Monday, January 17, 2011

Growing Up

I snuck into E's room tonight to put away some things and as I glanced into her crib I thought to myself, who is the big girl in there? Seriously, she's not a baby anymore! I mean, she is 17 months now! We are only 1 month away from nursery at church...yippee! We went to the doctor today so I better note our major accomplishment...20.4 lbs. Yes, we finally crossed the 20 lb mark!

Here is a little about E (mom's bragging moment):

-She is becoming an expert at animal sounds and pointing out animals by their sounds. Her favorites are 'boo' (that is moo), 'dodo' (as in cock-a-doodle-do), 'hu,hu,hu' (with head moving forward like a dog barking), 'errr' (that would be an elephant) and 'raaar' (lion). All of the sounds and speaking is a huge accomplishment as E has been seeing a speech therapist for her delay in speech!

-She loves pointing out body parts including her (and your) eyes, ears, nose, head, teeth, chin, toes and belly.

-She is an expert waver for Hi and Bye! She also frequently says the words with the wave. She is also great at blowing kisses.

-She loves being outside! We've had fairly nice weather this winter which is great. It gets hard when it is too cold or rainy.

-She has learned that she needs to say 'more' (which sounds more like 'bore') when she wants more food. It is great because when she starts whining all you have to say is "what do you say?" and the whining stops and the words come out!

-She has a real sweet spot that has been coming out! She gives great hugs and is often found hugging dad and patting his back when he gets home from work. She gives open mouth kisses and often makes kissing sounds. She LOVES her baby. It brings tears to my eyes to see her walking around cuddling her baby and kissing her.

-She folds her arms for prayers by putting her hands on her chest (still working on getting a photo) and says 'men' at the end of the prayer. Today she kept saying 'men' during the prayer to tell dad to stop praying!

She loves to laugh! She is also one active girl which makes church a challenge. She loves to hide and play chase...or just run away from me. She has become quite good a peek-a-boo!

These are the moments that make all the struggles of growing up worth it!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Our Christmas Break in Photos

Houston Aeros Hockey Game

Newman Ranch - We met up with Ben who was hunting that morning. We mingled with the long horn, picnicked and shot the shotgun and rifle.

Blue Bell Factory - Stopped in for $1 scoops of the best ice cream!

Port of Houston Boat Tour - In the rain...after the tour Mucho Mexico for lunch.

Bowling - Mike (who is on the HS bowling team) schooled us but we all made him sweat at times.

Black Light Mini Golf

Not Pictured - movie theater (True Grit), eating, hot tub, eating, crafting, trimming bushes and raking leaves, eating, baptisms at the temple, delivering Christmas gifts, more eating, playing tennis, watching movies, playing games, sleeping in, missing Bobby Jill and Linley, and finally....even more eating.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Christmas Eve and Day

Christmas break was spent about 15 miles north at my parent's house. My sis and her new hub were here from Utah for 2 weeks so we vacationed with them. We missed my older bro and family as they were expecting their baby boy anytime (he came a few days ago!). We had a great mix of relaxation and fun. Here is a glance of our Christmas eve and day. (The rest of the vacation pics are coming...)

E opening her PJ's...super excited to tear into the paper!

It was awesome being Santa's Helper! E is such a fun age and totally got spoiled as the only little kid this year. Some of her favorites were her big pink chair, baby and stroller, little people farm and airport, safari jeep tunnel thing, marble maze, books and puzzles...just to name a few. Spoiled. B and I also were spoiled! I got several new toys for my camera and some sewing gear. B got fishing supplies and several other toys. We didn't take too many pics but here are a few.


Monday, January 3, 2011

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Believer

The first time E saw Santa was in our neighborhood park. She loved him. I just took her up to meet him, sat her on his lap and got a smile for the camera!

The next time, at the mall, wasn't so great. We got one photo taken before the tears came. Not sure if it was the lack of sleep that day, the chaos of 4 moms and 6 kids trekking through the mall together or all the big lights and cameras. At least I got one photo for the small fortune I paid.

Do you think that one day (when she is a little older) she'll notice how different these Santa's look? Not sure how I'll explain that one...

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Christmas Came Early!

Christmas came about 2 weeks early for me with this nice, new present! (I wanted it to be like the car commercials when I wake up on Christmas morning completely surprised to see a new car with a big red bow on it parked in my driveway, but that just isn't realistic.)

A 2008 Mazda CX-9...with most of the bells and whistles. I love it. I'm a real mom now that I can fit up to 7 people and all the toddler gear! Thank you Santa!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Thanksgiving Week

We spent Thanksgiving in the frigid state of Idaho. Seriously...coldest weather I have ever been in. We're talking -14 F at night and like 3 F during the day. We always bring the coldest weather! It was great to be with B's family for a few days. I only took a few pics...

Family Photo Shoot

E's Thanksgiving Bow (I know...Cute!)

E with her Grandparents and Great-Grandparents

Quick Trip to Temple Square (The light were beautiful but we only stayed a few minutes because it was FREEZING!)

B went home a day before E and I so we got to spend some with with my family in UT.

Finally, my old college roomie and I met up for lunch and some catch up time. (Unfortunately her cutie son was sleeping when we took the pic.)