip out on this one? How 'bout this..."It's not legal to leave your baby in the dog carrier for large portions of time." I'm sure Chris would love that one!!

~Boys like balls and like to throw them! If your going to give your little guy balls, I recommend tennis and waffle balls. The baseballs really hurt!

We enjoyed a wonderful Mother's Day Brunch at my sister's house...with the whole family! We had a blast Especially the "kick ball" game!

My goal was to paint the baby's room over Spring Break. But as the week passed, I couldn't figure out a theme or colors. I also couldn't find a dresser to go with the crib my sister was giving me. I was a little bummed it wouldn't get done until I found an interesting ad on Craig's List. The ad advertised a matching crib and dresser from a spendy boutique my sister had told me about. It looked like a great deal, and I was determined to check it out. One phone call to Sue and I had a shopping partner an hour later...Long story short, we loved the set (bought it later that day), found some adorable bedding at Babies R Us (bought it on the way home) and next thing you know...the nursery was under way. Yeah! Then, the next day, my mom came over and we painted and painted! Two coats later, we were done Now, it's dad and g-pa's turn to add the chair rail molding to finish off the room!!

If you ever need a good laugh...just join us (Helen Baller's staff) every year as we dance our hearts out at our PE Spring Program! It is quite a sight..The theme changes each year and this year was an ode to Broadway. Basically, not only the children learn a dance routine and perform, but the teachers do as well. And for the last 7 years I have been the lucky one to choreograph and teach the routine to my colleagues Usually, I tend to get some flack (ie. the moves are too hard) But this year it was smooth sailing! Everyone was glad I was pregnant, because the routine had never been easier Too funny!

What a great day spent with family and friends!! It began with a waffle breakfast at my mom's house with the Oman's, Butler's, Rathbun's, and Chesire's. It sure feels good to say the Oman's were there I grew up with the Oman's and have many cherished memories. I knew someday we'd all find our way back into each other's lives!!

But now, back to the story...after a good breakfast we headed to Alpenrose to hunt for eggs. The kids had a blast winning toys, frisbee's, wands, and even ChuckE Cheese coupons! The mommies even got a chance to hunt for diamond earrings. Unfortunately, none of us were successful. Actually, we were pretty much run over and passed up in about 2 seconds. By the time we made it to the field all the eggs were pretty much gone. Next year, we'll be more prepared!!

Bright and early on Wednesday morning, Chris's parents, Chris and I headed to Sunnyside to find out if a little boy or girl was in our future. The ultrasound went well. The baby has all it's organs, bones, and body parts (thank goodness)! So far it's been about 30 minutes and of course, we were dying to know sex and trying to be patient.

Finally, the tech said, our baby was crossing his legs and sleeping in a V-sit position. (not suitable for viewing essential components) So, the next step was to try to wake the little one. The tech tried to push my belly from side to side, but there was no use. Then he said to lay on my side for awhile (hoping the baby would turn). Guess what he did! And just as plain as day, it's a BOY!

After a few more minutes, Dick and Sue were let in to see the ultrasound. I didn't want to tell them, I wanted them to see it for themselves...but I blew it in the first 10 seconds saying "HE" Darn...

On February 23 the fun began when we celebrated Grandpa McIrvin's 85th birthday. It was a real treat because all of Grandpa's children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren (expect 2) were able to be there. We had a great time and enjoyed each other's company as well as a wonderful dinner and delicious chocolate cup cakes!! (just ask Chris...I think he had about 10) ha!
Next to celebrate: Chris's 34th birthday on February 25th. Chris loves orange chicken, so I prepared all his favorites and invited over the family to join in on our Chinese feast. It was a perfect evening spent with family!

In between our birthday's we got treated to dinner by my mom, complete with an ice cream cake (BR peanut butter & chocolate...my favorite)and a trip to Cirque Du Soleil from Chris's parents. We felt so spoiled and loved every minute of it! ( We have to soak it up this year, because after the baby, we're sure the focus with change.

And last but not least, a week later we celebrated my actual 33rd birthday (kind of). I came down with the worst cold that wiped me out for an entire week. It began on Monday 3/3 and subsided around 3/8. So, my birthday wasn't too exciting...although the best present of all was that Chris took the day off and waited on me and did chores around the house (laundry, dishes, etc). It was great! So great! By evening I was feeling a little better, so Dick, Sue, Chris and I went to the Hawthorne Fish House for dinner and Ben and Jerry's for dessert! It turned out to be a nice birthday after all

Beginning somewhere around 8-8-08, Chris and I will be welcoming a new addition to our family!! We are very excited and can't wait!
The pregnancy has gone smooth and we are looking forward to our next ultrasound where we'll find out the sex. Keep posted for updates...

This year my school "Helen Baller" began a new tradition as we adopted a new fund raiser "Walk for Diabetes” In the years past we've always supported Heart Disease through Jump Rope for Heart...which is a great cause but not a disease that directly effects our school population. Diabetes however is close to home as two of our students cope with the struggles of Type I diabetes everyday and many other family & friends also live with Type II.

So, on Saturday, February 9th at 9am we put together a team of walkers and met at Doc. Harris in Camas to show our support and walk for an hour!! We had a great time A huge thanks to Maurice, Sly, Toni, Michelle, Chris x 2, my mom, and the Butler's for helping us reach our goal and walk to support diabetes.

Last year for Chris' birthday I promised him a trip to Seattle to go to a Seahawks game. But as you can imagine, a little boy (who I won't name) put a kink in our plans that were made 9 months ago. Sure, back in February 08, we were thinking how hard could it be to bring a baby to game... We'll pack up for the week-end, spend a night in a hotel (my mom's b-day gift to Chris & I) and we'll have a blast!! Yeah right! Parenthood is not so easy But just when we gave up on the idea of going to a game, my friend Cynthia, had two "club seats" for sale...and just like that, we were back in. Only what to do with Cohen...should we take him or not? After all, it would be the first time we'd (meaning me) would be away from him the whole day The question was...could I do it??? The answer was obviously "yes" Although is was hard to leave... I knew Cohen was in good hands with G-ma Rathbun. They played all day and grandma sent us pictures and text messages to keep us updated Grandma even got a 3 hour nap out of him! No fair! Grandma has the touch
Chris and I thoroughly enjoyed our day together and we can't wait to do it again!