Little Lamb

Allison was baptized today at St. Marks Episcopal Church, Washington DC. It was a wonderful ceremony and Allison thought the whole event was exciting. Allison loved all the attention and didn't mind the water or oil on her forhead. I hope she doesn't expect the entire service to be devoted to her each Sunday from now on. She smiled at the congregation and the alter girl behind us through out the ceremony. She is already known as "that happy baby" around the church (hope it stays that way).

St. Mark's is known for their community out reach programs and wonderful childrens programs. We look forward to being a part of this Church in the coming years as Allison grows and learns through their programs/teachings.

This Week's Favs: Amelia & the Jolly Jumper, Judge Allison

This week Allison got to hang out with her friend Amelia who has a "Jolly Jumper"! This jumper is the mother of all jumpers. I bought a cheapo jumper at Babies R Us but I took it back. It just wouldn't do. So, maybe we'll order a Jolly Jumper from New Zealand? Allison had a great time jumping around and was very glad that Amelia was so kind to share with us! (Sorry the video is sideways. I'm still learning...I can rotate pics but not videos.)

We are planning to start feeding Allison some solid foods in the coming days. We have started pulling her to the table at meal times. So she can get use to being in her high chair (from cousin Conner in NJ) during feedings. She likes being at the table and banging her toys on the tray. She especially likes to bang her phone toy on the tray. Probably because it makes the most noise! Jim and I decided that she looks like a crazed judge demanding order in the court room.

Out to Dinner & More Bath Time

We went to dinner at one of our favorite places in DC, Zaytinya. http://www.zaytinya.com/ Here is there website check it out if you get a chance. We love the food and the atmosphere. We promise (Allison and other children permitting) to take anyone who comes to visit us to check it out for themselves! Allison hasn't been the best restaurant patron lately but she was good at Zaytinya. The color scheme is beautiful and there are multiple levels to the dinning area. And since it is topas style, the food comes quickly. Which is good when your out with a little one that can decide dinner is over at any moment. Zaytinya is just a short metro ride from the house and it is across the street from the National Portrait Gallery. We took a photo in front a large sculpture out side the restaurant.

I know I've posted bath videos before but Allison kicking and splashing makes me laugh during every bath. These were taken Saturday night after trekking all over the city in 95 degree weather. I hope they make you smile and laugh!

Sea Girt, NJ

We visited Jim's parents at the shore in NJ last week. Mr. & Mrs.Tuite have a beautiful house only few blocks from the ocean!! I got to enjoy some beach time, while Allison hung out with her grandparents. Mr.& Mrs. Tuite both put in some serious stroller time to keep Allison happy!!
Allison didn't get any sand between her toes on this trip. She is in her stroller on the boardwalk in the picture above. I did take her for a walk in the sand but she was in the ergo baby carrier. Maybe next trip she'll get to be a real "Jersey Girl" and play on the beach. We also got a picture of Allison with her Dad in her great, great grandmother's rocking chair.

Flash, Boom

We went to visit my friend Lori in PA for the 4th of July. Lori has two little girls (Sienna 5yrs, and Emerald 2yrs in picture above). Lori's husband Jason shoots the fireworks for some of the big shows on the East coast. So, Lori and I loaded up the munchkins and headed to Long's Park in Lancaster, PA to watch the fireworks. Jason's friend loaned us some ear protection for Allison (as you can see above). Allison was a good sport about wearing the ear muffs. She didn't fight them at all. Especially after the cannons that were shot pre-fireworks. I took the ear muffs off for a minute and of course that's when they shot the cannons. She started crying and I felt like an idiot!! But once they were on and the fireworks started, she had no complaints. The second picture was taken while the fireworks were going off and as you can see, she wasn't really phased by them. I think living in the city and constantly hearing sirens (day & night) she isn't bothered by loud noises.

Pool Pary

Our friends down the street (Belinda, Gregg & Amelia) hosted a pool party for parents & babies. Belinda & Amelia are in the first picture above. We had a great time. It was the first time several of the babies had been in a pool. Most seemed to like it. The girls took to the cool water better than the boys, which surprised the mommies. The water was a bit cold for this southern girl but since Allison is half "Jersey Girl" she went in. I sat on the side of the pool and rested Allison on my feet in the water. She kicked happily, just like bath time.

Shades

Daddy is leaving tomorrow for a week. So, he came home early today. We walked around the Hill and shared some family time together! We walked up to Union Station(big train/metro station). The station has several restaurants, a food court and stores. It is a great place to grab a bite and hang out on hot days. Allison fell asleep in the stroller with her shades on. She got lots of complements on her "cool kid" look but she slept through most of them.

Jim and I joke that the stroller restraint straps look like a parachute harness. The little canapy on the stroller has a clear plastic window on top. When you are pushing the stroller, you can see down inside to check on you munchkin. But if the stroller manfunctions or we are about to be in a mid-sidewalk collision, she can "punch out" and land safely nearby!!