11th Month Annibirthery

Yesterday Etta had her 11th month annibirthery. She was able to share the festivities with her Uncle Erik because it was his 240 month annibirthery. So no one has to do math...he turned 20. We were able to make it to Bozeman to celebrate at Buffalo Wild Wings for dinner. Before we left I had to get a rug shot though. It only took one try this month.

Pardon the outfit, we were busy packing. It was kind of like laundry day in college...



Uncle Erik, this is how you pick your nose.



I don't care if it's your birthday, quit touching me!



Seriously...



Nice balls



Momma and son. Still smiling after 20 years.

Watching Grandpa...

...lock her out. Grandpa Steve came down for dinner last night while Grandma Cathy is on a road trip with Aunt Molly. After we ate Etta and I took a walk with Steve and the dogs. When we got home I ever so innocently asked if Steve could install some child-proof locks on some of the kitchen cabinets. He graciously complied. While he was busy installing Etta watched intently. It was kind of like dinner theatre - only different. I figure that she was probably watching so that she will know how to break in!

Welcome to the world baby girl!

It is so amazing to watch Etta grow and learn. She is really starting to figure some things out now. Opening and closing doors and drawers are still one of her favorite things to do. But now she has discovered that after she pulls herself up there are certain places where she can look outside. Another one of her favorite things to do.

Dishes...again...

Mommy getting some help with dishes before church. It's so nice to have three little pre-washers.

It's fun to be 30!

Well, I don't know yet, but if last Friday was any indication then it is going to be a blast!

Etta and I kidnapped Christine and took her up to Steve and Cathy's for girlie lunch and a soak in the hot tub. It was a low key but super fun way to celebrate Christine's birth and praise God for what He has given us.

Now I can't wait for my birthday!

Cousins

Last week cousins Kellie and Payton came to town for a visit. The last time they saw Etta she was just over three months old. Not a whole lot of fun to play with when you are 2 and 5. But this time I think that they all had a bit more fun. This summer should be great!

Getting reacquainted



Playing with Payton



Posing with Kellie

Fun with Grandma

On Monday nights Bob and I are attending the Dave Ramsey "Financial Peace University" class at the Orchards Community Church. Grandma Cathy has been so gracious as to burden herself with watching Baby Etta while we go to class. Bob secretly thinks that Cathy suggested we take the class just so that she could babysit for 13 Mondays in a row! But it works for us.

The first seven weeks Etta didn't even really notice when we left. But recently she has started getting a little separation anxiety. This Monday was a bit rough for a little while. But by the end of the evening I think that she was okay...



They played hard and Etta slept well.

A Walk in the Park

On Sunday afternoon after an okay nap we decided that we wanted to take Etta to the park. This was the first time that we have taken her to a park with a playground and that she is actually big enough to maybe enjoy some of the play things.

It was nice and sunny outside. But very brisk. We ended up staying about 15 minutes before even I was too cold to continue.

The results? Etta loved the baby swing and didn't mind going down the slides with a parental chaperon. Since she's not walking we were a bit limited. But I am excited for when it finally warms up enough that at the end of my daily runs we can swing by the park and play for a bit.

Enjoy!

First experience on a swing. I love it!



Yay Mommy! I love the slide too.



How big is the baby? SOOOOOOOO big!!



I love to exercise already.



Upper body strength is important.



A secret passage.



What'll it be daddy?



Time to go.



[P.S. Dear Aunt Marilyn and Uncle Bill, Thanks for the Gonzaga Prep sweatshirt hoody. I wear it all the time!]

Work and play

Here are a few random shots of the princess going about her daily "business".

Waiting for a bath. "Hey dad! How's the water?"



Helping mom unload the dishwasher. With Tubs assisting.



Hangin' by the door. One of her favorite toys. She likes to trap the dogs either in or out.

Motivation

Etta has been pulling herself quite a bit lately, but had not really been "cruising" much. But one day while she was in the music room I heard her getting frustrated (as heard through grunting, crying, etc.) and then heard the tinkle of the piano keys. Yes, she is just that tall. When the piano bench is pulled out at an angle she will pull herself up at one end and then cruise to the end where she can reach the keys. I am hoping that she still likes to "practice" when she gets older!


Look how big I am, Mommy!



And I can play duets with Daddy!

What a difference three months makes

So, this is going to be kind of a repetitive post - but I find the gauge of the car seat to be so enticing.

Mid November - six and a half months old. Thought she was big then!



Just last week - just shy of ten months and less than one pound away from a bigger car seat!

10 Month Annibirthery

One day late. Darn those short months anyway!

Well, as we didn't have a doctor's appointment I do not have up-to-date height and weight info. On February 12th Etta weighed 19 lbs. 2 oz. But I think that she has had a growth spurt since then. Are babies supposed to QUADRUPLE their birth weight by one year?

Very excited for the photo shot today.



Let's play!



Daddy, what are you doing here?