Christmas 2008

Christmas was very exciting for us this year. With the family together for the first time in many years it was exciting to watch James and Elizabeth in their enthusiasm. James enjoyed the process of opening presents as much as the gift. He'd open a gift and be so excited at the opening process, then ask what the present was, which always brought on more excitement. Elizabeth loved watching all the commotion and excitement and even seem to enjoy looking at the shiny objects that she received. At the end of the day we were all tired and I was glad that we did not have to make the two hour drive back to Phoenix, as Jeff, Lisa and James did.

Jamie was unable to make his trip due to bad weather, but he'll come out for a week long visit over his spring break in April. We hope everyone had a merry Christmas and wish everyone a great 2009.

Elizabeth is now 12 weeks old and is holding her head up quite a bit and is very interested the friends hanging around on her play mat; she'll play for over an hour at a time now. She is also drooling a lot and "chewing" on my fingers, so we think we may be in the early stages of teething. She'll be 3 months old on January 1st!

Tamale Saturday

Georgina, tamale master, & Jeff
Lisa & James enjoy the good food.
Amy, Elizabeth and Jim

Last year Pat and Jack were invited to Cruz's house on the Saturday before Christmas to join in the festivities of eating, drinking, and tamale making. Since Jim had to work I went along for the ride with some letter boxing along the way. We joked that next year we'd bring the entire Kimbrough crowd... little did we know that our joking would become a reality.

Yesterday we made good on our joking and threats and the entire Kimbrough crowd descended on Cruz's house to eat, drink, and make tamales. We did not arrive empty handed, but shared our family traditions of goop and buckeyes with the others. To further add to the mix, a group of ladies who used to work together at Tucson Unified School Distinct still get together often for "Board Meetings;" yesterday was the official December meeting.

Jeff was the only one making tamales, but the rest of us had a great time. James was enthralled by a small winter wonderland display with a train, Elizabeth enjoyed watching and listening to the crowd while Jamie and Betsy mingled with new friends. Jeff meet the tamale master, Georginia, who asked him if he was the reason Pat's tamale ordered recently doubled. He fessed up!

Christmas Dress

I've been a bit behind in my positing and picture taking this week. On Tuesday I had knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus injury that I suffered in May while 20 weeks pregnant. Since the injury was not considered life threatening or really serious nothing could be done until after Elizabeth was born. After meeting with the surgeon I was able to get a quick surgery date and now will return to school on January 5th instead of next week, as originally planned. Having mom and dad close by has been a wonderful. Mom arrives just as Jim is leaving for work, then dad comes over later to do any errands, cleaning, or outside work that needs to be done. Mom stays until Jim gets home from work and we repeat the next day. So far its working and I hope to be back on my feet in another week so I don't wear out my help. Elizabeth started sleeping through the night this week which has been a dream for us since Jim is the one getting up with her while I recover from my surgery.

Elizabeth and I played dress up in her dress that Grammy bought for her and even though she was not in a great picture taking mood I did managed to get a couple good pictures of her. This week Elizabeth has amazed us at her abilities. If you clasp your hands in front of her she'll do the same. She's making lots of new noises and is really starting to move her arms and legs a lot more.

Pooped Party Girl

In Tucson there are many resale stores that sell gently used clothing and baby "stuff" of all kinds. Thinking that Elizabeth did not really need the bouncy seat its been well worth the $15 I paid for it! Elizabeth loves her bouncy seat and the new friends that came with it. She has figured out that if she moves her arms and legs the seat bounces so she is moving more than ever while in the seat... good thing it comes with straps! The whole reason for the trip was so Grammy could find Elizabeth's Christmas dress; she found a lot more than just a dress. Two holiday outfits, a romper, and sleeper later I drug her out of the store. The total price on all four items was less than $20! When I need clothes for Elizabeth I'll definitely revisit that store!

Since I had to stop working just after the school year started I was not able to attend my baby shower at school, so several of my fellow teachers (including Auntie Pat), mom, Elizabeth, and I met at Manuel's Mexican Restaurant in Green Valley yesterday afternoon for appetizers. She slept through the first part of her party then was awake and having fun the rest of the time. Elizabeth was showered with diapers! She has quite a few thank you notes to write, but I think I'll write them for her so they get out in a timely manner.

On Wednesday we went to the doctor for her two month wellness check. Elizabeth is growing and as of Wednesday (2 months and 2 days or 9 weeks) weighed 10 lbs 15 oz and is 22.5" long! She's gained 4.5 lbs since birth and grown 4"!

Two Months Old

Wow! Its so hard to believe that Elizabeth has been with us for two months now! She's is turning into such a cutie pie! We think that her cute face will soon be hard to resist when she's doing things she should not be. Oh well...

Her activity level is amazing, when shes awake shes constantly moving her arms and legs. While shopping this past weekend I looked down into the stroller at her and noticed she was looking at her hands and fingers with her tongue out. I think she was trying to figure out how to get the fingers into her mouth to suck on. She's accomplished the fist sucking several times, but I don't think it was planned. Along with being very active she is now smiling a lot and even starting to giggle. When she does get a good giggle out it scares her a tad bit and we find her looking around to see where that came from.

We go to the doctor on Wednesday afternoon for her two month check and are very anxious to see how much big she's gotten since her last appointment. I'll report back then!

Tucson Thanksgiving

A large crowd gathered on Friday for Thanksgiving dinner to fill up with favorites that have spanned many Frye generations. No one left hungry or disappointed. Some were happy about the large amounts of cranberry sauce, while others could not get enough stuffing balls, more were pleased with green bean casserole; just to name a few of the holiday favorites. Not to forget the traditional menu items of turkey, mashed potatoes, rolls, and gravy. To top the meal off Lisa and Krista outdid themselves making four pies; pumpkin, pecan, and apple. Kaia, James, and Landis demonstrated their young energy and wore out their parents and grandparents. Elizabeth was too small to partake in the various activities, but enjoyed all the cuddle time. I'm sure next year she'll be in the mix, if not leading it!

In years to come as we remember this Thanksgiving we'll talk about the blanket monsters, wrestling, Kung Fu Panda, dancing & singing queen, lest not forget Dora with her growing hair.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Twenty-five years ago Granny and Grandaddy Frye flew their three daughters and families (6 adults and 6 grand kids; ages 8-15) out to see the Sonora Desert - most of us for the first time - while here for a week we saw many sites, including the Desert Museum. History has repeated itself as the Mount and Kimbrough families descended upon the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum this morning, although this time there were 10 adults, 3 toddlers, and and infant. The Mount family included Papa Jack, Granny Pat, Aaron, Krista, Kaia (age 3) and Landis (age 2). While the Kimbrough family included Grandpaw Jamie, Grammy Betsy, Amy, Jim, Elizabeth (age 7 weeks), Jeff, Lisa, and James (age 2).


Just like 25 years ago three generations hit the dusty trails within the museum to see the sites. Two hours was about all we could handle seeing the desert animals. After the musuem we found the Ironwood picnic area in Tucson Mountain Park for lunch. The weather was perfect, about 80* when we left around 2 p.m.

Seven Weeks Old

As you can see from the pictures Elizabeth continues to change. She is trying to roll over on her own and of course we are pretty sure when she does actually roll over she'll scare herself. She has found her fist and now sucks on it when balled up... its really quite loud when she gets going. Her favorite activity still is lying on her play mat looking at the "little girl in the mirror" and trying to catch the monkey, giraffe, and parrot. Sleeping is going very well, she's only waking up twice at night which allows us to get sleep in much longer stretches - which are most welcome. Along with sleeping more Elizabeth is eating more. We have retired the small 4 oz bottles since she consistently eats 5-6 oz per feeding. Also, her newborn onesies and clothes have been put away for another little girl to use, she's outgrown those and getting into some of her 3-6 month clothes. As with all brands, baby clothes are the same, one size in a brand seems about the same as another no matter what the label says.

This coming weekend Elizabeth will meet her California cousins as they'll be here for the week. Big doings are in the works for fun family events.

Six Weeks Old

Oh my how time is just flying! Elizabeth is now 6 weeks old and it still seems like only yesterday I was pregnant waiting on her arrival. She continues to become much more active every day and many times the only way to stop the moving of the arms and legs is to swaddle her. She still escapes quite often if we don't wrap her "just right." She is working on her neck muscles to hold her head up and look around and starting to smile a lot.

The time of year has arrived when I start thinking about our holiday greeting card and make plans for its design. I've started a little early this year since I know I wont be able to get all of them done in just a few days; it'll take a bit longer with my new duties as a mommy. Anyway, the design is done, now its time for production. The mailing will be a bit delayed this year as final piece will be added when we are all together on Christmas morning. I'm sure you'll all quiver with anticipation until it arrives.

Backyardigans, Part II

I'm so proud of us! We (mom, dad, and I) built a raised bed garden. My first crop is in and now I'm just waiting to be able to use what I've planted! Included in my garden are four different lettuce varieties, green onions, and cilantro. The plants were purchased at Mesquite Valley Growers in Tucson a place Granny Frye swore by... I think she said she would not buy plants from anyone else. I figure it'll be a year before I get the return on my investment of bricks and soil, but in the mean time we'll have fresh veggies.

Wow! Busy Weekend

Which way are we going? We've been north, south, and each direction in between several times.

Saturday morning Jim, Elizabeth and I took off north to letterbox in Mammoth, Oracle, and Oro Valley all north of Tucson off Hwy 77. It was a perfect letter boxing day, we were 5 for 5... a first in a long time! Oh yeah, the weather was great also. It was our first day trip as a family of three with a little one so we did forget a few things... including the camera. Fortunately modern technology has cameras in phones so we did take one picture.

Tired, but home just before dark, we unloaded and relaxed. Amy and Elizabeth went to bed early since they had plans for Sunday as well. The day started at the trailer park for breakfast of pancakes, fried apples, and bacon with Grammy and Grandpaw. Jim joined us, but left after eating. After breakfast Amy, Betsy, and Elizabeth loaded up in the van for a trip to the Green Valley Wal-Mart and Tubac. The windy day put a damper on the Tubac trip, but we did go to a few places and found a few things. Elizabeth slept through most of the trip.

It was a busy, but great weekend outside. Stay tuned for Backyardigans, Part II this week as the raised bed veggie garden goes in!

Backyardigans, Part I

For the past several years Jim and I have worked in the backyard... occasionally. Typically before we could get back out to continue the work the weeds grew back. With the help of Kimbrough Work Crew the back yard is now nearly a clean slate.

In case you are wondering... Elizabeth slept through most of the work, when needed mom, Jim, and I would take turns attending to her.

Plans are drawn and trips to Home Depot, Mesquite Valley Nursery, Wal-Mart, and various other places are on the agenda for our first project... a raised bed veggie garden!

Our first crop will be lettuce and our worker bees will be paid for all their hard work in produce!

Five Weeks Old

With the arrival of Grammy and Grandpaw Kimbrough I have a lot of help in caring for Little Elizabeth and getting my house clean. Grammy, who comes over to help clean, gets easily distracted by Elizabeth. Its up to Grandpaw and I to get her back on track. Tipper is enjoying our house and trying to get to know Alex and Emily, except they want nothing to do with him. We think the cats have been on line or looking at the classifieds to find a new home for the winter or until all the new additions leave!

This week Elizabeth has become much more active. When shes full and you try to feed her she kicks her legs. Also, arms and legs are constantly moving when shes awake - sometimes moving too much.When Jim comes home from work and Elizabeth hears his voice her face lights up. She will definitely be a "daddy's girl."

Grammy Betsy's Birthday Celebration

Yesterday was Grammy Betsy's Birthday Celebration. We (Jim, Amy, Elizabeth, Jamie, Betsy, & Tipper) loaded up in the van and traveled to a park in Gilbert where we met Jeff, Lisa, and James. Upon arrival we were surprised by Gary and Carolyn (Jamie/dad's sister). After a lot of hugs and Grammy and Grandpaw happy to have the family together we visited for quite awhile before Jeff started cooking lunch. Grandpaw kept very busy with James on the merry-go-round, train, and other rides in the small amusement area. Lisa said James was very excited about seeing Grammy, Grandpaw, Tipper, and Elizabeth, but it was not really apparent whom he was more excited about seeing... probably a four way tie! Maybe someday Uncle Jim and Aunt Amy will be in that tie.

After the fun at the park we all loaded up to go see Jeff and Lisa's new house, which they'll move into in January. James already has his room picked out and a spot for his bed as well as a space for Little Bits. We are pretty sure he'd take good care of her, at least the best he could. I'm not sure how he'd do with her midnight feedings. We'll wait until she's older before doing a sleep over.

Grammy said it was the best birthday ever!

Happy Halloween

It's Elizabeth's first holiday! Although she wont be going out to trick-or-treat she did dress up... sort of!

The Phillies WON! Elizabeth's daddy is very happy with the outcome of the 2008 Baseball season!

Grammy and Grandpa Kimbrough finally arrived in Tucson and are settling into their digs at the RV park three miles from us! Check out their blog at www.sandcreektravel.blogspot.com.

Elizabeth loves her swing, a present from Grammy and Grandpa. She spends most of her morning naps time enjoying the motion and classical tunes.

Four Weeks Old

Not much to report this week as Elizabeth is going through a second growth spurt. She seems to be eating and sleeping a lot more than in the past. Also, she has developed a major case of baby acne... if she's anything like her mommy and daddy she'll battle that issue her entire life. Actually, I've read that its very common at this age and it'll eventually cure itself as she rids herself of my horomones and developes her own poors.

Each day we plan some tummy time as well as time for her to play with her friends; the giraffe, monkey, and parrot on her mat. She is starting to grab the parrot's tail feathers, but does not hold on for very long. When on her tummy she is starting ot move her legs like she is ready to crawl... I think she would if her arms were stronger and would cooperate.

We are still anticipating the arrival of her Grammy and Grandpa who will be Arizona Snowbirds this winter. Last report had them in Deming, NM and we anticipate their arrival early this afternoon.

This weekend we'll be driving up to Gilbert, AZ to spend the day with Jeff, Lisa and James at a park to celebrate Grammy Betsy's birthday. How many candles will she have? Check back later for pictures and the "fun" report.

The Phillies are still playing in the World Series. As of Monday they are up 3-1 over the Tampa Bay Rays. The game was suspended on Monday evening due to bad weather. We are hoping to finish this off tonight with a victory. GO PHILLEIS!

Three Weeks Old

Today Elizabeth and I had an outing in Green Valley. While out we shopped at the White Elephant and Wal Mart then visited my school. Poor Elizabeth has already been to school at only three weeks old! Although I did not take any pictures of our outing the posted pics are of Elizabeth enjoying tummy time as well as admiring herself in the mirror. I think Alex is waiting for his turn on the play mat. Yes, Emily still lives with us but tends to stay as far away from Elizabeth as possible.

For being three weeks old she continues to amaze us with her alertness.

Tonight the Philadelphia Phillies begin play in the World Series. Elizabeth is known to her daddy as a little MVP. The Phillies last visit to the World Series was 15 years ago and they won the World Series in 1980.

Everyone's Comfortable

Around our house we strive to make sure everyone is comfortable! Alex takes that to heart! Emily is still scared of Elizabeth and hides when she cries.

This week Elizabeth and I started going on daily walks around the neighborhood. The weather was great early in the week, but warmed up quite a bit later. The warming only caused us to change our times. We enjoy our time out in the fresh air.

This week she's started to recognize her hands and grab onto things; like the collar of mommy's t-short, daddy's necklace and chest hair. I'm waiting for her to grab my glasses next. Having her diaper changed has never been a favorite activity, however she's discovered the bathroom mirror, which she now entertains herself with herself while being changed.

Two Weeks Old

Yesterday Elizabeth had her two week pediatrician appointment. She is growing at a steady rate;
Birth, Oct. 1: 6 lbs. 6.8 oz, 18.5" long.
Hospital Discharge, Oct. 4: 6 lbs 1 oz
First Check, Oct. 6: 6 lbs 4 oz
Two Weeks, Oct. 15: 7 lbs 5 oz, 19.75"

She is becoming much more alert and starting to play. We've discovered her feet are ticklish and she is such a cuddle bug!