Aunt Krista's here!!

I don't know who gets more excited when Aunt Krista comes to town... me, Addison, or Darby. And that's not to say Matt doesn't love having her here, it's just that the rest of us really really miss her when she's not here. So we celebrate her visits!! Addison's been learning the basics of Fisher Price basketball... her hands still have a little growing to do before she can really dunk.

And Addy and I enjoyed some playtime on the big red bed in Aunt Krista's room while everyone else was at work. Then she got to have some dance lessons when Krista got home!

At the moment, both of my girls (Darby and Addy) are napping, so I should probably do something productive! I hope my happy baby brightens your day and whole weekend!

Changes...

I know I was told this... but apparently I learn best from experience. I've realized the only constant in Addison's life and behavior right now is that everything will soon change - weather it's her nap schedule, her eating schedule, the absence or presence of a cough or cold, even what she looks like. Things change so fast. She still hasn't popped any teeth through, but I'm certain one is not far away. She's not yet crawling, but she is rocking back and forth on all fours (the tell-tale precursor). She hasn't officially said "da da" yet, but her unofficial first words sound like "gooey gooey" and "ya-da-da-da". Not sure what I'll put in the baby book.

We're looking forward to a visit from Aunt Krista next week, then a trip to Gulf Shores the following weekend to spend a week with my family! Addison's first beach and pool experiences! Guess we'll need a working camera by then... These pics are from Aunt Dena's camera - Thanks Dena!! And, lest you think she never cries, I did post one pic showing "the perfect child" at the end of her rope. Poor thing. Her cousins are so cute!

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!