Tis The Season of Thanks

We have so much to be thankful for this year! We have increaseded our family by one and are surrounded by family and friends who care about us. Thanksgiving dinner was at Cathy and Rob Mahaney's again this year and as usual they put on a great feast. Ceili got to meet the cousins and Great Aunt Skip. She really had a good time and was very social.

Ceili is now sitting up on her own. She is so strong, it's fun to watch her grow stronger and more confidant every day. She is sitting here with me helping me type this. Actually she pulls on and grabs my fingers as they press the keys.

We are getting ready for Christmas by decorating the house. Ceili helped Jon find out what lights worked and got them all untangled. She helped Erin hang garland and set up some of the santas

Hello All! This was a busy week. Jon Went hunting in Ohio with Josh while Erin and Ceili went to Longville. Erin sent Jon a picture text or two everyday. We will try and post some of those in the future. While in Longville Ceili got to meet some new faces. Jessie, Josh, Ryan, Brooklyn, Steph, and others. They had a fun weekend and wished it could have been longer. Jon returned home from Ohio with no deer but many stories. Luckily his season in Minnesota has been successful so there is some venison in the freezer.

Ceili is still loving her carrots and we are excited to try new veggies. In the next few days we will be trying sweet potato, spinach, squash, and broccoli. While she enjoys the solid food, Jon is not sure if he is ready because diaper duty is getting much more labor intensive!

Josh and Adam will be in town this weekend and they are both excited to see Ceili again. Hopefully we can go to the Cafe for brunch after church on Sunday.

Next week is Ceili's first thanksgiving and we think we are going to Prior Lake to visit Jon's family and meet some of the Cousins. Jon and Erin are looking forward to turkey and stuffing while Ceili will have to settle for sweet potato.

Four Months!

Ceili is now four months old! She went in for her four month shots and check-up this week. She weighed 14lb. 15Oz. and grew 3" to 24" long! she is in the 50th percentile for height and 75th percentile for weight. She is defiantly getting her nourishment. The doctor said that if we'd like we can start feeding her vegetables. We are very excited for this and can't wait to explore all the great veggies out there. Jon is going to Ohio this week to hunt with Uncle Josh.It' will be the first time he has been away from Ceili for more than a day. Thank goodness for the blog, email, and picture texts.

Happy Halloween!

It's Halloween and Ceili dressed up as a monkey. Thanks again Grandma O! Hannah and Lilly stopped to trick or treat. Lilly looked very cute as Raggedy Ann. I think Hannah said it was the same costume that she wore when she was that age. We went to Denny and Judy's so they could see the costume and they gave Ceili a spinning light up ghost light. She loves looking at it. Erin and Ceili then went around to the neighbors to bring them treats while Jon stayed to pass out candy.

Ceili has had to start eating a bit of rice cereal so that she can get enough to eat. We think that she could get enough but she is just to lazy to work for it. She actually does pretty well though she is quite messy.

Pumpkin Party and New Wheels

We had the neighbors over today to carve pumpkins. Ceili wore her pumpkin onesie to celebrate. Grandma and Grandpa Burgers stopped for the day to say hi. Grandpa Burgers gave Ceili some driving lessons in her new Combi Car Walker. She really enjoys licking the steering wheel!

Pre Pumpkin Party Planning

Ceili is helping us prepare for a pumpkin carving party for our neighbors. Jon made Pumpkin Ginger Soup and Erin made Pumpkin Chiffon Cake and Carrot Cake Muffins. We also made some other sweet treats to help celebrate autumn. Tomorrow we will carve pumpkins, play games, and eat our creations. Ceili has a cute pumpkin onesie that she is going to wear to get into the spirit.

The recipe for Pumpkin Ginger Soup Follows:

2 (15-ounce) can(s) pumpkin puree
3 (14 1/2-ounce) can(s) chicken broth
1 (11 1/2-ounce) can(s) pear nectar ( We found this in the juice aisle of the supermarket)
1/3 cup(s) creamy peanut butter
2 clove(s) garlic, finely chopped
2 tablespoon(s) grated fresh ginger root
2 tablespoon(s) finely chopped green onion
1 tablespoon(s) fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
1/4 teaspoon(s) ground cayenne pepper
Toasted pumpkin seeds (optional)
Chopped chives (optional)

Directions
1. In a 6-quart saucepan, combine pumpkin puree, chicken broth, and pear nectar. Bring to a boil over high heat. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 10 minutes.
2. In a blender or the bowl of a food processor fitted with chopping blade, process 1 cup pumpkin mixture with peanut butter until smooth. Return to saucepan with the remaining pumpkin mixture. Add garlic, ginger root, green onion, lime juice, salt, and cayenne pepper; cook 10 minutes over medium heat.
3. Divide soup among soup plates and garnish with pumpkin seeds and chives, if desired.

New Gifts From The Heart

Last week Ceili received a surprise in the mail. A beautiful quilt hand made by our friends the Pattens. Elizabeth made this and writes in her letter to ceili "This blanket has sat on my lap through many an afternoon and evening. It has gone to the park and to Maddie's gymnastics class. It has listened in on lots of conversations and story reading." I'm sure this is just a start to the many adventures of this blanket. We are thankful for family and friends like the Pattens who, though they are far from us physically, keep us in their thoughts and prayers daily. Here is a picture of Erin and Ceili with her new blanket. Also a picture of Grandma O with "our little monkey". Grandma O made this while she was visiting over MEA break. Funny, I thought she was retired?!

New Adventures

Wow, I am always impressed with how fast time flies with a new baby! I realized it has been over a week since our last post. In that time we have done many things. Ceili is trying a new program called a "90 minute sleep cycle". It is working very well and she seems much less tired now. We had a few days where she didn't sleep at all, yuck, she was cranky! Now with the new system she is much more rested and ready to read, giggle, and play with her new toys.

Ceili went for a play date with Sophia Consie this week and had an absolute ball. they played with Soph's Combi Car and took pictures together. Later, Ceili helped Jon clean the garage. Can you find Ceili in the picture below? Erin and Ceili are continuing to read together and Ceili really enjoys her book time. Grandma Otis stopped up this week and brought some more books, some of which were Jon's favorites growing up. This got me to thinking about all the popular books that were read to us as children. Five Chinese Brothers, Tiki-Tiki-Tembo, Little Black Sambo, etc. are not books that we would read to our children today because they are so not politically correct, but they are very engaging stories. Just a thought.

Ceili and Jon also went to the Tattoo shop today. Jon had designed a Celtic cross with a shamrock and decided to add Ceili's name and birth date. It turned out very nice, really very detailed.

Ceili and Jon have been spending alot of their days together. They spend them walking outside and hanging out. Recently we discovered that Ceili really likes her new backpack carrier. Jon and Ceili have taken it everywhere from the mall to the woods! Ceili helped take docks out at the resort last weekend. She also got to meet Lynn, Kent, and Ev. It was a busy weekend but she did very well.

Ceili started laughing out loud and despite having a bit of a cold she continues to practice it everyday. She continues to get stronger and practices her rolling over often.

Erin has been spending alot of reading time with Ceili. Her favorite book is all about babies. She looks at the pictures and studies the words. When Ceili gets tired in the evening she enjoys a splash in her bath. Sometimes it seems it's the only thing that settles her at the end of a long day.

Getting Cooler, Getting Stronger

The weather is getting much cooler lately. We have dug out Ceili's hats and recently got a very cute snow suit from Lilly McCabe. Jon took a leave from cooking at the Cafe and is looking forward to hunting season and family leave through December. Jon and Ceili are going scouting for deer on Wednesday so Jon bought Ceili a blaze orange hat for their walk. A picture is on the right.

Ceili is also getting very strong. She has been rolling over for several days now and seems to get a bit better everyday. Ceili is still enjoying books, especially if they have pictures of other babies. Grandpa Doug read with her on Saturday when he stopped with Alicia and Pam Edwards. These and other pictures are available to look at by clicking the Shutterfly link on the left.

Fall

Today Ceili and Jon went for a long walk. Ceili slept much of the way. When They got home Ceili wanted to play in the back yard. She loved looking at the leaves and playing in the grass. Afterwards Jon and Ceili read some books and took a nap. Ceili slept through the night again last night, Erin thinks it is the bath that calms her down, after splashing around for much of it. On the right are two of the photos. Check out shutterfly for more pictures.

At Last!

Ceili is now 11 weeks old! She weighs 12# 6oz. and is 23" long. Our monkey is growing up. Ceili has been gardening with mom and Grandma O, enjoying bath times, visiting Grandma and grandpa B. She has also had a party to welcome people to our new house. She has been a very busy girl.

Ceili got her 2 month shots and didn't care for them too much. She silent screamed until she turned purple and then let out the most ear splitting scream we have ever heard! We think she is back to normal now. She enjoys reading with mom and dad and recently enrolled in a book club that sends her a new book every month until she turns five.

On the Left are Erin an Ceili, Jon and Ceili, and Ceili with Grandma B and Grandma O.

A New Home

Hi all! we are finally into our new home. Although we moved just across the street it was a very busy move. We are getting settled in and have tons of unpacking to do. Ceili's room was the first to get set up and she is nearly moved in. Ceili continues to get bigger every day and we are looking forward to her next checkup. Please check out the new pictures. Hopefully they will work this time, we have had some technical difficulties.

Ceili met Lucy Villaran last weekend and we are looking forward to her hanging out with all her new friends. We'll keep you posted.

On The Road Again

Sorry everyone for not checking in for a while. We are still preparing to move and should be in our new home on Friday the 22nd. We have also been busy visiting friends and relatives. On Thursday we traveled to Longville to meet Great Grandma Mouw and Art, Great Grandpa Burgers, Great Uncle Loren and Shirley, and cousins Ryan, Tyler, Sam, and Maddie. Ceili Loved being at the resort and was very good once again as a traveler. On the top left are Erin, Alicia, Great Grandma Mouw, and Ceili. On the bottom left are Doug, Ceili, Erin, and Great Grandpa Burgers.

Ceili is very smiley now and is starting to giggle and coo. It is really cool to see her expressions and try to figure out what she is thinking. I'm sure we are completely wrong on this one!

We would like to remind everyone that we will be updating photos on shutterfly as often as we can so please check back often. You will find the link to the left under check out our photos.

Irish Fair

Ceili, Erin, and Jon headed to St. Paul yesterday to attend Irish Fair. It was a very busy day and very long but Ceili handled it beautifully. She slept most of the drive down, only stopping to eat in Hinckley. When we arrived at Irish Fair we went to the Dance Tent to watch the dancers. As Erin was reading the schedule of events she commented that she had never seen Ceili's name written so much on one page! After watching the Ceili Dancers for a while we headed over to meet Uncle Josh and Cousins Max, Christian who just returned home from serving in the Army in Iraq, and Christian's wife Breann. The group made their way for a pint and some food, watched some rugby and sheep herding demonstrations, and than made their way to the main stage so Ceili could see her first concert. She seemed to really like Flogging Molly. The only time Ceili fussed was on the drive home after being strapped into her car seat for so long. We stopped again in Hinkley so Jon could feed her, but she wasn't having any of it. She wanted Mom. After Ceili's first taste of Irish culture we can't wait for St. Patrick's Day! (Top Right; Jon, Ceili, Josh Bottom Right; Ceili Dancers)

Laughs and Bottles

Grandma Pat said today, "oh, she is so beautiful!" Erin responded,"She must have gotten her looks from Jon...because I still have mine!" Thanks Grandpa Doug, for sharing your sense of humor with your daughter. Ceili spent about two hours with Grandma Pat and Marigene while Jon and Erin ran some errands. On the left you'll find a picture of Ceili praying for mom and dad to return, " please save me!" Everything is still going well and we are getting closer to our move date. Erin is getting ready to return to work in September so Jon fed Ceili her first bottle of pumped milk today. She didn't like the bottle but she ate it anyway. Way to go Ceili!

Hollers and Cents

Ceili, Erin, and Jon went to the bank today and Ceili opened her first savings account. Grandma Burgers should be proud (although it was with Wells Fargo!?) After leaving the bank we went to Target and got Ceili a cute polka dot piggy bank. So, she's off to a good start.






On the right are before and after feeding pictures. Like daddy, when she gets hungry she gets crabby!




Grandma Otis and Grandaunt Marigene will be arriving today for a visit on the way home from their Michigan trip. They will be just in time to meet the incredible growing girl. Jon laid her down on the tummy time mat and it appears she is over 23" long, nearly 2"longer than her doctor visit two weeks ago! Slow down monkey!

Play Dates

Ceili Has been very busy this week. Between meeting Sophia Consie last Wednesday, Kaenan Smith on Friday, and Ian McCabe yesterday (Ian and Ceili, see left ), she has been helping us pack for our big move. If all goes well we will be moving across the street on August 22nd.

We went to the hardware store today to see Denny and Judy. They hadn't seen her with her eyes open until today. Denny's voice must be very soothing because as soon as he walked in the office Ceili fell asleep. He says it's because she is used to hearing him talk while Erin was pregnant.

New Photo

By Erin's calculations Ceili is now over 10 lbs! We have been calling her monkey because of her long fingers and toes, however, she loves to be held so we think marsupial may be more appropriate. Our little 'Roo.

Meet Ceili Margaret

Ceili (pronounced "Kay lee") Margaret Otis was born on July 9th, 2008 at 7:45 pm. We are so happy and feel so blessed to have her in our family. Ceili is Gaelic for party and derived from Coeli which is a form of the latin word for heaven. Thus heavenly party.