Sabine Makes Three

Hello Blog. Long Time No Update.

2009-07-08T22:06:00.004-04:00

Yeah. I had a girls' night out. Stacey will be so happy I posted this picture of our reunion. I made sure I was on the other side of all cameras.

Sabine has curls. Thomas and I don't. Crazy thing, those renegade genes.

Ahh, my screensaver at work. Sabine's nanny swears she is an angel. We took this picture before her friend Jules' birthday party, and perhaps Jheny is correct. That said, she is into all kinds of mischief. An angelic devil.

Jule's Birthday Party (21 photos), by Cole McGee

2009-06-28T10:56:00.001-04:00

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Sabine and her Nanny

2009-01-17T16:47:00.003-05:00

Jheny, Sabine's nanny, dresses her in pretty clothes after her mid morning bath.

An excited child when Dad comes to pick her up.

Jheny and Sabine.

Lauren Thiell's Birthday Party

2009-01-10T15:56:00.005-05:00

E Excited for her first little kid birthday party!

Lauren Thiell, the birthday girl, and Sabine.

Sabine made a friend. This little boy wanted to spend the entire party just hanging out with her.

Sleepy from all of the excitement. Next year, Sabine can have a cupcake. (This year, her mom ate her sweets and cake. :-) )

Long and Lean

2009-01-08T10:54:00.002-05:00

Sabine LOVES these tights. She kicks and grins when I put them on her. Believe she likes seeing polka dotted feet.

Little Lauren and Sabine. Sabine is almost outgrowing her boppy!

Requested Update

2009-01-05T18:34:00.006-05:00

Today our friend Tonia asked me if I might consider her a stalker for visiting this site regularly for updates on the O'Shea family. I told her quite the contrary. As is true of most new parents, Thomas and I think that Sabine is the most remarkable, beautiful 15 pound person on the planet.

But, we also know that many of our friends also have the most remarkable, beautiful little people living in their homes. We created this site so that we don't clog other peoples' mailboxes with pictures and updates. Instead, we have this small corner of the internet, a little virtual neighborhood, where folks can visit. So feel free to stay awhile, have a snack, and use the comment option to leave a note.

Speaking of comments, my friend Jess lamented the fact that we haven't mentioned much about milestones or quirky things Sabine does. Milestones? We believe she is on the somewhat arbitrary track of development. (And if projectile pooping, ridiculous spit ups on fresh clothes, and yelps during touchdowns were milestones, whoa nellie! This kid is ready for college.) Quirky things? Well, everything is quirky and fun watching a newborn turn into an infant, and then a toddler.

So, the short list of what Sabine has accomplished in the last four months:

She lost her hair, and found her feet. Her hair will grow back, and her feet will be a constant source of entertainment.

She finally opened her eyes to the world, and thus began an ongoing exchange about whether she will have blue, brown, or green eyes.

She met many friends, family members, and acquaintances, and appears to be a lover of people. She is a gentle judge of character, and will gladly give you a smile if you reciprocate.

She encourages us to read the "baby books" with a grain of salt. A unique individual, she has decided to exercise the gross motor skills of a 6 month old, yet isn't a fan of spoons or solid food. (I personally think she is just trying to keep us guessing, and is aware that her timeline is completely her own.)

She doesn't cry unless she is overtired, but she refuses to sleep if there is activity or people to meet.

She already believes in Santa, the Tooth Fairy, and the inherent talent of the Boston College Eagles. She is looking forward to the Fiesta bowl in 2010.

(Okay, all are completely true except for the last one. That is speculation at this point. )

Now Liking Tummy Time

2009-01-04T18:16:00.003-05:00

Visit with Friends this Weekend

2009-01-04T18:12:00.004-05:00

Friday night we had dinner at Eve and Billy Humphrey's house. Their daughter Paige took very good care of Sabine.

Alex Tyler spent Sunday with us on his return trip from skiing. Sabine ALMOST rolled over when playing with him on her mat.

Sabine and Cousin Patrick

2008-12-30T09:10:00.002-05:00

Brunch with the Hanlons

2008-12-27T17:18:00.006-05:00

Today we had brunch with the Hanlon family. We had a wonderful visit with good food and great company.

Christmas is Finally Here!

2008-12-27T16:20:00.018-05:00

" "My Pop Pop's finger might be bigger than mine, but I will figure out a way to get it in my mouth."

"Almost as good as my fingers."

"Let's see if my Nanna will have new upholstry on this sofa after this visit!"

"I will rest up for Santa."

"On second thought. . ."

"I love my Uncle Cato. We both agree that a full head of hair is overrated."

"Mom gave me my first solid food this morning. I don't know quite what to make of it."

"What is this thing everyone keeps calling a spoon? And where is the nipple on this contraption?"

"Nanna and I are getting ready to have a proper breakfast."

"Now THAT's what I'm talking about!"

"Uncle Cato speaks my language. He makes me laugh. I did my best to charm him into coming to my house to play with me after Christmas."

"Me and my peeps."

"My Oma's kisses are better than dessert after dinner."

"I want those keys Patrick! Somebody get this boppy out from under me so I can scoot on over."

"I wanted to sit on Santa's lap, but Uncle John's is much better. And my cousin Patrick is very protective of me."

Working on Tummy Time

2008-12-18T18:33:00.001-05:00

"This tummy time business would be easier if my head wasn't so much bigger than the rest of me!"

My Bumbo Chair

2008-12-18T18:32:00.003-05:00

"Really mom? I can't face the TV? Darn. . ."

My Ganster Look

2008-12-18T18:30:00.001-05:00

"I might be wearing pink, but I am pretty tough and I am sizing you up!"

Bumbo Chair

2008-12-14T13:09:00.005-05:00

Sabine is enjoying feeling like a big girl sitting in a proper chair!

Is Sabine Trying to Tell Us Something?

2008-12-14T13:07:00.003-05:00

Martin and Sabine

2008-12-06T17:14:00.003-05:00

Martin Palmaz, Thomas' friend since childhood, was in town last week for a wedding. We had brunch with him last Sunday in Del Ray. Sabine likes him. And her parents want him to move back to the east coast.

Sad Day at the O'Sheas'

2008-12-06T16:37:00.005-05:00

Today Boston College played Virginia Tech for the second year straight in the ACC Championship Game. Sabine rested for the first quarter, confident that our Eagles would do great things.

Sabine wakes up for the touchdown. She is waiting for the call before raising her arms.

A tired baby who decided to stay awake for the game and refused to nap. Her parents reluctantly took her t-shirt off and put her down at 5:00 pm. Dad gave her a cuddle and they both talked about next year.

We are happy for her cousin, little Patrick , who hails from two Tech grads.

Thanksgiving with the Family

2008-11-29T22:23:00.002-05:00

Sabine's visit with her godmother Ann Mathews and husband John Driscoll.

Cole, Sabine, and her Oma Christina

Sabine with her dad and grandparents, Christina and Mike. Her Oma is a pro at feeding her.

Sitting warm and happy in the hat and blanket her Grandmother Schele had ready for stroller ride through her grandparents' neighborhood in Norfolk.

Sabine enjoying the Bumbo chair after sitting in the car for the long trip home. If she could talk, she would probably share her frustration with the Virginia Department of Transportation for not opening up the HOV lanes for the holiday traffic.

Early Christmas Gifts

2008-11-29T22:13:00.003-05:00

Sabine will soon enjoy the company of her new friend Will when Mom goes back to work. Will (along with Alina, his mom) gave Sabine this holiday outfit for Thanksgiving.

Alina and her son Will gave Sabine this cute outfit. She is a smarty pants. Sabine also goes through many sets of pants in a day, so we were really appreciative of the outfit.

Our Little Elf

2008-11-25T23:28:00.004-05:00

After her yoga class and tour through Old Town, Sabine was wiped out. We gave her a bath and dressed her in holiday pajammas. Thomas told her she looked just like a red-headed elf. She smiled and went to sleep.

Sabine is not quite feeling the hat

2008-11-25T23:16:00.007-05:00

I was getting Sabine ready for her baby yoga class today, and she needed a hat. We are thinking she wasn't sure that this was the best choice.

She can't talk yet, but in her little head, she is thinking, "Don't you think the flower is a bit much?"

Holiday Season

2008-11-24T12:19:00.005-05:00

This weekend we kicked off the holiday season with a visit to Sarah and Dan's housewarming party. Above is Sabine with Caulder, her friend from Wintergreen last month. Debbie, Caulder's grandmother (shown above) told us that Missy and Joe are taking him to Hawaii in February when he is one year old.

Sabine looks jealous. Or maybe surprised that this little boy always wants to hold her hand.

After the Housewarming party, we went to Tonia and Al's for their friends Thanksgiving party. Above is Al preparing the turkey.

We get ready to sit down to dinner, excited to enjoy Beth's first course. Sabine decided to do the blessing. Her comments were a bit high pitched and somewhat loud. So much so, that we thought it best to have Sabine finish her blessing in the next room.

So the vacant chairs at the table were later enjoyed by Thomas and Cole, after Sabine had given her thanks as only an infant can. Effie, our friend standing in the above picture, filled our plates, and we ate. Quickly. As only parents of an infant can. :-)

We returned home, put Sabine in her pajamas, and told her all about the great food at Tonia and Al's annual "Friend's Thanksgiving." We really hope it continues to be an annual event, as we promised Shortie pureed vegetables and turkey mash next year.

Sabine watches BC play Florida State

2008-11-15T21:15:00.004-05:00

Sabine's expression when Dad was explaining football. She is happy about the first half. . .

Bringin' it Back 80's Style

2008-11-15T13:51:00.007-05:00

At a mom's night out gathering, Cole picked up a pair of "Baby Legs" which look suspiciously like leg warmers Cole wore when she was a kid in the 80's. Sabine loves them.

What she didn't love was posing for this picture right after nursing, very ready for her afternoon nap. She did a little "Flashdance" for us in her baby gym when she woke up, with legs and arms flying about. Perhaps she was inspired by her new threads. :-)

Sabine Goes to Mom's Office, Spends Time with Aunt Terry

2008-11-10T19:16:00.004-05:00

Today Sabine went to work with Mom and Dad. She visited with more people than she has met in her entire life. (A pretty accurate statement.) Above is Ronnette with Sabine.

Mom explained to Sabine in the elevator that Ronnette is an important lady. She made sure that her Mom had all of her materials, flight reservations, and anything else needed before road trips. But more importantly, she is a great friend with sage advice. After all, she told Cole to marry Thomas. Cole tends to check in with Ronnette before making big decisions.

The hightlight of Sabine's day was spending time with one of Mom's favorite people, Terry Edwards. Terry fed Sabine her bottle, burped her, surely destroyed Terry's pretty blouse, and then swiftly went to sleep in her arms.

Sabine has great taste in caretakers. She already knows that Terry is going to help raise her and is part of her family. :-)

What Dad Does When Mom is in the Shower

2008-11-09T13:43:00.003-05:00

No comment.

The Girls

2008-11-09T13:39:00.004-05:00

Last night we went over to Lauren's house for an in-house spa treatment and down home southern cooking. Cole, Ann, and Lauren feasted on fried chicken and mac and cheese while Sabine and Thomas watched the Boston College game.

Lunch at the Vaughan's

2008-11-07T18:43:00.006-05:00

Today Cole and Sabine had lunch at Natalie Vaughan's house with Laura, little Jules, and Natalie's boys Luke and Aiden. Sabine had a huge smile on her face when I told her she was going to meet the cutest twins in Arlington.

Ahh, what has now become the obligatory shot when we put the little ones on the sofa. Jules is to the right. What a gorgeous baby. (With Laura as her mom, this was a given.) Twin boys Luke and Aiden are to Sabine's left and right.

Oh. And it appears we have a red head. This is a little more evident when her hair is clean. :-)

Check Up and First Round of Shots

2008-11-06T17:30:00.003-05:00

Sabine had her first round of shots today. She handled it like a real trooper. (A lot better than her mom!) She let out one huge wail, turned red as a beet, and then proceeded to give us a smile and stick her whole fist in her mouth.

The doctor declared her to be in "spetacular health" with strong muscle strength and a great growth arc. Thomas wanted the doctor to weigh in on the possibility of her winning a golf scholarship. She and I told him that speculation is a little premature at this point.

Now Sabine is sporting band aids on both legs that almost cover her plump little thighs. I would give her a big fat lolly pop if I could.

(This picture is actually from last week, but it reveals whose chin she inherited.)

Relaxing after her trip to the polls

2008-11-05T20:05:00.005-05:00

Needless to say, Shortstacks didn't make it past 10 pm after her exciting trip to the polls. She woke me up at 3 am though. I swear she gave me a look that read, "So? Who is in charge of my country during my toddler years?" We talked about the historic day. Well, she ate, and I talked.

Mom and Baby Rock the Vote

2008-11-04T13:22:00.005-05:00

Sabine and I took the jogging stroller up to vote this morning. We think that she will be excited to learn she participated in this historic election. Of course, she became slightly perturbed by the many Obama folks that knocked on our doors incessently. She wailed one time, which I think is baby talk for, "You have our vote! Now leave me to my nap!"

Halloween Two, Electric Boogaloo

2008-10-31T20:21:00.008-04:00

If we could read her mind, I imagine Sabine would tell us, "Are you going to prop me up on a couch with the rest of my new friends, take pictures, and then laugh at us? Seriously mom?"

Arrr Maty! That was what Sabine was thinking sitting next to a 7 month old pirate. She had designs on the lobster though. . .

Again, Sabine was the youngest of the bunch, but she held her own. She actually tried to eat the lobster sitting beside her. She thought that the little yoda had the best costume, wanted to sit next to her buddy Tigger, and got a kick out of the pea in a pod on the end.

Sabine meets the Little Pumpkin, Cameron! He is one month older than Sabine, and oh so cute.

Despite her "cranky" shirt, Sabine was excited to head to her second halloween party.

Sabine's First Halloween Party

2008-10-25T23:16:00.004-04:00

Above are pictures from Sabine's first Halloween party. She was disappointed over Boston College's loss earlier in the day, and thought it best to take a nap and call it a day. She is the youngest of her friends shown here, and enjoyed the seven minutes of time she was awake to enjoy them.

Sabine Gets Ready for Halloween!

2008-10-25T23:06:00.003-04:00

A few pictures of Sabine in her Halloween costume a few days before her first party. When our friend Stacey saw these pictures, she asked if I was dressed as a wolf behind the camera. Apparently Sabine looks pretty scared. :-) We think she was just excited.

Sabine Goes to Wintergreen!

2008-10-15T13:46:00.005-04:00

This past weekend we went to Wintergreen for a pigroast hosted by Glen and Betty. We enjoyed great weather and pretty views. Of course, Sabine slept through must of it.

These pictures were taken at the Wintergreen house on the mountain. Thomas is surely telling Sabine how great the golf is at Stoney Creek. Sabine also got to meet her cousin, Patrick O'Shea.

Smiles (Or Smirks)

2008-10-15T13:42:00.002-04:00

Thomas and I have been anxiously awaiting Sabine's first "social smile" (as opposed to the "just fed, gasey" variety.) It came early, but as you can see, Sabine is more of a smirker. She always looks like she has a secret, or is hatching a plan to keep us up all night.

Sabine and Friends

2008-10-15T13:33:00.006-04:00

These pictures are a little dated, but we wanted to include some pictures of Sabine with our good friends. The first picture is of Sabie with Tonia, her first night home from the hospital! It already seems like ages ago.

The second is of Donna Ganter and Sabie. She and her husband Mark stopped by to say hello and bring Sabine some pajamas.

Followed by Auntie Terry. We know that Terry and Sabine will get along famously. Sabine already loves books, especially the one that Terry gave us.

Lastly is Lauren Durden, Cole's best friend from childhood and surrogate aunt to Sabine.

Tummy Time

2008-10-01T12:05:00.005-04:00

At her doctor's appointment, Sabine liked holding her head up when on her stomach. So the pediatrician suggested we begin tummy time a bit early. She seems to like it. For about three minutes.

Trip to see the Hulls

2008-10-01T11:52:00.004-04:00

We took a trip to Williamsburg and had a great visit with Sonya, John, and Owen. Above is Owen's first visit with Sabine. He will serve as her surrogate big brother for the time being.

Sonya and John have been incredibly helpful as we prepared for Sabine's arrival. Sonya could write a book on babies.

Sabine and Lulu Driscoll

2008-10-01T11:45:00.004-04:00

Before dinner at the Driscoll's, Sabine hung out with little Lulu. When we were leaving, Lulu announced to us, "I want that baby!"

We look forward to when Sabine is mobile and can try and keep up with her.

Sabine Meets Her Godparents

2008-09-24T21:31:00.013-04:00

Sabine is blessed to have very hip godparents. Ann Mathews, her godmother, will introduce Sabine to New York City, tell her stories (edited) from her 30 year friendship with Cole, and love her unconditionally.

Her godfather, Stephen Driscoll, will work with Thomas to make sure Sabine makes it on the LPGA tour as soon as possible.

Shortstacks O'Shea

2008-09-24T21:24:00.004-04:00

We all have nicknames for our kids. Let's hope that "Shortstacks" doesn't stick. Cole thought this referred to pancakes. Thomas explained it was a poker term.

But we think she likes it. The mohawk? Maybe not so much. But her parents have to have a little fun now and again.

Sabine and Her Grandfathers

2008-09-24T21:13:00.007-04:00

Whenever the grandfathers could wrestle Sabine away from their grandmothers, Cole's step father Rusty (Pop Pop), and Thomas' father Mike (Opa) had a chance to visit with Miss Sabine.

Opa can't wait to take her to Starbucks. Right now, she is content hanging out in Pop Pop's arms.

Sabine Meets Her Grandmothers

2008-09-24T21:07:00.006-04:00

We didn't think it was possible, but there are people who love Sabine as much as we do. Her grandparents. And the feeling is mutual. Sabine took to Cole's mother Michele (Shell), and Thomas' mother Christina (Oma) immediately.

Sabine Loves Her Daddy. And Boston College Football.

2008-09-24T20:55:00.007-04:00

After a long hard day of eating, sleeping, and being rocked in her sunny nursery, Sabine likes to chill with her dad. They talk about BC football, the PGA, and her interlocking golf grip. (She almost has it down.)

She especially likes it when dad talks to her in German. She likes to mix it up a bit. Sabine fashions herself a wordly little person, even if she hasn't left Alexandria yet.

Simply Sabine

2008-09-24T20:37:00.006-04:00

So we decided to take a few solo pictures of Sabine. Okay. We took many. Here are a few. . .

Sabine Comes Home!

2008-09-24T20:22:00.006-04:00

We are a tad late posting. Sabine was born on August 24, 2008 at 9:38 am. We all agreed it was an easy, very joyous birth. (The labor leading up to it. . .well not so much.)

We had a really great stay at INOVA Alexandria Hospital. Sabine had the most hair in the nursery, Thomas consumed the most coffee in the hospital, and both of us fell completely in love with this new little person.

Sabine slept through it all.

Once we came home, we took shifts resting after Sabine's amazing birthday.

Sabine's Shower

2008-07-15T18:06:00.003-04:00

This past weekend our good friends Stacey, Ann, Sonya, and Lauren hosted a shower for Sabine. Many guests brought their children, which was both a treat and good practice for the O'Sheas. We had a wonderful time and are blessed to have such great friends and relatives.

The above picture is of Grace and Cole. Grace and her parents, Jeff and Anna Martin, will have another little girl join their family this fall.

Welcome

2008-04-11T13:50:00.005-04:00

Welcome. Thomas and I have started this blog to document the very beginnings of the newest member of our family. Her name is Sabine Cole O'Shea, and she will introduce herself to all of us in August.

For now, we will let her do her thing while we tell you her backstory.