7 months!

Stats still to be taken (I keep forgetting)... but here is the token month-old picture. Sorry we've been out of blogland for awhile- just been busy!

Bavaria: Baptism and Volksfest

"So, we were in Bavaria for the past week or so. Wanna see what we did?"


Saturday, August 22- Luisa's Baptism at St. Josef's Church. This is the same church where Jason was Baptised 28yrs ago.

We met the priest at the back of the church and processed in.

Luisa did great, only cried a little with all that cold water!

Instead of wearing the traditional Baptismal gown, babies wear normal clothes (though we did find her a pretty white dress to mark the occasion) and the priest placed this one over her afterwards, symbolizing the sacrament.

(Luisa and I didn't know the words to that song.)

Afterwards, we all went out for coffee and dessert at a yummy cafe in Straubing. It was a lovely time.

The week prior was Volksfest. It's a huge festival after the summer crops are harvested. Volksfest is similar to Oktoberfest, and is the 2nd largest festival of it's type in Bavaria. Jason and I have our trachten (traditional dress) from a few years ago, but Luisa got her very own- handmade by her great-grandmother.

One of the beer tents.

This little guy had his 1st pair of lederhosen, too!

Bonus picture

Sorry it's sideways, but this is my absolute favorite german baked good/dessert: a Nussecke. There is a bottom layer of shortbread and a top layer of nuts, all dipped in chocolate. We're making sure we will be able to replicate our favorite treats once stateside, and this is a thumbs-up.

5 months old

"Huh? How did 5 months go by so quickly?"

5 month stats:

~65cm/26in long
~6.5kg/14lbs

I'd write more but Luisa has been in a crappy sleeping funk, thus making me a zombie by the end of the day! Stay posted (*ehem*, create an account so you can log in)...

Going private

Based on this article I read, I will soon be making this blog private. Here is your forewarning to sign up for an account so that you can view pictures of our sweet little Luisa in the coming months.

Highs and Lows of July

High:

Luisa had her first few bites of baby cereal today! And she loved it!

Low:

We had to say good bye to a very special dog. Kona and I spent 6 good years together, traveling the world. He had a tumor and spleen removed last summer. Though biopsies at the time were negative, this spring they suspected blood cancer. He responded well to treatment for awhile, but began experiencing liver failure early last week. He drifted off to doggy heaven last Wednesday, July 22.

Back from Bavaria

We spent last week visiting the family. Luisa got dressed up for her uncle's baptism- frilly tights and all :) (Outfit courtesy of Grandma)

We visited a few Biergartens while in Bavaria. The weather was perfect for it and we enjoyed some traditional dishes and, of course, some delicious Helles Bier (only made in Bavaria). Luisa loved it and was fascinated by Papa's beer glasses.

Showing off her sun hat...

People lined up to get lunch at the Hendl Stand (roitsserie chicken- yummmm).

Oma seems to disapprove- like Mommy ;-)

Old Bavarian Farm house. Gotta love the modern touch of the satellite dish.

I found my feet! Cool.

"Hmm, how many more years 'til I can try a beer?"

Papa and Luisa at the Danube River, after having dinner in the adjacent Biergarten.

4 months old

Well quite a bit has happened in the past month. Luisa's really been changing! She is so much more interested and engaged in the world around her. She reaches out to grab anything within reach (not so great for Mommy's hair!) and continues to kick up a storm with those strong legs. She likes to squeal at Mom and Papa, too.

Luisa's stats are: 65cm (~26in) and 6kg (13lb 3oz). She's doubled her birth weight. She also has dual citizenship now :)

Here are some pics taken since the last blog post- enjoy! "I'm hungry- watch out I'll bite!"

"Ya know, Mom, I am a girl.."



"That's more like it- a dress."





"Oh boy, Mom. MORE bragging about me?"

Hand-discovery from last month continued. Luisa finally figured out how to suck on her thumb, rather than the entire hand...
And then that not only could she open and close the hands, but she can grasp things and hang on...

As well as reach across midline and hold with two hands (and exchange between the two)...

And also that she can sit up in a chair with the toy! Doesn't she look so proud? I found the Bumbo on ebay- they are not common here so I was happy to find it! Luisa loves sitting up and although she is still getting used to the Bumbo, I think she will love it as much as her bouncy chair pretty soon!

Soccer Practice

Gotcha!!

3 months old!

Luisa's 3 months old now! I couldn't decide which was my favorite picture of her, so here are a couple :)