Sunday in the Mountains

Last weekend we met a group of friends up in the mountains for a potluck brunch. We all hiked up about a 1/2 mile from the ski lodge with our food and kids and spent a lovely sunny morning on the deck of one of the restaurants still closed for the season. It was such a nice way to enjoy the changing colors and crisp air of autumn.

After lunch we went on the chairlift up to the top of the mountain to enjoy even more of the changing leaves. Although it made us both a little nervous, Sasha LOVED her first chairlift and requests to go on another one daily. The only casualty was her bagel that Phil dropped accidentally about 1/2 way up. Jack enjoyed the ride from the comfort of my Moby wrap.

Jack after his first feeding at 12,000 feet.

Our little Jack is growing and changing so much. He is easy to please as long as he's in someone's arms. He's a great sleeper in the evenings, but hasn't mastered the longer stretches after 2 a.m. When he's awake he loves to sit and watch Sasha or lie on his play gym.

Fall Photo Shoot and other news

Here are some of my favorites from a late afternoon photo shoot a week ago out in front of our house. This time of year is magical with the yellow chamisa blooming and the golden aspens in the mountains.

Other goings on this week: Three weeks before Jack was born I got an invitation from the Santa Fe Symphony, the professional group in town, to fill in as a substitute violinist for their concert this Sunday October 10. As crazy as it seems, I had to say yes. I've played in lots of orchestras, but never professional groups and this was my first shot at something that has always been a dream of mine. Thank goodness Jack came a couple of weeks early so I am a bit more recovered physically and have been able to squeeze in sufficient practice time between nursing, changing diapers, and caring for Sasha. A big thanks to Phil and my parents who have bent over backwards to help me make this happen so soon after having a baby. Hopefully this will lead to a more full-time gig with the symphony, but for this weekend, I'm just going to enjoy getting to be a part of it all.

Jack's Second Week

My parents have been a HUGE help since Jack was born. They moved out to New Mexico about 2 months ago and it has been so nice to have them an hour away. It has made the transition to 2 kids so much easier with extra people around to play with Sasha, change diapers, do laundry, cook meals, etc. I can't thank them enough! They plan to come up every Tuesday once we're in a routine, a day I know I'll look forward to every week.

I think Jack looks just like a mini-Phil in this picture. He's becoming more alert and lately has had more diffictulty sleeping for long stretches at night. It's been a little rough!

Sasha is so good with Jack. He's the first thing she asks about in the morning and she tries hard to make him happy by stroking his head and cheeks. She is eager to help change his diaper, pick out his clothes, and is always happy to hold him.