Santa Picture 2011

 Sage was horrified to be handed over to this stranger with a big white beard, whereas, Kian understood that this was the guy who might bring him the new basketball hoop he was hoping for.

  Our impromptu family shot with Santa.

Choosing a Noble Fir suitable for the Chow-Liddell family Christmas tree...

Kian and Sage Visit Althea's New Classroom

After 10 years of teaching 2nd grade in the Accelerated Program Program at Lowell Elementary School, I have moved over to teach 3rd grade in the southern APP site, Thurgood Marshall.  I teach reading and writing (plus spelling and handwriting) to two different groups of 28 students throughout the day.  It's a great set up.  Going back to work full time has been quite an adjustment after three years of job sharing half time, but the school year is off to a great start! Kian and Sage have visited a few times to "help out."

Happy 1st Birthday, Sage!

A bright happy face on our bright and happy birthday girl.

Messy yogurt face! Despite her great appetite, Sage is only in the 38th %ile for weight at 20 lb., 5 oz.  She is 29 inches tall, which is just under 50th %ile for 1-year-old girls.

The birthday girl is fascinated with the balloons.

Sage examines her first cupcake.

All are eager for her first bite.

We think she likes it!

Cousin Finn helps with the gifts.

Toys and books that both kids can enjoy!

Sage took her first unassisted steps on August 29th.  By her first birthday on September 17th, she was an old pro strolling from room to room confidently.

All birthday photos posted on this blog were taken by Grandpa Andre (Gung Gung). Thanks for visiting from New York for the special event! And, thank you to all family and friends who helped to celebrate our baby girl's special first birthday!

Sage is 8 Months Old!

Sweet Sage is 8 months old today! Some of her favorite things to do are: motoring around in the walker, laughing at Kian, playing "woosh!" with Dada, listening to Mama sing, being held to take naps (doesn't always happen, but she certainly sleeps longer when she is being held), reaching for magnets on the refrigerator, practicing rolling from tummy to belly, watching a Baby Einstein video called Baby Van Gogh from the "Exersaucer," using her leg muscles to bounce and "stand" with support.... Sage does not have any teeth yet, although we suspect a couple are on their way very soon. Kian had 4 teeth by this age!

Below is a picture of Kian when he was 8 months old...

The Luckiest Mama in the World

The best Mother's Day gift is another day with my adorable, healthy children. But on top of that blessing, Kian brought me a beautiful bouquet of flowers ("with blue flowers in it!" he enthusiastically pointed out), and Ryan helped Kian and Sage make me a lovely Mother's Day card. I also got to have a shopping spree, courtesy of Ryan, and picked out something to wear to a fashion show benefiting "Northwest Hope and Healing", which offers financial support to newly-diagnosed breast cancer patients at Swedish Hospital.

So sweet!

Baby Sage, Mama Althea, and Gramma Gei

Happy 35th Birthday, Ryan!

To celebrate Ryan's birthday, we had a lovely dinner of salmon, steak, roasted rosemary potatoes, and asparagus at home with family and a few friends.

Kian dines on the kid food - Dino chicken nuggets and mac n' cheese.

Joan was in town, and Sage loved the extra attention from her Nana.

Sage checks out the baby doll's hat.

Sage is Seven Months Old!