The Bakers

Christmas 2011

2011-12-30T14:02:00.000-08:00

We spent the holiday nestled in a perfect New England Christmas. We loved having family here and are still sad everyone had to go home!

A few highlights:

Decorating GeeGa's tree. The kids loved the train she had to go around it!

Of course, a day spent shopping at LL Bean

Snow! And just in time to build the best (and I do mean best!) snowman on the block. These girls have the greatest dads!

That's how we do cold in Maine

We baked some sugar cookies

And had an amazing Christmas Eve dinner

New jammies for Christmas eve

Christmas morning was magic with the kids.

Untitled from Emily Baker on Vimeo.

Although this might have won for best present this year. Bravo guys! Bravo!

The birthday girl and Uncle Owen!

GeeGa and baby Liv

Aunt Amy, Uncle Bryan, Jo, and Liv

Come again SOON! We love love love you!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2011-12-15T08:13:00.000-08:00

We are so excited to have my family coming for a white Christmas (well let's cross our fingers for some snow . . . I can't believe I just said that!) and we've been busy getting ready.

And with a star on top I think we are ready! Hooray!

Candy Cane Train

2011-12-13T06:45:00.000-08:00

We live in Maine. Now what better way to celebrate Christmas here than taking a ride on the Polar Express Train?! None, I say, none!

Despite the fact that is has been warm, sunny, and no sign of snow for all of December, we still had a blast on the train ride complete with decorations, cookies, elves, and Santa.

Reading the Polar Express with Santa's Elf

Enjoying cookies from Mrs. Claus

Someone just spotted Santa for the first time!

And . . . maybe not so much this year! There is always next year right?!

(I'm thinking this guy really did come straight from the North Pole!)

New York Marathon

2011-11-08T06:56:00.000-08:00

For three years Chris has been trying to get into the lottery to run the New York City Marathon. This was it -- the big one, the one to run, his marathon. This was his year!

He trained hard and when the weekend finally came for the race, we could not have been more excited to head down to the city for the weekend to cheer him on.

On a perfect and gorgeous fall day HE DID IT! He finished the New York City Marathon in 4 hours and 20 min. He was exhausted and sore, but he did an amazing job!

We spent the night before the race enjoying dinner and walking around Rockefeller Center. And of course, eating bags and bags of roasted nuts!

Caroline wanted to make her own signs to cheer daddy on. A great way to start the race :)

The NY Marathon is incredible. 47,000 people running and over 2 million spectators. Standing in the sun, surrounded by people cheering -- it was exhilarating just to be part of the crowd!

Run Chris Run!

Perhaps my two favorite shots. One is the first time he saw us at mile 18. The other is him saying "don't let me do this again" at mile 22.

Dad's personal cheering section!

Uncle Owen and Aunt Kelly made the trip up to help cheer Chris on. We had such a great time and could not have made it around the city without Kelly. And naturally, Caroline loves loves loves Aunt Kelly. She is still talking about her!

The next day we took C to the greatest toy store in the world. I think the look on her face says it all.

"Can I go in yet . . . ?" "I'll just gather a few toys . . . like every single one I can hold . . . "

Playing the Big Piano

We love you Christopher and we are so proud of you for completing the marathon!

Cheers to a fantastic weekend in New York City!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T18:46:00.000-07:00

Birthday Girl!

2011-10-22T07:35:00.000-07:00

CAROLINE ANNE BAKER

Two Years Old

Happy Birthday to our sweet two year old!

We can't believe you are two already -- where have the last two years gone?

We have loved every second of it!

Especially, lately:

You amaze us everyday with new full sentences

and make us laugh with the best comments

You ask everything that falls if it is ok -- including any object. "You ok book/baby doll/umbrella?"

Your favorite phrase is "Whoa, indeed!" (always with emphasis of course :) )

Your favorite movie is Tangled and you inform me daily that you are, in fact, the lost princess!

You can sing all your favorite songs and want to do it "by self!" You sit in your car seat and sing, sing, sing in your best voice!

You are sweet, loving, and always concerned for those around you.

We are so proud of you and we love you very much!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY sweet girl!

xoxo,

Dad and Mom

The Fair

2011-10-07T08:03:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it is fall already again. I love the fall here in Maine and, naturally, we had to visit the veritable smorgasbord, orgasbord . . . the Cumberland County Fair.

We decided to go on a Friday and enjoy the fair by night and lights this year.

We made it in time to cheer on Wilbur in the pig races

That's some pig!

We had a long chat with the goose. "Salutations. Salu-what? It's just my fancy way of saying hello"

C double-A double-R double-O double-L double-I double-N double-E. This girl loves the carousel!

The same can not be said about the super slide.

Note to self for next year: skip the super slide ;)

We love visitors!

2011-09-28T13:19:00.001-07:00

We were lucky to have Joelle and Ella come to visit us for a week and play.

And play we did! It was gorgeous fall weather -- perfect for seeing Maine.

These girls became fast friends!

The Portland Headlight

Just reading in their tent!

And of course, what visit would be complete without a visit to LL Bean! ;)

Thanks for coming you guys! We miss you already!

Storyland

2011-09-04T13:50:00.000-07:00

Over Labor Day we decided to take Caroline to the local "theme" park in New Hampshire -- Storyland!

It is based on all of the Mother Goose rhymes and is a cute mix of fun rides and a little Mother Goose village. Time to brush up on all your old nursery rhymes!

Dad, Mom and GeeGa hanging out and riding the train around the park

Just driving my tractor around the farm!

Peter Peter, pumpkin eater, had a wife . . . well, you know the rest ;)

That little Miss Muffet isn't so sure about her tuffet . . . or that spider.

All in all, we had a fun time!

Coming your way in March 2012

2011-08-18T14:09:00.001-07:00

A little blurry but you read that right! Caroline is going to be a big sister in March!

She is so excited and can't stop talking about the "baby in tummy." She is going to be a great big sister. We can't wait.

When I grow up

2011-08-14T14:08:00.000-07:00

Chris is training for the New York marathon in November.

So is Caroline.

Utah

2011-08-07T14:07:00.000-07:00

After California we headed back to Utah for another week of serious fun with cousins. We spent the week in Midway enjoying the gorgeous Utah mountains, and singing Edelweiss (ok fine, true, I have a song for everything!).

We were lucky to have dinner with Grandma and Grandpa Jones who came down from Idaho for the day.

The Girls Club. C was in absolute heaven with these two. We love "Byn and Anameal"

The cousins . . . who spent pretty much the entire vacation in the pool. They couldn't get enough!

An awesome adults only dinner out to celebrate Erin's birthday.

Of course, no visit to Park City would be complete without a ride on the Alpine Slide.

We miss our cousins like crazy already!!! We love you!

California

2011-07-31T14:07:00.000-07:00

After the weekend in Utah we headed to California to meet this sweet new angel:

Olivia Ruby Foulger

Born on June 29th, 2011

We are in love! And by we, I particularly mean Caroline who wanted to "hold baby" all day everyday! It was the first thing she talked about every morning: she would open her eyes and say "Go see baby Liv?"

A few highlights from this trip:

Swimming in the pool everyday

A sneaky Caroline putting her arm around Jo and saying (in her sweetest voice, of course) "Come on! Come on Jo!" And where did I find them? Jumping on the bed, falling down, and laughing at each other hysterically. Reminds me of two other sisters I know who think they are the funniest things . . . ever. But I wouldn't know who that is . . . ;)

Uncle Bryan (who, after a few tears, Caroline became obsessed with) teaching C how to "blow it up." Now she walks around with her little fist in a ball and says "Blow it up Mom!" BOOM!

Uncle Christopher spending a whole day watching C and Jo so the mom's could have a day off. Love you babe!

We can't think of a better way to spend our summer than with family and cousins.

We love you!

From the Beginning . . . California 2011 from Emily Baker on Vimeo.

Grandpa Smoot

2011-07-15T14:05:00.000-07:00

Wendell M Smoot Jr.

1/15/1921 - 7/3/2011

I will always remember my grandfather as the great man that he was. I have countless memories of fishing at the cabin, time spent with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and dinners filled with amazing stories and funny comments.

When we got the call that he had passed away, we got on the first plane to Salt Lake City to be with family. It was a wonderful funeral and good time spent with my cousins and their children playing, laughing, and reminding us that life is short and so important.

Aunt Monetta and all the great-grandchildren at the viewing

A lovely luncheon at the Country Club

We love you. We will miss you.

Fourth of July!

2011-07-04T12:48:00.000-07:00

You can't beat the summers in Maine.

This year to celebrate the 4th of July we spent the day at the beach, indulged in ice cream, and caught the local parade.

The Freeport Parade. LL Bean Boot and all! ;)

We capped off the night with sparklers . . . which C was not too fond of!

El-boo-ter

2011-06-24T05:46:00.000-07:00

What can we say? This kiddo loves el-boo-ters (translation: elevator)!

Untitled from Emily Baker on Vimeo.

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T12:40:00.000-07:00

Palo Alto

2011-06-08T11:43:00.000-07:00

Over Memorial Day Chris had business in Palo Alto so Caroline and I decided to tag along to see friends and take a little walk down Memory Lane.

A few highlights:

Sunday brunch with Colin, Amy and Eden Sturt. Seriously, could she be any more adorable?! I think not!

Couldn't come to California without a stop at The. Best. Cupcake Shop. Ever.

Happy times on 1120 College Ave.

Her new bestie Ella

Happy Hollow with Joelle and Ella

A delicious BBQ with the most adorable set of twins on the planet. And of course, time to catch up with cousins that we definitely miss living close too. (how is this the only photo I got of all of them!)

Story time with Aunt Amanda. Caroline LOVED Aunt Amanda. And I'd say she looks pretty smitten with Graham there.

Lunch with my old coworkers and her other new bestie Taylor. I'm pretty sure she would have gone right home with Taylor and not looked back!

Playtime in the park with friends. We were all pregnant when Chris and I moved so it was fun to meet all these darling new babies!

Going to school!

I love these two so much.

All in a day's work

2011-05-20T11:30:00.000-07:00

How your husband, who puts "medical" super glue into people's brains, fixes the finger you just cut while slicing vegetables in the kitchen.

Date Night

2011-04-27T09:46:00.000-07:00

I have the greatest husband ever. Hands down.

Ever since Jr. High, and my first concert at the Canyons, I have had one massive crush on Harry Connick Jr.

*sigh*

(and I do wish I could find that photo of Beka Stephenson and myself, in all our 13 year old glory, screaming like mad women at said concert)

For our anniversary this year Chris surprised me with 10th row tickets to Harry Connick Jr. down in Boston.

Happy Easter 2011

2011-04-24T09:41:00.000-07:00

Spain!

2011-04-23T12:03:00.000-07:00

I'll be honest, Maine gets a little dreary around April. Ok, A LOT dreary. I'm talking don't bother getting out from under your covers! The snow is still piled high and we are wearing winter clothes dreaming about the day we might actually see some sunshine.

Chris had two weeks off so we decided to have an adventure to escape the winter doldrums.

Dear Maine: I love you, but not so much in the winter. I'll see you June.

Off to Spain we went! It was A-MA-ZING.

*fair warning for a ridiculous picture overload*

(but hey, I want to remember our trip!)

After a fairly easy 8 hour overnight flight (thank you Elmo and an Iphone!) into Madrid, we decided to try and beat jet lag and went right out to sight see.

First stop was El Escorial, a monastery and mausoleum for Spanish Royalty. It was incredible. Someone told us it was the most pure form of Spanish architecture.

The Royal Palace

Being an art history person, the Museo del Prado was on my bucket list. It did not disappoint.

There were lots of adorable parks on wide, tree-lined streets. We had to stop at them all :)

After 3 days in Madrid we took the Ave (high speed train) to Seville. It was gorgeous, old southern Spain. Exactly like we imagined it!

Real Alcazar Palace - Southern Spain is significant for its amazing Moorish architecture

The tomb of Christopher Columbus

We ate endless tapas at small, out of the way bars. The food was unreal!

Time for some Flamenco!

The best way to ride

Quite possibly my favorite part of our trip: this small cobblestone alley bordering the outside palace wall. It was filled with shops and delicious restaurants

We finished off our trip with four days in Barcelona. It is a modern and fast paced city.

First we had to stop for a day at the beach so we could dip our toes in the Mediterranean ocean. Let's just say, people watching was quite the experience! ;)

I spy with my little eye . . .

We took in all of Gaudi's architecture, including Casa Mila and Sagrada Familia (two of his most famous buildings)

Montjuic hill and Olympic Park

Everywhere we went people loved children. This sweet lady talked to Caroline for almost 45 minutes! Chris had to keep translating . . .

And we ate gelato every single day. Naturally.

This kiddo was a trooper. She did amazing!

The best part was watching Caroline exclaim "WOW" to everything in Spain . . . mostly glass elevators and the metro pulling into the station :)

Untitled from Emily Baker on Vimeo.

Fairy Dust

2011-03-23T08:25:00.000-07:00

This is how Caroline fell asleep last night.

Just in case she should be awakened with an urgent need for a pumpkin coach and a pair of glass slippers!

And if one wand breaks, at least she has a backup!

It's all about the hair

2011-03-23T07:46:00.000-07:00

After months of scraggly pony tails Caroline needed another haircut. It's only her third in 17 months :p

She has a lot of hair but it is super fine still so we went with an A-line bob. Well done I say, well done!

And then I realized my one year old morphed into a 5 year old before eyes . . .

Can you maybe stop with the growing up please? It really is bitter-sweet. :)

Cousins

2011-03-14T10:53:00.000-07:00

We escaped the winter weather to head to ... wait, a little more winter weather?! Guess we can't get enough of it. (not true, I can! I can! and I have!)

A quick trip to ski and see cousins. We love our cousins!

Matching Valentine's jammies. Blurry, but hey, getting these two to hold still is impossible

They loved the zoo! I'm pretty sure this guy was just going to lean right over that fence and eat the kiddos for lunch!

Matching!

Mood eyes

(I'm serious, they turn different colors with the weather. Don't ask me where she got that awesome trait from. We don't know! But we love it!)

'Are we sure about this . . .?' 'Yes! Let's do it again . . . and again . . . and again . . .'

Four generations. Grandpa and Grandma Jones, Camille, Chris, Caroline

Ok, everyone smile! No?

That's more like it!

Who ordered the snow?!

2011-02-26T07:24:00.000-08:00

Not much has been going on around here.

Just a little of this . . .

And some more of this . . .

And maybe some of this . . .

Caroline is still not sure what she thinks of all this white stuff

We'll see you when we come out of hibernation . . . in 3 months . . . ;)

You know you're a parent when . . .

2011-01-17T09:02:00.001-08:00

Your little girl puts her doll down for a nap with you,

and you don't even flinch.

Sneak Peek . . .

2011-01-16T16:26:00.000-08:00

The living room furniture is finally in!

Before:

After:

Thanks to this A-MA-ZING lady. Check out her work here. Trust me, you will not be disappointed!

More to come . . .

That's how we roll

2011-01-05T13:49:00.000-08:00

Because *someone* has to wear her puffy coat at all times . . .

And really, pants? Who needs them.

Time to put the baby away!

2011-01-02T13:42:00.000-08:00

Every night Caroline puts herself away in the cupboard . . .

But don't worry, we get her out each morning to play! :p

Christmas 2010

2010-12-30T12:18:00.000-08:00

We spent Christmas 2010 in California. We packed ourselves up and headed for some sunshine!

Before we left we were lucky to have my mom come out to visit. Caroline sure loves Gee-Ga!

On to some serious adventures!

We spent a day at the Long Beach Aquarium.

Caroline could not get enough of running around and looking at all the fish.

Hello

We walked to Balboa Island, rode the carousel and indulged in the best treat in town . . . a Frozen Banana!

Now that's the way to cruise!

This kiddo is on the move . . . at all times!

We made gingerbread houses. We have some serious creativity in this group.

The Allen family. It was so great to see you! We love you!

New jammies for Christmas Eve

Christmas morning!

Chris, Adrienne and Drew

Thank you so much for such a wonderful trip Grandpa and Grandma Baker. We had a great time! We love you!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T08:48:00.000-08:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2010-12-12T13:25:00.000-08:00

We're having fun getting Christmas ready at our house!

"Seriously guys, can you hurry up? This is my photo shoot!"

Later we picked out a Christmas tree and set to decorating!

"Does this say how to do it dad?"

And to finish it off, the star on top!

Best Friends

2010-11-26T13:29:00.000-08:00

I love it when this little girl comes to town! She brings my best friend with her!

We sure LOVE these two!

D.C.

2010-11-11T07:16:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we decided to take a quick trip to DC to enjoy the fall leaves, see great friends and spend time with family.

We drove down through New Jersey so we could see where Chris grew up. It was beautiful!

Proud papa heading right down memory lane :) C and I loved hearing all about it!

The National Mall

Time to catch up with dear friends Pat and Erika from Palo Alto (now living in DC).

I MISS this girl!!! I need my daily doses of her incredible energy and attitude. Now that we're both on the East Coast we can get together, what, every weekend? ;) Yes! It was so great to catch up. We LOVE you guys!

Can't stop me now!

2010-11-05T08:43:00.000-07:00

These Boots are made for Walking

2010-11-05T06:40:00.000-07:00

Or something like that . . . .

. . . in any shoe she can find!

Halloween 2010

2010-11-04T05:56:00.000-07:00

Halloween in our neighborhood is loaded with all sorts of FUN!

The Branch Trunk-or-Treat. No one is looking at the camera but hey, at least the moms look great! ;)

You're a ladybug?! I'm a ladybug too!

At the Branch party Caroline decided it would be the perfect time to finally take more than 2 steps all by herself! Hooray Caroline!

LL Bean Festival of Pumpkins

5,000 carved, lighted Pumpkins galore!

We love Grammies!

Neighborhood parade led by the fire department

Busted!

Hope you had a great Halloween!

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

2010-11-02T13:07:00.000-07:00

I think I had a birthday this year . . . maybe? 29 . . . again? Eh, who's counting.

We celebrated with a girl's afternoon out!

We put the top down, turned up the tunes, and enjoyed an afternoon with no kiddos ;)

Thanks for the great time ladies! Love you all!

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-29T09:15:00.000-07:00

Hip Hip Hooray for Uncle Owen and Aunt Kelly coming to town to help Caroline celebrate her birthday!

We started the day off with a trip to the Pumpkin Patch. It was freezing, but we had a blast!

We went to the petting barn and took a turn down the Frakenslide

The 3-D Haunted Circus. True story.

We went on a Haunted Hay Wagon ride

And picked out our pumpkin for carving later that night.

It's Her Party

2010-10-29T09:07:00.000-07:00

On Saturday night it was time to CELEBRATE!

When I was little my birthday always consisted of the same thing . . . carving pumpkins, a haunted house, a sleepover, and of course the Halloween headbands! Halloween and October birthdays just wouldn't be quite the same without a few bobbing pumpkins on your head! Naturally, I had to pass the tradition on :)

I repurposed a few of our Halloween decorations and invited our friends over for a small BBQ and party.

Who's the birthday girl? Me!

We love Uncle Owen and Aunt Kelly!

Aunt Kelly knows how to get the party started!

Carving pumpkins

Halloween headbands live forever

Happy Birthday Caroline! We love you!

She mostly ignored her cake for eating, but it sure was great for playing in!

Thanks for the great party! Goodnight!

Birthday Girl!

2010-10-28T07:24:00.000-07:00

On Caroline's actual birthday we met dad at the most DELICIOUS cupcake shop (with the greatest name!) for her first taste of a little something sweet . . .

. . . which she promptly spit out and pushed away! Definitely NOT my child if doesn't like chocolate! ;) But I must admit, I was pretty proud of her! Hope we can keep that one up!

One

2010-10-22T09:01:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAROLINE!

Did our little girl really just turn one?!

Sweet Caroline, good times never seemed so good.

We were inclined, to believe they never would.

Our Sweet Caroline!

We can't believe how fast a whole year has gone by! And we have loved every second of you -- now can you please stop growing up and stay just as you are?! We absolutely adore and love you. You have brought so much joy into our home.

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!

We LOVE you!

xoxo

Mom and Dad

They'll be coming 'round the Mountain

2010-10-12T14:23:00.000-07:00

Grandpa and Grandma Baker came to visit and we sure had a great time! Here are just a few of the fun things we did:

First things first, I'll help them unpack

Dinner at hands down the best restaurant in Maine

Read stories and held hands on car rides

Practiced walking

Big C, Little C, and Grandma C!

A great new t-shirt! And yes, I sure do love both my CB's ;)

Hiking and leaf peeping in Acadia

Thanks for visiting us! We love you guys! Come again soon!

T-E-R-R-I-F-I-C

2010-10-06T11:04:00.000-07:00

A fall time favorite in Maine is the Cumberland County Fair. After multiple lines quoted from Charlotte's Web, we packed ourselves up on a beautiful Saturday afternoon and made it to the fair. C double A double R double O . . . well, you know the rest.

We tried to make it in time for the pig races (go Wilbur!) but sadly, we just missed it. We had a great time at the petting zoo though!

Kid to Kid!

We sang "Chin up, chin up. Everybody loves a happy face" to the cows

(ok, fine. Again, maybe I was the only one singing Chin Up to the cows)

And even took a spin on the Merry-g0-Round!

And of course, we indulged in fresh picked, Maine made apple crisp. Did you know, that the fair is a veritable smorgasbord (orgasbord, orgasbord) after the crowds have ceased . . . ? :)

I'm with the Band

2010-10-01T12:54:00.000-07:00

Because everyone needs to be able to fall asleep with a Kazoo that matches their jammies.

I love October

2010-10-01T10:28:00.000-07:00

And I really love Halloween. So naturally, we are all ready to welcome the holiday season!

Happy October 1st!

Shower Stories, Part 2

2010-09-29T18:10:00.000-07:00

After a particularly successful game of 'empty the bathroom drawers and throw as many things as I can in the tub before my mom gets out of the shower' . . .

. . . it got very, very quiet. Still somewhat new to this part, I didn't think to look and enjoyed the last few minutes of a hot shower.

Goodbye long, luxurious showers. It's been nice knowing you.

Shower Stories, Part 1

2010-09-22T14:54:00.000-07:00

Today I took a shower . . .

The culprit

Fleeing the scene of the crime . . . with her loot of course!

Peek-a-boo

2010-09-21T13:09:00.000-07:00

Caroline's new favorite game in which she crouches down thinking we can't see her and pops back up. It's hysterical and endless entertainment.

Mini Me - The Emily Edition

2010-09-11T13:36:00.000-07:00

I think I'm finally starting to see some of my genes. Guess they weren't out of town after all! ;)

Take me out to the Ballgame

2010-09-09T15:04:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows Chris knows he loves New England sports . . . particularly the Red Sox. So we couldn't wait to take Caroline to her first baseball game!

We started small scale and spent a family night at the Portland Sea Dogs game.

After explaining the game . . .

She was ready to cheer on our team!

We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and so did Little C. Time for the Major Leagues!

Ready to go in her big girl car seat

Fenway Park

"I'm going to need some Red Sox gear. How about this hat? No. Maybe this one . . ."

And when the entire ballpark sings to you, well, that's just pretty darn cool!

Heat Wave

2010-08-31T16:45:00.000-07:00

It's been hot. I mean, really REALLY HOT. And humid.

A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

10 Months

2010-08-22T15:03:00.000-07:00

I know it is cliche to say where is the time going, but really?! Where is the time going!?

This little bug is 10 months old already and we are loving every second of it. They say each phase keeps getting better, but if I could freeze time right now I would in a heartbeat! I'm loving this part!

She push crawls with only one knee down

Drops everything and then goes 'uh ooooohhhh'

She purses her lips and goes 'oh'

She can stand all by herself

Says mama and dada

*but not necessarily always to the right person yet!*

Calls out every time the phone rings

Can find hours of entertainment licking her reflection in every stainless steel surface in our house

Loves to play peek-a-boo with her dad and a blanket every night

Shrieks -- in delight, while laughing, during church -- pretty much any time

Can climb the stairs, and fast!

*which gives me a daily heart attack*

"Wha' Happened . . .?'

Still growing . . . checking in at 21.8 pounds and 29 3/4 inches

Thinks life is a party in her honor, and you know what?! We think she's right!

We LOVE, Love, love you Caroline Anne!

The Maine Adventures of Thing 1 and Thing 2

2010-08-10T14:01:00.000-07:00

Amy and Jo came to visit us for a week in Maine and we had the best time! For a week after, Caroline crawled down the hall each morning and looked into the guest room for her cousin.

These two peas in a pod cooked up quite the list of adventures together!

Palling around in their matching jammies

Afternoons at the park

Figuring interesting ways out of interesting predicaments

"You stay there and I'll climb on you and up over this chair . . ."

Played with the girls in the mirror

Practiced their standing

Got into mischief . . .

Caught you!

And got into a little more mischief . . .

Because what day is complete without playing in the toilet!

We had crawling races down the hall

Went to the beach

And even painted our toes! (yes, yes I did)

We LOVE you guys! Thanks for coming to see us!

Keeping On

2010-08-07T13:55:00.000-07:00

Two more rooms down . . . (well, they are still coming but I'm fulfilling requests for more pictures!)

On the Move

2010-07-24T15:58:00.000-07:00

For a long time there Caroline got around by kicking her legs like a frog and scoot, scoot, scooting around on her bum. A few day's ago she figured out something new . . .

Taking a closer look . . .

2010-07-22T19:01:00.000-07:00

'Mom, look! That girl in the glass is back!'

'Who are you really . . . ?'

Yarmouth Clam Festival

2010-07-19T10:37:00.000-07:00

Perhaps the most popular event of a Maine summer is the Yarmouth Clam Festival. Don't ask me why they celebrate the clam because I still haven't figured it out, but it sure was fun! The local businesses/churches/groups set up booths that raise money for the community charities. Any delicious Maine treat you can dream up, they had it!

We made it just in time for the parade in which little C had the best seat in the house to watch Mr. Clam and the LL Bean Boot go by.

"I'd like to thank the Academy . . ."

*doesn't it kinda look like she's accepting an award!*

We indulged on crab rolls, fresh lemonade, and homemade cookie ice cream sandwiches

Scott, Michelle and Nathan. Glad you guys came to Maine! Come back k?

First Tooth!

2010-07-18T13:40:00.000-07:00

Caroline finally got her first tooth!

Have you ever tried to take a picture of a baby's tooth? It's pretty much impossible. This is the one and only time I've actually been able to get it on camera, right after she thoroughly enjoyed some spaghetti squash (and so did the rest of the kitchen!)

Sunday night at the Crab Races

2010-07-11T19:21:00.000-07:00

Just down the block from our house is Town Landing - a picturesque harbor where people keep their sailboats. It is truly beautiful in the summer.

My great friend Callie!

After a few last words of advice . . .

She's ready to set sail! Ahoy!

Apparently the Sunday night activities include crab racing. Yes, you read me right, crab racing! I'll admit, it was funny! And fun! (and don't worry, no crabs were harmed in the making of this post)

C's favorite new toy is a red plastic crab for the bath . . . the real one was not so friendly.

And they're off!!

Sadly, Crabby (our crab) did not fare so well in races. He was a slow mover. We cheered him on until he made it safely back to the water . . . in last place.

Unpack . . . ?

2010-07-10T17:29:00.000-07:00

. . .Or PLAY?

Well, considering we have only unpacked the kitchen so far, I'd say we've been playing!

And I think we'll keep enjoying the summer sun, thank you very much! The house will unpack itself at some point right . . . ? ;)

4th of July

2010-07-06T19:23:00.001-07:00

Our 4th of July was a weekend packed full of fun! Chris had a 3 day weekend and even though we just moved, we decided to throw in the towel on unpacking boxes and PLAY!

It has been HOT HOT HOT here so we took full advantage of the beautiful sunshine.

We spent Saturday at the beach

and dipped our toes in the freezing cold ocean

On Sunday we had a bar-b-que with friends

And Caroline even had her first swim!

She wasn't too sure what she thought about that so we let her sit on the edge and kick her feet for awhile . . .

Pretty soon she was loving it and splashing around

And of course, to top off our weekend, we ran outside to meet the ice cream man when he came by our house!

True story

Summer in Maine? Loving it.

It's Official!

2010-06-29T07:50:00.001-07:00

We just signed the papers on our new house! We move in tomorrow!

Child and Mortgage?

We are now officially Grown Up . . .

And we could not be loving life anymore than right now

Wish they all could be California Girls

2010-06-26T14:25:00.000-07:00

Caroline's first trip to the beach!

She wasn't too fond of the sand or the ocean . . . We'll keep working on it! ;)

Her new friend Nathan!

We definitely enjoyed the beautiful sunshine! Hooray for Maine beaches!

Acadia

2010-06-21T15:42:00.000-07:00

The other day Chris came home with a giant box and a big grin on his face. What was in the box you ask?

This sweet baby carrier backpack!

(and yes it does actually come with the teddy bear, which is incidentally C's favorite new toy)

So of course we packed up for the weekend to try the new backpack! I had never been to Acadia National Park and Chris was excited to show us the beautiful Maine Coastline.

We spent the first night in Bar Harbor walking around and eating lobster ice cream

Ok fine, we didn't actually eat lobster ice cream (although they do have it, but let's be honest, lobster and ice cream just don't go together!).

Caroline loved the backpack! She had the best time back there! And of course I had to try it when Chris said it was really easy to carry . . .

And he was right! It was pretty easy! With one drawback: she was in prime hair pulling position. . .

and she indulged.

We went to the top of Cadillac Mountain where little C had the best view of all

Ready for a nap!

We had an amazing time, one ridiculously handsome tour guide (I admit, I love seeing my husband in his element), and one very happy kiddo.

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-20T17:36:00.000-07:00

Caroline is definitely a Daddy's girl!

Happy Father's Day Brain!

We love you so much!

Just a random Tuesday

2010-06-12T14:19:00.000-07:00

In which I decided to play with Chris's new camera and, ahem, *shamlessly* tried to copy my cousin Julianne's photographs of Jo. (She is an incredible photographer -- check out her work here) Julianne, can you come to my house next?! ;)

I would love to take a class and learn some basics about photography, editing and lighting. But for now I think I'll leave it to the experts. At least we had fun and I have a very willing test subject!

When I grow up

2010-06-11T14:59:00.000-07:00

Today Little C went to work to help her dad dictate some cases. She had a lot to say into the microphone . . .

And then she tried to eat it.

On that midnight train to Georgia

2010-06-03T10:47:00.000-07:00

A husband on call and cheap flights to Atlanta = a last minute weekend getaway to see one of my best friends in Georgia!

But let's go back to where this story really begins . . . to a simpler place and time . . .

1999 (was it really that long ago?!) found me living in Quicksilver 303 with two blond cheerleaders having the time of my life. Did we quote Bring It On and tell 'Your Mom' jokes more often than I care to admit? Well, no one hit your buzzer new girl.

We've grown up, gotten married, moved all over the country, had babies (Kristen got a head start on that one and is on number 3!), but still managed to get together when we can. I love these girls and look forward to many more adventures!

This year found all three of us pregnant and due within a month of each other! Baby Abbie was born in August, Cooper in September and Caroline the caboose in October. I was excited to finally meet Cooper and spend some quality time with Kellie on a spontaneous trip to Georgia, Georgia I tell ya . . .

(and yes, I am fully aware of my outfits from college, and yes, all things in Italics are my attempt at a southern accent. And yes, I do wish I could talk with one . . . all the time)

We visited the Botanical Gardens and sat on a bench . . .

where Cooper decided Caroline's bow was just too much to resist

But my, my. I'll just practice batting these Georgia Peach eyelashes

We went to a delicious brunch, sat in plantation chairs and sang Old Man River, he just keeps moving along (ok, maybe only I sang . . .)

Practiced our "signature" pose

And had an impromptu photo shoot

Well my my. If it isn't Miss Caroline Anne Baker. What's that? Who is this handsome devil next to me? Well, that is Mr. Cooper Steven Clark

This kiddo is just the bee's knees, I tell ya. And don't those blue eyes beat all you ever saw?

We love you Kellie and Cooper!

Thank you for such a fun trip! Can't wait to see you again soon!

First Haircut

2010-05-19T11:42:00.000-07:00

It's true what they say . . . I had heartburn my ENTIRE pregnancy. After I gave birth to Caroline, the first thing the nurse said was "Wow, this little girl has a lot of hair!" Hair?! I thought. That's the first thing you are saying about my baby?! Little did I know . . .

They weren't kidding!! Even I had to do a double take. I know it looks like all those lustrous locks came from me (I wish!), but she has her dad to thank for that full head of hair at birth.

People told me it would fall out but it didn't. It just grew and grew. In fact, it grew right into a mullet.

The Before

Let the cutting commence, scissor, STAT.

Really, the look says it all. I think she is most happy for the fact that I can no longer say "P-p-p-p-aaaarty in the back!"

And then I realized my baby is no longer my baby. Someone came and replaced her with a little girl! :(

I think we did alright if I do say so myself. There is a small chance I got out the hair dryer and blew out those gorgeous new locks. I did! True story. Don't judge me.

Jeepers Creepers

2010-05-19T10:14:00.000-07:00

Where'd you get those peepers?!

And the award goes to . . .

2010-05-15T16:37:00.000-07:00

For Mother of the Year

5 seconds later she turned on the water. But was I there taking a picture? Oh yes, yes I was.

Dada

2010-05-15T16:30:00.000-07:00

Listen carefully . . .

Just wishful thinking . . .? I think so, but I'll take it anyway!

*C is sitting on my lap right now completely amused by herself on video, laughing and clapping her hands . . . job well done C, job well done.*

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T16:21:00.000-07:00

Being your mom is the greatest adventure -- the best thing I have ever done, by far.

I am truly blessed. I love you my little love bug!

Solids Score

2010-04-30T05:48:00.000-07:00

Sweet Potatoes and Bananas - 1

Applesauce and Peas - 0

Girls Club

2010-04-27T04:16:00.000-07:00

I love this photo.

I love Owen's total delight in having his picture taken, and that Dylan and Charlie are not so sure it's that good of an idea. I love Christian muggin' for the camera and that William found something more interesting to look at, while Benjamin thinks that must be pretty funny. But most of all, I love that it looks like Bryn just told Anna Camille the most fantastic secret!

The girls are just slightly outnumbered in this crew! When Caroline was born Bryn said to me, "Oh this is perfect, we have another member for the Girls Club."

Caroline has seriously awesome cousins. We love, love, love them and wished we lived closer so Girls Club could be a regular occurrence.

Six Months

2010-04-16T09:31:00.001-07:00

I'm pretty sure I sang her Peter Pan every day and made her promise NEVER to grow up . . .

But she's going to go ahead and do it anyway!

This little girl has us wrapped around every one of those perfect little fingers

She laughs spontaneoulsy at things only she knows are funny

She smiles at the entire world

She is curious about EVERYTHING

She shrieks in absolute pure delight

She sits all by herself

She thinks sleep is boring . . . what can you see when you are asleep anyway?!

*this last one I could do with a little less of :p*

She falls asleep in our arms and we still love it

She babbles all day long in her own secret language

She still lets us call her little bug

She does calisthenics while nursing

She has discovered the frog in her throat . . . during the quietest times in church

*and we shamelessly can't help laughing every time*

At 18 pounds and 27.8 inches she is growing out of everything faster than I can buy it

She thinks the world is a magical place

We think Caroline Anne Baker is pretty darn great. In fact we might be down right in love and obsessed. You have brought more joy into our home than we knew was possible. We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE you little C!

Happy Easter

2010-04-09T12:41:00.001-07:00

We soaked up an incredible (and apparently unusual, ah nuts!) sunny day in Maine.

Happy Easter!

Mini Me - The Christopher Edition

2010-03-29T17:46:00.001-07:00

I think my genes might have been out of town :)

Giggles

2010-03-29T15:15:00.000-07:00

Honestly, I can't get enough of this. Really.

Birthday Boy!

2010-03-26T15:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my sexy husband who turned . . . well, 30 something this year. We celebrated in true birthday boy style with party hats, the birthday flags, and let's not forget the Pez Dispensers. Oh yes, I said pez dispensers.

It was a great year. Happy Birthday babe, I love you!

Today

2010-03-20T08:29:00.001-07:00

Today I realized Caroline's hair is long enough for pigtails . . . Let the fun begin! :)