9 Months

This little punk just turned 9 months over the weekend. Getting a good shot of her was pretty interesting as she wouldn't look at the camera and totally ignored me most of the time, and obviously no smiles either. But I do love the colors in the 2nd picture. It's my favorite time of year.
Things are changing pretty fast around here. The other day she took her first step, although it wasn't deliberate or intentional, it just happened. Also over the weekend she just started saying da da. I do have to admit (even though I'm a bit jealous) it's cute, but daddy is very proud and thinks he taught her how to say it.
We have the 9 month checkup tomorrow, and I'm very anxious to see if she's gained from her 10th percentile. (crossing fingers) Someone at church told me today that they thought she was only 5 months old! She's small, but not THAT small!!

Cassidy: LYDIAAAA!!! I'm NOT a napkin!!! Stop it!
Lydia:
Cassidy: I'm NOT A NAPKIN!!
Lydia: Screams
Cassidy: Stop it! I'm not a NAAAPKIIINNN!!
Mommy: C---What are you talking about??!!
Cassidy: She's spitting at me but I'm not a napkin!

nose scrunchies

Here's Lydia's new face that she makes every so often. She purses her lips and scrunches up her nose like that. I think she does it to get a laugh out of us. Sometimes she'll make this face, then breath in and out of her nose really loud. I'll have to get it on video sometime.

She's 4 years old

I can't believe I have a 4 year old now. She's growing and learning so much these days. We had a couple days of celebrating. Sunday was the party with all of the fam, and yesterday was the actual day, so we let her do whatever she wanted. She just wanted to play with her new toys and hang out most of the day. She also got to pick anything she wanted from the Ice cream man (schwan's).
We went out yesterday to take a few pictures. I do this every year on birthdays to see how much she's grown. I think mature is definitely describes her this year.


I tried to get one with both of the girls together but it didn't really work how I planned. But this picture totally cracked me up...Cassidy's trying to shush Lydia, and Lydia is just squirming and squealing:


I wanted to include this one from the party and cake that Grandma made!


This should be a really fun year for Cassidy. This is her last year before preschool. She has started Sunday School and seemed to enjoy it. And leaving her at daycare is getting easier. We're just slowly getting her used to the fact that mommy & daddy aren't always around, and she's probably okay with that after she gets over being anxious about us leaving her.
here are a few little fun things about her this year:

• She's a little "mother hen" to Lydia and I love that. So does Lydia.
• She could watch TV from the time she gets up until bedtime at night...in her pj's
• She enjoys playing disney games on the computer. And now Webkinz games too. (that was one of her gifts)
• She has to have a light & music on in her room at night. She usually sneaks out of her room a few times before she falls asleep.
  
• Loves shopping, especially at Target

Our DIY Weekend

Our Labor Day weekend was filled with "labor". Actually it was really really easy to install this floor. It is made out of vinyl but looks like wood, so I can have the beauty without worrying about the leaky floor. I also picked out this area rug that is made out of a material that resists mold/mildew too.
There's a lot of finishing stuff to do: painting trim, installing trim, painting door jambs & doors, installing railing and finish lighting. I am not promising it will be done for C's b-day on Sunday. That would stress me out too much.
Last week our friend came over to texture the walls & paint. What a luxury that was to have him paint! He did it in a fraction of the time with his sprayer.
Then yesterday as we were installing the floor I mentioned to Nate that I think I am trying to re-create my bathroom in our old house:
That was not planned. I guess I just like the look. I also really really miss my bathroom in our old house.

8 Months

She's already 8 months old, I can hardly believe it. I made this tutu, but I don't think she likes to wear it. She was quite squirmy when I took pictures, but that is also her age. She cannot sit still for nothing!
I'm always really amazed at how fast she grows and learns. Here's a few things:

• She doesn't have teeth yet, but she can eat like crazy!
• She's been pulling herself up onto things and taking a few steps while holding onto something.
• She is stubborn at times, but who in this house isn't?
• If something is in the way, just crawl over it. (as I type, she's crawling over my camera bag.)
• Her favorite thing to do while I'm on the computer is play with the rats nest of wires behind the computer.
• She is crazy about her big sister! She loves her to death.

I hope she gets her teeth pretty soon. I'm getting sick of the runny nose and drooling!

this makes me smile

Look at those eyes! And a little dimple on her right cheek. Remember a few months ago she stuck her tongue out every time she smiled? Well, I think that phase is over and now she's got a pretty smile and her eyes just light up!

We had a nice weekend. Friday my parents babysat and we had a little date night aka shopping without kids (yes, we call that a date. I'm thrilled to go shopping without the monsters!)
On Saturday we went to a parade in my hometown and enjoyed all the festivities. That night we hung out at home and built a fire. It was absolutely perfect weather and very relaxing.
Sunday we worked around the house (nate in the basement most of the day) and I mowed, watered flowers, filled swimming pool because it looks like a warm week this week, then dealt with a fussy baby.
I've got 1 more week before school starts for me. I'm a little nervous & excited at the same time. We're going to go visit the daycare this morning. Cassidy has been pretty excited to go.
Well, I better go for now...gotta get the kiddo's dressed for the day!