Outside Photo Shoot

We decided to play in the grass today. It also gave me a chance to practice taking some pictures. I just love this time of year.

A Golden Look-a-Like

At Christmas Hunter, the family dog, (okay, my Dad's dog) made it his job to sit watchfully by Abigail. He is a golden retriever who loves to find toys and shoes and bring them to my Dad who then rewards him with a treat. It's a game that will go on for about 5 minutes. We know that if you are missing a shoe it is by Dad's chair.



I think Abigail picked up on this game. Yesterday she managed to roll and stretch for all 4 toys that I put out on her blanket. Once she had one, she reached for another one. This went on until she had them all. In this photo, Abigail is laying on one of the toys but has each one by her side. She reminded me of Hunter.

The really funny thing is that as quick as she was to getting all the toys, Abigail rolled over, forgetting about them and started playing with our couch.

Attention Tooth Fairy

Abigail's first tooth is poking through. We felt it tonight for the first time. Pretty exciting. Abigail has been chewing a lot more lately and she has had an occasional running noise (which Dr. told us could possibly be a teething sign) so we were thinking that teeth were on the way. I think tomorrow Jake will get his loops out and give her a check up! (hee) I don't think I have to tell you all that we are prepare for the tooth brushing stage.

Rockin' and Rollin'

Abigail is on the move. We use to put her on our bed and let her lay there while doing things around the room. Not any more. Abigail will roll everywhere now. She isn't crawling but she will pick up her butt, stretch out her arms, reach and move. She will also roll over while doing this. Abigail loves to do this when she is after a toy, something shiny or if she thinks it will taste good. Needless to say, changing her diaper and getting dressed has been challenging.

Here she is in the reaching position...going after the edge of the bed.

She found her way under Daddy's chair.

I am blown away by how big she is getting. One day she is sitting in her bouncy, the next day she is rolling around.

Daddy and Me

You can't make a kid be your "Daddy's Girl" that just sort-of happens. Some kids will naturally be drawn to one parent than the other. I guess that is why God designed family to be with a Mom and a Dad. However I have a feeling that Abigail will be a Daddy's girl.

Right from the beginning she has connected with her Dad. After her 2 hour crying spells, Abigail would usually crash on her Daddy's shoulder. She also liked napping on him as well.

One of Jake's favorite times is giving Abigail her last day feeding with the bottle. It's a great bonding time for them. He will then change her and put her down to sleep. It's a great break for me.

Abigail also is trying her best to listen to her Dad's rule about not sucking on her fingers. So she sucks on her toes instead.

Jake can't wait to get home from work to see Abigail. He will come home for lunch just to see her (and me of course) Even if that means for only 10-15 minutes. Her face just lights up when she sees him. It doesn't matter how tired she may be, she will perk right up and squawk for him.

I am so thankful that Jake is an involved Daddy. He helps out so much and is such and encouragement to me and for our daughter.

Jake's words to Abigail: "I love you because I am your Daddy."

Beautiful Baby

I don't watch a lot of TV. However I do watch it while nursing Abigail. Today I was watching Regis and Kelly and learned that they are having their "Beautiful Baby" contest. Today I entered this picture of the girly. The winner gets $125,000 towards college plus some other prizes. So ladies, get your photos out and submit them to Regis and Kelly. But don't be surprized if Abigail wins!!!

Krispy Kremes

When I was pregnant I didn't crave too many foods. No pickles, watermelon or late night runs to the grocery store. But I did crave a certain food item. Yes, most of you know, I was drooling over Krispy Kremes. The bad part was this doughnut craving came after I learned I had gestational diabetes. Thankfully after Abigail was born and my diabetes gone, I indulged in a box of Krispy Kremes before I even left the hospital. The point of this is yesterday we went to Krispy Kreme because we heard of a promotion they were doing. After Jake went on camera telling "why Mesa is not boring" they gave us a dozen free doughnuts. Not only that, we also got one dozen free every month for the entire year! That's a lot of doughnuts. We will be sharing...

Early Driving Lessons

We made it through the long drive back to ND. We are so happy that the driving is over. Abigail was great considering the fact she spent 10 hours in the car, twice. She had her naps, smiles, meltdowns, diaper changes and fussy periods all without leaving the car. Mostly while sitting in her car seat. The last 4 hours of the trip were the hardest when Abigail was really sick of being strapped down. I can't blame her. It was probably the craziest thing we attempted with a 5 month old, but it was good to see all the family. Thank you all for praying for us. That means so much to me.

Next time we fly.