Olivia is Here!

To everyone's surprise, Kara's water broke last night and she was induced into labor. Kara did a great job through 8 hours and gave birth this morning around 7:20am CST. Olivia Mae Bowdish is 6 lbs, 2 oz and 19.5 inches. The middle name comes from my Grandma Wharton, named Bettymae.

Although I thought for sure Kara was having a boy, my mom and Kara referenced the baby as "she" this week which hadn't really happened before. I told Ryan that I think they may know what gender the baby is, so maybe it IS a girl afterall. I texted Kara this comment last night and she denied it. But that incling was right and I couldn't be happier. Now we have a 'girl thang' going on! Growing up, I got all of Kara's hand-me-downs so now does Olivia get Shaye's? ;) I love you, Sister and Matt, and thanks for making me a proud Auntie!

Christmas Bliss

Christmas is such a special time of the year. I revel in the decorations, the music, the family time, and the overall feeling of the holidays. There's nothing better! I love the holiday parties, the food/drinks, and the smiles on everyone's faces as we prepare to celebrate Christ's birth. Before it's all said and done, I want to reflect on the festivities.

Christmas Eve is always spent at Ryan's grandparents house. Nana and Pops have the family over for a casual spread of food and a relaxing time. The gift exchange is a little chaotic in that everyone opens at once, but the gifts are so generous and greatly appreciated by us all. Shaye was teething a bit and was probably overwhelmed by the activity so she was a bit fussy but she enjoyed a couple new toys and the company of Grandma Flower.


On Christmas Day, we went to mass bright and early which turned out to be uncrowded and enjoyable. Shaye hung in there for an hour or so before she was ready to go. I always enjoy the Christmastime hymns and the church was decorated so beautifully. In the afternoon, we met up with Ryan's Grandma Barbara for coffee and some intimate conversation. Shaye had a great time at the coffee shop entertaining the other patrons by dancing around and pushing a big chair all around the shop. We really enjoyed chatting with Barbara and had a nice time.

Kara and Matt were in town for Christmas so I was excited to spend the rest of the day with them. We opened gifts at my parents house and Shaye went nuts over her Elmo and Abby dolls from Auntie K and Uncle Matt as well as the new toys that my parents bought for her.


Randomly Kara and I bought my parents the same exact gift this year so we were cracking up about that. Great minds think alike! The rest of the family arrived and we enjoyed a great meal at a table of 15, a fun gift card exchange game, and a lot of good conversation. We packed up the car in the pouring rain and headed home.

We feel blessed to have such wonderful families that make the holidays so special for us. I can hardly imagine each year to follow....it will only get better! Merry, Merry Christmas to our loved ones!

Santa Train

The MOMS Club that I am involved with has a very special event every year. The typically public Santa Train at Irvine Regional Park is made private for one night to avoid the crowds. It was so much fun! We met up with Shawn, Brianna and Hailee at the park around 5pm and saw the Christmas decorations and colorfully lit up trees. We got in line for the train ride to the ‘North Pole’. The little train played Christmas music while we rode through the park filled with more decorations and beautiful trees. We arrived to see Santa and stood in line for a short time while Shaye and Hailee played around the hay bales. Neither Hailee nor Shaye enjoyed their time with Santa. Hailee’s head faced downward with no smile and Shaye wailed the first second she was placed in his arms. It was actually pretty classic! We picked up our hot chocolate and cookie and headed back through the tunnel, back to the station. I know that each year Shaye will enjoy this event more and more! Not so sure about Santa, though.




More pics from our December holiday outings at http://picasaweb.google.com/bnetro/ChristmastimeFun#

Club 33

Thanksgiving came and went so quickly and suddenly it was my birthday on Sunday. We enjoyed a lovely picnic in the afternoon down at the Corona del Mar cliffs overlooking the ocean. Ryan prepared a delicious lunch and we had a nice time, walking up and down the bluffs looking at the gorgeous homes and of course, stopping to say hi to all the dogs along the way. In the evening, Joyce and Rick had a family birthday dinner for me. I couldn't think of a better way to spend my birthday, surrounded by my loving family. 33 doesn't seem so bad after all!

Early Thanksgiving

Since Ryan and I, along with Shawn and Brianna will not be with the Flower family for Thanksgiving day, Joyce decided to have a little gathering with us last Sunday. We don't see each other often so it was a nice chance to catch up. The NY steak roast was delicious and Nana made a tasty pumpkin dessert. We were able to take a family picture and Brianna captured some shots of Shaye in action!

Kara's Baby Shower

Our first attempt at welcoming Baby Bowdish went off without a hitch. Kara's Shower, hosted by Matt's mom & sister & cousin, was lovely. The seashell theme is my favorite thus far. I love that the nursery will be covered in beach related decorations and the Shower decor was super cute. Lunch was delicious and it was fun to visit with family and friends. Kara received some nice gifts to get her started on the nursery. Now we are ready for Baby B to arrive!

Pumpkin Patch

The weekend before Halloween, we dressed up Shaye in her pumpkin costume and headed to the pumpkin patch to enjoy the festivities. We had fun taking pictures, but Shaye was mostly interested in the hay on the ground. She explored the big pumpkins too!


We were also able to check out the petting zoo with all kinds of cool farm animals in a confined space. Shaye wasn't too interested in touching the animals but she watched them closely. We're officially ready for Halloween!

Lucky 7

On Saturday, Ryan reminded me of the significance of that day's date. October 16th was the 7th anniversary of the day we met in 2003. As you may recall, we met at a Lucky7 charity event for my mom's non-profit counseling agency. To celebrate, we indulged in cupcakes from French's bakery (our wedding cake was made by French's) and hit our jacuzzi (in the rain, no less!). Ok, ok, the cupcakes were free from a baby store opening in town, but it was still the thought! What a lucky day that was, 7 years ago!

Road Trip!

We ventured out on our first road trip this past week to attend a long time family friend's wedding. Shannon and Jason now live in Paso Robles, but got married in Los Osos by the water which is where they lived for the past few years. We packed up our big car with all the amenities, knowing how much Shaye dislikes car rides. The first hour was touch and go, but eventually she fell asleep for an hour at nap time.

We stopped for lunch but most of the trip was rough with her moaning and groaning because she wanted out of the car seat. Toy after toy didn't soothe. We stopped at a winery in the Santa Maria area for a break and eventually made it to Los Osos at our nice Bed & Breakfast.

Shaye wouldn't take a nap so we headed out to Paso Robles to go to a couple wineries. They were quick tastings, no surprise. That evening, we went to the Rehearsal Dinner across the street at the Inn where the wedding was to take place. It was a Mardis Gras theme full of beads, crawfish/shrimp stew, dirty rice & beans, and catfish. Shannon works at Lone Madrone winery so the good stuff was flowing! Shaye was fairly fussy when not being fed, but we made it 'til 8pm. She did good.

On Sunday, we headed out to Morro Bay for some sightseeing. My parents made if up there and met us for some shopping and lunch.

Shaye was able to nap and then the wedding was to begin. The site was absolutely gorgeous and everything - the bridesmaid dresses, flowers, Shannon's dress, the groomsmen attire, decorations, etc., was all so unique, gorgeous and SO Shannon!


The ceremony was short and the lavish reception began. The food and drink were great, and the live band was amazing.


Shaye enjoyed scooting around the dance floor and although we were pretty darn cold, made it until about 7:30 and she was ready for bed. Reality hit as we sat there in our quiet room, eating wedding cake off paper plates, listening to the wedding music from across the street. No dancing this year, but our little family was together.

We had breakfast with my parents on Monday by the B&B.


Then we left for Ojai - our plan to check out a new town and break up the drive. Ojai ended up being a bust in that there was nothing to see or do and Shaye was cranky so we spent most of the time in our hotel room playing with her toys. We did grab a sandwich for lunch, go to the park to swing and watch the kids, shop a bit, and eat a fun dinner at Ojai Pizzeria.


Shaye did not sleep well on this trip so that left us a bit sleep deprived. We stopped at the LA Farmers Market on Tuesday for lunch and some fruit/veggies and got home early afternoon.

Ryan and I felt like we needed a vacation from this vacation from dealing with an energetic 1 year old out of her element. But, it was good to get her out of the routine, seeing new things, and good for us to have this experience as a family. However, I may not be quite as apprehensive about leaving the little one behind for our anniversary trip next year!

Check out more fun pictures here: http://picasaweb.google.com/bnetro/ShannonJasonSWeddingWeekend#

1 Year Check-Up

This doctor's visit last week was significantly more difficult than the rest. The appointment was smack in the middle of her nap time so I knew she'd be fussy. In addition to that, Shaye has full fledged separation/stranger anxiety so she did not want anything to do with the nurse or doctor. In fact, Shaye made it tough on Mommy by grasping onto me as tight as possible and crying...hard. But, we made it through and Shaye is doing great. Stats: 21 lbs, 14 oz (60th percentile), 30 inches (75th percentile) and head size will stay consistent (30th percentile).

WE Made it to Year 1!

Shaye's 1st birthday was on Wednesday, 9/22. Kara was in town so we ventured out to the local Farmer's Market and had a picnic at the park. Aunt Kara also gave Shaye her very first birthday present.

Ryan came home late afternoon and we all went to the local shopping center so that Shaye could play in the pop-up water fountains. She had an absolute ball and although the water would pop up in her face, she would keep going back for more! A bigger thrill was being able to turn around her car seat. Shaye does not like being in the car since she can't move around and because she can't see anything. At least we've resolved half of the problem so car rides aren't so bad anymore. Phew!

On Sunday, we had a celebration of her birthday at our house including family and some friends. We planned to have an outdoor party, but it was 100 degrees (what are the chances?!) so the majority stayed inside but some enjoyed the new putting green and the pool. Shaye had her first taste of birthday cake and loved it! She was tentative for the first 5 seconds but quickly figured out how yummy it was and shoveled it in her mouth as fast as possible. She seriously would have eaten the entire mini cake had I not taken it away after she ate at least half of it. She is definitely my daughter and has begun her love of sweets! It was so special to have my grandparents in Ohio on the other end of a webcam so they could take in the sights. It was an absolutely picture perfect moment.



The party was lovely. Shaye received some nice toys and clothes. I am excited that she will have some new things to investigate and play with.



Two friends of ours made the venture out of the house and brought their tiny little newborn boys - Mason is 4 weeks old and Thomas is 10 weeks. We loved having the little babies around and they were so good!

Ryan and I are so proud to have such a special little girl in our lives. We were also happy to celebrate making it through this last year. That may be my biggest accomplishment yet. More of those to come!

Business Trip #1

I haven't been sent away on travel since I worked in software sales back in '99-'03. It's a much different experience now that I'd rather be at home with my family. It was even more difficult being away from Shaye for more than one night. But everyone survived.

Ceradyne's division in Oklahoma (www.ceradyneboron.com) sells products to the nuclear industry and has many "green" energy saving products, and thus, they are growing like crazy. The plant is sold out for the next two years and our GM believes it will be sold out for the next 20 in no time.


Needless to say, much of my recruiting efforts are focused on that facility. I've hired a lot of great engineers there amongst other key positions. Usually the HR Supervisor from our Kentucky facility goes there to help out when they need it, however, she was being sent elsewhere so that meant they needed me Monday through Friday to go out there to interview for Production Operator positions as well as help with the Job Fair. I don't typically recruit for production openings so it was a very different experience, not to mention a very different type of workforce in the midwest.

I stayed at the Downstream Casino & Resort which was very nice.


The Job Fair was an intense experience being that our booth had a lot of visitors. Ceradyne is fairly well known around there since it is the "big tower" in the middle of Quapaw, next to Baxter Springs, KS. Two days of interviews also went well and I enjoyed meeting many of the employees I have either hired or worked with over the past few years. Experiencing such an incredibly small town environment was really interesting. Everyone is so friendly and so simple. I took pictures of my drive to work in the mornings because I couldn't believe how little there was around in terms of infrastructure, but how rich the land was in terms of agriculture and beauty.





Ryan, my parents, and Joyce & Rick did a tremendous job with Shaye all week. We are so blessed and thankful to have such a strong support system! Two big things were learned on this trip: 1) Business travel can be very lonely (so hopefully I can bring Ryan along on the next one) and 2) Neither of us EVER want to be a single parent!