Knees Please

I think Josie is going to skip crawling and go straight to walking. She will not stay on her belly (because she spits up A LOT) and she is trying to pull herself up on everything. She plays on her knees, but doesn't really understand balance yet.

Lovin' Mom

Rocky???

Josie is ready for her workout! She is STANDING on the sofa and STANDING in the recliner. Of course it is only for a few moments, but she is getting the hang of it.

Naps For Everyone

Josie is a great napping partner! She will sleep anywhere - just get her warm and lights out! The same goes for her parents!

Six Months

Sitting up, laughing, standing, teething, but still not rolling over (or even considering it)! Her schedule hasn't changed much - up at 6 eats a BIG breakfast of oatmeal and fruit - bottle around 8, cat nap of 15 minutes - eats lunch veggie and rice bottle and nap - bottle again around 3 or 4 another cat nap, dinner at 6 oatmeal and fruit, bath and bottle - bed by 8. She has had a tough time sleeping all night for the last few weeks - she wakes up and cries for my nemesis, the pacifier, and then right back out. Josie is 20 pounds and 28 and a half inches long. Her eyes are still blue and her hair is getting even more blonde (with a hint of red). She has outgrown most of her 9 month clothes and is pretty comfortable in the 12 months. She is a happy little girl! She smiles all the time and plays well by herself. She still loves the jumperoo but I think the ultrasauser is her favorite now. She will get on her knees but not on her belly and only understands reverse in the walker! Everything goes right in her mouth - especially her rubber duckie - which is by far her favorite toy. She can't get enough of him! She loves
bath time in the big bathtub and tries to kick out every drop of water. She is so much fun! She talks all the time and her latest sound is Dadadadad....all day long, dadada...no Mama, just Dadadadada. She growls, squeals, yells and whispers. When she gets mad she scrunches her noise and snorts (it's so cute)! She sticks her tongue out and blows (which is not cute with a mouth full or carrot). She is full of personality and a little attitude. We are trying to teach her patty cake but she gets so excited she closes her eyes when I clap! With each day that passes she is learning to do something different - and each day is more precious than the last. I knew I was going to love being a mom - I just didn't know how lucky I was to be HER mom!

Christmas at GrandCheryl's

We celebrated Christmas at Kevin's Mom's house in mid January. Lots of laughs and - my favorite - lots of breakfast!
Eliza shared her ladybug tent with us!
Josie didn't want to share her college "fund/fun" money
GrandCheryl's sharing a little love!

We really enjoyed our visit- Josie's first Christmas was fun fun fun!

Happy Birthday Grayson

This is another case of "why didn't I take more pictures. Josie attended her first birthday party for Grayson Kellett and handed out a few kisses for Brenda Vasser. Josie met lots of new people but was not the youngest at the party. Natalie's little boy Kai is about 3 months old. But before the cake and ice cream Josie fell asleep and we headed home.

Real Men Wear Pink

What is it about a man snuggled up in a pink blanket that is so sweet? Maybe it is the little girl who feels so safe on his chest that makes it even better!

Never Say Never

I USED to say that I would NEVER allow my child to have a pacifier - even when she was born I REFUSED to give her one....

Thank goodness the lactation consultant at the hospital sent a pacifier home with us (even though I told her we wouldn't need one). It took me three weeks to give in - but everyone is happy I did!

So - I guess I was right - I didn't give her A pacifier - she has two (ok, really 5). Never say never!

Christmas Night

After a long - wonderful day - Josie and I had a little mother-daughter time. Our first Christmas as a family was so very special. I truly thank you God for every moment we share.

Christmas at Great Grandma's

We traveled to Charlotte Court House for Lunch at Kevin's Grandma's and boy was it worth the trip! The entire family was there to celebrate the holiday. And the homemade hot rolls were perfect! (This is one of those times that you realise you should have taken more pictures)

Gift Time!

Josie enjoyed, ok - so we enjoyed watching her try to open her gifts.



Everything I could ever ask for (other than make-up, a brush, and matching pj's)

Christmas Morning!

What a blessing! Josie made our Christmas so very special. Amanda gave her the little outfit and I am aware that Josie is going to kill me when she gets older for leaving it on the entire time - but I couldn't resist!
After Josie woke up and had her bottle, she took another little nap in my arms while waiting for her Grandparents and Uncle to arrive.
We all ate breakfast together and then watched Josie try to open her gifts!







Lots of hug and kisses for our little girl!