Amberlin's gumball machine

Amberlin just loves this little gumball machine she got for Christmas from Uncle Steve, Aunt LeeAnn, Steven & Tim. She figured it out so quickly! I love watching her play with it - every new talent she acquires reminds me more and more of what a miracle a child is!

Christmas

We enjoyed a wonderful Christmas this year! We observed some old traditions and established some new ones since this was our first Christmas as parents. It was so fun to watch Amberlin with all of the bows, wrapping paper and packaging. Those were certainly more entertaining than most of the toys that she got, but she did enjoy her gifts quite a bit!

We spent Christmas Eve attending the service at the church and then going to Grandma Noani's for our big family get together. Amberlin was lucky and got to sit in Pop's lap while he told the kids the Christmas story.

We started off Christmas morning at home with our little family.

Amberlin loved all of her new gifts!

Then we finished off Christmas at Lali & Pop's. We had great family time and enjoyed playing ping pong on their new ping pong table! Family time is my favorite thing about Christmas. :)

Amberlin is looking cool in her new walker for Lali & Pop's house!

Santa

Amberlin met Santa Claus for the first time. She did very well! Although we did not get a smile for the photo, we also did not have any freak-outs - which seem to be pretty common when babies meet Santa. :)

Welcome, Baby Amy!

My cousin, Chenée, and her husband Guillaume were blessed with the arrival of a beautiful baby girl last week! On Novembr 18th, Aimée Noëlle was born. They are going to call her Amy. I'm not sure when we will get the pleasure of meeting the little love since they live in the Netherlands, but I look forward to the day when she and Amberlin get to play together!

Congratulations, Chenée and Guillaume! We are so happy for you. We know you will find parenthood to be as fulfilling and joy-filled as we have. We love you guys - even if it's from across the globe!!

9 Month Check-Up

Amberlin had her 9 month check-up today. She did great, although she was a little fussy because she was so tired! The appointment was early, so she didn't get her morning nap. Everything is on track - she weighed in at 17 lbs, 5 oz. Her height is 27.75 in. She is just above the average in height and just below the average in weight.

Amberlin is really starting to get the hang of crawling and she has started pulling herself up to stand. She is a total chatterbox! I can't imagine where she gets that from... :) She absolutely loves looking at herself in the mirror. There is no faster way to get her to smile and laugh than to take her into the bathroom and let her look in the mirror! Her other recent development is using some sign language. She has been signing "more" back to us when she is eating and she also signs "milk" sometimes - but that one is not as consistent. The next one we are working on is "please".

We are trying to enjoy every moment with Amberlin because it is passing by so quickly! Before we know it we will be planning her birthday!

Staci's Birthday

We went to Steakhouse 55 for Staci's birthday this year. A great time (and great food) was had by all!

Mike & Staci with Tanya & Brandon

Andy & Steff with Johnny & LoletaAmberlin schmoozing with the birthday girl

Amberlin with Lali & Pop
Amberlin playing with her grandpa

Staci with Mom & Dad

Staci and the girls

Playing with the river boats

Amberlin is crawling!

Look what our big girl can do!