Orion Highlights 4-6 mnths video 2009

A New Years Tradition

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Since Michael and I started dating, we have had a special New Years Eve tradition: we go to the beach at sunset, and toast the New Year with sparkling cider, sharing with each other our wishes for the New Year. This year was no exception, but for the first time, we shared our tradition with our baby Orion, and our neighbors Ivana and Jia Li. We brought leis and party hats, and ate cheese and crackers and chocolate kisses, and drank sparkling cider as the sun went down. We always like to be home for New Years Eve, so we can mark the change of the New Year this way. Here's to a peaceful and prosperous 2010!

Orion at 7 months

Over the 2 week holiday break, Orion progressed rapidly. While at my parents' house, he scooted all over the place, getting wherever he wanted to go. I think it was the big carpeted living room that helped him improve so quickly. Also on the Washington trip, he enjoyed his first swing ride, along with his cousins, and loved it! Then when we got home, we put him in his crib, and he immediately pulled up to standing. He is always pulling up on things now, and holding on while stepping side to side. Then, two days later, on New Years' Day, he started crawling. He is changing so fast! Now if we could just get him to learn to sleep by himself! Here are some cute pictures of our Orion from this month:

Christmas 2009

We spent Christmas at my parents' home in Washington. It was a wonderful week. It has been 6 years since I was able to be at my parents' house for Christmas Eve. Every Christmas Eve since I was born, my parents have done a family Christmas pageant with costumes, acting, and singing to reenact and celebrate the first Christmas. This is a beloved tradition, and one I've missed being a part of! I was so thrilled when this year I was able to play Mary, Michael played Joseph, and Orion was baby Jesus. My sisters both have babies as well, but Lauren and baby Elise were angels along with my sister Anna, and Anna's baby Cohen was in the flock with the shepherds. =) It really made my Christmas to have Orion be baby Jesus. I stripped him down to his diaper and wrapped a white sheet around him. He quietly observed the whole experience and played his part well-- he even sat in a wicker basket representing the manger. I loved being with my family, and singing the Christmas hymns with them as we shared again in a beloved tradition.

Elise, Lauren, and Anna

Orion as baby Jesus

Visiting my Grandma with my mom: 4 generations here!

the three Rasmussen babies: Cohen, Orion, and Elise. They played beautifully together! It will be very fun to watch them grow up together.

Holiday Concert

The annual holiday concert I am in charge of at the elementary school I teach at was a success. This year I chose "A Child's Dream" as the theme, and had a variety of songs that represented the hopes and dreams of children. All of the classes in the school performed, as well as the faculty. Thankfully, the holiday concert was the final occurrence before the holiday break! It was a joy-filled experience for the school community, and I think all the hard work was worth it.

Michael's Birthday

In the hustle and bustle of December, it's easy to overlook Michael's birthday, but this year we managed to really celebrate Michael's 35th! My father was in town that weekend (he must have brought the rain from Washington-- it was a wet weekend!), and he accompanied Michael, Orion and I to the Cirque du Soleil show in the big tent by the Santa Monica Pier. It was amazing!!! We loved the costumes, live music, gorgeous choreography, stunning feats, and variety. Definitely a first class entertainment. Orion enjoyed it too, when he wasn't asleep.

Then on Michael's actual birthday two days later, we had a family dinner and birthday cake. My two brothers Niel and Hans was there, as well as my dad, and our niece Astrid. Happy Birthday Michael!! May this be a wonderful year for you.