Westyn's World

Troy and I have come to the realization that we live in Westyn's world and ours come in a very far second. We have had an awesome summer going to the canal, spending time at Greenlake, playing in her kiddie pool but when Westyn wants to stay in her pool even though its bedtime or when she threw a tantrum at Greenlake because she didn't want to leave even though her body was turning into a prune, we just throw our hands in the air and comply. All we care about is making her happy and making sure that she loves life and is having the best childhood imaginable.

I bet we have a few hundred pictures just like this.

Makena, Westyn & Campbell having an afternoon snack at the canal

That little bikini body kills me.

Don't get me wrong though, she is a very happy baby. She is always smiling, laughing, making silly faces and she loves to give hugs and kisses, even to strangers. She is such a cuddly little girl and I can't seem to get enough of that little crook in her neck and thank god she freely lets me nuzzle it everyday.

These last couple of weeks have been spent with some our favorite people the Verghese clan, celebrating Jen's 30th for 2 days; going to El T's one night and then having a BBQ on her actual Birthday at our house. I was even lucky enough to score some Jen and Ashley time over breakfast in Kirkland. We're keeping our fingers crossed that they'll be back in a few short months in October.

The face of an angel

Westyn must be picking something out of Calum's hair.

Last week Westyn & I spent a few days at the Canal with my Mom and Grandma while Troy was fishing in Alaska. I can't say enough about my Mom for the Grandma that she is. I'm sure I've said this before by my parents always say that they are better Grandparents then they were as parents. I can't imagine that to be true but as Grandparents there is no limit for them. They will do absolutely anything for that little girl and as parents to me they are always so willing to help Troy and I. They are pretty incredible people and we are very lucky to have them so close to us.

Lastly, (it makes me tear up just thinking about it) Brandon and fam leave tonight for Ithica, New York for his 2-year stint getting his MBA. UGH. I can't imagine what life will be like these next 2 years without those four but I'm very excited for their new journey. As my good friends know I am very close to my brother and in turn our kids are very close especially Westyn and Campbell (10 months apart) so it's going to be strange not seeing him on a weekly basis.

Meet the Waltons

Our wonderful friends Danny & Liz Walton had their beautiful baby girl Lillian Eileen Monday right before midnight after - get this - 6 minutes of pushing. No this is not her 2nd child (as one may think) but she is a just a regular super star. We went to the hospital last night and visited the now perfect family of 3 and witnessed the pure joy in their eyes as Danny changed Lily's 5th poopy tar diaper of the day. She looks just like her Daddy and has so much jet black hair that you could literally put a clip in it.

Lillian Eileen Walton

6lbs 9oz - 19inches

Family 4th!

cleaning clams with Aunt Christy

At Jamie's graduation party

Getting tickeled by Tata

For as long as I can remember excluding sometime in the 80's when I was a lot younger we have spent the 4th of July at our cabin on the Hood Canal. I decided to take a few much needed days off last week and Westyn and I headed to the canal a day before Troy to spend some time with my parents until the maddness began. We had several Baggo tournaments, several margaritas and I think we went through about 15 bottles of wine - this was spread out around many days and people though. Every night, especially the 4th, we were treated to a fireworks display unlike any you have ever seen. Up and down and across the canal we could see incredible fireworks, huge parties, bonfires where people were sure to be roasting Reeses Smores as this is the new thing - who said we were in a recession?? I can't believe how much people must have spent. One can't really explan the awesomeness of the canal on the 4th unless you have been there.

Lake Kachess with the Phipp's and crew

On another note, June was a crazy month packed full of fun get-togethers; my cousins's graduation, celebrating the birthday of a pretty cool guy at their amazing cabin/huge house at Lake Kachess, spending time with my Grandma who will start her bone marrow transplant at Fred Hutch in a few weeks and the list goes on. July is sure to be even better especially because I get to see some awesome people in a few days and celebrate Jen's 30th birthday with her. The only downfall of July is that my brother and his family leave for their 2-year Cornell journey at the end of the month and we will obviously miss him terribly - I think my Mom will begin having withdrawls....

Westyn in transforming into this little girl and is trying way to hard to grow up faster than she should and that I should allow. She refuses to have anybody feed her but herself and has had a pretty hefty diet these days. She literally gets a black eye, bruise, scrape every single day since she is so active but keeps on mobbing along so I can't hold her back. She is now walking up the stairs, not crawling but full blown walking and has her own special language that vaguely sounds like Chinese. Her vocabulary is pretty incredible and will mimmick anything that Troy and I say - even though it doesn't come out perfect she's still trying so hard.

As people may notice my posts are few and far between; time these days is pretty lacking and I haven't had 2 seconds to sit and write a post and post pictures which we all know is a pain in the a@#. Juggling all of my roles as a Mom, wife, career woman has proven to be quite challenging but I think I'm hanging in there as best as I can... without having to self-medicate...