Dance like Angelina Ballerina

 

Abby started taking dance classes a few weeks ago.  She had been begging me for months to put her classes because she wanted to be like 'Angelina Ballerina'.  I think one of her favorite parts of dance is getting all dressed up.

  She loves having her friend Joey in class.

9 Months

I can't believe this little baby is now on her 9 month mark of life.  

We are now into the mobile stage of Kate's baby days.  I'm bracing myself for the house to get even more destroyed by the end of a day with two kiddos working on it.  They are already doing a great job in their team effort. This baby girl loves her new freedom and is taking advantage of it.  I have to be careful about what we track into house because today I found Kate happily eating a few leaves by the doorway, very content with her find.  She is now our human floor vacuum, and she makes me nervous because I have to constantly be on my toes to keep her out of trouble.  No boredom here, that's for sure.  

Little Kate is also becoming quite a bit of a 'Momma's girl'.  Yesterday, Kate was helping me while I was folding laundry. I would periodically leave her sight and would immediately hear her burst into tears, pleading for me in her 'Mamamama' whimper.  As soon as I would return, she would return to her previous happy state, babbling and carrying on.  I do have to admit, there are definite perks to this 'stage' we are having: cuddles.  Some of my favorite parts of the day are when Kate will climb into my arms and wiggle her head right between my neck and shoulder.  She finds her spot and just rests there with her arms folded into me.  I love it.  I love hugs from my babies. 

She loves to beg things off Abby.  In this instance, Abby obliged and gave her some yogurt.

8 Months

Kate had some fun milestones at 8 months.  

Standing and pulling herself up to tables and chairs was a big accomplishment for her.  She would be so proud to finally pull herself up on her feet. When it happened, you were guaranteed to get what we call the 'Kate Grin'.  Those big blue eyes looking up, a huge smile with her mouth wide open, and drool dripping down.  She would then bounce herself up and down in approval and bite the object she was leaning on.  We can't go without biting and chewing on everything with Kate.  Another milestone was babbling.  When 'talking' to this baby, prepare to get wet. From lots of grunts and tons of spitting, to faint letter sounds, she finally resulted in her first word: 'Dada'.  Brett was very proud to be Kate's first word.  Last but not least, her 'baby days' will be remembered with her trademark piece of hair that stands straight up in the back. It definitely has a mind of its own. Makes me want to cuddle her cute little face into mine.

My friend Lauren took these awesome pictures of Kate that I just love. (Thanks Lauren for letting me steal them.)  Her daughter, Natalie, and Kate are little buddies. 

You'll want to turn down the volume on these.  My voice is so loud with the iphone. Sorry.

I love watching her wiggle those thunder thighs. Kate's favorite thing is to swing.

Ten Years Ago Today

I will never forget where I was and what I was doing 10 years ago today.  It was my second year in college.  I had a job with the campus newspaper and had just walked into work that morning to find everyone huddled over the TV.  Unaware of what had just happened, I headed for the crowd to find out what on earth was so interesting to watch.  Little did I know what they were watching would be life changing for so many people and our nation. It will be a day that will always be remembered. This post goes out to all those who have ever lost loved ones in their life and those who were affected by 9/11. 

This Girl

I love her.  

We have our rough days but she is sure starting to mature and we're getting to be little buddies.  Today she had such a good day.  She helped with the dishes, cleaned up toys by herself and even helped me with Kate.  After all this, she topped it all off with a big kiss.
 It was a good day.  

Just Peachy

Last week Brett took Friday off of work to spend some time with us.  Our original plan was to visit the beach, but with Hurricane Irene passing by we decided to head the opposite direction.  We headed for the Shenandoah Mountains.  It was fun to go with our good friends, the Princes.  Anytime you go somewhere with them, you're bound for a good time. Abby loves her friend Gabbi.  A favorite from the trip was picking fresh peaches off trees, and bushels of raspberries from the local farms.  The day was complete with a pass through the famous Skyline Drive and a brief hike up the trail. We couldn't help but stop by Cafe Rio on the way home.  Mmmm. It was a yummy day all around.

YUM! 

These two are so cute together.

Baby Kate in the raspberry patch.

Engaged!

My littlest brother is engaged! We are so happy for him and Nadine. They are the perfect couple. We can't wait to officially have Nadine as part of the family.

Congrats! December 22nd is the big day. We love you!