Uncle Paul

I have an uncle Paul. He is my dad's brother-in-law, married to my dad's older sister. My memories of my uncle Paul are good ones. He rode a motorcycle, he had a tattoo and was definitely the strong silent type. I thought he was the coolest person I had ever met. I suppose when I was young being the epitome of cool was pretty easy (I thought My Pretty Ponies were cool for awhile), but Uncle Paul's coolness has staying power. I haven't seen him in quite some time, but based on my last visit - still cool.

My daughter has an Uncle Paul too. My younger brother Paul was named for our uncle. Technically there was another important Paul - my dad's friend from law school - but I don't know him, so I just think of him being named for our uncle. Anyway, it is a fitting namesake. Kasen's uncle Paul will be the perfect "cool uncle". He has tattoos, definitely strong silent type - no motorcycle - but his older BMW is pretty cool. Paul was in town last week, so I made him take a picture with Kasen. Cute huh? Paul is making his "I am holding a baby" face and Kasen is trying to be like her uncle. I think it is funny how similar their expressions are in this picture. My guess? A facial expression is not the only thing her Uncle Paul will teach her - hopefully there won't be any motorcycle rides.

World Cup 2010

The world cup has been on alot in this house recently. The games are REALLY early here, but with a baby around - getting up early isn't an issue. We are actually hoping her first word will be GGGOOOAAALLL!!!!! We work on it at Karl's soccer games.

Kasen and Karl have also been practicing her goal celebrations. This one is after they had been working on it awhile (we call it Triumphant Arms). Once she can walk, we are hoping she will add some fun footwork with the arms. As a side note - the soccer onsie is from our friends Ellen & Matt (yes we know them through our soccer team). It says:

Step 1: Crawl
Step 2: Walk
Step 3: [Picture of a soccer ball]

It make me laugh every time.

Kasen wore the other of her soccer onsies for the last USA game (vs. Ghana) to show her support. However, she SLEPT through the game. Yes, the whole game. We are pretty sure the guys knew, because they just didn't have the spring in their step that they had in the group play. Kasen apologizes Team USA. She promises she will be conscious for more of the game in 4 years.

Here Kasen is when I told her the result (after she woke up). I am sure the misty eyes are her thinking of "what should have been" for the USA.

Kasen's First Concert - The Drove

Last weekend was the first time Kasen got to try the noise reducing ear muffs we bought. The plan is for her to wear these at Sounders games. Anyway, our friend Liam was having a show at the Experience Music Project (EMP) at Seattle Center. Perfect opportunity for an ear muff test run.

Karl and I have seen The Drove many times and we think they are awesome. We knew Kasen would love it. We were just a little surprised by how calming she found it all. In fact... well just watch:

OK, so she fell asleep. I believe, according to baby culture, that is the highest compliment she could have given them. Besides, it will be a few years before she can chant Liam's name or dance with Jeanette. The best part is the bassist daughter (seen closer to stage when the video pans to the band - her mom is holding her and swaying) is asleep by the end too. She is also wearing ear muffs (although hers are pink camo - in case they need to double for hunting... in a pink forest). So, I wonder if The Drove would be down for babysitting :)

Kasen is 2 Months Old

After heading back to work, our life has gotten very hectic. I love this picture of my family relaxing.

Kasen turned 2 months last week and to celebrate she got to go to the doctor - AWESOME huh? She started by acing the weight, length & head circumference "tests". Here are her scores:

Weight - 13lbs 13.5 oz (>95th percentile)
Height - 23 3/4 in. (90th percentile)
Head - 39 3/4 cm. (75th percentile)

Kasen is truly growing like a weed and the doctor thought she looked great. She has come a long way from our skinny 2 week old. They saved the best for last ... shots! Three to be exact - 2 in one thigh and 1 in the other. It taught me something - turns out I hold Kasen mainly around the thigh. It made for an interesting evening.

Besides growing BIG, Kasen has also started smiling and talking. The video below shows off both of these new skills. If she takes after her parents, the house will NEVER be silent.

So here is Kasen dressed in our favorite pjs: