Samuel Vincent

Born today at 10:34. Mom and baby are doing well, expecting to be home in time for supper.

Polar Bear Plunge

I have read about them, I've seen them on TV, but it wasn't until yesterday that I participated.  Myself and about 300 other swimmers jumped into the waters of Commencement Bay to bring in the new year with the first annual Tacoma Polar Bear Plunge.  That water was COLD!!  According to the NOAA National Data Buoy Center, the water was a crisp 45 degrees F yesterday.  Sadly, Sarah did not decide to join me, in the water anyway, however, a friend and a neighbor did.  Get more details from the Tacoma News Tribune article.  And in case you are still unsure, yes, that is a Tigger costume.  Also in attendance were Batman, Spiderman, the Green Lantern, Vikings, clowns, footie pajamas, and more.  Grace did not particularly take to daddy being dressed as Tigger so there are no photos of the two of us together.  There are plenty of other photos:

Travis jumped too... just not in a Tigger costume.

My neighbor showed up... also not in a Tigger costume.   

See the guy in the full suit pajamas on the left?  What a weirdo.

The Tacoma SONICS's guy!

For the uninitiated, the Sonics guy appears at most public gatherings in Tacoma wearing full Seattle Supersonic regalia and brandishing a sign that says "Save Our Sonics."  If you are thinking to yourself, "The Sonics left for Oklahoma  City years ago," then you would be correct, but this gentleman has become a local figure in his unwavering dedication to return the basketball team to the Pacific NW.  

On the docs, ready for the countdown...

...and now 300 people are officially COLD!

Zebra-Giraffe

Grace knows what a zebra looks like and 10 out of 10 times, when shown a photo of one she will say, "zee-ba." Grace knows what a giraffe looks like and 9 out of 10 times when shown a photo of one she will say, "zee-ba." This is new. She use to identify correctly. I can only surmise that, in a move of pure ironic genius, she formally named her stuffed giraffe Zebra; you know, how people call super huge biker dudes "Tiny."

Merry Christmas to All!

Merry Christmas to all! Our day has been filled with lots of love and time with local friends. We got up, unwrapped presents with Grace which was a quite a bit of fun. Brad and Jessie came over for eggs benedict, monkey bread, and mimosas...YUM. Then we were off to church where we got a good family photo. My pregnant belly is definitely showing that I'm not far from my due date and ready to deliver baby number two! Scott is currently prepping appetizers and desserts for our dinner over at the neighbors house while Grace eats lunch.

Grace was absolutely spoiled this year, which was not a surprise to either Scott or I. She received some great toys and clothes from many loved ones. She loves her new toy train, play hut, dolls and clothes.

We hope you all have a special day, like we have had this Christmas and wish you all a happy and safe new year!

Denver Dialing

Normally, we spend Christmas in Denver with Sarah's family.  As Sarah is 8.9 months pregnant, we thought it better to be a little closer to home this year.  Video chatting only mimics the real thing, even so, it was great to see the family.  Merry Christmas everyone!

Christmas Eve Lunch

Even at 9 months pregnant, Sarah is working - her last full day that is.  I took Grace to meet Sarah for lunch.  It was a beautiful day so we headed to the water for a stroll in Steilacoom, a sleepy little town with a lot of history and a great view of the Narrows and the Olympic Mountains.  We hadn't intended to have as much fun as we did, and so didn't have the camera, but the phone captured a few of the moments well enough.  We even had another couple take a family photo.  Can't imagine a better Christmas Eve lunch.

Coffee & Santa

Today Grace visited Santa for the first time.  One of Sarah's friends runs a coffee shop near our house and arranged for Santa to drop in near midday.  We were excited about this as we didn't have to fight the crowds at the mall AND, even better, we had a time slot - so no waiting in line.  

Grace is a little leery of strange people so we spent the morning trying to get her excited about the concept of Santa.  We got her repeating his name and recognizing him in photos.  While en route, she must have said, "Santa." fifty times.  We thought we had succeeded in our mini brainwashing maneuver.  Unfortunately, as soon as we got within 5 feet of Santa, the shy Grace quickly came out, and there would be no going quietly into a stranger's lap.  Ultimately Sarah had the good fortune of sitting in Santa's lap, and Grace sat with Sarah.  

Unfortunately, Grace does know how cute she is.

We don't have the Santa photos as of yet - the photographers didn't offer an electronic version.  They make money off the prints you know.  Even so, we did get a few photos of Grace and Mom hanging around the coffee shop.  Tartan dresses, emerald scarves, muffins & cappuccinos, oh so cosmopolitan.....

Grace works on a blueberry muffin while Mom enjoys a mocha. 

Grace's first Candy Cane.  She devoured it.

More photos at Picasaweb - Christmas 2011