Back from the Windy City

Hi everyone. We're all back home-- even Lily is back from camp. We had a fun time in Chicago at Mom's friend Tina's Big Fat Greek Wedding-- and it was very Greek. Most of the ceremony was in Greek and there was a lot of Greek dancing at the reception. I was great traveling there and adapted to the hotel room just fine. I made Mommy very happy by sleeping in until 10 am (our time) on Saturday morning-- I think she and her friends went to have a few "juicy cups" at the hotel bar just after we arrived, so she was grateful for a little extra sleep. I loved meeting all of the girls and picked up lots of gossip about everyone from ND. Before we left Chicago I got to visit with Uncle Dave at his hotel before his game. It's been a long time since I have seen him! We also had a great visit with Aunt Jen and Uncle Billy on our way through Indianapolis.

Mom and Dad were so busy keeping me contained at the hotel, wedding etc. that they didn't get any pictures of me-- Mom's friends have lots of pictures of me, though so maybe they will send some later this week!

I did get my school pictures back on Friday. As my teacher had predicted, they didn't turn out so well. I didn't like going to the other room for the pictures and I cried before they took them, so here is a picture of me in the role of "saddest little girl in America." I also scanned in my class picture. You'll see that the cool girls knew to where denim and pink. My best friend Ashli is the third from the left. On Friday when Mom and Dad picked me up early from school to leave for Chicago my group was sitting down having snack (Cheerios on Fridays). They witnessed how I kept my eight Cheerios in front of me and started eating Ashli's. It's a good trick if you can get away with it! Perhaps this is why we are best friends?

I am looking forward to my visit from Grampy and Grammy Pammy and Aunt Suzie this weekend!

More From Yesterday

Sorry for my brief message yesterday. Our computer was having a spyware problem and all these windows kept popping up while I typed. It took forever just to send that brief message, but we wanted to at least get the photos out. (I am very knowledgeable about computers for my age-- don't you think?)

Well, I am 14 months old today. This means I am getting more clever every day and Mom & Dad are really having to work to outsmart me now. I like to climb into the basket of blankets to hoist myself up on top of one of the Rubbermaid tubs that we use to contain me in the living room/play area. And I don't just like to get out-- I like to stand on top of it! (I think we got this on video, which we'll send soon).

We went out to dinner for Dad's birthday last night and I was very well behaved. It was an Italian restaurant with an open kitchen and I just watched and watched what was going on in there-- especially the big flames on the grill. We will do cake and presents tomorrow on Dad's official birthday.

We leave Friday evening for Chicago for Mom's friend's wedding. This will be my longest drive to date, the first time I stay in a hotel and the first time I meet some of Mom's ND friends.

Quick Photos

We're having a little computer problem, so here are a few quick photos. I will write more later.

Happy Valentine's Day

Hi everyone. Mom and I have little colds, so we had a quiet weekend. I slept lots. I got two new teeth this week bringing the grand total to ten. Grandpa Dolak says it's time for steak!

We just got back from a Valentine's dinner. Mom & Dad didn't know how I'd be since I wasn't feeling great, but I did a great job. I kept dancing to the music and I tried lots of different food. I also looked at the menu like I was going to order a drink!

I mailed Valentine's cards, which may not have made it to Canada yet, so here are some Valentine's pictures from last weekend when I was carrying my Valentines around.

Chocolate pudding and football

Happy Super Bowl! Since my sleep schedule doesn't allow for much Super Bowl partying, we had family pizza night and pudding! Mom thought I would like to practice using a spoon if I had something yummy to eat like chocolate pudding. I did use the spoon . . . but I also ate it by the fistful and licked the bowl.

You can see I was dressed for football today. Since we are rooting for Charlie Weis, we thought ND gear was appropriate.

I was a busy girl this weekend-- playing with everything in sight. I am now sitting still longer and will look at a book by myself or fill one of my little boxes with toys (and empty it, and fill it, and empty it . . .) It was warm this weekend so we all went for a walk today. I laughed and laughed when Mommy and I raced Daddy and Lily up the hill on the next street. Let's just say my team didn't win . . . (but in Mom's defense Lily helps pull and I was just dead weight!)

I am getting another tooth (#9) on the top- it might be a molar, or it might just be one of those middle guys. Just the tip is out right now.

Dad's Weekend

Hi everyone. It's me Katie -- daughter of a Hockey Hall of Famer. We all had a nice weekend celebrating Dad's honor. I also had a great visit with Grandma and Grandpa Dolak (and we know the rest of you would have loved to have been here, too!)

There was a reception for Dad and the other inductees at 5 pm last night. I ate chicken fingers and did my best to pay attention. Daddy got to speak, although only a few years out from playing, his remarks were briefer (and more accurate) than those that began their careers in the early 70's! He did a great job (and made Mom cry). At 7 pm they made a presentation on-ice. Dad said he felt very young in this company! He is the youngest member of the group of 24. His photo will hang on the wall at the rink.


After the presentation we got to watch the game from a suite, so I was able to run around a bit. We saw lots of people -- some of our neighbors came, 25 people from Dad's work and several of Mom's friends, too-- and of course all the old hockey friends and fans. I managed to make it until 9:15 (2 hours past my bed time), but once the zamboni broke down, I had had enough and came home with Mom, Grandma and Grandpa.

This morning we all went to the annual communion breakfast that the local Notre Dame alumni group does. My ND priest (who baptized me) comes every year, so it was nice to see him. I was very good during mass (and even sang a few times "Da dadadda!") and breakfast, but during the regular part of the program I got a little fidgety and only wanted to bang spoons on the table. Fortunately the other two couples at our table were understanding about that!

Aside from all this about Daddy and our activities, here's what's new with me: I am getting a new tooth- a molar, so that doesn't feel great, but I have hardly complained. I made my first crayon drawing at school this week (three red lines). It hangs prominently on the fridge. Also my teachers told Grandma and Grandpa that I have the most personality of all the kids in my class. They also were impressed because one day when my friend Ashli's mom came to get her, I saw her mom and she didn't so I tapped Ashli on the shoulder and pointed. That's all from here.

Quiet Week

We had a quiet weekend because we were expecting a big snow storm-- luckily we didn't end up getting very much, though. It sounds like most of you weren't so lucky!

I had a good week at school. I am napping better-- about two hours most days, which helps me have a little more patience in the evening. I am eating well, too. One day this week I had thirds on ravioli! I love all the playing and games. We did "ring around the rosie" at school this week and Mom and Dad have noticed me turning in circles by myself when I play at home.

I am looking forward to Dad's big weekend next week and a visit from Grandma and Grandpa Dolak.

Big Kid School

Hi everyone. My first week of Toddler School was a lot of fun. My teachers say that I am doing great. I am a little shy in the morning, so Mom stays with me for a few extra minutes while I get settled in. The first picture is of my first day. Once the teacher gave me a bucket to put stuff in and take it out, I was happy as a clam. The second picture is of me about to walk in the door to my class (this was taken on day two- I wasn't in the mood for photos day one).

I am drinking all of my milk out of a cup, which is very convenient for Mom & Dad and I love it. Picture number 3 is of us on the way to the farmer/craft market downtown. I ate a lot of bread samples while we were there and when we left, this jacket was absolutely covered with crumbs. We had a family dinner date last night and I ate some hamburger and french fries like a big kid.

Today we just played and played. I had every toy I own out at some point! Mom let me play on her exercise step and I decided to stand on it and when I did I put my arms up as if I were an Olympic gymnast (and no, I did not cry, Grampy). Mom said "ta-da" and now I keep putting my arms up and saying "da!" "da!"

Shaquille O'Ling

Hi guys. Katie here. I had a very tiring week getting ready to move up to the one-year-old class at school. I spent this week visiting their class a bunch and I start full time tomorow. I will be eating my lunch and snacks at a tiny table and chair (instead of in the high chair) and there are lots of new toys to play with.

We went to Gymboree class yesterday morning and Dad encouraged me to play basketball and I loved hanging on the rim. (I think I was supposed to be doing something in this week's rocking theme, but this was way more fun).

We had a fun day today- waffles for breakfast, lots of playing, a trip to the mall and more playing. I like handing things to people and having them hand them back to me. I even try to hand my toys to Lily, but she doesn't get it (speaking of Lily, look at her tongue in the third photo!) This week I am obsessed with my board books. I like to carry them around and turn the pages. Even as I am falling asleep I still like to have a book in my hand.

Happy New Year's

Happy New Year's everyone. Hope you all have had a nice weekend. Mom had Thursday and Friday off, so we've had lots of play time (and boy is she tired)! I am on the move pretty much all of the time these days, so if I am not eating or sleeping Mom and Dad are busy chasing me around the house.

I started drinking whole milk in a cup this week and made the change without any complaint. Really, Lily is the only one with reason to complain because I do enjoy throwing my cup off the highchair tray, which is where Lily likes to lie in wait for any meat that might come her way. Let's just say she has taken a cup to the noggin a few times . . .

I am enjoying my new learning table and dance when the music plays. (we will send video of this soon).

Happy Birthday to Me

I had a great first birthday party today! I wish you all could have been there.

I woke up from my nap and put on my party clothes and was very happy until the birthday hats came out. Then I adjusted to my hat and was all smiles for awhile. When we went to do the cake I got a little overwhelmed and shed some tears, but boy did the cake and ice cream cheer me up! I shoveled in (literally) two small pieces of cake and LOVED it. Unfortunately my first party outfit took a beating-- the velvet pants had cake mashed into them when Mom removed the high chair tray. Luckily I had another outfit I wanted to wear.

Thank you for all of the nice gifts everyone brought and sent. I hardly know where to begin playing or what to wear next. Aunt Suzie, I particularly liked the giant legos!

New Picture

We had a busy weekend and hardly had time to take any pictures. Today I went to have my professional photos done for my one-year old picture (and Christmas). I am sending a preview of the funny one. You can see all of my little teeth, including #7 which is just coming in on the bottom.

I am walking like crazy- from one side of the room to the other and keeping Mom & Dad very busy! I also am saying more things that sound like words and looked right at Dad and said "Dada" this morning.

We are all looking forward to seeing many of you next weekend for my birthday party, and will miss everybody who can't come. We will send some pictures of course!

A Little Under the Weather

Hi everyone. I have been a little sick the last few days, so I wasn't able to send my usual Sunday report. Mom & Dad thought I was better this morning and then when we were on Step 6 of the 7 steps of our morning routine, I puked all over Mom. Unfortunately, we were both already dressed for the day. Aside from the puking this morning, I have been pretty close to my normal, energetic self and I have developed an addiction to grape pedialyte.

Mom stayed home with me this morning and Daddy came home at lunch. Aside from playing with my socks, I also wedged my bum into my hippo walking toy and kind of got stuck. I tried to play it cool by looking nonchalant and patting my knees with my hands, but I think Mom was on to me! Hopefully I can go back to school tomorrow.

Turkey Day

I am not going to lie. I may be a little less skinny today than when I went to South Bend. I had a delicious turkey dinner and loved every bite of it. I even ate pumpkin pie with whipped cream! The next night we had lasagna for dinner and I was very lady-like since we ate in the dining room!

I had a great visit with Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Jenny, Uncle Billy and Great Grandma Dolak. Everyone else, I wish we could have seen you too even though we are little behind on our Thanksgiving by your standards.

I played hard all weekend and Mom and Dad were glad to have the extra hands to help contain me.

One of the highlights was when Grandpa Dolak taught me to dance.

11 months old

I am 11-months old today!!! Boy this year is flying by!

Dad and Mom took me swimming today and I kicked my legs a lot and really tried to swim-- I have my own technique kind of like a worm where I crunch up then push my arms and legs out at the same time.

We are busy getting ready for American Thanksgiving and will be going to Grandma and Grandpa Dolak's from Wednesday night until Sunday morning. I am very excited about the visit and this thing called pumpkin pie!

P.S. In case Daddy forgets to tell you, he got a call this week and he is going to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in late January. I am really proud of him!

Pizza and Pancakes

Hi everyone. I am busy working on my walking. I take about three or four steps and then fall. My teachers at school said I easily figure new things out and am ahead for my age.

I am doing great with eating grown-up food. We had pizza night last night and I loved that stuff! Today I got to eat my first pancakes and sausage at the charity pancake breakfast Mom chaired. Dad and I went early before the crowd hit and got to talk to everyone and hear how cute I am. The sausage was delicious and I am sure the pancakes would have been even better if Dad had let me have syrup. When Mom got home from volunteering all day, Lily and I kicked our feet up and relaxed on the couch with her.

We're looking forward to a quiet week now that Mom's fundraiser is over. But we're working on planning another event-- my first birthday party!

First Step!

Hi. It's me, Katie. I took my first step yesterday! I walked one and a half steps on my own from Mom to Dad (and then fell over, of course). I get up and down very well, and often bend over or squat to get something and then stand back up (see photo). I am also working on some more teeth. Mom and Dad think they see one or two coming in on the bottom and maybe one more on top. Then I will really be able to dig into my birthday cake! And Grandpa, unlike my baptism cake, I will eat some of this one!

We had a nice weekend. Mom had a board meeting/retreat all Saturday morning, so Dad and I got to resume our Dady Daycare antics. We all went out to dinner last night. Luckily the waitress thought I was cute enough that she didn't mind the Cheerios scattered all over her section! Today we went to the outlet mall. Grampie, we said hello to Tommy Hilfiger for you. I also played in the yard a bit and tried to eat the leaves.

Trick or Treat

Happy Halloween. What a fun holiday! I put on my peapod suit and went visiting with the neighbors. My favorite treat was a bag of Cheetos that I crinkled and rattled the whole evening. Daddy has been training me all week to play up my lack of control when grasping objects so that I always grab two. He also held up the candies that he and mom like best so that I could recognize them if given a choice! After the trick or treating, the neighbors had a bonfire in the cul de sac and we sat outside for a while until it was time for me to go to bed. Then Lily babysat while Mom & Dad had the monitor outside.

I am busy walking with my toy- I push it from one side of the room to the other. When I hit the wall I sit down and play until someone turns it around. I have been standing up a lot. I will be sitting in the middle of the floor and just stand up by myself and then sit back down.

P.S. I attached a picture of our family of jack o'lanterns. I am the one on the left.

Mom Came Home to Us

Good news. Mom came home from Chicago today. She arrived to find me and Dad watching football together in our ball caps. Daddy did a great job taking care of me (and Lily) even after his first week at his new job.

I am standing by myself longer and longer these days. At school on Friday my teachers were impressed because I had a toy in each hand and just stood up without putting my hands down and then stood there for 10 seconds and then sat back down.

I also continue to eat more and more big people food. My first attempt at spaghetti is shown below. Mom was pretty glad she had changed me into an older sweatshirt!