Chinese New Year

While not up to celebrating a fully traditional Chinese New Year, we did our best to start some traditions of our own for Cara to grow up with. So I picked up a tray of traditional sweets, some decorations for the door, a big bag of oranges, just some simple stuff to brighten up the house. And we bought her a brand-new outfit. Actually new, not from the consignment shop.


Of course, we got the clothes a bit big, since Cara had just gone through a major growth spurt. Recently her growth has slowed down considerably, although she is still outgrowing clothes. Mysteriously enough, she doesn't seem to be growing into many of the new clothes. But we know she will eventually. Meanwhile we can roll up the sleeves a bit, tuck in the shirt and as long as she has something to carry, Cara is ready to go.




The New Year is also a time for family visits. C was off for the month on Feb on a work trip, but one of J's sisters in Ohio kindly volunteered to come to Seattle to help out and meet her neice. They had a good time together, and Auntie C enjoyed reading to Cara. The downside of the visit was that Cara grew increasingly fussy during her Aunt's visit and, unusually, woke up a few times in the middle of the night. We later discovered an emerging molar was the cause of all the unhappiness. But the visit was still a good one, and J appreciated the wonderful job her sister did cleaning up the yard.



C's dad also lent a helping hand and made a trip north to see his granddaughter. She was delighted to see him as always and enjoyed a few extra trips to the park. We took advantage of a sunny day and went to the zoo. Cara is still indifferent to most of the animals, finding looking at the other children much more interesting. But what she really enjoyed was getting to push her stroller. Better keep an eye on those car keys! Many thanks also to Grandpa F for his hard work finishing the new windows and trim in the living room.

Trip to the snow

The third major event of January was Cara's first visit to the snow. Some friends invited us to join them at a cabin near Leavenworth for some kid and adult fun in the snow. We had been wanting to get out skiing with Cara and the opportunity to go with some seasoned outdoor families was too goo to pass up.


The trip didn't get off to the best start. We thought we were being clever by leaving Seattle at Cara's bedtime, figuring she would sleep in the car and then be easily transported into the cabin to fall back asleep in her portable crib. We were right about sleeping in the car, but once in the cabin she was having none of going to sleep in this strange place. It was a long night. Luckily some people thought to bring earplugs.

We were all pretty tired the next day, although Cara gradually relaxed and started to enjoy herself in the cabin. The day's outing was pretty much limited to the area around the cabin where we did a few short sled runs, made snow angels and dragged Cara around on the back of the sled. She wasn't really sure what to make of this cold white stuff, especially on very little sleep. But we have a feeling she'll get more used to it.


Saturday night we all got some much needed sleep, and Cara even got a short nap on Sunday morning as we started to clear out of the cabin. After lunch we finally attempted our primary goal of the trip - to ski with Cara in her Chariot, the amazing multi-sport kid trailer. Mostly we've been using it as a bike trailer, but some friends lent us the ski attachment. It went together easily and we were soon gliding along, with Cara being pulled by her Dad.



And with Cara screaming. She just wasn't a happy camper in her snug little pod. We skiied for a bit more, trying to go faster, find some hills, anything... And just as we were about to turn around to go back to the car, she fell asleep. So C and I had a nice little ski tour along the river and got back to the car just as Cara was waking up.

Being back in the car was a huge improvement as far as Cara was concerned. She had a snack and fell soundly asleep for most of the ride home.