Uncle John

Dan and his siblings grew up with an Uncle John and now our girl will too! Meet our Uncle John, even though he now lives in Montana we've still been able to see him a few times this year- though not as much as we'd like (hint, hint), we've even been able to chart Isabel's growth through the year. 

March, 6 weeks old in Mississippi

July, 5 months old in Washington.

December, 10 months old in WA

Loves to all Uncle Johns out there!

11 Months

We are weeks away from having a one year old. Ready or not, here she comes!

We spent the majority of this last month in Washington celebrating the Holidays with family. You are such a trooper; considering all the different people we spent time with. I know you prefer to be with me (who doesn't) so the only way we could get you to spread the love to others was for me to leave the room, or house. We may have to work on that skill in the coming weeks, but I know they loved having you around, near or far from me. 

You are cutting three molars now, we are all feeling the pain and discomfort, you more than us I'm guessing. 

You can now say uh-oh, wave bye bye, point your finger as a greeting and most everything has the label of dada. I'm sure you haven't forgotten about mama right?

You've taken a total of 10 steps in a row but still aren't "walking". I'm thankful for that and would encourage you to take your time. No sense in rushing things, there will be plenty of time for that later, just enjoy being 11 months for now. Much love, dada and mama. 

10 months

Happy 10 months! You've made it into the double digits, welcome. 

You are initiating peek-a-boo now and getting into everything. You can now reach the top of the dining room table and the TV stand and, yeah us, pull things down, to inspect them of course. 

Even though you challenge my housekeeping skills we have lots of fun together; taking walks, exploring and reading lots of books, lots and lots of books and let's not forget everyone's favorite: eating.

Note to our readers: If you need some help wrapping gifts this year I know someone who might be available. Merry Christmas!

Remember what I said about getting into everything?

Chattanooga remix

Last time we were in Chattanooga we were 18 weeks pregnant. This time was very different, more work but also more exciting! We celebrated Thanksgiving here at home but spend our Holiday Weekend soaking in the city, sometimes it's good to be a tourist. 

Our days were filled with boat rides on the Tennessee River.

These two experienced their first train ride.

And lots of moments where I swear I'm looking at Dan's photos from 1985.

We love Chattanooga, if we ever have to move here you'll hear no complaint from me. Ever been to Portland, Oregon? This city has that feel, only in the South so not quite as bold as the real Portland but still trendy, hipster, and environmentally aware.

I'm pretty sure you could eat out at a different place every night of the year and still have places left undiscovered. Did you know that you can ride electric busses that run through town for free? What's free in 2015? They also have recycling bins throughout town, does that give you warm, fuzzy feelings? 

Most of the time I feel like we stick out, maybe not like a sore thumb but we most certainly don't fit into most of what's "normal" here but I'm pretty sure we'd find a place to belong in Chattanooga, maybe you would too.

9 Months

As we all know, a lot can and has happened in nine months. Baby, today you are nine months old. We've had so much fun with you this last month. You've started laughing to engage us, and others- a skill that spreads smiles everywhere we go. (gulp) I think you are an extrovert, which makes your introvert mother a little nervous. You squeal and laugh to engage and not surprisingly people look to us and....engage with us. (sigh) So much for my wallflower existence.

Last week at the library during mommy and me sing time you spent the entire song time without me. That's right, while all the other babes stayed close to mom and did motions with her you made your rounds seeing who you could pal around with. I guess coming to sing time doesn't always imply that I'm going to be singing WITH you, maybe just AROUND you (wink, wink). Don't get the wrong impression, I love who you are, and love that you love people. You are so much like your father both in actions and in looks. This is your father below, tell me you aren't the female version of him?

Everywhere we go people ask who you take after, I think they are just being polite. There is no denying you are your father's daughter, you are family; and that I love!

This month you are learning to stand, you've almost passed 30 seconds on your own. Are you trying to walk soon? You're on the right track. You are also the proud owner of two new teeth, totalling seven now, congrats! My favorite thing you've learned (maybe this won't be a favorite for long) is when you crawl away from us in laughter. Like when the dishwasher is open- I've never seen you crawl so fast, you let out a squeal of pure delight and know you are being tracked. I really love playing with you. Promise you'll obey though when the time comes (I can hear all the seasoned parents laughing at me now).

Happy November and Happy 9 months!

Daniel and Isabel both at 9 months. 

Complete

Finally after much blood, sweat and tears (yes, there were all three) we finished our makeover on these chairs. My advice to you: don't pick a project with arms for your first upholstery project, maybe not even your second either. Though we survived, I don't think I'll put re-upholstery on the docket anytime soon. 

This chair was the first of the pair to be completed. Just as we were finishing this one up someone learned to crawl. Moving the second chair upstairs became essential for safety and sanity reasons and well, you know, out of sight, out of mind. Two months later the project had still not been completed. But with visitors on the horizon we hunkered down and made ourselves (yes made, what did I tell you about sweat and tears?) finish the second chair. 

A little self discipline goes a long way. Several days later and ta-da, I present to you chair number two, finally!

Now all we need are a couple of visitors.

This is a before shot, note the less than stellar fabric that led us down this renovation journey. I guess in my eagerness to remove said fabric I forgot to take a full chair shot but you get the "picture"; hideous. 

Celebrate

Happy 4th, October 4th that is. Today Isabel turns 8 months and Dan turns 372 months. 

Happy Birthday Dan, day after day I'm thankful for you!

No one could love our girl like you do. 

Thank you for being so patient and kind with us, here's to another year full of adventure.

In other news, precious girl is 8 months old today! 

We have moved into full baby proofing mode, challenging both my sanity and housekeeping skills. Nevertheless we love her to pieces and find her joy and discovery of the world contagious. 

This last month we've experienced babe's first autumn and first tailgate (wink) along with babbling, pulling up on....everything and the addition of three more teeth. We've been busy. 

Here is to another month full of adventure baby!