Happy New Year!

2008 was clearly a great year for Scott and I. We celebrated so many wonderful things - good health, wonderful family & friends, professional success, happiness with each other. Of course, our greatest gift this year was Addison. We certainly had plenty to toast! We can only hope that 2009 is so generous with us.

While most new parents probably stay in on NYE, Scott and I (and Addison, of course) went to a dinner party hosted by our friends Heather and Matt. They are kind enough to be baby friendly which is not always easy when you are itching to ring in the new year playing Rock Band all night - thanks, HH and Matt! We had a great night and enjoyed visiting with everyone and having some yummy champagne to ring in the new year (granted at 7pm versus 12am but who's keeping track).

PS - Addison's party dress was a gift from her friend Maya (and our friend's Crystal and Chris). It is velvety and lined with pink satin and has matching doggie socks. To die for!

Exersaucer Eyes

Scott and I finally broke out Addison's exersaucer this past Sunday. It had been boxed up as Addison needed to be 3 months old to use it and I think we were also aware that once it came out we would be surrendering complete control of the amount of 'plastic fantastic' in our once adult house.

So, with the three month requirement now met and Addison loving to stand more and more, the writing was on the wall. After one quick trip to the storage unit and two not so quick hours in the master bedroom putting it together (no lie, it requires a power drill to assemble), we were up and running. We rapidly discovered that not only was this thing physcially big, it was a big hit with Addison. Note her eyes in the video below (at the bottom) - that's what you call building (or perhaps blowing up?) some brain cells.

Thanks, Auntie Carrie - this thing kicks butt!

T Minus One Week

Yes, it's true. One week from now I will have to leave this sweet little nut at daycare and I will be headed back to work. Okay, technically Scott is leaving her but you get the idea. I am not really even sure what to say about all of that. It is suffice to say I have a lot of emotions and feelings about it that are difficult to sum up with the written word and this is a post that has been 'written' at least two other times and deleted.

I have been so lucky to have so much time with Addison, much more time than many other new moms. And I am lucky enough to really like my job. But dang, it's hard to imagine leaving her somewhere for the whole day. Recently she has been changing so much, so quickly that I hate to miss a minute of it. This has been the subject of more than one conversation between Scott and myself. It usually goes something like this....

Me: But how will she feel when she wakes up at daycare surrounded by strangers...strangers!

Scott: She will be just fine. She'll love seeing new people and other babies.

Me: But no one will love her as much as we do!

Scott: Sigh....

And round and round we go....an endless, useless conversation as in the end I know that SHE will be just fine, probably great in fact. I'LL be the one boohooing in my car and office. But in the end, I will be all right as well. It's just another step in life that will fly by faster than I think. In the meantime, wish me luck!

And just so this post isn't a total downer, check out Addison's first headband/hair accessory. One of her recent gifts that we have enjoyed making her model. Sorry the photo is a little washed out due to the flash!

Merry Christmas

Settle in. This is gonna be a long one!

Addison attended her first mass on Christmas Eve. The outfit above was her 'fancy' dress for Christmas (not to be mistaken for her 'casual wear' throughout the rest of the holidays!). Her dress was very cute and once again she was sporting baby leg warmers to keep her chubby little legs warm in this cool VT weather. I am happy to report that Addison was a total charmer at church. Very pleasant to start and then she slept through most of mass. We attended church at St. Thomas in Underhill Center and I have to say it was a pretty incredible feeling to take Addison up to the alter during communion to have her blessed by Father Rick. I get choked up just thinking about it. It's a funny thing but I have always looked forward to the day when I could bring my baby to that mass and it was a more special feeling then I imagined.

After church, we went to my Aunt Sandy's to spend time with my family. My Uncle Doug is a huge lover of children, especially around the holidays. He was so thrilled to have a new addition in the family as most of the other kids have entered their teenage years and are past playing with toys, etc. Below is some very sweet video of him introducing Addison to a small part of his extensive holiday toy collection. Next year will be even better!

On Christmas Day, Addison started the day modeling her Auntie Mich's 'Baby's 1st Christmas' bib, complete with Mickey Mouse in the front. She loved it and perhaps she is a future Mickey lover in the making!

Addison is a very lucky little girl and she received an embarrassing amount of wonderfully thoughtful gifts. There were far too many to mention but it is safe to say that she is dearly loved and incredibly lucky to have so many wonderful people in her life. Below are included a couple of funny pictures of her enjoying some of her Christmas spoils. She received a tray for her Bumbo seat which instantly made the seat more fun and she expressed her first real interest in a book (cutely titled 'Fluffy Chick'). Doesn't it look like she's actually reading? I'd love to know what is going through her mind in these pictures.


Lots of other cute photos that were taken (including Addison modeling her first headband/bow combo) but unfortunately they were not taken on our camera. I will be sure to share any other notables when I get them from others. In the meantime I will sign off by saying that once again, Scott and I are incredibly grateful for all we have in our life, especially each other and our beautiful daughter.

Merry Christmas to all!

Bring On The Holiday Spirit

Ba Humbug.

Just kidding. What do expect at 6:50am in the morning? A little early for a photoshoot. After a Mommy pep talk, I was able to pull out all the stops for the picture below.

This outfit was given to Addison by her Aunt Pammy in Montana. The whole darn thing is super cute, especially in person. The hat is the perfect holiday accessory and we'll be sporting that well into the new year. Thanks, Aunt Pammy and the rest of the Burkhardt crew!

XOXO

(And yes, in case you were really looking close, Addison is sporting baby leg warmers. So Flashdance, right? Waaayyyy easier than wrestling a pair of tights on a three month old although a little 'flashy' if you know what I mean since you can see her diaper sometimes.)

Day Home with Daddy

(Scott) Today was my long awaited day to be home with Addison while Jill went to work! Jill does not officially go back to work until Jan 5th, but she scheduled a couple half days of work to start to get back into the flow. Addison and I braved the 18" of snow that fell last night and went to the grocery store, where we got our much needed supply for this Christmas week. Jill and I will spend Christmas with her family, at her Aunt Sandy's house nearby where we live. Many family members will be there and a couple will get to see Addison for the first time. I will be off for the most part for the rest of December. Hope all is well with you and yours...

Stowe, Take Two

I call this the 'where am I exactly?' face.



Yesterday Scott, Addison and I made the trek to Stowe again to enjoy some of the great fresh snow we have been getting. I promise I won't write a post every time we go snowboarding as even this one is boring but I had to share the new pics we took yesterday. I would say the one below got the most looks. I promise we were outside for less than one minute with no hat/jacket/etc!

Addison was an angel. She slept like a rock and then was good natured the whole time she was up. Made for a nice day at the mountain!

Three Months

Video from 12/11/08 - 12 weeks old


Dear Addison,

Today you are three months old. Incredible. Daddy and I continue to be amazed at how quickly the time goes by. We learn more about you each day and your smiles and laughter are some of the best parts of our day.

At three months you:

• discovered (to some extent) that you actually control those things at the end of your arms and you now enjoy sucking on as much of your fist/fingers as you can fit in your mouth at one time - it's very cute even though it creates much drool
• continue to have a love affair with your activity mat and it's animals - you are particularly fond of Mrs. Giraffe and Mr. Monkey - you can even grab their legs on your own now - woohoo!
• still love bath time with Daddy and now enjoy kicking around your rubby ducky in the tub
• are 'standing' more and more on our legs and wherever else Daddy lets you (the changing table, your crib, the tub)
• are sitting in your Bumbo seat for a little longer due to your improved neck muscles
• are laughing/coughing and you are talking lots more - sometimes very loudly!
• still are the most fun when you first wake up in the morning - that first smile of the day makes up for any lingering tiredness
• seem to hate falling asleep for naps sometimes which can make things interesting

The next month is sure to be full of all new adventures as you learn more and more every day. You begin daycare and Mommy goes back to work and there will lots of new things to see and do.

We love you, baby girl!

xoxo

Mommy & Daddy

Abominable Snowgirl

On Saturday Addison finally had the chance to wear the super cute sweater cousin Julie sent to her. You can't really tell in the pictures but it has gold thread running through it as well just to give it some extra flair (in case the great pompom isn't enough). Addison loved her new sweater and enjoyed modeling the hood as you can see.

Pre-Birth Adventures

I have been meaning to write this type of post for awhile now. I doubt it will be terribly interesting for others but it is for Addison more than anyone else. Feel free to skip reading and return later in the week for more Addison hijinks!

Dear Addison,

I thought it would be neat if you could read about some of the things you did with Mommy before you were born. Daddy and I certainly had some fun experiences while we were waiting for your arrival on the outside. I know you enjoyed yourself, especially when you could kick me to tell me your opinions!

Some highlights of things you did while in Mommy's belly:

• In late January 2008 you went snowboarding in Utah at Snow Basin and Snowbird - in big powder no less and yes, you kicked fanny
• Went to a Tracy Lawrence concert at Higher Ground with Daddy - wondered if you could hear the music - it was good but LOUD
• Saw the Essex Memorial Day parade with Daddy, Gram B, Aunt Amy, cousin Tyler, Aunt Stephanie, Aunt Sandy & Uncle Doug - saw cousin Ryan playing his drums with the marching band
• Traveled to Tampa, FL in early June 2008 for a girl's weekend with your Auntie's from Syracuse - floated in the ocean for a looonnngg time - you loved it
• Traveled to Quebec City, Quebec in late June 2008 with Daddy for a babymoon - our last 'big' trip before you were going to join us in the fall
• Walked all around the old city of Quebec and even took you on a ghost tour of the city
• Lit candles in different churches around Quebec to pray for your protection while in Mommy's belly and to show how thankful we were for your upcoming arrival
• Attended the South Hero, VT 4th of July parade and went to the Boardman camp - soaked Mommy's feet in the cool waters of Lake Champlain
• Joined a pre-natal yoga class and learned to appreciate some of those hippie moves
• Walked to the ice cream stand in Essex to get a creeme with Daddy - we liked vanilla with chocolate sprinkles
• Went to Sandbar State Park on Lake Champlain to enjoy some sun while watching all of the families play at the beach - we even saw a little girl with your name one time
• Worked out in the morning before heading to work with Mommy - you especially liked the elliptical as it basically rocked you back to sleep
• Walked to the bagel shop with Daddy on Sunday mornings so we could split an egg sandwich and read the paper
• Went to the horse track in Saratoga Springs, NY - we weren't the best at picking winners
• Acted as a back-up singer with Auntie's Carrie, Heather, Amy and Christine while playing Rock Band until 1am in the morning (Daddy was on guitar) - we had such a good time, we went on bed rest 5 days later!

I know there was much more we did together but I think this is a good highlight of some special and some everyday things that we enjoyed while you were hanging out with me all the time. I loved being pregnant with you and sharing such a special time with my special girl. I love you.

xoxo,

Mommy

Earn Your Turns

Daddy (under all that gear) & AddisonIn the world of skiing and snowboarding there is the phrase 'earn your turns'. It essentially refers to individuals who elect to forgoe traditional lift service/ski resort experiences for backcountry hiking that ends with skiing/snowboarding. Hence the term 'earn your turns' as the later group typically hikes for some rather lengthy periods just for a little vertical.

What does this have to do with Scott and I? Today we created a new definition for the phrase by having our first visit to Stowe for snowboarding with Addison in tow. It was a typical start for us...me stressed out about how this would all come together and Scott blissfully positive and eager to head for the hill. There was a lot of coordinating to getting all of us, our snowboarding gear and Addison's gear together. I felt like we were earning our turns before we even left the house! However, I am very happy to report that it was also a typical end for us in that Scott was right. Addison was a great first time lodge dweller and Scott and I both enjoyed having our first turns of the season.

By the end of the day, Addison had seen so many new things and met so many new people (strangers in ski lodges surprisingly LOVE seeing babies there) that she was zonked. Don't worry though, we'll have her on the hill soon enough!

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

On Tuesday Addison and I went to the mall for the all important visit with Santa. I tried to coach her on what to ask for before she sat on Santa's lap but I'm pretty sure she just asked for more milk, warm blankets and arms to hold her.

Addison was a champ and there was not a tear in sight. Unfortunately Mom is a novice at this event and the only pictures on Santa's lap were taken by the elves so I can't upload them yet as they will need to be scanned. Scott was out of town for work and really wanted a video of the big event so I tried to make that happen and forgot to take a picture with my own camera. I also didn't do too great a job with the video. It is beyond my multi-tasking skills to carry her to Santa, get her settled and looking at the camera and shoot a halfway decent video while doing all of the above. See for yourself below.

Like Father, Like Daughter

Scott

Addison

Hmmm. Do you think she's her father's daughter or what? We don't call her 'Scottie, Jr' for nothing.

Mutual Admiration Society

As Scott mentions below, on Saturday we spent our first night away from home with Addison. It was a very hectic morning running errands, packing and getting out of the house while Scott painted the entryway. Once all was ready, we hit the road and when we got to my mother's house we began another round of what I now call the 'mutual admiration society'. It looks something like this:

or this

Seriously. I'm not sure if Scott and I even need to be there. We could just drive by, slow to leave her carseat in the driveway and it would be the same. The two of them only have eyes for each other.

Really though, it is incredibly sweet to see and makes me feel things that are hard to describe. Thanks Grammie B for loving Addison so much and for giving Scott and I another opportunity for a nice night on the town! xoxo

Christmas Is Coming

(Scott) Yesterday I repainted the foyer in our condo, so to avoid all of the fumes for Addison, my wish was granted. A sleep-over at Jill's mother's house. No I mean it. I have been bugging Jill for months to get a sleep over at Linda's place and I finally got. I just think sleep-overs are so much fun, why stop just because you're an adult and have your own house?

Jill and I went out for dinner in Montpelier, while Grandma Bongiolatti babysat. I had the lobster, because I know it is what Addison would have wanted her father to have on one of his rare nights out. In the morning we all had bacon and eggs and all was good. Grandma B had a great time with Addison and Addison had a relatively quiet night for her Grandma. Jill was a champ, she went and picked up our Christmas tree yesterday morning, and we got it trimmed and ready today, and Jill has some of the ornaments on it.

Winter is upon us, and the beautiful snow has begun to flow. Hopefully it sticks around in the mountain tops and Jill and I get out for some good snowboarding this year. We haven't got all the logistics down yet but we will make it work.

The Aliens Are Coming!

(Scott) On Sunday Jill reminded me that she had gone to the grocery store for the "last eight weeks", so I thought I would do the grocery shopping. I could not help myself on the way there, I had to stop at Toys-R-Us to get my Addison a new toy. Addison and I went inside and she decided to purchase her first alien space ship...well at least thats what she thinks it is. Actually its a mobile light set that attaches to her crib. This futuristic space machine sent here to earth by the "Gray's" provides hours of entertainment for Addison. I didn't think my $39 at Toys-R-Us could buy such a futuristic machine, but I have to admit it went over pretty well with my little gal. Enough talk, here is proof in video form. Please enjoy:

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Today Addison and I went for a walk as it was about 40 degrees and there was some sunshine breaking through. It was fantastic to get outside! In honor of the occassion, Addison busted out her new pink fleece hat as even 40 is pretty cool for a little one. Quiet fetching, no?

And just to show she doesn't always look totally goofy (although mom loves those shots), here she is again looking a little more normal.

Freedom

I think I have mentioned before that as Addison gets older, morning is my favorite time with her (after 7am, that is). I had to try and capture what it is like to unswaddle her in the morning and watch her stretch, stretch, stretch herself out while 'talking', smiling and using her new found fascination - her tongue. More often than not her arms immediately pop out just like you see in the video. It really is pretty funny. Not a bad way to start the day.

Guess What We're Thankful For

I am sure it is no surprise that we are extra thankful this year for our 'Little Turkey'. Sure makes your Thanksgiving prayers easy to do when you have a little one like ours. We are so grateful!

Yesterday, Scott, Addison and I went to my Aunt Sandy and Uncle Doug's for Thanksgiving. It was a wonderful day and Addison met a whole bunch of cousins she had not seen before and was cuddled by a long line of loving family members. She was in heaven. She was cuddled by no less than Grammie B (big surprise), Aunt Sandy, Aunt Amy, Aunt Stephanie, Uncle Pete, Aunt Sharon, Uncle Randy and even cousin Caleb for a brief moment. What a lucky little girl.

The pictures below are Aunt Stef and Addison and also her cousins with her. Think she has enough older cousins to look out for her?

My Aunt Sandy was also kind enough to wash the bedding for our family bassinet so that Addison could be with us at dinner. It was really cool to see her sleeping in the same bassinet that I enjoyed as a baby. The video below is cousin Evelyn leading grace while Addison enjoys the bassinet in the background.

Looking Cute With No Parents To Go

(Scott) Today Jill and I mastered the art of doing nothing at all. Jill woke up, showered and then proceeded to put her sweats on, read magazines and surf the net. I didn't even make it to the shower. Ahh the good times of condominium living; perhaps we should just buy a four bedroom condominium and give up on a house. I would be outside right now doing yard work otherwise.

I did start a mushroom and potato beef stew with red wine sauce for dinner tonight and Addison got into a comfortable outfit and hung out with Mom and Dad while watching the NE Patriots and then the AZ Cardinals playing football on television. Thanks to Karen & Michael's outfit, with shoes to match, Addison certainly did look cute today even with nowhere to go.

(Jill's Edit) Pretty fancy 'comfortable outfit' for Addison, huh? She's a girl after her mother's heart with those shoes! Thanks, Karen and Michael!

Sleeping Beauties

When you imagine having a baby you think of sweet pictures like the ones above. The reality is that the scene above rarely happens! Our baby girl wants to make you work sometimes and her favorite positions are being held upright over your shoulder or being rocked while her butt gets patted. Our favorite position is laying on the couch with her next to us (way more relaxing for mom and dad). Hmmm. Guess who typically wins that battle? The little one, of course. So, when we have the opportunity to actually sleep next to our little darling we have to document the event. So sweet, right?

Two Months And Counting

Dearest Addison,

Today you are two months old (technically 8 weeks and 5 days but who's counting). Daddy and I cannot believe it! So much has happened in such a short time and we are learning more and more about your individual personality. We like what we see!

Right now you love bath time with Daddy. It is really amazing to see you look at Daddy when you are in the bathtub. You look at him as though he hung the moon and stars and that just melts my heart. You are a lucky little girl to have such a great Daddy and I know you will always be able to look at him like that. You also are getting to be a big girl now, pushing off with your feet, 'standing' on Mom and Dad's legs when we hold you in our laps, holding up your head and just generally interacting more.

One of my favorite times with you is in the morning when you first wake up (see above picture). I put you on your changing table and then your fleece blanket and you love to smile, coo, 'laugh', talk and just be all around sparkly while you stretch out after being swaddled all night. We can usually spend a good hour or so enjoying each other and it is a special way to start the day. I try to soak it all up as I know that it will go by so fast.

You have brought more joy to our lives than we could have ever imagined and we love being a family because of you. You are our sunshine!

xoxo,

Mommy & Daddy

Over The Hills And Through The Woods...

...to Grammie B's house we go!

Yesterday, we took a drive to Grammie B's house and enjoyed a delicious early afternoon dinner. Addison enjoyed checking out a new place and her eyes were very wide and curious when we first arrived. She also loved spending time on her blanket with Grammie B. We took lots of great pictures of Addison smiling and cooing at Grammie but they were all on Grammie's camera (big surprise!). Below is a little family picture we managed to snag at the end of the day. Unfortunately it required some pacifier action as she was ready for a nap at this point.

Three Cheers For Bumbo

Yes, she's a little wobbly but here is Addison enjoying her first Bumbo experience. Not bad for being about one month ahead of when she will really be able to start using the seat.

On a web group I belong to alot of the new moms were talking about how their babies loved their Bumbos and how the moms could get so much done while their babies were hanging out in their Bumbos and just general Bumbo greatness. I was intrigued. When I looked up the Bumbo online, I recognized it right away...I just never knew what the name of that funny looking seat was and/or why anyone would actually buy the darn thing. Ah motherhood, the land of purchases you never thought you would make. Within 24 hours of reading about said Bumbo greatness, Addison had her very own in stylish pink no less. Yes, she technically can't use it until she is 12 weeks old and she is only 8 weeks.....but all the other kids are doing it. ;)

Another Bumbo pic that also shows Addison modeling her Auntie Christine's puffy vest. Apparently one is also never too young for a sweet puffy vest.

How Much Is That Baby In The Window?

Priceless.

(Jill) Yesterday was one of those days that you want to bottle so you can always remember it. Scott was home on a vacation day and Scott, Addison and I had our first family photo session with the incredibly kind and talented Melissa Brott. Scott and I figured out that we had a total of three, yes three, family photos that include all of us since Addison has been born. And none of them are anything to share, trust me. So along with the knowledge that we need to take more pictures of us as a family, we also wanted to capture Addison as a very little one and us as a new family through some more professional pictures.

We had a great time yesterday working with Melissa. Within the span of one hour she got some amazing photos of our family and of Addison. It will still be another few weeks until we have all of the photos to share. In the meantime, the picture above is your teaser. I mean really, how great is that picture? I see that and think I could eat that baby right up. And then I realize, it's OUR baby. How amazing.

After our session, we went out for a lunch at Mimmo's in Essex and then Scott and swapped spa time. Scott went to Oasis Day Spa at 1:45pm for a deep tissue massage and I met him at 2:50pm to swap Addison and then I had a massage at 3pm. It was incredible! Just laying on the table in a nice quiet room before the massage even started felt great to me. We were originally supposed to have massages at another place on Tuesday but they were cancelled when the therapist called in sick. We were disappointed but in the end it worked out as we loved our therapists at Oasis and are new devotees to the deep tissue massage.

So, yes, it was a great day! And now, Scott is back to work and I am looking forward to meeting some co-workers for lunch.

(Scott) Wow, so far and so good the photos look great. We got a chance to get a sneak peak of Melissa's digital photos at the studio on the camera view finder, and cant wait to get the photos to share with everyone. Jill and Addison looked fantastic, and dad didnt look so bad himself with the age of computer imaging and photoshop.

There's A Bear In The House

Isn't she ferocious? (note the 'bear' ears on her hood)

This is actually how she originally looked (below) when I peeked in on her from the kitchen. Not quite as scary considering she couldn't even see, right?


And my personal fave look of hers....what I call the '7 mile stare'. I couldn't get her to do any other face despite my best efforts!

Thanks for the extra cute outfit, Aunt Sandy!

Movie Day!

(Scott) I took off several days from work, so I have off from Thursday, Nov. 6th until I go back to work this Thursday, Nov. 13th. Being at home with Jill and Addison has been so much fun, I never complain about being at home too much.

Today, Addison saw her first feature film at the Majestic 10 movie theater in Williston, Vermont.

We took her to see the new Rated - R movie, 'Role Models' with Seann William Scott and Paul Rudd. It is a black comedy, that Jill and I both found pretty hilarious actually. It was definitely my brand of humor, I give it 4 out of 5 stars if you like sick humor. At the start of the movie trailers, Jill and I wondered if we were going to have to abandon ship because the noise was making the little nut restless, but once the movie started, Addison was quite happy in the baby bjorn on Jills chest. Of course we had to face her away from the movie screen because of nudity and violence and had to use the burp cloths to mum the cuss words she was subject to, but other than that all was good. Not one scream during the movie.

Today was a success, tomorrow, Jill and I are off to Church Street where we are getting massages at Stephen and Burns, one at time. We will take turns shopping and/or walking around while the other gets their massage.

Ps- what are you doing in the man chair little lady...

Breaking In The 'Man Chair'

Well, today was the day. Addison finally got her first taste at breaking in daddy's 'man chair'. Can you see the excitement on her face?

Of course, I had to dress her up extra cute to make sure she really girlied up the chair. I think heart pants do the trick.

And then I told her that next we would teach her how to use the remote to turn the t.v. to Baby Einstein instead of Ultimate Fighter.

And then we had to end the photoshoot to deliver a bunch of those kisses she loves so much!