A Storied Life

Keeping the camera handy to capture Cece's special moments has given us a few, sweet shots of life with Honey and Boomer, too. This was Christmas night. Nana Kissi came over for Christmas dinner (another amazing turkey on the grill ala Matt Aspin) and gave Cece "The Polar Express". I picked it up and started reading it to Cece who was lying on the couch to my left. There was a teeny- tiny patch of couch open to my right. Even in his old age, Boomer still manages to get his long, lanky, lumpy frame in the smallest of spots if it means getting close to someone. He snuggled up right next to me and I kept reading ... and that's all she wrote. 

Giggle Girl

She's starting to laugh!

Our Gay Apparel

Cece hopes everyone had a very Merry Christmas!

Santa Baby

Look who we ran into at the grocery store!

We Got Nice Peeyahs, Too

As if Autie Jen didn't do enough during her visit, she gave us wonderful Christmas presents including this hat and tee for Cece. We love 'em!

There are few accents and regional phrases as colorful as those in Boston (some ah facking ahsome!). One year back in New England when we were working for Starbucks, Jen was facilitating a workshop on her birthday. Her teammates and I surprised her with a cake big enough for everyone.  As the participants were enjoying their break, one of the guys in the front row shouted out "Hey Jennifuh, you got nice peeyahs!".   Unfortunately I had a mouthful of cake when I figured out what he said. 

Now, about being a Sox fan ...they'll break ya haht! 

Rub a Dub Doggie

Why is Boomer in the tub at 1:00 am? Because Nana Kissi was taking pictures in her backyard. 

This unlikely cause and effect is because as Boomer gets older he has no tolerance for bright lights and loud noises. We discovered this around the 4th of July when he started climbing in closets and wedging himself in the cramped corners of the bathroom. His new behavior also explained the numerous chewed up boards on the brand new fence out back. 

Although it is the wee hours of the morning, no one is sleeping in our house. Neither is Nana Kissi apparently who, like every other Seattlite is amazed at how much snow has fallen and is snapping away next door. Matt noticed the flashes and had to open the door and share some good natured grief (why not open the door and yell ... it's only 1:00 am and 18 degrees). 

A few minutes later we heard an odd scratching and scraping noise. I went to investigate as Matt was rocking Cece to sleep. There was Boomer in the tub. Good thing I could get the shot without the flash or he'd be in Idaho by now. I am happy to report he is currently snug in his bed as are Honey, Daddy and Cece in theirs. I'm right behind ... as soon as I get the nervously shedded fur out of the tub. 

Sunday, Snowy Sunday

 

 We got another wallop of snow last night. Cece enjoyed watching Daddy from the window while he was digging us out. We're still waiting for that snowman, Daddy!

Let's Get Ready to Ruffffffle!

Live from The Couch in Seattle, for the thousands in attendance and the millions watching around the world ... ladies and gentlemen ... it's an obscure boxing reference!

Winter Wonderland

Yes, it snows in Seattle!

A beautiful winter storm hit last night. The trees are still covered this morning and it is gorgeous. Maybe Daddy will make us a snowman ...?

Special Delivery

We had our six week check up on Tuesday. Cecelia was reunited with the team who delivered her. That's Dr. Faulkner in the middle and Gretchen, who assisted at the delivery is holding the baby.  Chris, Dr. Faulkner's numero uno nurse is in the other picture. We had such a great experience throughout the pregnancy because of them.  We feel so fortunate to have been in their care. Thanks to everyone at Seattle Women's Clinic. We miss seeing you every week!

Milk & Honey

Poor Honey. She learned the hard way not to stand too close after the baby has eaten. Now where did I leave that burp cloth ...?

                                                         

A Day of Firsts

                      

            

     

We ventured over to Vashon Island (Cece's first ferry ride) on Sunday in search (Cece's first hike) of the perfect tree at one of the farms over there. Jen spotted this one and got to work helping Matt cut and carry it aaaaall the way back to the car. Stay tuned for pics of Cece's first tree decorated ... thanks to Jen! 

                                                                                                                                                                         

Welcome, Auntie Jen!

Here's Jen right off the plane from Boston loving up Cece. Who looks that good after flying 3000 miles?! Jen is here for the week and is spoiling us rotten. Lucky us!

Cry, Baby!

        

We kicked off the holidays this weekend starting with a visit from my amazing (little!?) cousin, Lauren. Lauren was visiting from Santa Cruz and staying with her BFF who is a Seattle native. Lauren is a graduate of UC Santa Cruz and is considering culinary school and being a vegan chef. Cool, huh? Any one know any vegan cooking gigs in Seattle or Portand? Let us know! As you can see, Cece didn't want to smile for the picture, so we just followed her lead. Wah!

Lights! Camera! Scowl!

Cece let me take a bunch of pictures yesterday for the official announcement slash holiday card (isn't that efficient slash cheating?!).  I loved this shot but opted for cheerier faces for the announcement. She is buidling up quite the collection of expressions lately. Poppa would say she gets that from her momma. 

(Pssst, Cece! Wait 'til I show you the ones that get him every time!)

Visit to Daddy's Office

Cece had a chance to visit all the nice people in Daddy's office today. Left to right are Charlotte (Daddy's boss), Rachel (hiding!), Tara, Tony, Sheri, Ilene, Jeffrey and Jill. Not pictured are Kelly, Julie, and Michael (sorry we missed you!). 

The Bodyguard

There's Boomer in the shadows working hard at his new job of protecting the baby. 

Walk and Stroll Star

Cece's first outing to Lincoln Park. 

Today's Forecast

Partly funny with a chance of smile. 

Seattle Sunrise

High Fidelity

The movie High Fidelity is a favorite in our house. Like me, my old pal Jamie admits to watching it every time it is on. So, for Jamie and anyone else who likes the movie (especially Jack Black singing at the end) here are: 

Top Five Songs About Crying 

5. Cry Me a River - Ella Fitzgerald

4. Let Her Cry - Hootie and the Blowfish

3. Whose Crying Now - Journey

2. Fool to Cry - Rolling Stones

1. Keep Me Cryin' - Al Green

Even though our girl has her moments, we still think she's perfectly adorable. 

Cece Settles for a Song

Music has become one of our secret weapons when nothing else will calm Cecelia. Here she was calmed by Mom's version of Elton John's Rocket Man with improvised lyrics to reflect the moment. 

In this case the chorus was: 

 " I think its going to be a long, long time before this baby will no longer cry. I've had no sleep since I have been home. No, no, no, no. I'm a sleepless Mom. Sleepless Mom! Wishing that I could go back to bed. Sleepless Mom! Wonder if we should have got another dog instead?"

Of course, I am kidding. Silly songs. Good for baby. Cathartic for mom.  

Good night, bunny. Mommy loves you. 

Flashback ... the Baby Shower!

How sweet are these favors?! 

Chrisi's famous sugared pecans all dressed up and ready to go home with the guests. 

Me and Dina. 

By the way, those sticks are not really coming out of the top of my head. 

Me and my cousin, Serena. A little family resemblence, eh?

Left to right, fellow Sox fan Cara, Adrianne in the blue, Colleen in honorary pink, Gay and Donna. 

Trixie's daughter and show stealer, Amelia. 

 We are so lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful neighbors and moms! Noelle, Katherine, Julie, Micki (way in the back!) and Chrisi (not pictured) complete a circle of our immediate neighbors ... all within shouting distance should I need advice or salvation! 

No he didn't!

Me and Donna from Starbucks catching up on the dish. 

Ladies and loot! That's Adrianne in the blue who missed the group shot at the end. She had to get home being that she is a mother of two and luckily wife of one. 

Back Row (left to right)

Neighbor Sharon, Trixie & Amelia, Julie & Zoe, Katherine, Donna, Gay, Noelle, Colleen, Cara 

Middle Row

Micki, me, Dina, Jan (Chrisi's BFF)

Kneeling

The wonderful Anne Schaeffer and Hostess Chrisi

Thanks, Chrisi for throwing the shower in your lovely home and to all the friends and loved ones who shared this special day!

What's in a Name?

Cecelia Carolyn Aspin. A few folks have asked, "Where did her name come from?".  Cecelia comes from Matt's grandmother, Celia Corr. Celia was quite a character and lived 94 years. Matt spent a great deal of his childhood with his "Gram" while his mom worked. Gram was a feisty, no nonsense lady whose love was as delicious as her apple pie. We have a feeling our Cecelia will share not only the name but Gram's trademark big belly laugh and probably a bit of that stubborn, New England farmer practicality. 

Carolyn Moore was one of my best friends. We met in LA working as store managers for Starbucks in 1994. I was lucky enough to share a number of great years with Carolyn before I moved to Boston and Carolyn fell ill. I was in awe of Carolyn for so many reasons and could hardly believe someone of her strength could be taken by cancer. Carolyn had unbelievable confidence and courage. I hope giving Cece her name honors this amazing woman and reminds me to pass on some of the lessons Carolyn taught me ... like don't buy anything that needs to be dry cleaned because you wind up paying for it over and over again. 

And that's what is in Cecelia's name. 

Isn't She Lovely?

Isn't she lovely 

Isn't she wonderful 

Isn't she precious 

Less than one minute old 

I never thought through love we'd be 

Making one as lovely as she 

But isn't she lovely made from love 

Isn't she pretty 

Truly the angel's best 

Boy, I'm so happy 

We have been heaven blessed 

I can't believe what God has done 

through us he's given life to one 

But isn't she lovely made from love

~Stevie Wonder~

Cece's First Visitors

My best freind's parents, Lynn and Rich were in town last week from Philly for the Eagles - Hawks game. What luck! It was wonderful to visit with family from back east. We love you, Lynn and Rich and thanks for all the amazing gifts and treats. Who will be Cece's next visitor? Maybe someone from Boston ...?!

Sleepless in Seattle

Seems everyone was right about how little sleep is available to parents of a newborn! Thought maybe I had super powers and would not be as affected. So much for that! The good news is Cecelia is wonderful and we can hardly take our droopy eyes off of her. Thanks for all the calls, messages and well wishes. We look forward to reconnecting with family and friends in the weeks to come.  Here's a shot of Matt, the pups and the new love of our life. - Lynne

Yup, it's true.  I'm cute. (-:

Cece's Birthday

Introducing the Aspin Family!

Our next door neighbor and dear friend, "Nana Kissi". 

Daddy's little girl. 

First check up.

Proud new poppa. 

Hello, world!

Matt suits up.