Easter

We had a wonderful, yet very busy Easter weekend. It started with a fun tailgating event we had with our Sunday School class on friday (when the weather was frigid and wet). Then, Addison joined Matt at her first Razorback baseball game on Saturday. They both had a great time I think. Then came my favorite holiday to celebrate. It continues to amaze me, every time I think about what Jesus did for us.

Sometime this last week, however, our camera decided to die. Not completely dead, just close enough to be very aggravating. You'll see why in a second. All the pictures we tried to take on Sunday came out fuzzy. And it's not user error. Matt and I both confirmed this. So I'm awaiting pictures from Dena's camera from Sunday. And don't worry, we'll get some more in her Easter outfit. But here's a taste of what we got.

Just imagine how cute she would be if she weren't all blurry!!!! If weather cooperates, we'll have some professional pictures taken this weekend. So, as always... please be patient!

This Little Piggy

One of my mom's friends has a pig farm and likes to give gifts with pigs on them. This is such a cute outfit, with or without the hat. Addison is sitting on the couch laughing at Darby in a few of them. She loves to watch that crazy dog run around and play with us.

We're Back

No, I didn't fall off the face of the earth. It's just taken a while to get back "in the swing of things" since our return from the freezing cold Midwest. Addison and I both came back with nasty colds, and we're both finally on the mend. I know most of you just want pictures, so I'll not ramble. First, a few from our trip this month to IL:

And now a few taken here in the good ole south. I DO NOT miss Midwestern winters!

Now that she's six months old (nearing seven), Addy has mastered a few skills. She's sitting up wonderfully, and rolling all over the place. She loves to eat her veggies and rice cereal. We're just starting fruits. Her favorite (and in my opinion, unique) skill is her ability to fit her entire pacifier in her mouth at any angle. She actually prefers to use it as a teething toy most of the time. It actually makes a pretty loud noise when she gets her gums really working on that rubber!

I promise it won't be a month before I update again!

T.G.I.F.

Just wanted to amaze you all with a second update this week!! I'm not sure what's gotten into me... so don't get used to this. I've tried to take more pictures, but forcing candid moments with a 5 month old doesn't always work.

Here are a few from today and yesterday. All of them are just before a nap, so she looks a little sleepy. She enjoys mommy and daddy's big bed!

We're going to enjoy the rest of our lazy Friday, and look forward to the weekend! Addison can't wait to see Grandma Lou next week and then visit everyone in Peoria! Happy weekend!

Baby Steps

NO! Addison is obviously not walking yet. I'm referring to myself with today's title. I'm finally taking baby steps toward regaining my sense of "self." But I guess it's a new version of myself. I never used to iron Matt's clothes, but last week I did; and I'm trying to "cook" a couple of meals a week; and I've started working again - a little. The last few weeks I've worked half-a-day each week. This week I'm planning 2 half days, and maybe a full day next week. It feels good to be a PT again. I really do love that job. But being Addison's mom is still my favorite job in the world. One day a week is going to be enough.

Addy's drinking her bottles much better these days. I discovered that a "fast flow" nipple is much easier for her, now that she's such a strong "sucker." She's not, however, consistently eating solid foods yet. She seems to like squash better than sweet potatoes, but the last few days she likes to spit it all out. Not just push it out on her tongue, but forcefully spit it out. To the point that I should probably wear a bib as well. She's doing that even when she's not eating too. Kinda cute, but at times frustrating.

We went for a walk yesterday... Addison's big enough to ride in the stroller without the carrier. She looks so big in it!

The rest of these are just kinda random... I tried to get a couple of Addy and me together. Most of those didn't turn out very good. The flash on my camera makes capturing a smile challenging!

"Hats Off to Addison"

Addison turned 5 months old this past Monday. I really can't remember where the time has gone - likely due to sleep deprivation the first 3 months. But now time needs to slow down. My little girl is so much fun!

Matt got lots of compliments on his hat Sunday at church, so when we got home, I took some pictures... but Addy got the hat!

I've tried to capture some of the many attempts Addison is making to grab her toys. She's strong enough and coordinated enough to grab the dangling toys on her activity mat and pull the entire archway down to her face! She's also mastered the art of grabbing the dancing animals on her bouncy seat.

She's also getting pretty close to sitting up. I've been propping her in the corner of the couch with some pillows. We're also just waiting for the day she decides to roll over in her crib. She's gone from back to tummy in the living room a couple of times, but then gets stuck... and not happy. Don't misunderstand me though - I'm not in a hurry for any of these milestones. I would love it if it took years for her to grow up any more. But as you will notice, I haven't been any more successful at slowing down time than any of you!

Here are a few of her latest smiles. Some are in her crib - I love it when I go in to wake her and she's already awake and happy. The smile just gets bigger when I say "Good Morning!" There's not much better than that in the whole world!

Frozen... and Thawed

We have weathered the ice storm of 2009 and seem to be none the worse for wear. Other than the poor maple tree out front. We'll have to wait and see if it will come around. And, I guess we're also cutting down the 2 trees on the side of the house that showered our yard and fence with most of their branches/limbs. It's a miracle our roof wasn't damaged. We were blessed to only be without power for 13 hours, most of which were "sleeping" hours, and out gas fireplace kept the living room plenty warm for our cozy little family.

In the mean time, Addison has been practicing her laundry skills and swallowing rice cereal. She got to eat in her high chair for the first time this weekend; we had to go without the tray on top - it was too hard to get to her "moving target" of a mouth.

I know her hair looks wet, but it's not. I've been trying to keep baby oil on it to help the "cradle cap" issue. Not sure if I'm doing any good, but it makes me feel better. I can't believe how big she looks in that high chair... she's growing too fast already!