Twas the week before Christmas

It is the week before Christmas, and although all is not completely quiet, it's actually pretty peaceful around the Bowes household. Callie is doing very well. She is not sleeping through the night, but has started hitting some 5-6 hour stretches which has made a world of difference. We are also happy to say that smiling is now one of her favorite things to do. In fact, sometimes it is accompanied by her version of a laugh. The picture below shows off one of her more subtle smiles.



All in all, she is growing and eating, sleeping and growing. Earlier this month she had her two-month appointment with her favorite pediatrician. On the plus side, she was weighed and measured. Unfortunately she was also given three shots. No fun for anyone involved.


Here's Callie getting weighed. Two months after birth she weighed in at a healthy 9lbs 9oz. She also measured 23". All told, she was in the 75th percentile for height and the 20th percentile for weight. So far she definitely takes after her dad in terms of body type.




You might remember that we mentioned Callie was not a big fan of bath time. We are happy to report that she is starting to enjoy it...or at the very least she no longer screams all the way through it. Here we have Callie preparing to do a cannon ball into the deep end of the tub.



Callie is an October baby, and in Lexington, October represents more than just Halloween. It is one of the two months for the races at Keeneland. Although she was not able to make any of the races this year, we made a visit to the track so she could size up the jockeys. We can't wait to take her there in April so she can place her very first bet.



Her Mom will pass along all the good advice she received from Grandma Nice on betting on the ponies. For example, always bet on the gray horse. And never bet on the horse that just peed, because he has nothing to run home for. Feel free to take that advice on your next trip to the track.


Yes, it is the Christmas season, and Christmas is a time for placing your children on the laps of strangers. Sarah and Callie went with Gretchen to visit good old St. Nick at the Fayette Mall. As you can tell, this particular Santa is remarkably photogenic, and Callie is happy to be in his presence. She asked him for a pony and world peace.






In just two days Callie makes her first visit to the East Coast to spend the holidays with Nana Taffy, Grandpa Jay, Aunt Suzy, Aunt Katie, Uncle Chris, and her cousins Michael and Brendan. She is very excited and is particularly pleased with the non-stop flight her parents got.



Our last picture above is of our little family in front of our little tree. This has been an incredible year and it is hard to believe it is almost over. We are looking forward to Christmas and all of the good times ahead in 2008. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!