Christmas time in Pasadena

Last Monday Catie and I headed to Pasadena. Catie was perfect on the plane and slept the whole flight in my arms. We had a great week baking, Christmas shopping, seeing my grandmother (Little Nonnie), hanging out and spending time together. On Friday my mom had her annual open house brunch for all of her friends and it was a big success. Catie wore her Christmas dress and new patent leather shoes. Speaking of Catie's shoes...she has such small feet. Her shoes are size birth to 6 weeks and they are a little big on her. Catie is 16 weeks and wearing shoes that are meant for a 6 week old!! I guess that she got my feet.

Unfortunately, my dad a.k.a. Bampa came down with a bad cold and sore throat that started on Wednesday. He spent the last 5 days waving at Catie from across the room or being in another room all together. I know that he was really bummed because he couldn't wait to see Catie...and Colin and I too. Bampa, Catie can't wait to snuggle with you over Christmas!! Feel better dad!

On Friday Colin flew down for the weekend. Colin, myself, Dana, CJ, Lissa and Matt all went to dinner at Spitfire Grill in Pasadena. Colin and CJ loved the 24 oz PBR beer in a can! Dana, Lissa and I loved the cocktails and wine. The food was great and we had a wonderful time chatting and catching up..love you girls!

On Saturday Colin and I went to the USC vs. UCLA game. We figured that since it was at the Rose Bowl (which is a 5 minute walk from my parents house) we had to go. Nonnie and Bampa babysat for us. Thank you sooo much! It was Colin's first SC vs. UCLA game and of course SC won. It looks like we are Rose Bowl bound!

On Sunday we had breakfast, packed up and then went and walked around the Huntington Gardens. It was beautiful and we had a wonderful time. When I saw a pile of leaves I had to place Catie on them and take pictures. She is just too cute!

It's Christmas Tree time

Both Colin and I grew up cutting down our own Christmas Trees. We decided to carry on the tradition and do so with Catie. On November 30th the O'Connell's came over for brunch and then we all headed to Petaluma to a local tree farm. We have vaulted ceilings so we can get a very tall tree. Colin was in charge of measuring one and when I heard him say..."Kim, this one is off the charts" I knew it was going to be a biggie. (Colin and the measuring stick).

Colin cutting down the tree.

Thanks for holding the saw Catie....what a helper (ps...Tom a.k.a. Pops is holding the saw).

Catie sitting on the couch watching me decorate the tree. Too cute Catie!

Holy Christmas tree. We hardly have enough ornaments to decorate it but we love it and so does Catie. She loves the lights on it. Now it's time to wrap the gifts and put them under the tree!

Catie's first attempt at rice cereal

On Wednesday we gave Catie her first taste of rice cereal. She didn't understand what was going on and didn't really care for it at first. I would put some in her mouth and she would just cry. I discovered a little trick...put some rice cereal in her mouth and then give her the pacifier. This would make her eat the cereal. After doing this two or three times she caught on and figured out what she needed to do. We are just giving her a small amount each day so that she slowly adjusts to it.

After it was all over Catie was very full and super content. Happy eating Catie!