Lots of Things Going On

Since the previous post was just a few pictures of Karis at 2 months, I've decided to write another one to fill everyone in on what's been going on since the 12th. The day after our trip to New Hampshire, Shannon's grandparents came out from Wisconsin to visit. They haven't been to Maine in a few years, and wanted to see their first Great-grandchild. Karis, of course, was a doll, and Dan and Shirley had a good time.

While they were here we took a couple little trips. One was to Pemaquid Point, where a colonial cemetery overlooks the harbor. It was fun. And of course, no trip to Maine is complete without a jaunt to Freeport and the L.L. Bean flagship store. That's where the great-grandparents bought Karis her first Adirondack chair. That pic is in the previous post. Dan loves to haggle and got that great chair at an unbelievable price.

Last weekend we decided to go pick out some pumpkins. In Camden there's a small pumpkin patch that we've driven past many times. This was our first time stopping, and I'm glad that we did. Karis wasn't really interested though, she fell asleep in the car and wasn't really awake while we were there. Shannon and I had a good time. It's been forever since we did something like that.


Shannon started back at work this past week. Fortunately she started back part-time so that we could get used to Karis being at daycare. There are three little boys at the daycare that are very interested in her and announce her arrival every morning. Sam, the daycare provider, says that storytime is Karis' favorite part of the day. She sits in her bouncy chair in a circle with the boys while Sam reads them a story. The whole time, she's locked on Sam and is moving her hands the entire time the story is being read. Karis is really talkative and a loves to make people smile. I think that it's going to work out well there.

Karis went to the pediatrician earlier this week. She had to get her shots- 4 of them- two in each thigh. Ouch!!! I expected her to be a little cranky or tired, but she took them like a trooper. Her official 2 month stats... 11lbs 5 ozs and 23 3/4 inches long.


This weekend we're just staying home. The weather isn't terrific and we have tons of stuff to do around here. This morning we gave Karis a bath, this afternoon we ran to Wal-mart and the dump, and this evening we're just sitting around enjoying each other's company.

I'm trying to upload a video of Karis talking, well, making noises anyway. I think she's the smartest baby in the world.

More Pics of Karis

Fall in New England

Let me start off by saying that Shannon and I are so lucky to have a happy and beautiful baby. Since Karis has been born we've slowly got her accustomed to taking rides in the car; we know that some day we'll have to take long car trips to visit family. This weekend is our 6 year anniversary and usually we take a day trip to New Hampshire to start our Christmas shopping early. We weren't sure how it would go with the baby, but I'm glad that we went. We actually made a great dent in our shopping and Karis couldn't have been better.

Driving through western Maine and eastern New Hampshire this time of year is spectacular. The maples and birches are in full color. The entire panorama is brilliant with yellows and reds. The craggy mountain sides of the White Mountains and Presidential Range stand out like silohuettes against the bright colors, and the Pines, still green, add another layer to the spectrum. It's disgustingly beautiful.

As I write this I have a pumpkin cheesecake in the oven and we're waiting for Shannon's grandparents to arrive. This morning they called and they had just crossed into Vermont from Canada, so we expect them some time in the early afternoon.

Karis is just about 11 lbs now. She's gaining wait perfectly and everyday proves to be fantastically new. She wakes every morning with a smile on her face and talking to herself. She's also discovered her hands. She clasps them together and holds them up to her face and stares crosseyed at them.

In a few weeks Shan goes back to work, which will prove to be a challenge. We've got a daycare picked out and it seems like a great place. That's about all for now. Enjoy the pictures.