Kira's first Orioles game!

Today, we enjoyed our first Orioles game at Camden yards as a family. Thanks to Matt and Amanda, we had fun taking Kira to her first game. While she was extremely cute in her Orioles outfit, unfortunately at the first good play by the Orioles, the crowd noise really scared Kira. She burst into tears and couldn't be consoled until I took her down to the concourse and walked her around. I had to gradually ease back into the stadium and every time the crowd erupted again, I was able to keep her calm by singing in her ear.

I also have to mention that the fan assistance at the stadium was AWESOME. They took us up to the club level so that I could feed and change Kira in privacy. They had converted old phone booths to "mom booths." Jon enjoyed walking around and getting to see the Orioles memorabilia, including the '83 World Series trophy.

Memorial Day BBQ

Memorial Day means two things: 1) Remembering and giving thanks for all those who have served our country and defended our nation so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we have. 2) School is almost overl!!!

I'll be honest -- It has been tough these last few weeks, but luckily I was able to ease back into work by having to work for just a week before it was Spring Break, and then the end of the school year just flies from there.

Going back to work was difficult emotionally, but it was even more tricky trying to juggle childcare, lesson planning, grading, and all the other chores to be done. Luckily, Jon is such an amazing partner and daddy that we really share the responsibility of everything around the house (perhaps he even does a bit more). Well, I guess I do most of the photography... :)

First Mother's Day

For my first Mother's Day, I celebrated by going to Sears a few days before and having portraits taken with miss Kiraline. I wasn't expecting to love the pictures as much as I did, but the photographer was excellent and somehow managed to make Kira smile in every picture. So... I splurged and purchased the overpriced disk. You only have your first Mother's Day once, right? :)

Kira and Jon gave me a beautiful sapphire and diamond necklace and they each both gave me a dozen roses and some other goodies. Later that day, we went for a beautiful walk around our neighborhood. The temperature was perfect and the sunset was gorgeous over the mountains. Only a few more weeks until summer vacation and I get to spend all of my afternoons with my Kirabug! Here are my favorite shots from the studio:

Happy Easter!

Kira's first Easter was lots of fun... or maybe more fun for me because I had an excuse to put her in a basket and try out the bunny ears. She seemed to enjoy herself (for the most part!)

Kira is wearing the sweater and blanket my grandmother (Omi) knitted for my birth 30 years ago! :) Then we went outside to pose in the front yard with the beautiful daffodils.







































We also went to Omi and Opa's house during spring break, but Kira fell asleep. Here are the Easter baskets at our house. Can you guess which one I made for Jon? :)

Dancing feet!

At 14 weeks old, Kira loves to lay on her back and dance. I just need to find some music to add to this video! :)

Happy 30th Jon!

Well... no wild and craziness here! Just a little silliness! We went out to lunch at Alexander's in Buckeystown, then returned home for my mom's homemade German apple cake to celebrate her 65th birthday (on March 19) and Jon's 30th birthday (on March 20). The birthday boy wouldn't have been complete without his birthday hat, burp cloth and baby. :)

Lasses in Sunglasses

Like mother, like daughter. Just couldn't resist! Best $1 accessory ever!

Snowsuit and sass

Now that we are nearing the end of March, the chill is starting to disappear and most afternoons are warm enough to go for a daily walk around the neighborhood. Kira gets snuggled into her bear snowsuit and we grab the music toy, pacifier, and froggie blanket to get buckled into her carseat stroller for 30mins to an hour. When I'm not breaking a sweat at a quick pace, Kira puts up with my desire to put sunglasses on her and snap photos.

2 months old!

Kira is 2 months old today and I can never get enough of her smiles! :)

Terps and Bubble Tea

So today was a special occasion. First, I went to the Terps basketball game with Donna and had a great time. Even though they lost in the end, it was a good game for the first half and it was my first time being away from Kira for more than 2 hours. I did it! I was little worried about not being able to pump/breastfeed, but I was able to manage.

Then, before driving home, I thought I remembered a restaurant in College Park that served bubble tea. I was right!!! Oh bubble tea, how I have missed thee. This was my beverage of choice in China and I had been dreaming of it ever since.

When I got home, I gushed to Jon about my love of bubble tea and he told me that he thought he had seen a sign for a new bubble tea and frozen yogurt place very close to home in Urbana. Eureka! What a great day! :)

Kira is 8 weeks!

So today I was able to catch some video of Kira one day before she turns 8 weeks old! Time has just flown! I am very thankful to be taking 12 weeks of maternity leave (even though I'm not getting paid) because I couldn't even fathom being able to go back after these 8 weeks. I'm simply not ready -- and I don't think she is either!

This video has a little something for everyone... some smiling, squirming, talking, grunting, tongue sticking out, blowing bubbles, rattle shaking, baby kung fu poses, and my personal favorite: baby sneezes. The little ham even gave me a beautiful smile at the end. I couldn't believe that Kira was able to show all her little talents in 1:30. Well... I guess she didn't show off her amazing diaper explosions... she decided to spare you that one. :) Hope you enjoy!

Fast asleep

There's something so beautiful about seeing your two loves sleeping peacefully.

Happy Birthday Opa!

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day from 1 month and 1 week old Kira!
We have to say... Kiraline is the best Valentine! :)
XOXOXO

Kiss me, I'm cute!

I'm one month old today! I deserve kisses!

Happy Birthday Grandma!

From Sweet Sixteen

Sleep is beautiful!

Like father, like daughter. Some late morning naps in the co-sleeper. (Genius!)

Resting in a bassinet. (Another life-saver!)

Grandmas are the greatest!

Motherhood is an amazing thing: both for first time moms and for grandmothers whose natural instincts spring into action when a new baby comes into the world. Quite simply, I have no idea what I would have done without my mom and Jon's mom during the first month. My mom came and stayed with us for a week to help and returned every weekend she was able. Jon and I even went out for a dinner date when Kira was 6 days old while my mom watched her. It was so great to get out since we had no idea the eve of Jan 7 that we would not have another weekend just the two of us to get ready and spend time together!

Jon's mom was also happy to come up during the week and give me some much needed relief and assistance after Jon went back to work. Obviously, I love Kira dearly and want to spend plenty of time with her, but it was so relaxing to get out of the house and have some "me" time to run errands and pick up groceries for an hour or two by myself.

Perhaps what I find most remarkable is that by watching my mom and Jon's mom is almost like viewing a glimpse into the past. It allows me to see what we as infants never got to appreciate: the way our mothers cared for us.

Kira definitely loves her grandmas (and we do too)! We can never say thank you enough...

5 days old

Smiling already! Ok, ok... I'm sure it's actually just gas, but I'd like to think that Kira is smiling just thinking about going to the doctor's and finding out that the jaundice is gone and her weight is increasing again. Yay!

Little Kirabug

At Kira's first appointment with the pediatrician, we discovered that she lost a few pounds and has jaundice. To help her gain weight, we will be supplementing with a few mL of formula.

The solution for the jaundice is to go home and have Kira rest on the "bili-blanket," which makes her glow like a little lightning bug. It does not seem very pleasant to lay on, but she is a good sport and it seems to be helping.

Luckily, with the help of my mom and the boppy pillow, Kira is more comfortable.

Chillin with her feet up.

Beautiful big eyes.

Welcome Kiraline Grace!

At 4am on Friday January 7, 2011, the 25.5 hour journey began and on January 8, 2011, our lives were forever changed for the better. Born at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring MD, Kiraline Grace was delivered by Nurse Candice and Dr. Anderson. Kiraline, which means "little lady," was born at 5:21 am weighing 7 lbs 5 oz and measuring 21.5 inches "tall." My parents, who will probably be called Omi and Opa, were Kira's first visitors. She is the first grandchild for my parents, and the 16th grandchild for Jon's parents.

I was so tired, that we never took an actual family photo in the hospital. :( Then on Monday, I guess we looked like we knew what we were doing, and they sent us home. We left during rush hour and Kira slept the whole way. It is a pretty amazing thing that just a few days earlier, we left the house just the two of us, and now we are a family of three. :)

So for the first time I can say...

Love, Kirsten, Jon, and Kira Tippets