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!

The Dynamic Duo

Teegen and I headed to see Thorn and his mom and dad this weekend. Thorn is going to be a big brother in the next few weeks and we wanted to spend some time with them before things get hectic with the new addition. We can't wait for the newest member of this crew to arrive!

Thorn and Teegen had a blast spending time together. I love watching these two little people change and grow.

Thorn shows Teegen how the tractor works

Teegen laughs at Thorn's joke

Look at the look in her eyes... I think that we might be in trouble!

Always stealing kisses!

The Dynamic Duo!

Sunday Afternoon with Pop

We had a special visitor on Sunday...Teegen's Pop! They rocked on the porch, listened to the windchimes and played in the grass. We love it when he comes to visit.

Laying in the grass with Pop

Reaching for the windchimes!

Kisses!

That Pop is tooooo funny!

Hopefully more to come this week! I'm trying to get a 10-month update together. And I am also considering moving the blog to somewhere with some more security...anyone have any suggestions? Let me know!

Mommy's Favorite Onesie

Does it get any cuter than this! Look at those big teeth!

Happy Easter!

Just a few pictures from our first visit from the Easter Bunny!

Teegen's first basket!

Is this really for me?

What's a Peep?

Yummy! Can I have one of these everyday?

Covered in delicious yellow sugar

Look at my cute hat

This was fun. When do I get another basket?

We hope everyone has a great Easter!

Better Late than never!

I've been promising Teegen's nine month update for awhile and I am finally getting around to obliging! Life has been very hectic the last few weeks and only promises to get even more hectic in the next few months. Bare with me while I adjust to our new routines!

So just what is Teegen doing now?

• Crawling like mad...that is until she gets to something she can pull up on...then she is standing like mad.
• Loves to eat! And is always eager to try something new. She will watch intently while we eat and give us the "stink eye" until we offer her a taste.
  
• Is a big fan of yogurt.
• She is becoming very temperamental and will let you know when she is not getting her way.
  
• Dances when she hears music
• Is super observant and loves to look around, taking in all of her surroundings.
• Has finally decided on a comfort object...an alligator from Uncle Todd and Aunt Jilian that we have named Al.
• Now has a mouthful of teeth. She cut six in one week!!!!!

I love hanging out with my daddy!

My what big teeth you have, Teegen!

Mommy, this book is soooo funny!

Taking in some sunshine with mom

Give me a kiss!

Here comes Teegen Cottontail

With the afternoon off from work, following a well baby visit, Teegen and I headed to our friend Kim's house for some 9 month photos that coincided with Easter pictures. Here are the results. And yes, I know these will embarrass her when she is older!

Cutest bunny ever!

Mom, I think this tutu is too big, but I will grow into it one day!

Sleeping Bunny Beauty

This better be the only nude bunny picture she takes!

Love love love this dress!

Thanks Kim for such great pictures! Maybe next time she will smile for you!

Nine month update coming soon...I promise!

Happy Birthday Thorn!

Yesterday, we loaded up the car and headed to Richmond to celebrate my favorite little boy's 2nd birthday. It seems like only yesterday that Thorn was born. Where have the last two years gone? Thorn was loads of fun and his parents threw a fabulous party...not that I expected anything less. Great food, great cake, great friends, one cute 9 month old and one adorable and loving birthday boy...it really does not get any better than that.

Thorn at one day old!

Thorn at 2 years and 1 day!
He's getting so big!

Normally they share kisses...here they are sharing chips.
Apparently there were too many people at the party to find time to smooch!

While we were in Richmond, we also took time to visit Teegen's cousin Beckett, who is 2 months younger. They had a great time together, playing and eating lunch. I'm looking forward to watching them grow together. My cousins and I are very close; relationships that I treasure and cherish. I hope Teegen and Beckett will have a similar relationship.

Teegen and Beckett enjoying their time together

Does it get any sweeter?

All tuckered out after a long week of teething. Four new teeth on the way this week.

Celebrating and Healing

Since this blog began, I have talked frequently about losing my mom at a young age and how that shaped the person I've become. And I've been thinking a lot lately about how it has shaped my parenting and my relationship with my daughter. Even more so today, which marks 23 years since my mother passed away.

Last year I found myself at a very low point on this day. This year I wanted to start a new tradition, particularly since I now have a daughter. Instead of having a pity party for myself, I wanted to celebrate my mom and her life. I wanted to honor the ties of mother and daughter, those of the past and those of the present.

So I took the day off, loaded Teegen into the car and surprised my grandmother at work. She was so glad to see Teegen, which brightened her day. Shocked her, but brightened her day nonetheless. After lunch with my dad, we headed to my mom's gravesite. Teegen napped, while I meditated and reflected, leaving me with a sense of peace and reassurance.

We went back to my grandmother's house to wait for her to get home from work. Teegen and I spent some time enjoying the beautiful weather, eating some banana flavored puffs and swinging on the front porch. I fed Teegen puffs and she fed them to me. She took in her surroundings and enjoyed swinging for the first time. And in those moments, I realized how deep our bond has become and how important we are to one another. It was truly amazing. And I like to think that my mom was right there with us, watching and smiling as the void left in me when she died has been filled by this new and beautiful soul.