Stretch Run

Mabel is certainly enjoying the NL Central pennant race this year, though she's having a tough time understanding why the Cubs play day games in July and August but not in September, when it's colder at night and she and Daddy could be going to more games during the day.



Mabel's gameday ritual is typically as follows - fuss with the Mama about walking to the game vs. taking the El; pick up some takeout temaki sushi from Matsuya or panang curry from Thai Classic; stop on our way to the seats to get a couple delicious Old Style beers from our favorite vendor, Gerry; field a couple tedious questions from the crowd (e.g. Q. Oh, for cute! This his first game? A. No, actually, it's her fifth.); have a six ounce bottle or maybe even two (Mabel takes after her old man - she tends to drink too much at Cub games); conk out; sleep the whole walk home stuck with sweat to Daddy in the Snugli.


Though Mabel is most definitely born and raised a Cub fan, she's happy that either the Brewers or Cubs are assured of a spot in the playoffs. With a little luck, she'll be able to see the red ivy at Wrigley in her first year, which Daddy didn't see until he was 32.

An Important Announcement

We bring you a very important bulletin. An unidentified animal has been sighted sleeping in Mabel's car seat. Eyewitness accounts vary; Fox News is reporting the intruder was a hog or pig, while other observers maintain the creature was more cat-like. A small amount of material evidence, which sources say may be fur, was collected at the scene by local authorities and dispatched for further analysis. Mabel herself was not at the scene at the time of the incident, and there are conflicting reports about Mabel's current awareness level of the situation.

It is unknown at this time if today's intrusion is related to the recent wave of feral cat invasions in Badger Park, Peshtigo, but it is believed that local investigators have been in close contact with legendary Marinette County varmint trapper, Grandpa Dick.



Authorities have released these images of the creature. If you should happen to cross its path, please flee the scene immediately and call the operator. Since the identity of the creature is still unknown, it is necessary that one assumes the animal is rabid and/or dangerous.

The creature was last seen in the vicinity of her bowl.

Weekend of Firsts

What an eventful weekend for Mabel! She had all sorts of firsts. She slept in her crib for the night for the first time on Saturday night. Mom and dad had a hard time not having her in our room, but she loved sleeping in her own space and slept straight through until 6 a.m. this morning.

Mabel also ate her first solid food this weekend. She had her first rice cereal on Saturday night. We made the mistake of trying to give her her first few bites when she was really hungry. We quickly changed course, gave her the better part of a bottle, and then tried again when she was a much happier baby. She was a champ and seemed to enjoy her first taste of solid food. Of course, much more food ended up on her bib than in her belly, but that's the way the rice cereal crumbles. I uploaded videos to YouTube of her first meal - before and after the bottle. Right after uploading those, I realized I can upload video directly to the blog. Hopefully, you'll find a video of her meal tonight right below the links. Here are the links to the vids on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTwjPobzrw8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juHmLwFKOV0



Mabel attended her first festival. We went to a nearby school's fall festival for which Nathan's band, Sheela-na-gig, was the headlining act. They had droves of screaming fans... well, actually about 10 4- and 5-year olds... but, still, fun was had by all.

Daddy and Mabel watched their first Packer game together. Mabel actually spent most of the game asleep in her swing, but daddy made sure to fill her in on what she missed when she woke up in the fourth quarter.

Hit Me With Your Best Shot

Mabel has another round of shots under her belt. We went for her four month check up today and she did a GREAT job with her immunizations. Just a few whimpers as the needles were going in. And her growth is right on track. Her weight is 14 lbs. 3 oz. (59%). Length is 25 1/4" (81%). Head circumference is 43 cm (91%). The last stat means her brain growth is right on track. And, exciting news, NO REFERRALS for any other specialists! Everything checked out great! We go to her eye doctor in a few weeks and we'll be sure to blog after that appointment, too.

Mama had yesterday off so the family went on a little picnic in the neighborhood and went on a long walk to a few neighborhood markets. This weekend is free for us and we're looking forward to some rest and relaxation.

Long Time No Blog

Sorry for the long stretch with no blog. Hopefully, some of you are still checking! Lots has happened since our last blog. Mabel spent time with mama and daddy's family over Labor Day. She went to a party, enjoyed a few fish fries, took a trip to Seguin's, and took her final summer pontoon ride. Last week, Grandma Joyce babysat. Nathan's leave begins tomorrow and he'll be home with her until the end of the year. Hopefully, you'll see the blog pace pick back up now that one of us will be home with her again.

Mabel's got lots of new tricks these days. She smiles all the time and laughs much more often. She has rolled over a few times and gets stuck half-way about once every ten minutes. She also received excellent marks from her physical therapist and is still only going to PT once every two weeks. She holds her head much straighter and can keep her head up during tummy time for long stretches. She is even seeming to enjoy it. She is also making lots of pre-talking noises. It sort of sounds like a continuous "ah" but she changes the pitch so it sounds like she talking up a storm.

By the way, the picture of Mia and Mabel is from today. Sara and I had a Stampin' Up open house over here and the girls hung out while the moms shared our stamping.