Christmas Eve

Today Ian got his first pair of REAL shoes! We went to the Nike outlet and bought him some Nike runners. We noticed right away his balance was better. He seemed very proud of his new shoes. He kept looking at them & showing them to the sales ladies.



Then Dirk, Ian & I went downtown to the Christmas Carousel. Ian wasn't so crazy about it. I think he was a little scared. I was shocked at how fast the carousel goes! Dirk waited this one out and took pictures from the ground. After the carousel we went out to lunch. Ian was tired & fell asleep on the way home.

After a nap & snack, we celebrated Christmas. Ian got the Weeble Tree House, crayons, paint, stacking cups, and cars. I think he liked Christmas a lot. He played for quite awhile & was very excited!

Santa Train!

Today Ian, Granma K, Amanda & Yago and I went on the North Bend/Snoqualmie Santa Train! We all had a wonderful time. On the way to Snoqualmie, Ian stood at the window & watched the sites roll by. When we got to the Snoq. Terminal, we stood in line to meet Santa. So far in his short life Ian has not had a problem with the Easter bunny or Santa, but on this trip he did not want to sit on his lap. I think he was just tired & being cranky. And Santa was not exactly in the cheeriest of moods. After meeting Santa, Mrs. Santa gave him a wooden train car that we get to assemble! Then we went to the Army car & had cookies & hot chocolate. Ian & Yago enjoyed playing at the kids train table. Then we got back on the train to go back to North Bend. On the trip back Ian & Yago must have had just enough sugar from the cookies & hot cocoa because they were SO FUNNY! They were babbling & grunting back and forth. Amanda, Granma & I were laughing so hard at them! They were hilarious!! It was a really fun day!

Trip to Whidbey!

Whew! The family world-wind-tour continues! = ) This week Ian & I took the ferry to Whidbey Island to see Granma & Granpa Klein. Their house was all decorated beautifully for Christmas with two trees! Granma, Ian & I visited Julia (mom's hairdresser & the kind woman that gives us hand-me-downs for Ian) to bring her Christmas presents. Ian & Granma played Christmas carols on the piano.

He loved the trees and was pretty good about not touching the ornaments. Granma also had a stuffed reindeer that moved his head. Ian liked that too.



Ian ate his meals in a highchair that was 93 years old! It was Joe's (Linda McNamara's dad's highchair). Linda is letting her borrow the chair till Ian can no longer fit in it. Ian was VERY tired from playing and slept a record 12 hours! Today we played some more, went for a walk around the neighborhood, watched the gas man (Ian loved the big truck). And then we came home. It was another nice visit.

Trip to Portland!

Thursday, Dec 2, Ian & I took got up super early & took the train to Portland to go see Grandpa Michael, Dani, Sharon & Logan. It was all to celebrate his first birthday. He was very good on the train. He looked out the window, played with his toys, took a short nap. Grandpa Michael picked us up & away we went! He really loved all the animals at Grandpa & Dani's. He was amazed with the iguana. He & Nelly had fun playing ball. On Friday we went to lunch with Logan & Sharon. Ian had Thai food for the first time & seemed to like it. For dessert they brought a coconut ice cream. I put a candle in it for him. Logan gave him Winnie-the-Pooh & Tigger. Dad & Dani gave him a seahorse that lulls you to sleep and a puppy that sings & teaches him colors & parts of the body. Sharon gave him a xylophone & bongo drums. We had a really good visit. We took the train back to Seattle & Ian stayed awake the whole trip back! We had the best macaroni & cheese I have ever had! It was a fun trip!

Ian got a new haircut!

And the hair dresser put gel in his hair! He didn't mind the haircut, but he was tired & cranky, so he's frowning in the photo.

Ian's First Birthday Celebration!

Ian's birthdate is Dec. 1, but he has already received his birthday presents from Grandma & Grandpa Sorenson. When they were headed to AZ, they stopped by to day goodbye & gave him one of two presents; an elephant that makes noise! At first Ian was afraid of it, but now he points to it every morning when he wakes up. The second present they gave him was his new highchair.

Today while Granma & Granpa K were here we celebrated his birthday with balloons & cupcakes! Dirk & I got him a shirt that says "Baby's First Birthday," which he wore. He "picked" out an orange frosting cupcake at the grocery store. When we first gave it to him, he didn't quite seem to know what to do with it. He did smile when we lit the candles & sang "Happy Birthday."

Then he open presents. Granma & Granpa K gave him a couple dinosaur hand puppets, a fabric laptop that sings the alphabet, makes animals sounds & other teaching features, a Santa nightlight, a Badgers track suit, an "Ian" puzzle. He really got into opening the presents. Dirk & I got him a dog named Scout that talks & sings to him, & teaches him things.

So far, Ian Sorenson has had a very good birthday! And it's not even his official birthday!

Ian's First Thanksgiving

Ian woke up at 6:30, and he was FIRED UP! Momma & Papa, not so much. Dirk had actually hoped we'd get to sleep in a little. So Ian & I got up and let Dirk sleep in till 8. = ) When Dirk got up, we rearranged the living room. It looks really good! Then, going a little snow-stir-crazy, I volunteered to go to the store to pick up some more stuff. While Ian & I were gone, Mom & Marv showed up. Ian was very excited when he saw them when he came thru the door! We had an amazing Thanksgiving dinner that Dirk prepared! All the recipes were from Bon Appetite magazine. Garlic Roasted Red Potatoes with Panecetta, a cold Green Bean Vinagrette salad with Dried Cherries, Wild Rice Stuffing, along with home baked bread from Mom, and a smoked turkey from the butcher. THEN for dessert Mom made a new version of pumpkin pie that had an amazing topping! We ate VERY well! Ian was on fire all day! He loved having his Granma & Granpa K here!

First "Official" Snow Day

Today the three of us had our "official" snow day. Ian's school was closed, City People's was closed & Dirk's work told him to stay home. We had 10 inches of snow! Our commute home last night was tedious, stressful & long! It took us 3 hours to get home. But we got home safely & to electricity. (a lot of people were not so fortunate).

Today we slept in till 7:30 (that's sleeping in to Ian). After his morning nap we took photos of the family out in the snow & headed to Issaquah to pick up last minute Thanksgiving items & the turkey from the butcher. We also picked up cupcakes for Ian's birthday celebration on Friday (Nov 26); we are celebrating with Granma & Granpa K on Friday. We also went out for lunch. When we got home, Ian practiced feeding himself some yogurt. It was very messy & hilarious! Before bed, Dirk & Ian played with Duplos. They seem to have a lot fun!

First Snow!

Today was Ian's first snow day! He watched out the window with Papa and they went out side. He laughed when it hit his face & he tried to catch it. Later in the the three of us went out in the snow when the flakes got bigger.

On a completely different note, he is trying to walk with his "Dino" walker. He pushes it a few steps & then realizes crawling is so much faster! He is getting better at "crusing." One of his favorite play things is chasing the cat Jake. Ian lets out a loud squeal when he sees Jake.

Getting to be such a BIG Boy!!

Ian is getting big! He has figured out how to get the tray off the Bumbo seat, so we had to breakdown & get a high chair! Grandma & Grandpa Sorenson bought it for his birthday! He loves it! And why wouldn't he?! It's cushy! Here he is "helping" Papa assemble the chair. At "school" they have been teaching him to use a spoon. Below you can see him trying to eat blueberries with his spoon.

Eve of the Winter Pineapple Classic

Tomorrow morning Dirk & I are going up against Kimberlee & Mark Ely in the Winter Pineapple Classic. It is a 5K obstacle course, most likely in the rain! Fortunately for us this year the venue has been moved to a farm in North Bend! After the race there is a luau. Dirk, Ian & I will all be dressed in Hawaiian attire. Hopefully it will be fun! Pictures to come!

Team Sorenson is Back!

Well, it's been a long time since I updated the blog, but since the Island Grandparents are all headed to their winter homes, & Grandpa Michael also lives a distance, I figured they'd all be interested in reading about Team Sorenson's adventures.

Ian is "crusing" along the furniture & pulling himself up like a pro. It's just matter of time & practice till he starts to walk. We got him a dinosaur to practice. He can either ride it & push with his feet, or walk behind it to help him walk. He was scooting backwards riding it this morning. Right now he is busy with his toy box of legos. I love how he takes them out, inspects them & then tosses them off to the side!

Last night Dirk & I went to see "Race Across the Sky 2." Unfortunately Dirk was not in it, but he was in the credits! It was a good movie. Some friends went to see it with us. I think they were rather impressed with Dirk! Ian was at the babysitters--Logan & Piper. They must have played hard because he was tired today!!

Grandpa Michael came to visit October 20-21. We went on a hike to Twin Falls in North Bend.


Grandpa Neil & Grandma Ilene came to visit Oct. 28 on their way to Arizona. Ian had fun with them! He received an elephant that moves & makes noise for his birthday present from them. He as a little afraid at first, but has warmed up to it. Each morning he looks for it, and at night & during the day he likes to pet it.

"Vacation" to Colorado/the Big Race for Papa

We left Tues, Aug 10 for Denver Int'l Airport. Ian once again was a great baby on the plane. We had a 6:30 flight & was a trooper! When we got to Denver, we drove to Boulder for lunch. Sat outside on a shaded deck & had salads. Very nice. We wandered around Boulder. It is a really nice "downtown." The streets are closed off to traffic so you can walk around tree-lined brick cobble stone with shops on both sides. One of our favorite clothing companies, Prana, had a store there & they were having a 40% off sale! I got a skirt & sweatshirt (a cute fashionable one) & Dirk got some nice khakis. Then we headed two hours to Copper Mountain. We rented a condo with Neil & Ilene Sorenson. The place was nice. Copper is a ski village with shops & restaurants. We spent a lot of time wandering around there. Dirk & I went up in the ski lift. That was a lot more fun than I thought it would be!

Tues. night we prepped Dirk's race stuff. And he explained to us what we would be doing as the "crew."

On Wed. my childhood friend Vicki Rystrom came out from right outside Boulder (I didn't know that's where she lived or we would have just visited her there!). She stayed the night. We made homemade pizza (it was SO good!)

Grandpa Michael Visits

Yesterday Grandpa Michael came to visit us. They played, Grandpa fed him bananas, we BBQ'd steaks & corn, and watched "Race Across the Sky" (the Leadville 100 movie). Unfortunately Ian had a cold & fever, so he kept us all awake during the night. Grandpa, Ian & I went back to bed this morning for a nap. Poor Papa had to go to work with little sleep. Today I bathed Ian & Grandpa took pictures. We hung out till the afternoon & then Grandpa headed home. It was a quick visit, but it was really fun. Wish we lived closer.

Batten down the hatches!

Ian has learned to crawl! And he is very excited about it! Tonight he was eyeing the cat in his path. He is grabbing at kitchen drawers, laundry baskets, etc. Time to baby-proof the house!
Also he has two teeth popping up. Today he had a screaming fit because he was in pain. The cute toothless grin will be gone very soon! Sad.

Monday morning was very exciting. Ian & I were leaving for school/work a little late that day & as we were pulling out of our driveway, we saw a 2 year old bear! He was going thru the neighbor's garbage. I did NOT get out of the car to take this photo!

First "Play date"

Yesterday was Ian's first official play date. We went over to Jen & Jake's condo & went swimming with Jen, Willow, Kristen, Jackson, two moms from Jen & Kristen's PEPS group, and their babies Henry & Harper. (Jen & Kristen were in our Birthing Class). All the babies are about the same age. (Willow is the oldest at 9 mos). The babies had so much funny swimming! Later they sat on the side of the pool & interacted with each other. It's fun to see how much they have grown since our January reunion.


Yesterday morning when I went in to get Ian he was sitting up in his crib! Somehow he pulled himself up into a sitting position! He is trying very hard to crawl. Last night Dirk, Ian & I hung out in Ian's room. Ian played & tried to crawl, and Dirk & I played on our computers. It sounds like we weren't paying attention to him, but since we were in such a small space, we could look up & see what he was doing. Plus since we weren't hovering over him, he didn't pay attention to us and played with his toys. It was actually a really special time together.

Busy, busy bees!!

Team Sorenson has been a very busy family! As you read before, we were in Leavenworth for 4th of July weekend. Then July 8-11 Dirk went to Leadville, CO to train for his upcoming race. We all saw each other for a day & half, and then Ian & I were off to Atlanta for the Gift Show from July 13-17. Again, he was a perfect angel on the plane ride. Grannma Kay joined us in Atlanta on the 14th. The weather there was hot & muggy. Ian & I got caught in a huge rain storm our first afternoon there. My hair looked like I had just stepped out of the shower! Ian's legs were wet, but I'm sure it felt good to him because of the heat. Wed, July 14 Ian & I walked the Gift show. We did pretty well just the two of us. When our work day was over, it was time to meet up with Grannma Kay, who had just flown in from Seattle. The three of us went to dinner at Pittypat's Porch, Southern food. It was GOOD! Fried chicken, collard greens, black eyed peas, biscuits; I had a mint julip. It was all so good!! The place was kind of funky & southern. Thursday Ian & Grannma Kay joined me at the market. On this day we snuck in a stroller. Other mom's were asking us how we got a stroller in...we felt kind of guilty. But my back felt a lot better about it! At the end of the day, all three of us were exhausted, so we went for a swim in the pool, which Ian loved! Then we went back to the hotel room & had room service. On Friday Grannma Kay & Ian stayed at the hotel till 2:30, while I went to the market by myself. This was very productive for me. They had fun reading, playing, napping, trying to crawl & Ian ate bananas (his favorite). They joined me in the afternoon. It was hard to get anything done & get from showroom to showroom because everyone would stop us to talk to Ian or tell us what a cute baby he is! It actually got a little old! Friday night we went to a Turkish Mediterian restaurant. The food was delicious! The waitress was wonderful & she was actually from Turkey. There was a belly dancer which Ian loved (& she liked & danced for him!) Even the owner came over & talked with us for awhile. It was a really neat evening! Saturday morning Ian & I got up & flew home. Grannma's flight wasn't till late in the day, so she spent the day napping & reading. It was a great week & successful market!
As for Dirk, he hasn't been home all weekend! He & his dad have been riding the STP--Seattle to Portland bike race. They are doing it in two days. Saturday night they rode to Centralia. Sunday they are riding to Portland, and then taking the train back to Seattle, where Ian & I will pick them up. That's not all!! Dirk is headed to Vegas this week for work! Then in August, Dirk, Ian, Neal & Ilene & I are all headed to CO for Dirk's bike race! Busy, busy bees!!!
One more thing...we have been trying to get Ian to crawl. He can scoot backwards. And he gets up on his knees & rocks back & forth. Last night he was able to take two "steps" crawling!! Very exciting!!

Fun with Granma & Granpa Klein

This weekend Dirk went to Leadville, Co to train for his big race next month in CO so Ian & I went to Whidbey to spend time with my mom & Marv. Ian also spent time with Grandma & Grandpa Sorenson. We went up Thurs., July 8 & were there till today, July 12. We went to the wading pool in downtown Oak Harbor, ran errands, went for a walk with Coco & had a wonderful time. The weather was sunny & beautiful! On Saturday I had to run to Seattle, so Ian went over to Grandma & Grandpa Sorenson's for the day. He had a great time; he went for a walk first with Grandma, and then with Grandpa! He ate carrots & made a big mess, and then took a nap. Both sets of Grandparents tried very hard to get Ian to crawl. (photos to come..)

4th of July Weekend

What a GREAT weekend! We went to Leavenworth from Friday night to Monday night! I was looking forward to this for weeks since I usually have to work on Sundays & we have to go home early. We stayed at the Fallon's. Saturday morning I went for a run before things got too busy & hot. When I got back, Dirk started out on his day of riding. Almost everyone was there--Jen, Colin, Annabelle & Ford Martin, Matt & Bev Davidson & Cody, Natalie, Jack & Kalyn Kennedy, Mike Doyle made it over for the 4th BBQ & fireworks. Holly & Chris Clark were the only ones MIA. Dirk, Ian & I went to the pool. The weather was perfect! The food was amazing. The Fallon's actually tried to organize the meals, which worked pretty well. Both Ian & Coco were exhausted from all the kids & excitement! Ian took a power nap at the pool.

Ian is 7 months old today!

Today Ian is 7 months old! We started the day in the usual way. Got up at 6, fed, let the dog out, took a nap till 9:30. Nursed again, Skyped with Granma & Granpa Klein while eating peas. Then we cleaned house & grocery shopped. Ian ate more & took another nap. We did laundry & got ready for our big weekend in Leavenworth!

Peas...mmm...

Today Ian tried peas. He wasn't so sure about them though. I was afraid he was going to have green stuff ALL over his pajamas as he does with the cereal, but he didn't! He kept the mess to his mouth & one hand (it went in his mouth when I turned around for the washcloth). When fed he kind of made a yucky face smirk, but like a little bird, he kept opening his mouth for more! Next we'll try sweet potatoes. Like Granma Kay said, I don't think we'll have a problem getting this kid to eat.

Team Sorenson & our Activities

I missed a couple posts chronologically.


June 5th Dirk was in the "Bike & Brew" bike race. The weather was perfect! Dirk ran the course twice in 2 hours 20 min. His best time ever! Afterwards we all enjoyed the beer garden. It was a very fun day!!

On June 11 Dirk, Ian & I ran in the Fremont 5K. They also have a "Brief Case Run" where people wear suits. I didn't know that, so we dressed up. ; ) Ian wore a tie, button-down shirt, khakis, argyle socks & penny loafers, Dirk & I had suit jackets & ties before & after the race. The run was really good! I ran the whole course!

Family Vacation

Dirk, Ian & I went on our first family vacation. We had a really wonderful time! We went to DC/DE from June 15-20. Ian was a perfect angel on the plane going to DC. He nursed on take off & then slept for 2 hours. When he woke, he played nicely & had a good time. The first two nights we stayed at our friends, the Martins, in Bethesda, MD. Dirk, Ian & I enjoyed the heat! We sat on the screened in porch, drank wine & watched fireflies. Jen was a perfect hostess. Ford was so gracious & gave up his crib for Ian. Annabelle made a beautiful card for Ian for his tote bag the Martins gave him.
Wednesday we all got up & went for a run. Then we visited the Smithsonian American Art Museum & walked the Mall. Thursday we went for a run again and then were back to DC & visited the National Archives where we saw the Declaration of Independence, Bills of Rights & Emancipation Proclamation. After that we went to the National Gallery of Art, & the Smithsonian Castle.

Friday we were off to the Hotel Du Pont in Delaware to get ready & go to my cousin Melissa's wedding. The wedding was gorgeous! And it was fun to see all my family--Mom, Marv, Julie, Bob, Melissa, Tom, Linn & Katie. Ian wore his little suit & was quite the charmer!

Saturday we drove back to DC. Ian went for his first swim in the pool & really liked it! On this day we walked the Mall & saw the White House, the Washington Monument, WWII Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Lincoln Memorial & Reflecting Pool. Sunday was Father's Day and we had a nice brunch back at the Martin's. Ian was a little more fussy on the flight home. It was a great vacation!

Ian is 6 months old!

Today Ian had his first "solid" food! He had a very soupy-cereal mix. He didn't really make a "yucky" face, in fact he wanted more! Most of it ended up on his pants. Tomorrow we'll try a little more cereal so it's thicker. Next week we can try veggies! Last night we went out for dinner & he sat in a high chair for the first time! He sat up great! Speaking of sitting up, he has been really trying to sit up on his own. Our favorite place to practice is on the bed so when he falls over he has a soft landing. He thinks it's pretty funny!
Today I went to his first Parent/Teacher conference. His teachers, Ms. Keila & Ms. Ciana, were both there. They said he is a happy boy, likes to do the arts & crafts, likes to roll over, pays attention when they read. They are working on helping him sit up. I showed them how he can stand & hold onto something.
On Wednesday, June 2 he went to the dr. for his 6 mo. check up. He is in the 50th percentile still. He is gaining weight & growing normally. He is also developing "normally," ie. rolling over, trying to sit up & stand up, "talking," laughing, engaging, etc.

A Good Day

Today Ian & I "Skyped" with Granmma & Granpa Klein. He got a big kick out of it! If you don't have Skype, you need to get it. It's free & you can see the person live! He even sat up on his own for a few seconds! He's getting much better at this! I think by the time we get our family photos done (June 26) he'll definitely be able to sit up on his own!
Then we cleaned house. Ian was a BIG help! in that he was a good baby & kept himself entertained while I cleaned. When the rain let up we went for a run. It was a good run! Now we are having some family time, so I am going to sign off.

Ian's Day with Grandma Sorenson

Hi mom,
How about this picture? Grandma took it. I think she was really impressed when I took my bottle of warm milk. She was really blown away when i showed her I could hold the bottle and tilt it and feed myself so she could braid. Then we played and rocked in the rocking chair until I fell asleep. Dad and grandpa were able to get in a good ride. What a day. You would be so proud of me---I was soooo good.
Love,
Ian

Mom's BEST advise EVER!

Moms give lots of advise. Don't take candy from strangers. Say please & thank you. Early to bed, early to rise. Blah, blah, blah. But my mom just administered the BEST advise EVER!

Tide detergent (powder only) + Shout spray + hot water = gets stains out!

Getting into parenthood I knew babies were messy & I know they poop & have "blowouts." What I didn't know it was almost permanent these blowouts could be on clothes! Not to sound like a commercial, but it really works! Even on a white onesie! Hallelujah!! Now that's good advise!

Who Knew?

Today we learned a valuable lesson. Ian likes his bottles warmed. He has been struggling with taking a bottle from us. We have warmed the bottles to room temperature, but apparently that wasn't warm enough. And I have read so much on the internet; try a sippy cup, have dad feed him with mom out of the room, feed with a baby spoon, try waking up baby & feeding them while sleepy. I even called the pediatrician's office. Yesterday I bought a couple sippy cups hoping he'd like that instead. It worked at first, but then he refused again. Tonight we bought a bottle warmer and so far it's worked. No one mentioned that...Dirk thought of it because they use it at school. Tonight he actually drank 5 oz! (that's a lot for him). We'll see if it still has it's magic tomorrow! God I hope so!

Lots of events this week!

Yesterday was DIrk's birthday & Ian's gift was to roll over! And over, and over! Dirk got it on video. Ian is very happy about this new accomplishment! He showed his teachers at school his new trick too by rolling all day.
He is becoming much more social & his personality is emerging.
Last week we went to Children's Hospital for the last time for awhile! Ian no longer has to wear his brace!! We are so glad because it was really torture putting him in it at bed time.
On May 8, Dirk, Ian & Mer all ran in the Mai Fest run in Leavenworth. We had a lot of fun. The weather was nice (but cold!) I was the only one that dressed up for the run, but I'm glad I did! It was fun! That was what I wanted to do for my Mother's Day. Actual Mother's Day was uneventful since I had to work.

May 13-15 Ian & Mer went up to Whidbey to visit the Island Grandparents. Granma Kay bought Ian a suit for an upcoming family wedding. Ian got his first balloon at Red Robin. We celebrated Dirk & Mer's birthdays and Mother's Day at Grandma & Grandpa Sorenson's. Ian gave his Grandmas art he did at school. Everyone had a good time!

Busy Baby!!

Ian has been a busy baby! Thursday & Friday he & I picked up Aunt Julie at the airport & went to Whidbey Island to visit Mom & Marv. We had a nice visit. Ian finally got to meet Linda & John, and Dorothy McNamara! Saturday morning Team Sorenson got up & headed to Leavenworth at 8am. We spent the day running (Mer) and biking (Dirk). Ian had his first experience with grass. He tried to eat it. It was a beautiful, sunny day! And then we were home by 10 pm! On Sunday, Mer went to work, Dirk & Ian went back to Whidbey. Grandpa Sorenson & Dirk rode their bikes down the island, while Ian & Grandma Sorenson hung out. Whew! It was a great weekend!

Ian's Art Show Debut

Ian has had a rough couple days; he's had a fever. Yesterday I was taking him to daycare & as I was handing him over to his teacher I noticed he was hot. His temp was 101.0, so away we went... Today the fever is gone so far. He was a little fussy, but overall was a good baby even though he didn't feel good.
This Saturday is an "Art Show" at his school. Grandma & Grandpa Sorenson and Gramma & Granpa Klein are all coming down to visit, see Ian's art & have lunch with us.

Ian seems to really be developing well. He turns his head when you call his name (it takes a few tries, but he does respond); he really grasps things well--toys, rattles, his pacifier.
Last weekend we all went to Leavenworth. It is one of our favorite places! We left North Bend about 9:30 am, had lunch at Uncle Uli's, hung out at the Fallons, saw the Gillespies. Dirk, Ian, Coco & I went for a lovely run along the irrigation ditch. It was beautiful! The weather was nice! Dirk then went for a bike ride. After dinner we headed back home.