Rewind. The last four months.

So what does four months of not blogging look like? 

A little like this:

Halloween Costumes

Autumn Adventures

First time for ice cream at Mimi and G-Da's new McDonald's

Mama's Thanksgiving Helper

and Daddy's Workshop Partner

Tree Hunting in Auburn

 

 

And finding the perfect one

Just the four of us in Carmel

Intrigued by the Sea

Christmas Pageants   

The only smile Hattie would give near Santa

Mary and Joseph Kratz

And Christmas Morning Joy

The sunniest January we've ever had--Complete with fountain wishing,

Mommy-hugging (he just wanted more coins), 

and of course, DANCING!

It's been a great 4 months.

Hattie's First Birthday Party

Did I forget to post pictures of Hattie's first birthday bash?  Yes, I did.  Shameful.
We had a high-flying, Hot Air Ballon, time celebrating the her year.
Beautiful celebration for THE most beautiful and sweet girl I know.

Hattie - 12 months....1 WHOLE Year!

I hate saying: "Time Flies!"--mostly because EVERYONE says it.  But everyone says it because it is so stinking true.  This time, with Hattie, time flew faster than the with the first kid.

Hattie, I know it seems repetitive, but you are perfection.  You are sweet, loving, patient, funny, and beautiful.  Aside from the recent diva behavior when you don't get your way, you are almost without fault.

It seems like just a couple months ago that we brought you home from the hospital {after your speedy entrance into the world} and made us a family of four.  I remember thinking how complete you made us--instantly, as you were meant to always be with us.  You are a precious soul and it overwhelms me to think about the honor and pressure I have to be your mom and raise you right.  So far, you have made it pretty easy on me.  Keep it up!

I love you baby girl.

10 months, 2 months late :(

{I'm past date positing, since she's been walking like a maniac for the past month}  At 10 months:  She's a mover, a crawler, and walking a bit.  She never leaves her bow on, and for this shot, refused to keep her sticker on.  She's always laughing, or eating, or moving.  She's the perfect size--still petite with the chubbiest cheeks and thighs ever. She is friends with everyone, a stranger to no one.  Time is flying by, as usual.  And this is my very favorite stage of babyhood.  We don't want her to ever grow up.  We love her.

9 months

Almost a month late in posting (time is, seriously, zooming by), but here you are at nine months:

There is nothing you love more than eating.

You are still so soft and squishy (see picture above of your bootie).

You stand and dance.

You stand and squat.

You do everything but walk (please, hold off!)

You giggle so hard when you are tickled.

You say dadda and hi and squeal.

You don't like to be rocked to sleep.

You play well on your own.

You chew on all of Liam's toys.

You remain perfect.  Seriously.  Perfect.

Hattie - 8 Months

My little Hattie-Girl is 8 months.  No, no, no!---It cannot be!  

She is a crawler, a stander, a try-and-walker.  This leads to many falls, and bumps, and boo-boos, but this girl keeps a perpetual smile on her face.  Her favorite things are peek-a-boo and raspberries from brother, her paci, and food.  Her favorite food is...ANYTHING.  There is nothing that this little piggy snubs her nose at.  But chicken and bananas are probably at the top of her favorites list.  

Her vocal cords are coming into their own.  Each day she practices a new squeal, growl, or cry.  But the latter is usually just for show:)

She sprouted her first tooth which caused minor drama {interpretation=no sleep for us} but we are over that {until the next one comes in}.  

She is starting to grow on Liam and he regards her more of a friend than foe.  The bond is getting stronger, which brings joy to my heart.  

Happy 8 months to THE MOST beautiful, sweet, happy, girl on the planet.  We are so, so, so blessed.

Hattie: 7 Months

Our Hattie girl is 7 months.
What's new with her...
- She crawls like crazy.  Can follow you from room to room.
- She finally can sit up unassisted.
- She never wants to be on her back, or sitting still for long.
- She babbles, and blows bubbles, and laughs (although that has been a constant since month one).
- She can get pretty feisty on certain occasions--crying if you show her a bottle, take away food or a toy, or if she's overtired.
- She laughs at almost everything Liam does, and she watches him like a hawk (not sure if that is interest in what he is doing or fear that he might do something to her)
- She's still being a pretty regular sleeper through the night (and my sanity is slowly returning)
- She's eating an assortment of food: Sweet potatoes, egg yolks, chicken and steak, asparagus, avocado, green beans, and bananas.  She likes most of it. And while she will eat it, she still makes a grossed out face when she tastes egg.

We think she is the sweetest gal around.