The Old Navy Disaster!

Ysa, do I ever have a story to tell!

You see, what happened was, when you were a mere 2 weeks old, we went to the mall to get your passport pictures taken in order for us to cross the border to Echo Lake. The picture place however, was on lunch till 3 and we had to kill time. So, off we went to get your cousin Aubrie something for her swimming lessons from Old Navy. I decided I too would try some things on. I go into the dressing room with you peacefully sleeping your beautiful Phil and Ted's stroller. I'm half way through putting a bathing suit on, when you not only wake up, but demand food NOW! I think "Okay, I'll just feed her in the dressing room!" I try to get ready to feed you, and try to use my silly hooter hider thing (which is way harder than it looks!) in case someone walks in (although who would walk into a dressing room....?!?!). Meanwhile, your still frantically rooting and crying, and (to put things discreetly), I'm making a mess everywhere! At the end of the day, mom and Eden came to save the day.

Here is a picture of you, dear Ysa, in the Old Navy dressing room, with your sweet Auntie Eden saving your from the traumatic experience.

 Now, when the clock turned 3, we went to get your passport photo's done. The regulations for a little baby's passport really are cruel: no crying, no smiling, eyes open, both ears visible, arms and hands down, baby must be sitting and not lying down, and no visible hands holding the baby (my hand is up the front of your sleeper, holding your head up and trying to get both ears to sick out)! Seriously? How is any person supposed to get passport photo's of their 2 week old baby?! At the end of the day, I love the photo they got of you Ysa. Weren't you so cute and little?

Home!

Oh, isn't it nice to be home again?

Echo Lake

The Litchfield side of the family has kind of started a tradition of going to Echo Lake every other summer. We stay at the (gorgeous!!!) cabin of my mom's lifelong friend, Janet Murray. The cabin is right on the water, and we get a great view of mountains, trees, and lake. The actual cabin is furnished more beautifully than many houses! I guess I could say I feel a little spoiled that I have had the opportunity to go there more than once!

Ysa, can you believe that at only 5 weeks old, we let your Dad stay home as we ventured off to this la-la-land? Good mother-daughter (...and aunt, uncle, Grandy, Bapa, and cousin...) bonding time I should say! Here are some pictures of the week long party!

Mom, Auntie Eden, and You! Dipping our feet in the water.

Uncle Markie saves the day when you woke up from a nap and I was still in the shower.

Dancing with Auntie Eden.

Jane, reassuring you, "It's okay sweetums, I'm right here!"

View from Janet's cabin.

Just hanging out.

And a big thanks to everyone who helped take care of Ysa...especially Grandy!

Ysa Sleeps!

Ysa usually wakes up every three hours to eat. So, I would consider sleeping for 7 hours straight a HUGE milestone...wouldn't you?

A Name and a Blessing

Ysa Irene Melnyk. You are so lucky - you got something that not all daughters get: a name and a blessing from your Father in a dress made by Grandy. Here are only some of the points made in the blessing.

• strength of character
• a strong voice
• health and strength
• be a joy to others

Your Grandma Jan also made that pink and blue quilt for Grandy before she was born out of her bridesmaids dresses. That quilt has been used for all your aunts, uncles, and cousins when they were blessed.

Ysa Smiles

What a baby we have! Ysa smiled on Friday, the 30th for the first (real) time. This wasn't that sleepy smile that newborn babies give, but a genuine awake, social smile. We went to Grandy and Bapa's house and Ysa was showing them how she can blow bubbles (I know...brilliant baby!) and Grandy and Bapa started laughing. Ysa then looked at her Bapa right in the eye and gave him a huge smile. Then, the next day she smiled at her Grandy. She also smiled at the pictures behind our couch...but that's no surprise, she's been flirting with them for weeks!

...She has yet to give a big smile at her mom or her dad.

Here she is tuckered out after her big smiling debut.