Guest Speaker

No pictures but wanted to tell everyone that this morning Leah was the guest speaker in the Infant and Toddler Development class at Hampden Academy. We were invited in by my former co-worker and Leah had a blast. It was great seeing a bunch of my former students and all of my old work pals. However, being a public speaker sure does tire out my baby girl... when we got home Leah had a nap that lasted over 3 hours! No excuses for me not to have time to clean the house today!
Daddy is at Epcot tonight for "work" ... he just texted me with disappointment that there is no "India Pavilion" there!

October is here...

And with that comes hunting season! Daddy, Papa, Uncle Matt and a bunch of other guys have been bird hunting in the Allagash for a few days so Leah and Mommy had some girl time. Luckily Michelle had a soccer game in Hampden on Friday afternoon so she and Megan came to spend the night! Michelle helped me organize and clean Leah's closet and bureau which was a HUGE help while Megan entertained Leah. I know many of you would find it hard to believe but Leah might have a lot of clothes!

This past week Leah had 2 babysitting experiences. On Monday night Andrew and I went out for an early dinner to celebrate our 7th wedding anniversary and Leah went to the Michauds. Leah loves Anna and had a blast. Saturday night Andrew came home early from hunting and at the last minute we decided to go out for a late dinner with a bunch of friends so we put Leah to bed and had Whitney come babysit. It is really such a blessing to have family so close to watch her, it makes it much easier, but even then we drove home fast from dinner Monday night as I had a hard time being away from her during her waking hours!

Andrew leaves in the morning for Orlando for work so Leah and Mommy are home alone again- but we seem to have a lot planned for the week so the time should fly by! He was already missing her tonight once she went to bed.

Here are some pictures of another "photo shoot" we had. My parents reminded me that they had very few pics of all 3 of their granddaughters together so Saturday morning we did a few outside shots!

More Fall Fun

At Michelle's soccer game!
Leah was a "Super" fan!

Mom trying to do a photo shoot!

At the HA Homecoming football game... at the tailgate party leah got beads to wear!

Enjoying the game (or at least the 1st Q) HA won!

At the Common Ground Fair with Will, notice the organic, local, hand made potato chips!

Glorious September

We got to pick Sophie up from 1st grade and she was so much fun to play with!

Pushing my stroller is still one of my favorite past times!
Megan and her x-c team (including Leela, from India!) gathering around Leah!


Playing soccer at Michelle's game....

Madison spent the night!!!

Decorating for fall...

A face only parents could love!!!

Leah's jersey did not bring the Patriots luck but she looked pretty cute!

At Paddy Murphy's (a bar) while Mom and Dad toasted in fall with a Pumpkinhead!

Coloring with Maggie at the x-c meet...

With Daddy and Grammie at the Apple Orchard

This house is just my size!

Leah likes apples!

We have really been enjoying a gorgeous September in Maine... it makes up for July! Leah has been so busy experiencing new things... we are now going to story time at the Hampden and Bangor public libraries and she loves it. We are also busy watching all her big cousins sports... last week we caught Anna and Whitney's soccer game, Michelle's soccer game, and Megan's x-c meet along with going to watch the Hampden meet with the Metzlers. This weekend Leah went apple picking with Grammie Carla and GG and she watched her first Patriots game with Daddy and Papa Jim, although she was more interested in the Loudon Nascar race- Papa Ernie would be so proud!!! We also went to visit our friend Ruth so she could measure Leah's hands and head to knit her some warm goodies! Here are some pictures....

Videos...

Leah performing a few of her words and playing on the trampoline with Michelle and Megan...

In the "press"

Leah has had her first apperance in a publication... the MAPS newsletter came out and they had asked if they could use a picture of her- they picked this cute one of her and Daddy!

Leah also had a doctor's app't today... she did not gain any weight (Grrr...) but she did grow an inch. We got a prescription for an oil that has over 100 calories per Tablespoon that we can add to some things. Maybe that will work! She also had 4 shots and the app't lasted well into nap time, so it was an early night for her tonight!

GO Patriots!

A much shorter plane ride!

For any of you who grew up watching "Full House" this shot should look familiar!
Leah watching the protesters outside Le Meridien on Labor Day

Lombard St. most people drive down it, we walked up it!

The Dads and kids waiting for the Cable Car

Leah having an ergo nap at Paraduxx

Crawling in a tree at Muir Woods

Muir Woods

Will was a big helper and fed Leah dinner!

Truly, he fed her most of her meal!

A foggy Golden Gate Bridge. On Sunday traffic crept across the bridge which was fine as we became pals with a fun group in a Limo who passed us beer!

Walking to GGB, an ergo nap on the back this day!

At the Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market...

Leah and I (momma) just got back from San Fran/Napa Valley. Daddy flew out with us, but he came home earlier to go back to work. We went with Matt, Laura and Will. They were great tour guides as they have spent tons of time there while Laura studies to be a Sommelier.

We did a direct flight from Boston to get used to flying again and Leah slept the whole way out and on the way back she woke up moments before the pilot said "prepare the cabin for descent". A 5 or 6 hour flight is nothing after a 15/16 hour flight! We bought a Go Go Babyzz contraption that hooks on to her Britax to drag her through the airports- it is how she fell asleep each night. Well worth the $! We had a super time, but were very happy to get back home. Leah walked in the garage Saturday afternoon and did her "shocked/surprised" look for those of you who know it when she saw all her toys! Here are a bunch of pictures from the trip.

Other than that fall seems to have begun... on the way up 95 I noticed all the trees were beginning to turn and Andrew said "I didn't tell you because I thought it would make you homesick!". It's true- we do love September in Maine and can not wait to share it with Leah. We are already debating Halloween costumes and Andrew seems to be planning hunting trips- oh and I bought a 6 pack of Sam Adam's Octoberfest at Hannaford today! Fall is officially here. We have had Leah 4 months and just can not imagine life before her now. We truly treasure her.