Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Merry Christmas!
After a nutty December of grading research papers, submitting final grades, and packing for our trip home, I didn't even send out Christmas cards. So, this is my Christmas card to you, loved ones.
Bryan, Fiona, and I are well and happy. We celebrated Fiona's birthday early this year at Chuck E. Cheese's in Portland, since Daddy wouldn't be with us on Fiona's actual birthday. We had a great time, and Fiona seemed to enjoy the rides. Just between you and me, though, the trip was more for Bryan than Fiona, since he looks longingly at Chuck E. Cheese's every time we pass the building in Beaverton. He's done so for the past 6 years. Lucky for him he can use his child as an excuse to go play video games now.
Fall came and went with break-neck speed. It seemed the school term had just begun when I had to turn around and submit final grades. I'm preparing to teach the next composition class in the "series" of English comp. classes next term, and have been spending part of my Christmas vacation working on a syllabus, lesson plans, and devising cruel and unusal punishment - ahem - I mean interesting, thought-provoking assignments for my students.
Fiona is lapping up all the attention she's received so far from grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins. We brought her to meet Santa at the mall yesterday, and as predicted, she screamed as soon as I set her on his lap. Somehow between the cries of terror, the photographer was able to sneak a tearless photo. And since I never got Christmas cards out this year, some of you will be receiving the aforementioned photo.
Bryan is plugging away at work, and enjoys his new boss who is very encouraging, and has provided a lot of opportunities for Bryan in the last few months. This is a big answer to prayer.
Honestly, God has blessed us in amazing ways this year. He is always providing for us in big and small ways. And, of course, he gave us our precious little pixie this time last year. Watching her grow and develop such a sweet personality has brought us more joy than we ever thought possible.
We hope you and yours have a safe, peaceful, and very merry Christmas, and that God brings you loads of joy, as well.
Bryan, Fiona, and I are well and happy. We celebrated Fiona's birthday early this year at Chuck E. Cheese's in Portland, since Daddy wouldn't be with us on Fiona's actual birthday. We had a great time, and Fiona seemed to enjoy the rides. Just between you and me, though, the trip was more for Bryan than Fiona, since he looks longingly at Chuck E. Cheese's every time we pass the building in Beaverton. He's done so for the past 6 years. Lucky for him he can use his child as an excuse to go play video games now.
Fall came and went with break-neck speed. It seemed the school term had just begun when I had to turn around and submit final grades. I'm preparing to teach the next composition class in the "series" of English comp. classes next term, and have been spending part of my Christmas vacation working on a syllabus, lesson plans, and devising cruel and unusal punishment - ahem - I mean interesting, thought-provoking assignments for my students.
Fiona is lapping up all the attention she's received so far from grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins. We brought her to meet Santa at the mall yesterday, and as predicted, she screamed as soon as I set her on his lap. Somehow between the cries of terror, the photographer was able to sneak a tearless photo. And since I never got Christmas cards out this year, some of you will be receiving the aforementioned photo.
Bryan is plugging away at work, and enjoys his new boss who is very encouraging, and has provided a lot of opportunities for Bryan in the last few months. This is a big answer to prayer.
Honestly, God has blessed us in amazing ways this year. He is always providing for us in big and small ways. And, of course, he gave us our precious little pixie this time last year. Watching her grow and develop such a sweet personality has brought us more joy than we ever thought possible.
We hope you and yours have a safe, peaceful, and very merry Christmas, and that God brings you loads of joy, as well.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Fiona and Friends
Just wanted to share with you some photos of Fiona and a few of her friends here in Portland. More to come soon...
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
October Fun
Hi kids,
Just a quick note and some photos of the month of October in the Bustamante household. Bryan bought Fiona several cute Halloween sleepers, and Fiona dressed as a lady bug for Halloween. Trick or treating was fun. We went to a few houses around our neighborhood, then met up with some friends who have a 2 year old, and trick-or-treated in their neighborhood. Now Mommy is going to have cavities by the Christmas because she can't let Fiona's Halloween candy go to waste. Hello?!?! Hope you are well. Love, the Bustamantes
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Where did summer go?
This summer flew quicker than any I can remember. I suppose this is something we'll have to get used to as Fiona (and we) get older.
It was a summer of many visitors, adventures, and firsts. Uncle John, Papa Sharkey, and cousin Caitlin were here in May; Grandma Dale visited in June; Uncle Russ and Aunt Teresa came in July; Papa and Granny Sharkey swung by in August, followed by great aunt Pam and 2nd cousin Adrienne in September. And Grandma Dale is on her way with Grandpa Rudy next week! Phweew!
In addition to the excitement above, we had a few adventures of our own. Firstly we introduced Fiona to her first Scottish highland games. She didn't cringe at the sound of bagpipes - a promising reaction considering she freaks out when she hears most loud noises, including the blender, vacuum, and coffee grinder. In fact, today she cried when I pulled out the vacuum...I hadn't even turned it on.
We spent a lot of time on the Oregon coast this summer, and Fiona got her fill of sunshine, amazing scenery, and sea gulls. Her daddy discovered Pacific City - a beautiful beach where motorists are allowed to drive onto the beach itself and park. We picnicked out of the back of our Xterra. Granny and Papa also let us tag along with them as they rented a condo in Lincoln City, only a block away from the beach. We were there for a WHOLE WEEK. This was especially glorious for me, as I was not only able to read (for fun), and relax, but the trip also came with a built in cook, maid, and two very willing babysitters. Delightful!
As I mentioned previously, this summer was one of many first for Fiona. We discovered she adores the water, and we're sure she'll be a swimmer in high school as she kicks her legs so hard in the bath, or any other body of water, she soaks anybody or anything within 5 feet. Bathtime has become one of her favorite events. The best is the intense look of determination on her face when she kicks her little legs as hard as humanly possible. Often she's aiming at the rubber duckies in the bath with her.
She also broke her first 2 teeth within the last month. She looks much older now. :(
This summer, Fiona learned to remove her own diaper, much to her mommy's chagrin. One hot day in July, about 15 minutes before I had to leave to teach class, I had just placed dinner in the oven and was on my way upstairs to change, when I glanced at my baby. Since it was warm in the house, I had left her to play on the floor in just a diaper. On my way up the stairs, glanced at my little angel, and noticed she was holding her own diaper...it was barely fastened to her body. It was, of course, quite poopy. Just before it came completely off, I was able to snatch her up by her arm and a poop-smeared leg. I rushed her to the bathroom, and placed her in a waterless tub. I didn't know what else to do! I gave her her quickest sponge bath yet. Meanwhile, the chicken pot pie in the oven burned to a crisp, and I still hadn't changed clothes.
Fiona also learned to wave bye-bye thanks to Granny and Papa's prodding. She also sits up like a pro, and can scoot on her belly in complete circles. She's beginning to figure out that pulling her knees up to her chest helps in propelling her forward. Crawling is right around the corner. She babbles non-stop these days, and has even learned to say "Mama." Although, she mostly says it when she's upset or frustrated. She's figuring out many consonant sounds, and is surely going to be asking for the car keys before too long.
I know there are many things I'm forgetting. But this will have to do for now. We're looking forward to 3 trips within the next 3 months. I will be in my friend's wedding in Los Angeles next month. Then Bryan's off to Denver in November for a leadership academy and training for work. December, of course, is Fiona's 1st birthday and the holidays. We're looking forward to seeing many of you.
Hope you are healthy and happy.
It was a summer of many visitors, adventures, and firsts. Uncle John, Papa Sharkey, and cousin Caitlin were here in May; Grandma Dale visited in June; Uncle Russ and Aunt Teresa came in July; Papa and Granny Sharkey swung by in August, followed by great aunt Pam and 2nd cousin Adrienne in September. And Grandma Dale is on her way with Grandpa Rudy next week! Phweew!
In addition to the excitement above, we had a few adventures of our own. Firstly we introduced Fiona to her first Scottish highland games. She didn't cringe at the sound of bagpipes - a promising reaction considering she freaks out when she hears most loud noises, including the blender, vacuum, and coffee grinder. In fact, today she cried when I pulled out the vacuum...I hadn't even turned it on.
We spent a lot of time on the Oregon coast this summer, and Fiona got her fill of sunshine, amazing scenery, and sea gulls. Her daddy discovered Pacific City - a beautiful beach where motorists are allowed to drive onto the beach itself and park. We picnicked out of the back of our Xterra. Granny and Papa also let us tag along with them as they rented a condo in Lincoln City, only a block away from the beach. We were there for a WHOLE WEEK. This was especially glorious for me, as I was not only able to read (for fun), and relax, but the trip also came with a built in cook, maid, and two very willing babysitters. Delightful!
As I mentioned previously, this summer was one of many first for Fiona. We discovered she adores the water, and we're sure she'll be a swimmer in high school as she kicks her legs so hard in the bath, or any other body of water, she soaks anybody or anything within 5 feet. Bathtime has become one of her favorite events. The best is the intense look of determination on her face when she kicks her little legs as hard as humanly possible. Often she's aiming at the rubber duckies in the bath with her.
She also broke her first 2 teeth within the last month. She looks much older now. :(
This summer, Fiona learned to remove her own diaper, much to her mommy's chagrin. One hot day in July, about 15 minutes before I had to leave to teach class, I had just placed dinner in the oven and was on my way upstairs to change, when I glanced at my baby. Since it was warm in the house, I had left her to play on the floor in just a diaper. On my way up the stairs, glanced at my little angel, and noticed she was holding her own diaper...it was barely fastened to her body. It was, of course, quite poopy. Just before it came completely off, I was able to snatch her up by her arm and a poop-smeared leg. I rushed her to the bathroom, and placed her in a waterless tub. I didn't know what else to do! I gave her her quickest sponge bath yet. Meanwhile, the chicken pot pie in the oven burned to a crisp, and I still hadn't changed clothes.
Fiona also learned to wave bye-bye thanks to Granny and Papa's prodding. She also sits up like a pro, and can scoot on her belly in complete circles. She's beginning to figure out that pulling her knees up to her chest helps in propelling her forward. Crawling is right around the corner. She babbles non-stop these days, and has even learned to say "Mama." Although, she mostly says it when she's upset or frustrated. She's figuring out many consonant sounds, and is surely going to be asking for the car keys before too long.
I know there are many things I'm forgetting. But this will have to do for now. We're looking forward to 3 trips within the next 3 months. I will be in my friend's wedding in Los Angeles next month. Then Bryan's off to Denver in November for a leadership academy and training for work. December, of course, is Fiona's 1st birthday and the holidays. We're looking forward to seeing many of you.
Hope you are healthy and happy.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
June
Lads and Lassies,
June was a wildly busy month, thus, no recent blog updates. Finally, Fiona's taking a nap lasting longer than 45 minutes, so I thought I'd catch up on catching you up.
All's well in our neck of the woods. We enjoyed a visit by Grandma Dale early in the month. In fact, she was a Godsend during my last week of the school term, and she took great care of Fiona while I graded papers and submitted final grades.
Fiona took to her Grandma in no time flat, and gave Grandma some of the best belly laughs yet. She won't even laugh for her own mom and dad that way! We're a little jealous... Grandma swears Fiona is a genius and understands much more than other 6 month olds. Not that she's the least bit partial.... :)
After a week's break, I began teaching on campus two evenings a week. So far, so good. I was a little nervous to leave Fiona all alone with Daddy on the nights I go to class. I wasn't sure if I'd come back to my baby sporting a tattoo or nose ring. But Daddy and Baby are getting along brilliantly. In fact, Fiona's eyes brighten when Daddy comes home, as she knows "this guy's fun!"
Fiona is developing at lightening speed, and we're enjoying all her new "tricks." She's extremely close to rolling over from her back to her front, which is interesting as most babies begin rolling from their front to their back first. Not our little prodigy! She's also becoming interested in sitting up, although she still topples sideways when left alone for more than a few seconds.
She's beginning to use her consonants, and I'm hearing a lot of "ba, ba, ba, ba" these days. She began eating rice cereal at 5 1/2 months when Mama's milk was just not cutting it anymore. Now she's regularly eating sweet potatoes, prunes, rice cereal, and squash. Avocados were not her favorite when they were first introduced, but we're going to try them again soon. Grabbing her feet and rolling from side to side on the floor is her favorite pastime, and she's close to being able to sit up on her own. As you can see, it's been a busy month or so!
Fiona attended her first sports event this past weekend to celebrate a late Father's Day. We watched the Portland Timbers beat Montreal in soccer. Since Daddy has already decided Fiona is going to be his little soccer protégée, he figured we should introduce her to the sport early. She was awestruck by the colors, sounds, and crazy fans, and did amazingly well. Success!
Here are some photos to catch you up. We love you and miss you all.
June was a wildly busy month, thus, no recent blog updates. Finally, Fiona's taking a nap lasting longer than 45 minutes, so I thought I'd catch up on catching you up.
All's well in our neck of the woods. We enjoyed a visit by Grandma Dale early in the month. In fact, she was a Godsend during my last week of the school term, and she took great care of Fiona while I graded papers and submitted final grades.
Fiona took to her Grandma in no time flat, and gave Grandma some of the best belly laughs yet. She won't even laugh for her own mom and dad that way! We're a little jealous... Grandma swears Fiona is a genius and understands much more than other 6 month olds. Not that she's the least bit partial.... :)
After a week's break, I began teaching on campus two evenings a week. So far, so good. I was a little nervous to leave Fiona all alone with Daddy on the nights I go to class. I wasn't sure if I'd come back to my baby sporting a tattoo or nose ring. But Daddy and Baby are getting along brilliantly. In fact, Fiona's eyes brighten when Daddy comes home, as she knows "this guy's fun!"
Fiona is developing at lightening speed, and we're enjoying all her new "tricks." She's extremely close to rolling over from her back to her front, which is interesting as most babies begin rolling from their front to their back first. Not our little prodigy! She's also becoming interested in sitting up, although she still topples sideways when left alone for more than a few seconds.
She's beginning to use her consonants, and I'm hearing a lot of "ba, ba, ba, ba" these days. She began eating rice cereal at 5 1/2 months when Mama's milk was just not cutting it anymore. Now she's regularly eating sweet potatoes, prunes, rice cereal, and squash. Avocados were not her favorite when they were first introduced, but we're going to try them again soon. Grabbing her feet and rolling from side to side on the floor is her favorite pastime, and she's close to being able to sit up on her own. As you can see, it's been a busy month or so!
Fiona attended her first sports event this past weekend to celebrate a late Father's Day. We watched the Portland Timbers beat Montreal in soccer. Since Daddy has already decided Fiona is going to be his little soccer protégée, he figured we should introduce her to the sport early. She was awestruck by the colors, sounds, and crazy fans, and did amazingly well. Success!
Here are some photos to catch you up. We love you and miss you all.
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