Riley's First Bath

I was excited when Riley's umbilical cord fell off on it's own (a first for our family) because that meant we can begin bath time! I love playing in the water with my kids and seeing how they react to new stimuli. In Riley's case, she screamed almost the entire time (thanks Keryn for catching my typo). She seems to take her time getting used to this world.
Daniel decided to join in the fun as well...here are some pics.

Help Needed: friut and vegetables for canning

Since coming to Austin, I've wanted to find a good place(s) to buy fruits and vegetables for canning and home storage. I've been disappointed in the Farmers' Markets in that they are filled with "organic" foods with hiked up prices. I'm looking for fine-quality foods that I can put in a bottle for eating during winter months or less prosperous times.
I've tried pick your own places, but the prices were more expensive than the grocery store. Doesn't anybody preserve food anymore?
Please help...any and all suggestions are welcome.
Where can I find this in the Central TX area?

Simple Outings

Last week, Mom and I went on a walk with the kiddos to the neighborhood pond to feed the ducks--it was a great use for those leftover pancakes of which we needed to dispose. It was a simple outing, but so fulfilling. I really enjoy the fall air (even in the warmer TX weather), and the leaves were starting to turn and fall off the trees.
All the ducks gathered around Daniel and the food, and we finally got a picture with me and the kids (thanks Mom). Riley enjoyed her first stroller ride, at least when she was moving, and I had fun getting pictures of Grandma with Daniel and Riley (ok, I enjoyed taking pictures in general.)
On the way home from the pond, Daniel stopped to play at the playground. And then we all zonked when we got home. What a day!
Clint wanted to point out that those white (and black) ducks with the red faces are very ugly.

Move over Navels

Clinton and Daniel picked our crop of homegrown oranges yesterday evening. Two whole oranges survived hot drought, bugs, dogs, curious children, and careless Clints mowing the lawn. We were so excited that these grew in our back yard and had fun eating them right away. Daniel even bit into the peel--nothing like trying every aspect. This was the first yield from our tree, which was planted just after we were married. Even though they were a little dry, we are hopeful for future production!

And for the record, we have a bag of California Navel oranges in our refrigerator, so we're not quite self-sufficient.

Resemblance

I've been wanting to compare pictures of Daniel and Riley...let me know what you think of the family resemblance. The pictures aren't a perfect comparison, but hey, it's been 18 months and you forget what pictures you took :) Here's my best attempt at matching.

Baby Bassinet at the hospital (first two are Riley and last one is Daniel):




Sleeping (Riley then Daniel):




In the bouncy chair (Riley then Daniel):

Doing well

"Daniel, what do polar bears say?"
Daniel's response:


We're doing well as we all adjust to life with two kids! Of course we are amazingly blessed to have Grandma Wouden here--an extra set of hands really helps us out (especially me during the day :). Daniel is adapting well and takes time to give baby Riley attention. At Riley's doctor's appointment yesterday he kept rocking the car seat and taking her toys. He didn't realize until we walked back into the waiting room, where he had been playing with Grandma, with Riley in our arms that she wasn't in the seat (the car seat cover had been on).
This morning, I found him leaning over the swing smiling at Riley. The picture is grainy because I took it with my iPhone--I didn't want to miss the moment.
He helped me put her socks in the wash today after her projectile poo shot all across the room--that was a fun mess to clean up!!! Serves me right--that never happened to me with Daniel. I guess I can't get off that easy with two kids.
He is a loving boy and very sensitive to the needs of others.




After Riley's doctor's appointment, we took a trip to Terra Burger's outdoor playground (across the street from our pediatrician) and had lunch. Daniel enjoyed the slides and swings, and grandma's milkshake. We had a grand adventure with all of us outdoors. This is a great time to live in Austin, TX.

So many updates...

We're back at our house and having a great time with baby Riley. She brings a new energy to our home, and we are loving having Grandma and Grandpa Wouden here to enjoy this special time.
I'll let the pictures do most of the speaking right now because I'm going to go take a nap while Daniel and Riley are both sleeping (isn't that nice of them!) Of course the neighbor's dogs are barking up a storm; however, Pfluger, Zoe and their friend Tomo are all being quiet--we must be doing something right?!? :)

I'll try to post more later with Riley's birth story for those who are interested. Much love from the C&C family in Austin, TX.

Our welcome sign for Riley Erin Jones, handmade with love by Grandma Wouden and Daniel.

Riley loves the light. She's being held by Daddy and is just staring out of the window at the morning light.

Aunt Candace and swaddled Riley--notice how long Riley is!

"I like Halloween." Riley got a photo shoot while Daniel and the crew were out trick-or-treating. We were glad to capture this smile.

Riley being held by Grandpa Wouden--she sticks her tongue out just like Dad. Look how tiny she looks compared to Grandpa's hands.

I put Riley in the boppy, but she got comfortable and posed herself. We love that face.

Thanks to Grandma Cheryl for the pink Halloween onesie--the bones grow in the dark, and Grandma Dee for the perfectly-matching pink ballet slipper socks. They are an absolute perfect match. What a great way to start out--pretty in pink :)

And here's Riley sporting another darling Halloween onesie--we loved having them to wear, and having Riley out so she could wear them. Isn't it nice when everything works out. Riley is long and skinny. She doesn't and has never fit in any of the 8 newborn outfits I have for her. Larger clothes fit her length wise, but are wide on her. Tall and skinny just like her Dad!

Riley Erin Jones!

Riley Erin Jones was born on October 28, 2009. She weighed in at 8 pounds 15 ounces, and was 21.75 inches long. She and her mother are doing very well, and she appears to be very healthy. We're hoping to get out of the hospital by tomorrow morning. I'm sure Chaliese will post more then! In the meantime, here are some pictures for everyone to enjoy...

Meanwhile, here are some of my picks:

This is a full-length shot of Riley. She's long, I think (though what do I know? Daniel was even a little bit longer!)

I don't think I was quite ready for the family picture, but everyone else looks great. Humorously enough, despite the fact that our doctor made it for the picture, he was actually in a c-section when we had the baby, so Dr. Edgerton delivered her instead. And he did a great job!


Here she is with her eyes open. She has that medicine gel junk they put in the baby's eyes...


I had more pictures, but I really don't like this interface; it's been a pain to deal with, so I am now quitting. Besides, that leaves more pictures for Chaliese to be able to post, anyway. But at least you get a glimpse!

Ah, due dates

So, on our cute babynamey blog countdown, I just noticed that our baby is "one day old." Then why do I still have a large protrusion out of the front of me with swollen hands and feet?
Life and expectations are not meant to go together, or that is one of the things we need to learn to overcome.
I have learned not to expect one thing--technology is NOT always correct. Thanks, but no thanks babynamey, our baby is still in negative numbers.

Enjoying the wait with Daniel

Clinton snapped these pictures at our Institute class on Friday (last week) just after Daniel had woken up from his nap. He just stood at the back of the room in the same position, the only thing changing was his expression. I just find these adorable!
And don't you just love the ears on his hoodie!!!

Made it through the night...

I was hoping (expecting) to head to the hospital last night, especially given the semi-consistent slew of contractions throughout the day yesterday, but alas, no. I slept soundly and like a baby (only getting up to go to the bathroom once at 6AM--a record). So, we're still waiting...

However, here are some fun updates from the past little while and pictures I hope you enjoy.

Daniel found Daddy's shoes and put them on. Now, he just needs to perfect walking in them.



Daniel loves riding the horsey at the outlet malls. It's his treat for being so good at the stores.

Daniel is climbing all over the place. He's getting quite good, although, still needs some help some times.

Ethiopian dinner with Nam & Cass--it was a great girls night out before baby comes (if she ever gets here.) Thanks for being such great friends.