Reading and Writing

We have been working on literacy skills around here lately:). Abby successfully scribbled her first piece of artwork and likes the "read" the paper in the morning with us.

Abby Toddling

Abby is toddling around quite a bit these days but I haven't gotten a very good video yet. This is the best I could do for now. As you can see for the video she loves carrying things around and moving them to all new places..especially shoes:)

The New Room

The room in nearly done! Matt has done an amazing job and has finished all the construction and finish work. Now I just have to decorate and it will be completely finished. Here are some pictures of the transformation.

The dry wall


Just an example of how much dust has been around for the last month!


Working on putting in the floors


Painting- see I helped!


The closet


The new room

Tutu Pictures

Auntie Claudia made Abby this tutu and onesie for her birthday and I was hoping to get some cute pictures of her in it. It was kind of a comedy of errors through the photo shoot. Abby kept crawling away from me at lightening speed and she was having so much fun I just let her go. Finally, she started standing so I was hoping to get some good pictures but every time I had it on still photo she started walking, so then I switched to video and she just stood..go figure!

So this is my favorite from what I got (which wasn't much). She is all dressed in a cutesie outfit...eating sticks. That's my girl!

6 Months

I was officially 6 months 2 weeks ago, and took this picture then, but it has taken me forever to post it. So, as of now I am almost 28 weeks. I was closer to 26 in the picture...3 months to go:).

We Have Officially Gone "Local"

We decided to convert part of our garage into a guest bedroom or more specifically a grandparents room. We are so thankful that our parents come to visit and wanted to make sure they had a comfortable space when they come visit their grandchildren. It will also double as a nice playroom someday. Matt has been working tirelessly on it. He got the framing, electric and the door in place before we left for Sedona and when we got back be hung the drywall and put in a window. It is very impressive to see what he has been able to do.

The garage before


Electricity


Finished framing


The closet


The beginnings of a window


The final product

Toddler Boot Camp

We have had a blast being home with Abby this week with no work and not much else on the agenda. My goal for this week was to wean her from her bottle to the sippy cup and whole milk. I was nervous about how it would go but luckily Abby transitioned really well. By noon on the first day home from Sedona, without a any bottles, she finally took to the sippy cup and since has been drinking solely whole milk. It was a much easier transition than I anticipated thankfully.



She has learned a few new words. Since our trip trip to Sedona where she wore shoes for the first time, her first official word that she says regularly is shoes. It sounds more like "shssss" not to be confused with cheese, "chss". She learned that the coffee pot is "hot" and she calls to Jack often. She also likes to scold him...wonder where she picked that up???

And finally, she is taking her first steps. About two days ago she began standing up on her own for long periods of time without support. This morning she started taking a few steps on her own.

Ringing in the New Year

Thankfully, Tiffany "offered" to host New Years Eve. All the kids were able to enjoy the play room and the adults got some relaxing in. We had a great time celebrating with everyone and are looking forward to a great new year.

We tried to catch some fireworks at the Buelow's house before the party. No such luck but the kids enjoyed the sparklers.


All the kids except Mason (he got to sleep early)


The guys


The ladies


Happy New Year!!!