New Family Pics

The Fun of One

We can't believe it's true, our baby is now one and we "did" make it through the first year! She's such a joy to be around. I think pictures catch her personality better than I can describe her.

I think her favorite toy might be the washing machine...

or maybe her Tupperware cabinet.

Daddy really wanted to participate in the birthday preparations. He did a great job!

What's that?

For me?!

Mmmm!

This chair is for me? Thanks Grandpa and Grandma!

I'm going to brag a little on myself about the activity book I made her that has buttons, snaps, zippers, velcro, laces, etc. to try and help us sit through church. It was about 60 hours of work. I thought it would be easier than a dress. Next time we'll try the dress!

Our first Christmas Tree cutting. 

I really do think I can count, and I try to sing the ABC's. Of course I've got a ways to go, and no one can understand me, but I'm really cute trying.

We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend!

Long Overdue

Wow! It's been awhile since I've updated, so I'll do my best to remember everything that has happened in September and October.

In late September, my friend, Kendra, came up from Texas for a visit. While she was here, we went to Roloff Farms to pick Addison a pumpkin.

I promise that's the reason we went and not at all because of the fact that I might have been the most excited about going since I've been a fan of Little People, Big World since the show started.  

At the beginning of October, Will turned 29. He hadn't celebrated a birthday with his family in nine years, so it was special to be with them and celebrate his first birthday with Addison.

I guess we need to get used to the fact that Addison will be unwrapping all of our presents from here on out and probably enjoying a few of them for herself.

Fall has always been my favorite time of year. This Fall, which started in late September here, I actually got to enjoy a real Fall where the leaves change to more than just yellow and brown. The colors have brightened up and are still around! It is so beautiful. Below is an early picture of the leaves changing that I took before Addison and I went to New Mexico.

In the middle of October, Addison and I flew to New Mexico to see family. It was so good to see them. I hadn't seen my sisters, brother, or dad in almost 6 months. Addison had been taking steps before we left, but she pretty much took off while we were down there. I was glad my family got to see that milestone in her life since we're so far away. Daddy was shocked at her progress when we'd returned home. 

Addison continues to grow like a weed and is learning things daily. She started walking at 10 months. She's our big helper now; she's very good at bringing us things. She talks a ton and is very social. She waves and smiles at just about everyone she sees. She's finally giving daddy his kisses. She knows mommy and daddy and says our names well, except when daddy walked in the other morning and she called him mommy. She loves animals and will sit at the sliding door and watch the squirrels play. She is just such a fun and busy little girl.

Will had to work for Halloween. We actually got to go and visit him for the first time at the station.  

After this week, Will will be 2/3 of the way done with his training. He's doing great!

In November, we will celebrate our 4-year wedding anniversary and also our baby's 1st birthday. We can't believe she's already going to be a year old! 

We are still enjoying Oregon, except that it rains quite a bit now. I'm learning that the rain can't stop you here or else you'll hibernate. We've enjoyed lots of good news from friends lately, births, marriages, etc. Not a day goes by that we don't miss our friends, jobs, home, etc. from Hobbs. We went to see Fireproof on Saturday and in the movie, the lyrics of a song stood out to me, "While we wait, we'll worship." So while it will take time for Oregon to feel as comfy and cozy as Hobbs, we'll rejoice in that fact that we are where the good Lord put us and we'll serve Him. Love to all!

Here's one for the road! Doesn't she rock!

A View from the Cheap Seats

We hadn't celebrated Will being finished with the academy, nor his passing the national paramedic written exam, so we took a short trip to Seattle to watch a Mariner game, plus they were playing the Yankees. I think the group Alabama has it right in their song The Cheap Seats, when they say, "there's nothin' like a view from the cheap seats." We sure couldn't see the game very well, but we were getting some quality time together, plus you just can't beat the atmosphere of a professional baseball game. It was also fun rooting for opposite teams, which happen to be both of our favorite teams. Grandma kept Addison for us. It was the first time we'd left her for more than a few hours. I was mad at first for not taking her, then we sat above a family with a small baby and he cried the whole time. I realized Grandma getting to spend some quality time with Addison was the best solution. Oddly enough, we didn't get nose bleeds sitting only two rows from the very top.

Everything else is going good. At Addison's nine-month appointment, she weighed 18.5 lbs, she's 28 inches long, and pretty much a wonderfully, healthy, happy, beautiful baby. Below are some nine month pictures.

As any nine month old, she's on the go and into everything, even crawling behind the couch.

She loves to pull herself to a stand and then let go. She's working on about half a minute of standing solo.

And she's eating a lot more adult food now.

Until next time, hugs and kisses to all!

(P.S. This picture's for you Robin!)