Clever little stinker

Today, I came out of my room and despondently plopped my animals down in front of me on the floor. I said, "Look Mommy, I farted in the tent, and now my friends are all sad!". Another one of life's little lessons. Too bad Dad still hasn't learned this one.

I'm gonna be a big sister!

Mom and Dad have told me I'm going to have a little brother soon. (Dad: real soon - less than 2 months!). I'm excited to be a big sister, but I am pretty sure I'm going to have to make some adjustments. ; 0

Meanwhile, I've started taking ballet lessons! It's super fun! As you can see in the video, I am definitely not shy about dancing! Do you like my tutu?

Some of you may wonder why it's taken Dad nearly 2 years to post to my blog. Well, between working too hard and choosing to play with me over blogging about me, he claims to have adequate excuses... But some of you out there have pestered him recently, so he's gonna do his best to keep y'all more up to date, with pix, videos, etc. Keep the postcards coming!

-- Lil J.

Wow, I've got some catching up to do!!!

I've been keeping Dad too busy to let him write more stories for us. (OK, Dad promised he'd put money in my piggy bank if I said that, but don't tell him I told you!). Anyway, we've been pretty busy out here. I spend most of my time watching myself get big, Big, BIG! Now I weight nearly 16 lbs, and I'm so chunky I look like the Michelin man! Hopefully you've been keeping up with my photo uploads to track my progress in the growth department. Dad uploads about 20 zillion photos once every 200 years. When I get a bit older, maybe I can teach him about the concept of editing.

We had a great visit from Grammy and Grampy last week. Here's a nice pic from a walk we took down the street. They left Tuesday and I miss them already. While they were out, we shot a video of me cracking up while Mom made funny noises and faces. Mom is turning into a computer whiz: she figured out how to upload it to YouTube!

If you have't already seen it, it's here. People tell me it's a sure-fire cure for the blues. Since Gram and Gramp left, we've been getting a bit of the blues ourselves. We sure miss having family around. More visits, please!!! Aunt Sue, Uncle Phil, and Cousin Carly are coming out in June, so we have that to look forward to. Any takers for May? Oh, Mom's good friend Kathy is coming in May, so that'll be good. But the more the merrier, I say! And what about April, even? I'm not gettin' any younger!

My Uncle Dave just turned 60, but he was in Spain so I decided it was just too much for me to make the flight. Mom says the jetlag would be really hard for me. Speaking of birthdays, today is Grampa's birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRAMPY!

So, what else have I been up to since January? Well, we went to Lake Tahoe to sell the furniture before we sold the house. It was sad for Mom and Dad, but we had some fun too. Here is a picture of my first winter walk. Dad bundled me up tight inside his big fluffy jacket. It was really cozy. I loved seeing all the snow and trees, and watching Chloe bounce around.







I got dressed up for Valentines Day in a silly hat. I think Mom made it out of wrapping paper from some flowers. The things parents will do to get a cute shot of their kids!







Later that night Mom and Dad took me to my first concert, where I met Tuck and Patty.

Cousins Wes and Dory came out for a visit. We went to an awesome beach and I saw my first starfish.

We visited Yosemite, which was totally amazing.


Our 2nd day there we all went for a walk in the woods with showshoes.


We stayed at a fun hotel with a huge swimming pool and hot tub. Too bad I was too small to enjoy it. But Mom and Dad did.




Chloe had a blast! They had left her a special doggie bowl full of snacks and treats.

Next time we will head to a campground rather than a swanky hotel. Hopefully I will relish sleeping on a foam pad instead of a fluffy matress.





A few weeks ago, we went for a hike much closer to home in search of wildflowers. There is so much more to write, but I will sign off for now, cuz Mom and Dad are rushing off somewhere (what else is new?).



That's all for now. I love you! -Julia

My first trip to Big Sur

Mom, Dad, and I just got back from an awesome trip last weekend. Chloe couldn't come because we were staying in a place that doesn't allow dogs, so she stayed with Uncle Mike. It was really fun. Dad and I spent some alone time together while Mom collected on her Appreciation Gift for having given birth to me. It must have been good cuz when I saw her she was actually glowing!

Then we went to this really cool inn called Deetjen's Big Sur Inn to stay for the night. They had heard about my legendary lungs, so we had to stay in a remote shack, far away from all the other guests. I say shack, because it basically was: not much bigger than Chloe's old doghouse. But really cute inside. I felt so cozy and at home. There was a little brook babbling outside the window. I was really happy and relaxed, so didn't really fuss at all, even when we went out to dinner. I got to eat some really good food. Mom had Filet Mignon and a nice glass of Pinot Noir. And the dessert, ooooooh the dessert: triple chocolate mousse cake and a glass of Vin de Glacier. It's a wonder I was able to get to sleep at all.

All of us stayed up late and played together. Making funny faces, cuddling, and basically loving each other up. Mom and Dad took lots of photos. Of me, of course! Here are some of my favorites:


Of course, Dad had to get all high-tech and create a collage using the latest Picasa. Check it out:

From Collages

Holy Crap!

Mom and Dad took me to church for the first time last weekend. When we got back, I had a special poo in my diapers:



I think there's some religious symbolism there, for sure...

Beautiful full moonrise

Before Alissa's party we all went down to the ocean. I saw my first tide pool:



Isn't that anemone (I'll be able to pronounce that in about 12 years, if I'm lucky!) beautiful? Dad wouldn't let me touch it for some reason...

And then we saw an amazing full moonrise:



It sure is pretty out in the world!

Our first party

I went to a party with Mom and Dad this past weekend. There were really old people there. Some as old as 22! That must be almost as old as Dad! It was for our friend Alissa, who made cupcakes and mexican food. I got a taste by way of momma's milk. I love guacamole!