Holiday

We had a wonderful holiday. Addison and I spent two weeks in SC and visited with many friends and family. We were able to go to Belmont with my mom and visit with Sr. Michel and Aunt Libby and of course all of our friends at the convent. I love staying at the convent and miss being so close to them. It is so peaceful. They adored Addison and we hope to make it back up there in early March, perhaps over spring break. My mom had a blast reminiscing (she went to school at Sacred Heart and was always in some sort of mischief and they always bring it up) and of course we always enjoy our time there because they are such amazing people - if you ever want to see a large group of people with big hearts and open arms -this is the place to go!

We also enjoyed meeting a lot of friends and new baby friends that we've only seen pictures of and spending time with friends and family Addison met the last time we were in town. Addison just watched in awe as all the babies around her walked, ran, crawled, etc. She is always the youngest baby so she is always watching all the other babies do things she can't quite do. She is getting around though via scooting and rolling. We have to be careful because as soon as we take our eyes off of her she is off somewhere. She won everyone's hearts with her giggles and smiles and of course her big blue eyes. While in SC she learned how to sit by herself. She hasn't learned to pull herself up to sitting position although I think that is coming soon. She has been reaching for our cups for some time now so since Santa gave her a sippy cup we filled it with water and watch her try. She loves trying to drink out of it but hasn't really mastered how to get anything out of it. She still tries to steal our cups though. We are going to start rice cereal this coming weekend. She turns 6 months this Wednesday!

Scott and I had a great time too. We both spent the night away from Addison at the same time, which hasn't happened yet. It was hard but she was just down the road at Grandma and Grandpa's house. We really enjoyed sleeping in though but were missing her like crazy when we got back the next morning. I also got some leisurely reading in although I'm in the middle of the series so there is no going back now. Her first Christmas was so much fun! I video taped her "opening" presents. She tried to grab the paper but in the end she just wanted to eat it. Then she feel asleep and slept through most of the morning. She awoke to more presents and kisses from everyone. It looks like she is getting two teeth on the bottom but not sure when they will actually make an entrance.

It was a wonderful trip. By the time we left SC everyone was sad. We will be video conferencing soon so they can see Addison. I took a ton of pictures and will post them soon. Until then - happy reading.

Addison' Updates

Addison is rolling all over the place - both back to front and front to back. We have to be careful to watch her because she ends up places she shouldn't be very quickly. She is trying to sit up but topples over every time she tries. About half the time she puts her hands down to brace herself, but most of the time its a sideways fall. If she is elevated (like on a pillow) she tries to sit up. Today she finally did it! I was so excited to see it. She stayed up for 5-10 seconds and then fell over. We are looking forward to spending some time in SC. We leave on Friday. I am not looking forward to packing all of our stuff (and the car) and driving half of the trip by myself. I am meeting Scott in Jacksonville. He left today and is working there all week.

Weeks of Updates...

Since we last talked, we went to Michigan, Addison traveled by plane for the first time, we went to Frankenmuth (in Michigan), we celebrated my cousin Lisa's wedding, Addison met Santa, and Addison turned 5 months old. It was so cold in Michigan. Of course it was warm for all the Michigan folks, but we froze! Scott, Dad, Charles, and my Uncle Joe went to the Lion's game and the casino while we rehearsed and spent the day doing wedding stuff. They had a good time although the Lion's lost and they came back empty handed.

Addison did well on the plane until the last flight. She screamed for about 30 minutes and nothing we did calmed her down. I couldn't get her to nurse. Finally she fell asleep. My ears were popping like crazy so I'm sure that was it.

Frankenmuth is a "little Bavaria" in Michigan. http://www.frankenmuth.org/ They have the world's largest Christmas shop (Bronner's). It was so much fun! Scott, Addison, and I went with my Aunt Mary Jo. We loved spending the day with Aunt MJ - we never get to do that so it was a special treat. We enjoyed it so much.


Here are few pictures from our time in Michigan and from Lisa's wedding. I have so many - it was hard to pick which ones to post. I will upload them eventually and send them out. It was beautiful - she was beautiful! Everyone enjoyed getting to meet Addison and of course snuggling with her. I can't wait to see the pictures from the wedding. Lisa had one taken with Addison so I can't wait to order it.



Addison met Santa today. She didn't cry or get upset -actually I don't think she even noticed.

This past week my dad was here to help take care of Addison while I did schoolwork. We enjoyed it so much and it was so helpful having him here to hang out with Addison. He is such an amazing Grandpa - really a natural with babies. We miss him so much. The semester ends this week so after this week I can play catch up with work and writing. Here they are napping.

Pictures of my dress!

Here you go Yvonne!

I will take pictures of her all dressed up as well. Here is the hat and mittens I found! Too cute!

Showing off by Addi

This past Saturday mom, dad, and I had a great time together! We went to the fair, which of course doesn't really seem like an extravagant thing, but boy did we have fun! I enjoyed looking at all of the animals, and I was so excited to see how much fun mom and dad were having. Although mom had been to the fair numerous times growing up, she really didn't remember watching them show cows or the exhibits- it was more about the games and rides. Dad use to show cows growing up so he gave us the "insiders" view. They wash and shave them! We got to see tiny baby goats and several piglets nursing.

I stayed awake the entire time at the fair! It was sunny so I had a chance to sport my new shades.

Mrs. Alice gave mom my first piece of artwork (handprints) from school. I had a blast making it and tried to sneak some orange paint home on my clothes but mom caught me and washed my clothes.


This weekend I get to see Vanessa and Sylvie. We are going to have a photoshoot and a school meeting at Lake Ella and of course talk about life, school, and research. Mom keeps telling me that I'm going to have a PhD by the end of it all ;-). Mimi Rie and Granddad Rick are coming in town as well. I can't wait to see them! They are going to visit with us since we will be in Michigan next week and since Dylan isn't coming with us, they are going to take her home with them for a while. I sure am going to miss her.

Speaking of Michigan, we are leaving on Monday for Lisa's wedding. I am so excited to get to meet everyone. Mom bought me a party dress to wear to the wedding!

My new thing to do is throw my pacis and toys. I just get so excited I can't help it. Its funny watching mom and dad search for my pacis under my crib.

Pictures & The Sweater

Here are a couple of pictures from the week and a picture of the sweater that our doula and friend, Karen made for Addi. She designed it with Addison in mind and thought both the color and design complimented Addison's eyes and skin tone. It is such a beautiful sweater and so soft - has a touch of cashmere! We adore the sweater just as we adore Karen.

4 Month Check-up

Addi had her 4 months check up today and is doing well! She is 13lb 3oz and 24 inches long. Her weight is 50th percentile and her height is 35th (better than the 25 last time :)) Our doctor said all is well and that Addison is growing like a weed.

She has discovered her jumperoo this week and loves it! We have to stick a blanket in there with her because she is somewhat petite for the chair but she jumps and turns and has a blast looking at the toys. Her tippee-toes barely touch, but its just enough for her to get some bounce. She loves baths and splashes a good amount of the water out of the tub by the time we are finished -I think she wants to make sure she shares with the rest of us. She likes to sit up (propped of course) and likes it when we put her in that position. We got Dance Dance Revolution the other day for Wii and she laughed at me dancing and really enjoyed the "show"!