Halina's First Chrstimas 2008

Halina wasn't awake for Christmas Eve, but had fun Christmas morning while cousin Ella helped open presents.

It's hard to believe we're in recession - look at all those presents!

A December Angel

Weather in Maryland has been mild compared to the Northeast.

Juniper and Halina have begun to bond and

share more of a symbiotic relationship Grandma Grace visited for the weekend before Christmas and
we spent the day walking around the
Museum of Natural History and Alexandria.
Halina discovered pita at a Greek restaurant - yummmmmm
Halina has her own Chrsitmas tree in her palyroom.

And is patiently waiting for 2 or 3 more teeth.

(they've just begun to show...)

Crazy fun at day care.... Halina has a new fascination with fish and bubble when they're in a tank, but
the evening I trying making a bubble bath for her, she wanted none of it -
she seemed terrified of the bubbles!

Disney, a vacation with family

Halina and I met my Mom, Dad, brother, aunts and cousins at Disney for four memorable days. The Boardwalk resort was docorated beautifully. The smells and sounds were all Christmas. We had so much fun! Animal Kingdom was a highlight, here is an elephant we saw on the safari
Dino land rides with Grandpa and Grandma
All made of gingerbread and chocolate - it smelled amazing.
Sarah and Michael on the balcony of the Boardwalk

Rice lunch at the Yak and Yen - oh what a mess

Our room with a view of the Boardwalk at Disney.

Thanksgiving

Michal, Halina, and I traveled to Wilmington with our friend Kris.

Joanne and Elaine cooked, baked, and created a delicious dinner and we enjoyed the left overs for the entire weekend.

We also got to visit with Erin and Fletcher!

Halina met Santa for the first time - it looks as if he had hard news for herWe visited with Aunt Diana and read books
And we got to see a close friend from HS, Natalie and her youngest, Ella.

Wintery Weekends and Wild Sounds

This features Halina's latest new trick - a WILD sound, listen for yourself....

This Nov. has been cold, but we've still managed to get outside to run.

Halina supported Mike on a 5 mi X2 race one weekend and both of us the following weekend in a 5K trail race - Her smile was some of the best cheering I've known. Just 2 weeks ago running at Sigo creek, we were under a bright yellow canopy of yellow poplars and maple. Yesterday, the same trail was bare and wintery with hardly a leaf left. We bundle Halina in tights, pants, several tops, a coat, and hat. She doesn't seem to mind and even fell asleep during yesterday's run.

Visiting Cousins in CT

Watching the cold rain with Aunt Magda

Gabi, just over two years old, shared her toys and was so sweet!
3 month old cousin, Julian

Halina raced around the floor and inspired Gabi to follow.

We are already putting Gabi's hand-me-downs to good use.

Thanks Iga and Brian!

Halina Standing

Halloweeeeeen

The CDC had a "Make Believe Parade" for Halloween.

Halina's classroom teachers had all their kids dress as angels.

They even made them a chariot!

Halina seemed to get into it, see the video below.....

Grandma and Babcia helped get Halina ready for Halloween - thanks!

We had more trick-or-treaters than I have ever seen. I kept saying that I wanted them to come to my house, but I actually ran out of candy! 3 kids got oranges before a Mom ran to my door and handed over a bunch of her kids candy, saying they didn't need it, it was hilarious!

Halina - Thriving at day care

Halina's Crawling.... and standing on her own?

Halina crawled for the first time on Friday, October 17th

A weekend in Boston

The Sobieszczyks went apple picking at Carlson's Farm West of Concord, MA

Halina really seemed to enjoy the apple taste (Cameo)Don't worry, she didn't actually bite off any pieces, just practiced with her 2 bottom teeth.
And kept wanting more...

Thanks Piotr, Leigh, Henry, and Ella for a great weekend!

Backward crawl to Mambo music

Halina's 8 months old

Halina spent the day swimming, shopping, then playing at Brookside Gardens with Mommy and Lauren.

A blade of grass can be so interesting

Standing at the edga of the pond and watching the turtles

Crazy Mommy is trying to get me to smile again.
A day off with Mama

Ashley visited us and presented at Wheaton HS on Genetic Counseling - thank you!

Busy eating, grabbing, and growing

Eating a cracker for the first time (at day care).

Halina at Daycare - The CDC

Time for reading circle and loving the books.

"I like that book, Alana! Can I have it? I got it! Thanks, Alana Now I can play and explore like you did."

I was looking at myself in the mirror. I tried to crawl up the ramp. But instead, I went backwards.