SNOW!

Ryder's first snow angel

     We had our first snow of the year this week.  It was absolutely beautiful and so fun to be trapped warm inside.  PLUS Jesse got to work from home ALL week!

     We baked cookies, watched movies, and of course took Ryder out to experience snow for the first time.  And Boone, oh how Boone LOVES the snow!  He pretty much sat at the window watching it fall all week. 

     In the end we got about a foot of snow (it was reported it was one of the worst storms to hit the Seattle area since 1940).  Although most of the snow has melted now, we secretly have our fingers crossed another storm will strike again soon. 
 

Umm...help?

PLEEEEAAAAASSSE can we go outside?!?!

A New Song From Katie - "Hold On"

     Today marks the 2 year anniversary since the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti.  I (Katie) wrote the song "Hold On" shortly after, inspired by the story of Kiki, a seven-year old boy who was pulled from the rubble 7 days after the earthquake struck.  To commemorate the 2nd anniversary of this devastating quake, I am giving my song  “Hold On” away for free via Noisetrade.  However, if you choose to leave a tip on my noisetrade page, 100% of the money I receive from your tips will go to UNICEF and it’s Haiti Earthquake Fund.  Or if you don’t want to tip me, just download the song and then head to UNICEF directly to donate.

To learn more about Kiki’s story and the inspiration behind the song, please visit my music blog.

One Year Ago Today...

The night we found out.  Pure JOY!

     One year ago today Jesse and I stood in front of our microwave, watching it's timer count down to zero.  We were all jittery, like we had just had four cups of coffee each.  We paced.  We jumped up and down.  We stood up, then sat back down.  Then we stood up again.  Desperately hoping we wouldn't be disappointed, we were praying, giggling, begging for at least TWO PINK LINES.

     The timer beeped and we looked at each other, half panicked, half thrilled.  This was it!  We walked down the hall slowly, clinging to each other.  We rounded the corner into the bathroom where the two little plastic sticks sat on the counter.  We could not believe our eyes.  Between them there were a total of FOUR pink lines, two a piece.

     Excitement!  Disbelief!  Crazy joy!  Could it really be true?  Yes, it was!  We were going to have a baby!  WE WERE GOING TO HAVE A BABY!!!!!!!!!! 

Ryder at 9 weeks.

     One year ago today we found out I was pregnant with Ryder.  Today we get to hold our squirming little guy in our arms.  How did he go from that little nugget in the picture (at 9 weeks) to this breathing, laughing, joy of a little boy?  So much has changed in just twelve months.  Our family has grown not only in numbers, but in joy, laughter, dark circles under the eyes, and love, love, love.  We are grateful beyond words.

Ryder’s First Christmas

"Grandpa's sidekick"

     We had a nice, quiet Christmas this year.  My parents came up from Portland on Christmas Eve.  After a crab dinner we went to the Christmas Eve service at our church.  We got there a bit late and unfortunately the only seats left were in the lobby.  We were bummed, but it was our own fault – well, mostly mine really.  I HATE being late for things but no matter how well I plan, it always seems to be a mad dash to get out the door (especially now with Ryder). 

Christmas Eve from the "crying room."

     Not long after church started, Ryder began to fuss.  He had gone to bed before the service (and we thought he’d sleep through it), but the excitement proved too much and our tired little guy could not get back to sleep.  So we grabbed our things and headed up to the church’s crying room.  As it turned out, the seats up there ended up being WAY better than those in the lobby below (the crying room is on the 3^rd floor and overlooks the entire sanctuary).  Sure, we had to endure some fussing from the little ones but we got to enjoy the service lounging in rocking chairs.  It was like “box seats” for church.  I kept hoping someone would offer to sell me a pretzel.  Thanks, Ryder, for being our ticket in!

New Christmas pajamas!

     After the service we headed home and opened our new Christmas pajamas.  We also busted out the box of See’s candy – an entire box of Scotch Mallows, oh boy – and that was all the Christmas present I needed (thanks mom!). 

     On Christmas morning we started things right.  With a Dutch Baby, of course.  The Dutch Baby has been a Thompson family tradition for as long as I can remember.  It is one of my favorite foods.  If you’ve never had one, tell me and I’ll have you over to enjoy one with us.  It is a sort of pancake meets French toast meets custard-y heaven type of thing.   

A Christmas Chia Pet!  Thanks Dad!

     After breakfast we opened gifts (yeah, I got a Christmas Chia Pet...don't be jealous!) and then took a nap.  Then it was time for more food and a few rounds of cribbage (another Thompson family tradition).  Jesse and I have been on a major losing streak (I’m about to trade him in for a new partner ;-).  In my house if you get “skunked” there is a rule that you have to run around the block naked (I think my brother is the only one who’s actually done it).  Well, Jesse and I got skunked.  Fortunately my parents were gracious and allowed us to maintain our dignity with the neighbors (we didn’t run, we merely strolled).  But you can bet we will be training hard in order to crush them next time we meet.

     The following day my parents had to head home.  But first we enjoyed a wonderful brunch at Hector’s (a Kirkland favorite).  They also watched Ryder so Jesse, Boone, and I could go on a run just the 3 of us.  Thanks mom and dad!