picture perfect.

We woke up to snow again today, but it already looks like it isn't going to stick around. I went to Costco and printed off some pictures of Darla this week and when I picked them up the guy behind the counter said, "Wow, 44 pictures of the same little girl!" She must be a first child. It's true. We are always taking endless pictures of her DARLING face. 

Back to the weather though, snow always makes me feel like playing Christmas music and drinking hot chocolate. But, I have a rule that I can't decorate, or play Christmas music till after Thanksgiving (which isn't too far away). Not like I have many decorations - just my wonderful Charlie Brown Christmas tree (thanks to the Livingstons), and some lights. Darla's new red coat makes her look a decoration - don't you think?

2 teeth!

She got her two bottom teeth a little bit ago, but this is the first picture where you can actually see them. It has made her look more grown up to me. She is turning into a little girl instead of an infant. This week I have realized how much she really does likes music. She has always responded to singing etc, but we have been having mini dance parties to one of our favorite family summer CD's and just today she has starting pointing at the CD player and won't stop pointing and grunting towards it until I turn on her music. I love it! We had our first snow today. I LOVE waking up to falling snow. None of it really stuck though, but I guess our winter has begun. Erik always makes fun of how cold everyone thinks it is here. He mocks his classmates by still wearing shorts even though it is 33 degrees outside. Well, I probably should go shower while Darla is asleep. Any suggestions on where we go to dinner tonight?

November

 

The month is November and I cannot believe that it is. Once again time is surprising me with how quickly it moves the days along.  Luckily I have this cute face to share every day with. She is my joy (if you can't tell). 

BOO!

Well, we had a great time with Darla on her first Halloween. Yes, we did tote her around begging for candy and we actually got a pretty good stash! Thanks to the Starkie's for letting us tag along. Their girls (and little pumpkin man) were bursting with excitement. Erik was just about as excited about the candy as they were. I remember the last time I went trick-or-treating as a kid I was in 8th grade. We dressed up as 70's chicks and sprinted from house to house. I don't think I have been that tired. We ran for at least 4 hours straight. Oh the memories. I have to say as much fun as those days were - seeing little Darla be thrilled by holding one piece of candy in her fist, or just the smile she gets from being outside made this Halloween 10,000 times better than any of the others. Having her makes everyday seem like a holiday.

10 MONTHS!

I cannot believe that in two short months I will have a 1 year old. This has to be one of my favorite ages (I say that like I've been a mother of all ages - I haven't, but I have been around a lot of kids in my day). From when they are 6 months up until they turn 1 - it is incredible how much and how quickly they learn and change. Man, I continue to fall more and more in love with this little girl. We love you Darla Anne.

one little indian

Ward Halloween Party - our little indian (with her elephant friend Jane)

She is already posing for photos.

Baby Boom-Box

Cereal box prizes have really moved up in the world. This little boom box (actually it's a guitar hero amplifier) that she is playing with is the toy of the week found inside of Frosted Flakes. Every time it starts playing music she shakes it, as you see in the video. She often does that same hand movement with any music or song. Cute girl.

Refreshing

You know that sound you make after taking a long, cool drink of something. That release of air (no not a burp) that almost sounds like the opening of a coke can. Well the other day Erik taught Darla to make that sound after she drinks from her sippy cup. Now she does it just about every single time. And whenever Erik or I go to drink something she will make the sound as she watches us. We can't help but laugh.  This morning when I was nursing her, she stopped and looked up at me and made that perfect sound followed by the biggest smile I've ever seen, just waiting for me burst into laugher. Of course I started laughing and she just went right back to nursing with a little smile on her face because she knew how smart she was. That had to be the best way to start the day. I have a clever girl on my hands. 

Make a Wish

How hilarious is that! Erik and Darla play on the LoveSac with blankets and all until her hair is just like a dandelion. I love it! I'm so proud of Erik for catching it. 

Before & After

           
                   
                           
                                     

The first two pictures are a typical sight. She wakes up from her naps with hilarious hair. But then we like to create even more crazy hairdos in the tub. She LOVES the bath. Rocking her to sleep last night I was enjoying the aroma of Johnson-Johnson baby lotion. Delicious.