Let the Birthday Countdown Begin!

I can recall many, many years ago, before I even knew Brent, thinking that when I had a child and it came time to celebrate their first birthday, that I really didn't want to do anything major and make that big of a deal about it. I had seen parents host these huge extravaganzas for a party that the child 1) doesn't even know what its about and 2) would never remember....clearly parents were doing this for themselves and not the family. Not that I wanted to ignore and not honor their birthday...but a party?? Really?

Ok, so fast forward...married now, have a child...and in just a few months (about 2 1/4 actually), she will be turning one years old. Sniff, sniff. Have my feelings changed about a one year birthday celebration...yes and no. While I still don't agree with the huge galas for a one year old (Or any other birthday for that matter), I realize now though that I do want to have something special planned for the day and share it with family and friends. So, that being said, Brent and I have started planning, yes, dare I say it.....PARTY!!! Of course the grandparents will be there and hopefully some aunts and uncles, but we are also looking forward to celebrating the day with new friends we have made here and their kiddos. Our goal is to spend a few fun-filled hours with family and friends and to celebrate the wonderful human being that has enriched our lives more than we thought possible.

Feel free to share any great birthday celebrations you have been a part of....

And of course this blog wouldn't be complete without some shots of the doodlebug....

Going through her clothes...in her all-together of course.....don't we all do that chore naked???

Eating beets for the first time-yummy yummy for my tummy but scary scary for my face!!

Doodlebug is 9 Months Old

Rachel had her 9 month doctors appointment today and all is well! She weighed in at a whopping 16 pounds even and measured 27 inches long. She is such a petite little girl.

Our doctor (whom I refer to as RJ) was talking to me about stranger anxiety and that she is at the age where this may become prevalent. I tell him that it really hasn't been an issue and that when we are out and about she smiles at everyone and just loves all the attention she gets. RJ was like, thats great, then maybe it won't be an issue. Well, not 3 minutes later he is in the very beginning stages of his exam and she is looking back and forth between me and RJ...and all of a sudden starts crying and reaching out for me. She is the biggest drama queen! Talk about making Mommy look like a big liar!! Sorry RJ-don't take it personally! However she did get a few more shots and a toe prick and she did so well for those. Cried a little but when I picked her up, she was just fine and was fine the rest of the day. She is such a trooper!

She is very much into exploring these days and is always finding something to investigate. Well, true to her female side (and taking after her Grandma Patty), she discovered shoes earlier today and thought they were pretty cool. Here is a shot of her examing one of my shoes...

Here is a picture taken on her actual 9 month birthday.

It is so much fun watching her crawl all over the house and explore everything. We have converted our upstairs hallway into a loft area for her to play in. While it doesn't appear to be a big space, I think it works great for her. I can be in one of the rooms up there and let her play in the "loft" area...gives her freedom to crawl all around where its completely safe. Good idea Daddy and thanks for putting up the baby gate-only 3 more to go!

We are trying lots of new foods these days. The latest is baby yogurt. She made her yuck face when I first gave it to her (like she does with every new food she tries) but she has started to like it. I think next I am going to try some pasta-mommy's favorite!

Grandma Patty comes into town this weekend so it should be a fun-filled weekend of Doodlebug being spoiled!

Until next time....

Can We Say "Mama"???

Well, Miss Rachel can! That's right....just a few days ago she started with the "bababab"ing...it quickly turned into "mamama". Needless to say it was so wonderful to hear. Now I don't think she is yet making the association between what she is saying and me (Brent thinks otherwise) but either way, it's still so much fun to hear her say it. And of course, Brent is now really focused on her saying "dadada". He of course encourages the mama but I think he is getting antsy to hear his name!

She is also crawling all over the place. It's crazy how fast she can get going on those tiny little knees and hands! And she thinks its just the greatest thing ever-especially when we act like we are chasing her-she cracks up. So of course baby proofing has begun because she likes to investigate everything!!!

Her top right tooth is coming in. So far she hasn't seemed too bothered by it so I hope it stays that way. Last week, I started offering biter biscuits so she can start practicing to feed herself. I think she really likes them but man they are messy. She gets them everywhere on her!! I also tried eggs but she wasn't too interested so we'll wait a while on those.

Just today she started showing the first inclinations of wanting to pull herself up on things. She can't quite do it yet but I don't think it will be too much longer.

In just a few short days, she will be 9 months. I can't believe it. She is really leaving the baby stage and sometimes its just so sad. But more than that, I am excited about watching her grow and develop-her personality just comes out more and more each day. She is such a firecracker!

As for me, I am almost done with my 3rd week of Baby Boot Camp. I have been going 3 days per week and have really been enjoying it. It kicks my butt and I am exhausted afterwards but it is such a good workout. In addition to myself getting exercise, I am also exposing Rachel to exercise and a way to be healthy. I hope this can be a good start to setting healthy lifestyle examples for her. Plus at the end of each class, all the babies can get out of their strollers and crawl around.

We are finally having some nice days here and it's feeling like summer. We try to enjoy the weather as much as possible.

Here are some of the latest photos plus a video clip of the doodlebug laughing....

Can you see my two bottom teeth???

The oddest things seem to entertain her...

Rachel vs. The Carrots....who you think won??

For some reason, certain things Brent says just cracks her up. If I say them, it's just not quite as funny. In this instance, Brent was changing her and asks "can you pull up your pants?" This was the funniest thing ever to her...you can also hear her gurgling..she loves doing that also!