16 weeks today!

It has been some time since my last post. I've actually been a stay-at-home dad this month, but that certainly doesn't mean I have any more time to post updates.
We are wrapping up a great visit with Grandma Joan. We all had a fun time, and I even got the lawn mowed (basically cutting off the frost killed tips). I could see in Riley's eyes that she was very content with GmJ, and will miss her.
Speaking of Riley, she has gone through so many subtle and overt changes this past month that it is hard to know where to start!
I guess the biggest thing is that she wants to move. She cannot sit still in your arms for long. She is either trying to touch and play with everything in sight, or she is trying to figure out how to get closer to things out of her reach.
Her smiles and laughs are more regular when she sees someone, especially when Mommy comes home from work. Yes, Mommy is her favorite person!

Cyclocross Season! (is almost over)

Finally got a chance to do a cyclocross race this year. The first race of the season took place on the two weeks after Riley was born, and the last race is the weekend before Christmas. At the start of 2006, I had this big plan to compete in all the races and go for overall points classification. That was before we knew. Even many months after we found out, I still thought I could do most of the races, I thought I would just miss the first few races.
Well, taking care of a newborn is not only extremely time consuming, it is also the most fun I've ever had. I may be gaining weight due to lack of exercise, but at least I'm enjoying it!

Here are a few picks of the race. It was out in Livermore on the 16th of December at the fairgrounds.I was doing quite well, moving up through the pack on each lap until my derailluer jammed. I had to stop and flip the bike for repairs. Though it only took me about 30-40 seconds, it was long enough for me to watch the field ride away. I was able to catch back on and pass a few people, but there weren't enough laps. The first picture is of me just getting past the guy in blue who hit the burm and nearly flipped head over. The other side of that burm is the arena, which is filled with liquified mud about 8 inches deep!


Right after the arena, we ran up the bleacher stairs. I'm the one just to the left of the pole in the middle of the picture. That was a tough run up after the third time....

Next race, maybe next season.

Here we are, in our vests trying to keep warm while surfing the net. Got to get her started right away so I have someone to fix my computer in the future! 

Well Riley had her two month appointment today. She is now 12 pounds and 8 ounces which puts her in the 90th percentile and is now 23 inches 7/8 long which is in the 95th percentile. I don't think the percentile thing really matters but she is growing like a weed and a good eater! Her head circumference (sp?) is 39 centimeters which is only in the 50th percentile which I thought was funny as Gilligans are always talking about their big Irish heads but she was in the 25th percentile at birth in this arena so she is growing.

The poor thing got 5 vaccines and seemed to look at Mommy and Daddy with a look of betrayal when she got the shots. Mom held her all day and when Dad got home he took a turn holding and consoling her. She is doing well but that is a lot of stuff going in her little body for one day. When she cries it is the cry she had at the doctor's office which she doesn't usually have in everyday life. Heartbreaking. Luckily she is mostly trying to sleep it off in between feedings.

We have many more photos that need to be uploaded from cameras etc. Will update the log as we are able.

Hope everyone had a good thanksgiving day.

Love,

Colleen

Riley's First Overnight

This past week has seen a number of changes. Riley has started to really show recognition, smiling when she sees us, cooing when we talk to her, and asking for a beer in the evening. OK, not really asking for beer, she likes milk....

The smiles are incredible, and come at the right time. Just when you are about to loose your mind for lack of sleep, she hits you with a smile, and all is right with the world.

She is now six weeks old, and fitting nicely into the 3-6 month old jumpers. She seems so much bigger now. Even just three weeks ago, she still felt like an infant, but no more.

This weekend, we took her for her first overnight trip to see Grandma Sharon and Grandpa Peter in Sonoma, and unlike Laney, she didn't freak out and sleep under the bed. In fact, she was perfect, and enjoyed it thoroughly.

Happy Halloween!

Riley went out for her first Trick or Treat experience today.
Unfortunately, it was to the doctors, so no treats! She dressed up as a little pumkin and was very good.

Now, for the stats:
Height = 22 1/8 inches --> 80th %
Weight = 9lbs 15 ounces --> 75th %
Head circumfrence = 37.2cm --> 50th %

So, she is growing very well, about 3lbs in the first month, and 1/2 inch in height. Obviously, her weight and head have changed the most percent wise. We certainly feel the difference in her weight.





Riley also had some visitors this weekend. Great Aunt Claire, Grandma Joan, and Great Grandpa Ward. She was very excited to see them all.

Growing

It's hard to imagine, but I can see Riley grow. Today, she is 17 (days), and everything about her is bigger, from her feet to her hands to her whole body. She is 8lbs, 15 ounces.