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.

Here she is!!!!

Hello eveyone!
After many sleepy nights (and a bit of foot dragging on my part to actually sit down at the computer), we are excited to finally be sharing the news that Cece is here!
She was born at 4:35 pm on Monday, October 27th, and weighed 8lbs 9oz. And she is PERFECT!


Matt