Where Have We Been?

Hi Friends and Family,

We are sorry it has been nearly six months since our last blog post. Of course, babies not only bring joyful surprises and comfort but also disorganization and unpredictability. We will give you a brief overview of the past few months along with mainly photos and videos so you can observe the changes in Louisa. And we are committed to updating this blog twice per week from now on. Not only for our friends and family (not on Facebook), but for Louisa and for us so we can remember all these new firsts with her.

October and November

What is fun about children is rediscovering the joy of holidays that we stop celebrating as much as adults. Although Louisa was only five and a half months old at Halloween, we took the opportunity to create jack-o-lanterns and enjoy the Halloween holiday. We carved pumpkins with our close friends, the Goodells, present in plenty of photos throughout this montage. We are lucky to have them in our lives as they have become as near to family here in Portland as we can get.

I wonder if you can guess which pumpkin is mine

Louisa dressed as a stuffed animal with her favorite dog, Rufus Goodell (on the left), and his good friend.

Louisa wants to learn to ride horses like her mama, so she practices on our patient Rufus.

Getting a good night Halloween kiss from Rufus.

 We have also been lucky enough to spend quality time with our favorite family the Sands-Boykoffs and their daughter Jessie. Here we are playing a trio on the piano. Louisa loves music

In November we had the opportunity to go home for a brief visit for Amos's dad's birthday. The big birthday celebration included an in-house concert which delighted everyone with Pete and Louisa at the very top of the list.  Luckily, I was also able to spend the weekend in New Ulm where Louisa giggled with her grandmother and told her tales of the great Pacific Northwest.

You wouldn't believe the traffic, Nanny!

Louisa wanted to go to George's with Jared but we decided to stay home.

 During that brief visit, my aunt and grandfather drove to New Ulm to see Louisa. We had a great lunch and Louisa was able to spend some quality time with her great grandfather.

I'm so grateful for the result of the election, Papa!

Cheese for my auntie!

 We visited Dad's bench down at German Park and had a photo session with Louisa.

 Thanksgiving

For Thanksgiving, both our families came to Portland to celebrate and enjoy my mother's amazing Thanksgiving cooking. It was a great time where both families did what made them happiest: the Magees went wine tasting and the Tuttles went horseback riding. Unfortunately, my horse spooked and I fell off for the first time. Both the horse and I were okay and I still gave the horse many treats at the end of the ride.

Thanksgiving day included many visitors and a great meal.

Sasha and Kelleigh in an embrace as usual. Get a room! 

Louisa saying good night to her grandfather.

Tina and Pia came to celebrate eating a lot!

Look who showed up! A holiday is not the same without the Goodell boys. They enjoyed mashed potatoes.

The Moms.

The Magees have learned that a Tuttle household will always involve a cat on the lap.

Having breakfast with her auntie.

And a cuddle with her grandmother and kitty.

 December

December saw the end of the season for Amos so he was able to spend more quality time with Louisa. Cristina came to visit in mid-December where we spent most of the weekend watching Homeland. Watch it. I'm serious, it's good. We also did a number of holiday activities with the Goodells. The highlight was the Polar Express: as you ride the Polar Express, the conductor reads the story while elves distribute cookies and hot chocolate. The ride ends with a visit from Santa. The best part of the ride was Louisa's performances of clapping and screaming. She was a delight.

Before our adventure began.

Louisa and her best friend, Pia.

Xmas present from Cristina!

Lighting the candles on the first night of Hannukah.

Spinning the Driedl.

Lights at the Zoo with Xtina!

 We returned to Minnesota mid-December where we had the opportunity to catch up with friends. My gym friends hosted a dinner party. Louisa stayed up until 10:30pm because she didn't want to miss out on any time with Paul, Corey, Jeff, Joanne or Jennifer.

Louisa starts to burn out, but sure loved Jen!

The person I miss most in Minnesota!

Louisa made a new friend that night.

 We spent December 22 celebrating Christmas with my mom's side of the family where Louisa entertained  her great grandmother, her great aunt and her cousins.

Auntie Ricki gave Louisa a fancy Christmas dress.

And fun presents!

 In New Ulm, we were greeted with some serious snow. My sister and I tried to introduce Louisa to snow but she preferred to nap.

Snow isn't that cool, you guys.

 Christmas Eve we spent with Sharon and Dave and Sharon's family as we do every year. Before everyone arrived we had a Christmas toast. Louisa was upset she was not yet of-age.

Trying to wear her Christmas crown and play with her toy. It went in her mouth.

Christmas Eve dinner.

 Christmas morning saw many presents and, more importantly, plenty of paper for Louisa to eat.

Wait, the present isn't just the paper?!

Christmas overload! Thanks everyone!

 After opening presents from Santa we set off for Rochester to spend the day with my dad's side of the family. Once again, Louisa got to spend some important time bonding with Papa.

Trying to figure out this complicated toy!

Pick-a-boo with cousin Maria!

 We spent the afternoon and evening playing Apples to Apples. And FYI,  I know a lot of people talk about the game, but it is really, really fun. Particularly when you have my aunt involved which I guess not everyone does.

We returned to New Ulm and spent another few days with my mom which, of course, meant we were cared for richly. Another snowfall meant a family walk through a local park. Louisa enjoyed the snow flakes.

We decided to return to Portland a few days early so I could prepare for a conference I was attending January 2 in San Diego (where I saw my Aunt Heidi and her kids who I miss so very much!). The girls were overjoyed to see us as you can see below. And Louisa was excited to cuddle her two favorite kitties.

 We have returned to a steady routine in Portland. Most days start for us at 5 or 6am. On weekends we are lucky to sleep in until 6:30am. You can see below why sleeping any later is impossible.

So overall that has been our life with Louisa.  We did join the Portland Zoo where we've brought Louisa to a couple of times.  She loves the big cats and has a special midwestern affinity for tractors as you can see.

We promise to be back with stories and pictures about Louisa, who recently helped her daddy host a birthday party for mom.  It was a great party and Louisa played the perfect host, crawling and chortling everywhere.  But more of that later.

Much Love C, A and L.