December 31, 2005

New Year's Resolutions

Did you guys make any?
Mine?
Make this year different.

December 30, 2005

More....


On Second Thought...

Hi Family,

I love you all. Each and every one of you. I want to take a few minutes to tell you all that, because well I didn't do it when I was just there. If you don't do it then, when will you?

First, My Grandma. I think that you know you have always held a very special place in my heart. I remember back to the dedication that I wrote to you on your birthday and how writing it made me cry. When you realize the monumental impact that someone special has on your life it is a powerful thing. I'm so proud of you and your new home, making your move and doing your own thing on your own schedule. You remind me that sometimes waiting is the right thing to do.

Uncle John. I'm so ashamed that I didn't take just a couple minutes during the weekend to talk more with you about the things of your life and goings on. There were times I knew I wanted to go over to you and ask about this or that. I wanted to just say to you that you looked happier and healthier than I think I have seen you in years. Even though we didn't get a bonding moment, I still really loved seeing you. Thanks for being an example with Leo's sister and cousin. It wouldn't have been the same without you there.

Mom. I know that I disappointed you this weekend with sarcasm, and self centeredness. I'm so sorry. Sometimes it's out there and said before you even know it. I'll try better to remember that the center of the universe isn't behind the tip of my nose. I love you so much. Thanks for making my trip possible. I loved it.

Linette. Always in my life there has been your example of someone to measures words carefully to avoid hurting others. I want you to know that I love you so much for being that example. I appreciated so much what you did so much for the gift exchange and I'm sure lots of other little details.

Lisa. I know I am okay with you and you know you are okay with me, beyond that it's all very unimportant. Next time we debate we should set our sights higher.

Greg (& Kelly and Kayla and Anna) I sure missed you guys the 'normal' ones this time. I know we will be together again soon, until then hugs and kisses.

Neisha. So happy to see me, from you the biggest hug. It was great to catch up and hear how things are going. Garett is an awesome guy and I am so glad to have him as my cousin.

Sister Shavawn. You looked so happy and calm. Thanks for making the effort to keep us in touch with family. It meant a lot to me to have Tony there with us. Make me an uncle soon.

Alyssa. Girl interrupted. Priorities rearranged. Motherhood. I don't know what to say except who else would take to motherhood as I saw you had? It's all so different, and you look like you are loving every minute. How neat.

Leo. Welcome to the family. It's only four words but I mean it. Thanks for being an awesome Dad to Violet.

Tavia. I love you. Instigator, party goer, chic chick. Come visit me in Seattle again. We will paint the town red.

Garett. Brain. I had fun hanging out with you those last couple days. Your a really cool kid with an awesome personality.

Baby Violet. I know I told you how much I love you already, even though we met just the other day. Welcome to the family kiddo. Right now it's all food and sleep and poo. But Soon the little person that you are will come bursting out onto the scene just like the rest of us. I can't wait.

Great Grandma Meets Baby Violet for the First Time



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Four Generations

More Christmas Pictures




December 28, 2005

Grandpa

December 27, 2005

Christmas 2005












December 23, 2005

December 22, 2005

Nine Days Old

December 17, 2005

Violet Burke, Day 4

Pictures taken by Aunt Vianne right after the birth



Today my new niece was born.
I became an aunt for the first time.
Leo became a dad.
She was born around 7:00 am by c-section at Mission Hospital.
I was one of the first to meet her.
Mom, dad and baby are doing great.
It was so nice for me to have a new baby added to the family without having to go through a long painful labor.
This time I was the one who could just walk in and enjoy her.
Her Uncle Joe showed the new parents and grandparents how to change her
diaper.
We all know he has plenty of experience.
Landan and Logan Wylan and Jovi think she is pretty neat! Uncle Henry had me sneak them all in to meet her.
We think her name is Violet, it is hard to put a name to something so beautiful as this precious baby.
Thank you Lord for this day and the endless blessings it has brought all of us. Vianne

December 15, 2005

Tidbit

No new pictures of the baby today, but here's a little tidbit of information. When I got to the hospital to visit, the baby was crying and Leo picked her up and started walking her around the room, singing to her. He told me, "See, Linnette, here is how you have to do it." And, he proceeded to show me how he walks her as he sings, "I'm Walkin'" (the song by Fats Domino). Well, she immediately quieted down and fell asleep in his arms. Then he was going to leave, so he gently handed her to me. I began to walk her around the room and sing, "I'm Walkin'." But, no way. She would have none of it. So, he took her and resumed his walk and his song. IMMEDIATELY she stopped crying and fell asleep in his arms. Isn't that cute? And, you should have seen the look on Leo's face. So satisfied, pleased and proud.

To Alyssa from Lisa

Hi Alyssa,

Congratulations! On everything! Your baby is beautiful, your husband's a
stoned-cold fox, and you must be so proud. It's weird, one day I wake up and
poof! Alyssa's married and has a family.

Anyway, I hope it wasn't a mistake. haha, I couldn't resist. Just kidding.

I love you Alyssa!

Lisa

Pryndana and Lovalee's Visit

Pryndana and Lovalee came to visit. Pryndana brought Alyssa some of her famous, homemade, real mashed potatoes. Alyssa told me yesterday, "Pryndana has been so sweet!" (And that was before the mashed potatoes.)



December 14, 2005

Her second day in the world






From Great Grandma, Vivian

Oh what a baby!!!!!! Im so jealous that everyone is able to hold and see her, BUT WHEN I GET THERE EVERYONE BETTER LEAVE VIOLET AND I ALONE!!!!!! I just wanna kiss that sweet little face and neck!
I love all the pictures and just sit and gaze at them.
Thanks to Tave and Linnette
I love you all very much and Im hopeing this will all rub off on Shavawn,we need another one so Violet wont be so spoiled, tell Shavawn everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great Grandma!

Desperately need some pictures here of Great Grandma and baby!!! She's waiting for you, Great Grandma!!! Come and get your baby!!!!

Daddy

He says, "She's perfect!"

Aunt Tavia

She loves that baby so much!!

Joe's Turn

Joe came to visit with Jovianne and Wylan (did I spell those right?), while Vianne stayed home with the twins. He displayed his extensive experience when he changed a dirty diaper.




Ken's Turn



Ken came to visit while Pryndana stayed home with the kids.

Examination by the Pediatrician

December 13, 2005

My Turn




Finally.

Going good

Everything going well here. Baby falls asleep while nursing, quite content.






Alyssa's Favorite Nurse

Alyssa's favorite nurse, Chris, is burping the baby and showing Alyssa a few breastfeeding tips. She's so nice! She takes the time to explain things to Alyssa. She is patient and never acts like she is in a hurry. Genuinely cares. No fakeness here. Alyssa just loves her. So do I. Doesn't she look sweet?




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