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Family
There's No Place Like Home
08/29/10 17:14
We have recently returned to France after spending a month at our home in
Alaska. We are so grateful for the time to see family and friends, practice medicine and pack up items we will take to Madagascar. Oliver loved reuniting with his little friends and Alex was a star through his many introductions and outings. Jonathan rocked the 16 mile Lost Lake race he had been training for and Mandy packed in play date after play date during our one month stay. All in all, a soul satisfying and exhausting time was had by all.
Here are some photos from the month and an album with much more.
Alaska. We are so grateful for the time to see family and friends, practice medicine and pack up items we will take to Madagascar. Oliver loved reuniting with his little friends and Alex was a star through his many introductions and outings. Jonathan rocked the 16 mile Lost Lake race he had been training for and Mandy packed in play date after play date during our one month stay. All in all, a soul satisfying and exhausting time was had by all.
Here are some photos from the month and an album with much more.
Grandmas Galore and Other Good Times (part 2)
07/06/10 14:57
We are enjoying a summer break from school, spending time catching up on life and finding ways to take French out of the classroom. Check out our Summer 2010 album for more pics.
Citizenship
07/02/10 15:56
The four of us headed out bright and early Thursday morning for Alex’ appointment at the US embassy in Paris. Two trains, rush hour traffic, delays on the tracks and 1.5 hours later we arrived at the embassy. To our relief everything went smoothly with the paperwork process required to receive Alex’ US birth certificate and passport. An added bonus was that Oliver managed to make it through the whole process without tearing the place down. It was an unexpected, heart and tear-filled moment for us when the embassy official looked us in the eyes and explained that the minute Alex was born he was a US citizen. He even added that if he wanted to run for president, as the law currently stands, this would be allowed.....an interesting and delightful thing to hear as a parent. He handed us the flag with a big smile on his face and we walked away feeling proud and patriotic.
Family Album
05/18/10 20:08
Here are some pics from Alex’ premier two weeks of life. He has had lots of love from his adoring (and exhausted) parents, super big brother Oliver, a visit from uncle Ben and aunt Donna and other good friends from near and far. We look forward to visits from grandmas coming to France soon.
Alex Kole
05/18/10 20:08
Announcing...
Alex Kole Casurella
Born 14 May 2010 (10pm France time)
7.0 lb 18.8 in
Shortly there after
Our mid-wife (or in French: Sage-femme “wise-woman” )
“Its been a hard day’s night and I’ve been working like a dog.” -The Beatles
Alex’ first bath.
Oliver’s introduction to his new baby brother
The Boyz
Oliver is ecstatic about his “new baby brother”
...and also about his new France football. (In prep for the World Cup)
At the end of the day, we all feel a little like this.
Spring Break
04/27/10 22:01
Spring time in France has brought welcomed change inside and out. Outside the sun is shining, the winter chill has fled and gardens are in full bloom. Inside the fog is lifting from our french-saturated brains and the seeds of language learning are beginning to bud. Spring break has given us a chance to catch our breath, play outside, enjoy time with visiting friends and scurry around making last-minute baby preparations.
At last we have discovered a beautiful slice of nature not far from where we live.
Family picture while visiting the Val de Loire
It is official, Oliver can out run his mama. Thankfully his daddy still has him beat.
Since you asked...here is a preggo pic from 35 weeks. Hard to believe we are only 3.5 weeks from d-day.
At last we have discovered a beautiful slice of nature not far from where we live.
Family picture while visiting the Val de Loire
It is official, Oliver can out run his mama. Thankfully his daddy still has him beat.
Since you asked...here is a preggo pic from 35 weeks. Hard to believe we are only 3.5 weeks from d-day.
Pregnancy in France
03/31/10 14:22
Je suis enceinte (I am pregnant)...32 weeks and counting. Before this baby boy sees the light of day he will have traveled from Alaska, across the United States and over the ocean to France. It has been a busy 7+ months, thats for sure. Since arriving in France 3 months ago we have established prenatal care, had a beaucoup of ultrasounds and discovered where to find affordable baby gear. Navigating the way of pregnancy in France has been easier than expected since there are 3 other pregnant students with whom to collaborate. With our minds and belly’s working together we are finding the answers to the most important questions like what hospital to deliver at, what to expect at an appointment, what to bring to the hospital, etc.
Pleasant surprises along the way have been:
1. The extremely affordable costs of very thorough and professional doctor visits.
2. The French custom in grocery stores, museums and other public places to allow pregnant women to cut in line. There are signs that display a wheelchair and a pregnant woman side by side, showing where to go for VIP service
.
3. Bourse aux vetements (clothing exhange) for children. These are fabulous community consignment sales where all ages of children’s clothes, toys and baby gear are sold for very, very cheap. It has been a life-saver to find this since typical prices for clothes and gear at stores are far from bon marche (cheap).
A car full of 5 mama’s, 3 babies (in the oven) and a boat load of kids stuff. We are just returning from a very successful trip to a bourse aux vetements.
Oliver getting ready to fill some Big brother shoes. He seems to understand that someone new is joining our family and has suggested we name him “spider”.
I am savoring these final days where I can give Oliver undivided attention (at times) and we all sleep through the night.
Pleasant surprises along the way have been:
1. The extremely affordable costs of very thorough and professional doctor visits.
2. The French custom in grocery stores, museums and other public places to allow pregnant women to cut in line. There are signs that display a wheelchair and a pregnant woman side by side, showing where to go for VIP service
. 3. Bourse aux vetements (clothing exhange) for children. These are fabulous community consignment sales where all ages of children’s clothes, toys and baby gear are sold for very, very cheap. It has been a life-saver to find this since typical prices for clothes and gear at stores are far from bon marche (cheap).
A car full of 5 mama’s, 3 babies (in the oven) and a boat load of kids stuff. We are just returning from a very successful trip to a bourse aux vetements.
Oliver getting ready to fill some Big brother shoes. He seems to understand that someone new is joining our family and has suggested we name him “spider”.
I am savoring these final days where I can give Oliver undivided attention (at times) and we all sleep through the night.
Le Pouce (The Thumb)
03/14/10 14:26
The second whammy was Oliver getting sick with a fever and a minor virus. He pulled through the fever after a day or so but the virus lingered inhibiting his sleeping and eating and making him quite cranky. We took turns staying home with him and attending class.
This week we are faring much better and continue to wade through the daily adventures of learning French.
"If you build it, they will come."
02/22/10 17:07
We have immensely enjoyed a mid-term break this week. A quick trip out of Massy and to West France’s, Normandy has been incredibly refreshing. Our brains and bodies have caught a breather and are better able to synthesize the loads of new information we have been taking in. Moving to France nearly 2 months ago and diving into school head first has been both a huge blessing and completely exhausting. We were giddy about getting out of the classroom and into France.
We were reminded that the learning never stops while touring magnificent Mont Saint Michel.
1. Apparently Archangel Michael coined the phrase, “If you build it, they will come”, when he was instructing the bishop of Avranches to build the island abbey in A.D. 708. The sight is packed with stories of faith, war and pilgrimage. It is truly an awe-inspiring pile of stones. I guess the 80’s baseball flick Field of Dreams was inspired by the same idea.
2. Taking a stroller to this historic site is a horrible idea. As we passed people upon entering the village below the abbey I wondered why others kept giving us a little chuckle as they passed by. Normally this might be because of Oliver’s chubby cheeks, relaxed stroller pose and who knows why else. But in retrospect I am pretty sure it was because they knew something we did not....there were many, many, many STAIRS in our very near future. After about 10 flights of beep-bopping Oliver up the ancient stone steps we approached the entrance to the abbey. It was glaringly evident that this was one job that the baby jogger was not cut out for. Plan B...divide and conquer. Thanks to a borrowed car, nearby lodging and nap time we were able take turns coming and going, taking in the sites fullness sans enfant (without child).
We were reminded that the learning never stops while touring magnificent Mont Saint Michel.
1. Apparently Archangel Michael coined the phrase, “If you build it, they will come”, when he was instructing the bishop of Avranches to build the island abbey in A.D. 708. The sight is packed with stories of faith, war and pilgrimage. It is truly an awe-inspiring pile of stones. I guess the 80’s baseball flick Field of Dreams was inspired by the same idea.
2. Taking a stroller to this historic site is a horrible idea. As we passed people upon entering the village below the abbey I wondered why others kept giving us a little chuckle as they passed by. Normally this might be because of Oliver’s chubby cheeks, relaxed stroller pose and who knows why else. But in retrospect I am pretty sure it was because they knew something we did not....there were many, many, many STAIRS in our very near future. After about 10 flights of beep-bopping Oliver up the ancient stone steps we approached the entrance to the abbey. It was glaringly evident that this was one job that the baby jogger was not cut out for. Plan B...divide and conquer. Thanks to a borrowed car, nearby lodging and nap time we were able take turns coming and going, taking in the sites fullness sans enfant (without child).
Joyeux Anniversaire
02/16/10 20:30
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| Joyeux Anniversaire |
Back to School
01/13/10 13:54
Nous sommes des étudiants. Translated: we are students (however I know many of you do not need a translation since french has been coming out of the woodwork in emails to us. I look forward to the day when I can understand what you have written).
Here is a snapshot of a (week) day in our new life here in France: wake up, class, lunch, class, walk to the bakery or grocery store, eat dinner, play trains or go for a walk, homework, pass out in bed, repeat. We are 100% submerged in learning right now. Our classes are challenging and our brains are already being stretched to their limit after just 6 days of class.
We are hopeful that the seeds of learning being sown will reap benefits in our life and ministry in Madagascar and beyond. il est difficile, but also a gift to be learning French.
Here are a few pics of class, home and a school field trip down the Seine river in downtown Paris.
My superb teacher Alain teaching me to make the proper “ou” sound in French. “Mooooo like an angry cow” he says.
ouClick here to hear the live edition from class.
A beautiful and very chilly boat ride down the Seine river last Wednesday. Yep, that is the Eiffel tower in the background.
A very exciting “chooo chooo” ride for Oliver in to Paris. Our school is a 30 minute train ride from downtown Paris. We are still trying to figure out how to make public transportation + toddler ≠ chaos. Any tips?
Kitchen/living room/dining room in our petit apartment on campus. No. 1 missed comfort from home...American sized couch.
Jonathan and Oliver at home on the snowy trails in Massy.
Here is a snapshot of a (week) day in our new life here in France: wake up, class, lunch, class, walk to the bakery or grocery store, eat dinner, play trains or go for a walk, homework, pass out in bed, repeat. We are 100% submerged in learning right now. Our classes are challenging and our brains are already being stretched to their limit after just 6 days of class.
We are hopeful that the seeds of learning being sown will reap benefits in our life and ministry in Madagascar and beyond. il est difficile, but also a gift to be learning French.
Here are a few pics of class, home and a school field trip down the Seine river in downtown Paris.
My superb teacher Alain teaching me to make the proper “ou” sound in French. “Mooooo like an angry cow” he says.
ouClick here to hear the live edition from class.
A beautiful and very chilly boat ride down the Seine river last Wednesday. Yep, that is the Eiffel tower in the background.
A very exciting “chooo chooo” ride for Oliver in to Paris. Our school is a 30 minute train ride from downtown Paris. We are still trying to figure out how to make public transportation + toddler ≠ chaos. Any tips?
Kitchen/living room/dining room in our petit apartment on campus. No. 1 missed comfort from home...American sized couch.
Jonathan and Oliver at home on the snowy trails in Massy.
Christmas Album
01/06/10 20:57
Here are some of our favorite pics from Christmas with the Stuart family and onward to Paris. More to come soon of what our life looks like on this side of the world.
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| Stuart Christmas/Paris New Year |
Coping in "Chaos"
12/15/09 04:52
Please pray for us as we take the 15 hour drive back to San Antonio this next weekend. We look forward to celebrating Christmas with family before departing for France at the end of month.
Texas Times
11/29/09 21:07
Our time in Texas was full in all the best ways. Here are a few snapshots of memorable moments...more to come later.
What's time in Texas without tractors and corn?
The cutest little monkey and lady bug in Katy. Oliver was really in to knocking on doors and taking candy from people.
Oliver was so excited to get his haircut (while driving a car and watching an Elmo video), he threw a tantrum when we had to leave.
Oliver hanging out with his friend Ian.
Sweet Reese and hanging out with the Slay family.
The End of the Road...Trip
10/30/09 18:24
After nearly 50 days of road tripping we have put the car in park for a little while and are unpacking our bags. We are in Texas for the month of November working, playing and visiting until we hit the road again after Thanksgiving. All in all it was a trip of a lifetime. We are thankful for all the hospitality we received while on the road. Good food, great company, warm showers and new, exciting toys are what kept us going. We are pretty sure we have mapped out most major playgrounds from WA to TX, along with the most indredible beaches in the US. Most importantly we have bonded as a family in new ways, learning to live very closely and work together in everything. This is probably the most valuable preparation we can have as we face many new people and places over the next couple years.
Highway 1
10/03/09 23:15
Rocks and Water
09/27/09 06:11
Are We Having Fun Yet?
09/15/09 22:14
Oliver napped in the van while Jonathan and I sat on a bench overlooking the Puget Sound. Tears filled my eyes as I grappled with the unsettledness of our life currently and prospectively for the next 2 years. Feeling sad and lonely I put my head down and took notice of a plaque beneath the bench. A family's dedication to their late husband and father and a verse, "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." I laughed and cried a little more; perfect words at the perfect time.
Roadtrip
09/15/09 22:14
On Septermber 7 we boarded a plane with a one-way ticket. Weeks of packing, memorable goodbyes and 6 suitcases later we landed in Seattle to say hello to our new home...the EuroVan. For the next 2 months we will travel south along the west coast and through to Texas. We are saying hello and goodbye to friends, family and partnering churches. We are learning to live small in our cozy camper van. Everything we need for life is strategically packed into about 65 sq. ft. I am sure we will have many stories to tell from this time as our little family of three makes home on the move.
Frisbee and Farewell
08/24/09 00:39
The clock is ticking as we are closing in on two weeks until our departure from Alaska. We are savoring everything we know we will miss...trips to the zoo, runs through the mountains, great times with friends and the comforting routines in life that we know and love.
Our wonderful friends and church family are sending us away in style and have put together two very exciting events for us this week. If you are in the area we hope to see you at one or, better yet, both events this coming weekend. Here are the details:
Commissioning Service
Date: Sunday, August 30, 2009
Place: First Covenant Church
1145 C Street
Time: 10:00 am service
A portion of the morning service will be dedicated to sending us off to Madagascar. All are welcome to join this special gathering.
Frisbee Golf Tournament Fundraiser
Date: Sunday, August 30, 2009
Place: Kincaid Park Frisbee Golf Course
Time: 3:00 p.m. Registration at the Kincaid Pavilion next to the Chalet
3:30 p.m. Tee off with shotgun start
Family picnic and awards following Tournament
Prizes: First, Second and the Highest Scoring Team.
Registration Fee: $50.00 a Team (2 players) or $25.00 for a single
Please make checks payable to WorldVenture. www.worldventure.com
To Register:
1. RSVP by e-mail to shelbwilson@yahoo.com
2. Send the names of your team and your Team Name. Singles will be made into teams.
3. Include each team member’s mailing address, phone number and e-mail.
Please bring your registration fee or donation for Hole Sponsorship to registration the day of the tournament
If you are not interested in playing in the Tournament here are some other ways to be involved:
Hole Sponsorship: Become a Hole sponsor with a donation of $25.00 or more. Please see the attachment to this e-mail. This can be a personal sponsor or a business sponsor. Each sponsorship will be listed on the tournament score card (example: Hole 18 is Sponsored by Joe Frisbee).
Event Donations: Make a donation to help fund this event. This can be a food or monetary donation. The money will be used toward the rental fees at Kincaid Park, and food and drinks for the family picnic. Reply to shelbwilson@yahoo.com.
Volunteers: We need volunteers to help with registration, scoring, food preparation and service, and clean-up. Reply to shelbwilson@yahoo.com.
Everyone is welcome so please share this information with a friend.
Tournament will proceed rain or shine
Our wonderful friends and church family are sending us away in style and have put together two very exciting events for us this week. If you are in the area we hope to see you at one or, better yet, both events this coming weekend. Here are the details:
Commissioning Service
Date: Sunday, August 30, 2009
Place: First Covenant Church
1145 C Street
Time: 10:00 am service
A portion of the morning service will be dedicated to sending us off to Madagascar. All are welcome to join this special gathering.
Frisbee Golf Tournament Fundraiser
Date: Sunday, August 30, 2009
Place: Kincaid Park Frisbee Golf Course
Time: 3:00 p.m. Registration at the Kincaid Pavilion next to the Chalet
3:30 p.m. Tee off with shotgun start
Family picnic and awards following Tournament
Prizes: First, Second and the Highest Scoring Team.
Registration Fee: $50.00 a Team (2 players) or $25.00 for a single
Please make checks payable to WorldVenture. www.worldventure.com
To Register:
1. RSVP by e-mail to shelbwilson@yahoo.com
2. Send the names of your team and your Team Name. Singles will be made into teams.
3. Include each team member’s mailing address, phone number and e-mail.
Please bring your registration fee or donation for Hole Sponsorship to registration the day of the tournament
If you are not interested in playing in the Tournament here are some other ways to be involved:
Hole Sponsorship: Become a Hole sponsor with a donation of $25.00 or more. Please see the attachment to this e-mail. This can be a personal sponsor or a business sponsor. Each sponsorship will be listed on the tournament score card (example: Hole 18 is Sponsored by Joe Frisbee).
Event Donations: Make a donation to help fund this event. This can be a food or monetary donation. The money will be used toward the rental fees at Kincaid Park, and food and drinks for the family picnic. Reply to shelbwilson@yahoo.com.
Volunteers: We need volunteers to help with registration, scoring, food preparation and service, and clean-up. Reply to shelbwilson@yahoo.com.
Everyone is welcome so please share this information with a friend.
Tournament will proceed rain or shine
Transitions and Trust
08/10/09 22:01
Packing boxes, yard sale, visa applications, plane tickets, good byes, sleepless nights, using up the food from the back of the pantry... These are many of the things we are dealing with as we prepare to leave our home in Alaska in less than 4 weeks. This time is filled with many emotions as we approach the changes in our world as we know it. We are excited to go, we are stressed with the logistics, we are sad to leave our friends and home, we are apprehensive of the unsettled months ahead, and we have hope for the future.
We are so thankful for the support and prayers we have from our friends and partners. We are learning more than ever what it means to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths." (Prov 3:5)
Savoring Summer
07/12/09 06:51
We have hit the ground running in to a beautiful Alaska summer. With the count down to departure in full swing we are seizing the day and enjoying everyting under the sun, which is a lot of sun this time of year. Here is a snapshot of the past few weeks:
Jonathan rocked the Mayors half marathon, placing 21st while pushing a baby jogger. Oliver sure was proud.
After the run we raced down to Homer to show off our favorite Alaska town to my aunt Stacie and cousin Jamie. They seemed to catch the few wet days we've had this summer, but were still great sports with some soggy camping.
Over July 4th weekend we celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary. Thanks to Mia (Grandma Stuart) we were able to go BIG. She spent five fun-filled days with Oliver while we kayaked and camped in Ailak Bay. This is a glacier bay in Kenai Fjords National Park. It was an unbelievable trip, full of hot sun, cold water, rocky beaches, and tons of wildlfie. We are glad we lived to tell about it after two close enounters with black bears (the one part of the trip I could of done without).
To thank Mia we make a quick turn around and headed north to catch stunning views of the tallest peak in North America, Mt. McKinley. We spent the weekend in Denali State Park and took a glacier landing flight around the mountain. It was stunning and so exciting for us to share this experience together.
Jonathan rocked the Mayors half marathon, placing 21st while pushing a baby jogger. Oliver sure was proud.
After the run we raced down to Homer to show off our favorite Alaska town to my aunt Stacie and cousin Jamie. They seemed to catch the few wet days we've had this summer, but were still great sports with some soggy camping.
Over July 4th weekend we celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary. Thanks to Mia (Grandma Stuart) we were able to go BIG. She spent five fun-filled days with Oliver while we kayaked and camped in Ailak Bay. This is a glacier bay in Kenai Fjords National Park. It was an unbelievable trip, full of hot sun, cold water, rocky beaches, and tons of wildlfie. We are glad we lived to tell about it after two close enounters with black bears (the one part of the trip I could of done without).
To thank Mia we make a quick turn around and headed north to catch stunning views of the tallest peak in North America, Mt. McKinley. We spent the weekend in Denali State Park and took a glacier landing flight around the mountain. It was stunning and so exciting for us to share this experience together.
Hope Rocks
06/12/09 20:38
This weekend we embraced car camping at its finest. We bought an embarrassingly huge tent which housed the three of us, a pack 'n play, and an air mattress and took over the Hope campground with the Robinson family. Camping has never been so comfortable. We had a great time on the trails, at the beach, and enjoying campfires and smores. Here are a few pics from the tamed adventure:
Summer Kick-Off
05/19/09 20:36
We have welcomed summer with open arms...long sunny days, backyard play, and travel of course. We just returned from a quick trip to Texas where we reunited with family, relaxed at the beach, and spent time sharing with a few churches and individuals about Madagascar. Oliver (15 months) had so much fun with his cousin Gracy (2.5 years) who he hadn't seen in a year. He barely recognized her. He soaked up the grandparent love and went crazy over his 2 uncles.
Back on the home front we are putting away our suitcases and settling in for the summer. Jonathan hopes to not pack our bags again until we are packing for Madagascar next Autumn. We look forward to welcoming visitors this summer and hope you'll let us know if you're headed this way. Here are a final few pictures from our action-packed weekend. We competed in a family 5K race (Jonathan took 3rd place), I completed my 4th annual Gold Nugget Triathlon (along with 1200 other women), and we planted our garden. Hopefully it will be fruitful summer.
Back on the home front we are putting away our suitcases and settling in for the summer. Jonathan hopes to not pack our bags again until we are packing for Madagascar next Autumn. We look forward to welcoming visitors this summer and hope you'll let us know if you're headed this way. Here are a final few pictures from our action-packed weekend. We competed in a family 5K race (Jonathan took 3rd place), I completed my 4th annual Gold Nugget Triathlon (along with 1200 other women), and we planted our garden. Hopefully it will be fruitful summer.
Family Vacation
04/14/09 20:37
Blue skies, 80 degrees, green grass and warm rock....these are a few of my favorite things. We recently took a family vacation to Palm Springs, CA and Joshua Tree National Park. It was nothing short of ridiculously awesome. We spent a few day with Jonathan's mum and Ron at a house in Palm Springs and then Jonathan and I took off to camp and climb for a few days in Joshua Tree. We topped off the week with a visit from some of our best friends who live in the area. We were quickly reminded what big fans we are of vacation, particularly vacations involving grandparents to love on our chicklet. More then ever we appreciate a few days of pure recreation. Here is an album with some more pics.
Oliver and Madagascar
03/18/09 21:23
Oliver did not fly anywhere this last month! With all of the trips out of state for fundraising and family visits, he has been flying every other month since he was born. This month at home has given him the opportunity to spend time with his many friends and work on his soon to bud walking skills. His personality continues to reveal a spirited child who encounters life with passion and intensity. We look forward with nervous excitement to Oliver maturing amidst rich cultural and language experiences in Madagascar. Oliver will be learning three languages with exposure to English, Malagasy, and French. The town we plan to settle in, Mahajanga, has a French primary school that Oliver will likely attend for early grade school. After that we will be exploring the many education resources available for children without access to traditional learning environments. Thankfully we have some time until we have to sort this out. For now, we'll keep our focus on learning to walk. We have learned that regardless of where you are in the world that children speak a universal language. They are a bridge, connecting us with friends, neighbors, strangers and even enemies. Here is a link to an Anchorage Daily News blog where Mandy was asked to write more on this subject, click here.
Playing with friends, Lars and Ilsa, in Seward:
Ouch!
03/10/09 19:07
This picture is unrelated to the fall. Just wanted to show off Oliver's pearly whites and cool shades, which he was not enjoying as much as we were.
Random Pics
02/24/09 02:15
Oliver's big girl cousin, Gracy (2 yo) riding her bike at the park. We wish Virginia was closer so we could see her more!
Oliver waiting patiently in a bowl while mommy and daddy talked away at a friend's house.
Hanging on for dear life with his giraffe friend.
HaPpY BiRtHdAy
02/09/09 23:46
to Oliver! We can hardly believe our little baby tuned a BIG one-year-old on February 7th. What a year! He got his two front teeth for his birthday, along with lots of trains and other fun toys. We had a blast celebrating with sledding, balls, and balloons and 30-40 of his nearest and dearest friends (ok, the party was more for his mama then anything else). Oliver is an adventurous and people loving little boy. He is doing lots of talking, pointing, climbing, and of course eating. He has traveled the country his first year of life and is gearing up to travel the world this next year. Thankfully he has actually begun to enjoy plan rides...I can't say the same for his parents, but we sure do enjoy him!
fun at the Denver Aquarium
FAT wrist
Jamie and the babes
daddy's boy
PaRtY Time
Home
12/22/08 02:05
After several weeks of conference filled, family filled, and work filled traveling we have enjoyed settling back in to home life. The carved pumpkin and fall décor have resigned and our fresh-cut Christmas tree stands proud in our livingroom. It is perfectly cold outside and wonderfully warm inside. We are glad to lay low through Christmas and enjoy our surroundings as we experience this season for the first time with Oliver. His innocence has made us mindful of what we are imparting to him. Balancing the joy of giving and receiving with worshiping the one who came to us in the form of a baby.
He is a rowdy 10 months old, eager to crawl anywhere his chubby little legs will take him. He daily fills us with joy.
Here are a few family pics that Donna took of us in Texas. Check out our albums page for a lot more from this trip.
Ice, Ice Baby
11/03/08 21:08
Welcoming Winter
10/18/08 07:52
A Walk on the Wild Side
10/08/08 00:37
We never know where a walk through our neighborhood might lead. This morning it led to an eye-to-eye encounter with a bull moose. We went ahead and let him have the right away, finding an alternate route back home for ourselves.
Snow has already hit the ground here in Anchorage. Hard to believe. Fall was a beautiful week this year. Here comes winter ready or not.
So long Summer
09/29/08 21:57
We can't say much for the weather we had this summer (epic number of rainy days in Anchorage), but we can boast of good times with friends, family, and firsts with Oliver. He continues to top the charts in size, confounding people who look him and then look at us. My favorite comment was by a TSA agent at the airport who said, "His legs are bigger than yours". Thank you ma'am. As far as teeth and crawling he's taking his sweet time. Here are some highlight photos of the past two months. View our album for the full deal.
First Fair
First Ascent
First Snow
Hangin' with the Shattenberg babes
Best 30th Birthday with Best Friends
End of the Trail
First Fair
First Ascent
First Snow
Hangin' with the Shattenberg babes
Best 30th Birthday with Best Friends
End of the Trail
Proud Wife and Mama
08/28/08 01:14
I thought I'd show off the recent accomplishments of my two favorite boys. Jonathan has been working hard this summer to bring life to our barren front and back yard. He has hauled stuff in, hauled stuff out, dug here, filled in there and whaa laa landscaping has appeared. Believe it or not, sitting around a fire on an Alaskan summer night is actually enjoyable. And to my amazement our garden has actually produced edible produce. It is profound what can become of a seed. We are enjoying the fruits of his labor and have more lettuce then we know what to do with.
Oliver's big accomplishment of the week has been sitting up on his own. He enjoys it so much and doesn't seem to mind too much when he tumples over every now and then. We are having to find news ways to entertain his growing mind and body since he can now take down his play mat with one hand and tries to destroy his mobile. Check out the movies page to hear his new found voice.
Oliver's big accomplishment of the week has been sitting up on his own. He enjoys it so much and doesn't seem to mind too much when he tumples over every now and then. We are having to find news ways to entertain his growing mind and body since he can now take down his play mat with one hand and tries to destroy his mobile. Check out the movies page to hear his new found voice.
Summer Fun
07/17/08 22:40
We had so much fun soaking up the sun at Port Aransas and Canyon Lake during our trip to Texas. We filled our days with running on the beach, fishing, water skiing and tubing. A nice break from the chilly summer we have had in Anchorage this year. Oliver soaked up all the attention he got from grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. He is a rolly-polly four-months in these pics. We were especially happy to give him quality Grandma time while we escaped to celebrate our 4th wedding anniversary with a night on the town (and at the zoo) in San Antonio.
Here are some pics from our latest adventures:
Here are some pics from our latest adventures:
Kayaker's Cove
06/17/08 22:09
This past weekend we ventured out on our first kayaking/camping trip with Oliver and company. He did great in the boat. We were surprised how quickly he took to paddling, he's a natural. Just kidding, he stayed a shore except for the water taxi out and back. The weather was great (no rain) and we thoroughly enjoyed getting back in to our boats, hiking, and hanging out with friends.
Here are some pics from our trip (you can also view them from the 'Albums' page).
Here are some pics from our trip (you can also view them from the 'Albums' page).
Let the Travels Begin
05/24/08 02:04
After Portland, Oliver and I (Mandy) headed to Texas for his debut trip. Texas was Oliver's introduction to HEAT and many family and friends. He was spoiled by his grandma and grandad and loved on by his Uncle Kole, Uncle Ben, and Aunt Donna.
A highlight of the trip was a mini-reunion with my life-long friends and all of our new babies My how we have grown since our college days.
FACING MY FEARS...
A few days after Oliver was born I was struck with the fearful realization that one day we would have to get on a plane together. That day arrived and unfortunately was worse than I feared. To be fair, four out of the five flights did go remarkably well. The only tragedy was an unfortunate diaper crisis. He grew out of diapers on the flight out of Anchorage. Thankfully we had spare clothes with us.
It was the flight we took alone from Houston to Anchorage (9 hours total with a stop in Seattle) where everything came undone. And by alone I mean, without Jonathan. We certainly were not alone in the sense that it was full flight. Oliver was very uncomfortable riding in my lap since he is quite a mover and a shaker (like his father). If I wasn't walking the aisle with him or standing in the bathroom letting him kick around on the changing table, he would start to fuss. Fussing isn't so bad, except the fuss only lasted about five seconds before he would break into the most ear-piercing scream I have ever heard. People around me would jump and cover their ears, even though they had ear phones on. This crying would last anywhere from 5-15 minutes, however long it took me to wait for the fasten seat belt sign to turn off and dash over the people next to me into the aisle or back to the bathroom. I have never found so much solace in an airplane bathroom.
Gone are the days where I sit on a plane, reading a magazine with my biggest concern being lack of leg room.
Spring Showers
04/26/08 07:13
Yesterday the sun was out, pavement dry, and the snow was gone. Today is another story, we will have two feet of fresh snow by the end of the day. Alaska is a strange place in the spring.
Happy Oliver is 11 weeks old. He is astounding us everyday with his new found voice, charming expressions, and constant engagement.
My friend Andrea was up visiting from California. She makes me laugh more than anyone I know. She and Oliver hit it off. Who do you think he is beaming for in the picture above?
Happy Oliver is 11 weeks old. He is astounding us everyday with his new found voice, charming expressions, and constant engagement.
My friend Andrea was up visiting from California. She makes me laugh more than anyone I know. She and Oliver hit it off. Who do you think he is beaming for in the picture above?
Photo Shoot
04/08/08 02:42
Disclosure: If you continue to scroll through this blog entry you will be bombarded by a bazillion photos by some seriously obsessed parents. Do so at your own risk.
Oliver is TWO MONTHS old. He is adorable...cooing, laughing, smiling, and growing more every day. He is most responsive to the faces of animals. He beams when he sees his monkey mirror in the car, the zebra above his chair, the lemur on his play mat, and his daddy. He has a thing for the wild already. We are emerging out of the newborn fog and daily becoming more acquainted with this new life. Its pretty cool.
Enjoy.
Oliver is TWO MONTHS old. He is adorable...cooing, laughing, smiling, and growing more every day. He is most responsive to the faces of animals. He beams when he sees his monkey mirror in the car, the zebra above his chair, the lemur on his play mat, and his daddy. He has a thing for the wild already. We are emerging out of the newborn fog and daily becoming more acquainted with this new life. Its pretty cool.
Enjoy.
Grandmas Galore and Other Good Times
04/01/08 01:26
Mum and Ron enjoying their newest grandson.
Easter Sunday with Marcus, Ingrid and Greta
Beautiful Alaska day
The joys of bath time.
Sweet dreams.
Six Weeks and Beyond
03/22/08 06:10
Oliver is growing by leaps and bounds. He has already outgrown his first set of clothes! This last week has been full of discovery and engagement since he has had the undivided adulation of Grandma Stuart. She has an incredible knack for getting him to smile! Check out this video of the two of them talking!
Survival
02/29/08 23:02
Oliver is three weeks old and counting. It is amazing how someone so small can have such a BIG impact. Every inch of our lives is impacted by Oliver. This is most felt in the wee hours of the morning when we used to participate in this wonderful ritual called sleep. I hear that somewhere down the road we may become acquainted with this old friend again.
We are grateful for all the friends that have gathered around us in this time of transition. Meals and baby-holding are most appreciated.
Here are some pics from Oliver's latest and greatest adventures:
Here is Oliver's first field trip into the gorgeous Alaska Wild with his parents. We are pretty sure he had the time of his life. This is Turnagain Arm, the part of Cook Inlet that surrounds Anchorage. He stayed cozy and warm, and fast asleep, during this adventure.
). Thanks Ingrid and Greta!Announcing...
02/17/08 01:11
Oliver Quincy Casurella
7 February 2008
6:37 am
8 lbs 13 oz (4 kg)
21 inches
We are so excited about this new addition to our family. It felt like a long time in coming (40 weeks and 3 days), but Oliver is finally here and well worth the wait!
His days have been full of eating and sleeping and occasionally looking around to check out this whole new world. He is truly amazing and we are so blessed by his entrance into our lives.
The transition into parenthood has been a lot of work but thankfully we have had the help of Grandma Stuart. She has been cooking, cleaning, changing diapers, and helping in any way she can.
Click here to view Oliver's first album, "Operation Oliver".