Taking First Steps to Climbing the Stairs

To those of you with small children...does it ever seem like they hit super growth spurts? This morning, Teegen took her first three steps from Larry to me...and then tonight, she climbed the entire set of stairs!!! Of course, I was right behind her, but climb she did!

Hey, I think mom is not paying attention. I should sneak upstairs!

Oh No, She caught me!

Hey, I got all the way to the top!

Well we're upstair might as well take a bath. This blowfish is delicious!

Seriously, where does the time go?

• I swear, I was just writing Teegen's 10 month update a few days ago, and already I am two weeks and one day late on getting her 11 month update out! She has officially gone from infant to toddler overnight and wow she is quick! Honestly, if I turn my head for a minute she is off attempting some daredevil feat. The other day she climbed on to a storage bin and just laughed at me.
  Here is what she is doing these days:
  
• Moving, moving, moving. She can crawl faster than most NASCAR drivers.
• Loves to cruise around holding on to furniture
• Realized while we were on vacation if she lays in the floor, cries and looks pitiful, someone will pick her up
• Loves to laugh!
• Will wave bye-bye like a drama queen
• Claps when she hears music
• Cutting her one year molars
• Loves to imitate faces others make at her
• And my personal favorite...when the phone rings, she says "ello"

Happy Birthday Pop!

Today is Teegen's Pop's (and my dad's) birthday. We couldn't be with him, but wanted to send him a special message! Happy Birthday to the best Pop and best Dad any girls could ask for!

Back from the Beach

Teegen, Larry and I got back from the beach late Saturday night, after a long rainy week. It rained or was too cold at least 6 out of seven days. We did make it to the pool one day and to the beach finally on Friday. And that said trip to the beach resulted in a killer sunburn for dear old mom here. But there was plenty of shopping!!! I think Teegen has a whole new wardrobe. And aside from shopping, there was great food and good company. And of course plenty of pictures! Just a warning that this is pretty picture heavy!

Seriously Mommy, I really hate the ocean

Hey, do you just love my new sweater?

See Daddy, this is how you build a sandcastle!

Chillin with my Pop

Hey, I kinda like this dog! He is not trying to lick me!

This swing thing is pretty cool!

Umm...are you going to be finished in the bathroom soon?

Ohh, this wind might blow my hat away

You mean I put all this on to go to the pool?

Gearing Up for a little beach blanket bingo

Looks like someone is ready for a little vacation!

On becoming a mom

So, today is my very first Mother's Day. There were times over the last few years that I never thought this would happen. And there have been times this year when I've looked at Teegen and wondered "When did this happen?" Yesterday, as I sat snuggling my best friend's new son, we both pondered the question of "How did we get here?" To me, it seems like only yesterday when we were riding around in her white Mustang, doing things that we knew we shouldn't be doing and listening to what was undoubtedly the best mix tape ever. And now, within the space of just over two years, we're both mommies collectively to the three cutest kids ever. (Ok, I might be a bit biased on that account.)

I am proud of many of the accomplishments I have had throughout my life. But I have never been as proud of anything in my entire life then I am at being Teegen's mom. She is without a doubt the light of my life and there are times when I look at her and realize I love her so much that my heart actually hurts, but in a good way.

Last week, I was holding her and she looked at me with her big eyes and whispered "MaMa." Talk about emotional!

What a great morning it was to wake up to Teegen's smiling face! This girl just continues to amaze me! We had a great Mother's Day morning, going to breakfast and heading to our favorite store. And Larry and Teegen gave me exactly what I wanted for the day...a Tiny Tag Charm with Teegen printed on it!

Here are some of my favorite Mommy/Daughter pictures throughout the year.

Our very first snuggle

Two months old

Four months old


Trying to decide what to order from room service in Vegas at 6 months old

Celebrating our first Mother's Day at 10 months old

Getting my walk on!

This afternoon, we went to visit Jeanell, Randy and Sophie. Teegen enjoyed hanging out in the fresh air and playing with Sophie. Sophie took the opportunity to help Teegen practice walking! They had a blast.

Sophie, Auntie J and Teegen

Practicing walking with Sophie

Teegen is so proud of herself

Getting some love from Auntie J

Yeah! A brand new friend

Yeah! We're so happy to announce that Thorn, Teegen's BFF, is now a big brother!!!! Welcome to the world Cash! He is the sweetest baby boy! I got to spend some quality time with the new addition and his mommy, who once again is a rock star in my eyes!

More Birthday Fun

Helping Daddy blow out the candle....just not enough room on the colossal cupcake for all the candles!

Happy Birthday Larry!

Today, my sweet husband and Teegen's great daddy turned another year older. He's such an amazing father and husband with an extraordinary amount of patience! Here's to another great year! Here are some of my favorite pics of Daddy and his girl throughout the year.

Lessons Learned

This is why you don't let your 10 1/2 month old attempt to feed herself!

Really Mommy, I think I can handle this!

I think this might look better on my head!

Oh, I hear baby food is good for the hair!

What???Did I make a mess or something?


Finally clean again, after going straight to the bathtub!

About the password!

Remember to send me your email address so I can get you the password!!!

Reflecting

I realized yesterday that Friday marked one year since we sent in our application and profiles to the incredible agency that made our dreams come true! We can't speak highly enough about this amazing agency. They have truly become part of our family. It is amazing how things can change in one year!

I've talked in recently about creating a private blog, which I have done. You can find that blog here. Email me or leave me a comment with your email address and I will be happy to share the password.

10 for 10!

Who can believe it! Teegen is already 10 months old! It is so hard to believe! She is changing everyday and is so much fun! Here's what she is up to these days!

• Pulling up and cruising around the furniture. She is quick!
• Has eight teeth
• Starting to exhibit some separation anxiety. Every morning, the teacher at day care has to show her the birds outside so I can get out the door.
• Wants to feed herself with a spoon. Mommy doesn't like that, but the dog enjoys the snacks.
• Thinks that Cheerios are the greatest thing ever.
• Will play independently for a bit
• Discovered the dog's water dish and thinks that it is a small swimming pool
• Says "DaDa," "LaLa", "BaBa," and looked at me this morning and said "MaMa"
• Is very determined and independent
• Always smiles and laughs

Testing out the rocking chair

Trying to push her new toy

Playing the piano!

Too cute not to post!