Back to Work

Back to work for Mommy. My first day back to work was on Jan. 7th and it was great!! Thelma (a.k.a. Grandma T) flew in from Portland to stay with us for a while and help us make the transition and put my mind at ease. It is so hard to leave that little guy and let anyone else be in control of him. For all the Moms out there you know exactly what I mean. I never thought it would be so hard to let go and learn to be away from him. It is so important for both of us that we learn to adapt to other people helping us.

Thelma has been so wonderful putting up with my phone calls to check in every day and the million questions I have when I get home. What time did he wake up, how much did he eat, did he play well, how long were his naps? Boring to most, but consuming for me. Justin is so lucky to have such a caring Grandma loving him while we are away.

Justin's First Christmas!

The West Coast Rueppell Family vacation started on December 22 with a two night trip to Vegas to follow the Oregon State Beavers to their bowl game. I know what everyone is thinking, Vegas? With a baby? Are you Crazy? We thought it would be fun to take a road trip knowing very well that this would not be like the Vegas trips we are accustomed to taking. Maybe we would stay up all night but not because the tables were hot.

We also had an opportunity to visit with Gregg and Alyson Austin (some very dear friends from OR) since they made to trip to see the Beavs too.

Collin and I decided to treat ourselves to a nice suite at the Encore since we brought the Little Monkey with us and knew we would need some room to stretch out a bit. It was really pretty and on the 34th floor with a great view as you can see from the pictures. We overlooked the Wynn and the Wynn golf course which was a favorite for Collin. He was keeping tabs on the amount and times of tee offs. Maybe he was just a little bit jealous.

We made it home late Christmas Eve after a stop at my friend Christa's house. She lives right off the freeway on our way home and since we needed to drop some things off it was perfect. We got to visit for a little bit eat some enchiladas and peach cobbler (weird combo I know, but I'm always begging her to make me peach cobbler). It was pretty late when we got home so we just went straight to bed and waited for Santa to stop by.

The next morning we got up and started to open presents with several breaks for food and naps. I think it took until about 2pm when I finally decided to finish it all up while Justin was sleeping. Sorry kid. Someday, when you read this, know that I love you and you had no idea what was happening so we had to finish without you. :)


Matt, Bethany and MacKenzie hosted us for Christmas dinner. The kids were still in their PJs and looked so cute together. MacKenzie loves to play with "Baby Justin". I think she thinks he's a toy sometimes...soon enough he'll be taking her toys away from her and she might not enjoy his company so much. :0

The latest on our Little Monkey...He had is four month check up at the doctor the week after Christmas. He measured up to 16lbs. 11oz. and 26in. long. Big Boy since he is in the 85th percentile for both. The doctor gave us the go ahead to start solid foods so we have tested the waters with rice cereal. So far, so good even though he wears most of it on his face still. :) I think we'll start with peas very soon. I can't wait to see what kind of face he makes when we give him his first bite. If it is anything like the first spoon of rice cereal it should be in for quite a show with a bunch of sour faces.