Christmas Time

Lyla's first Christmas definitely wasn't a white one....it was a black.

Our power went out for five hours Christmas afternoon.

At least by that time, we finished opening presents and eating dinner. 

Regardless, it just felt strange!

Our morning began with a Christmas miracle...Lyla let us sleep in until 9:30. 

Lyla always starts her day by 8:00,
 so I was truly shocked by this uncommon occurrence.

Even though she is still too young to understand the Santa concept, 

Kirk and I still had fun playing the role.

Her main gift was the toy house shown below.

The toy house was inspired by Lyla's recent interest in forts. 

When the three of us are lying in bed, which is quite often,

 Kirk and I will hold the sheet in the air and over our heads.

 Lyla thinks it is the greatest thing ever.

Lyla was a bit slow opening her gifts. 

Her cousin Hali came upstairs to help her out. 

(It appears I struggled to get Hali's face in any photo)

Other than a few toys, Lyla received mostly clothes.

She didn't provide us with a wish list this year, 
so we weren't quite sure what she wanted...

 Christmas is exhausting, obviously. But overall, we had a really fun day. 

Two days afterwards Lyla and I  packed our bags, 

said 'bye bye' to dad and headed to Idaho.

Baby #2

In case you didn't hear....

Clearly, Lyla was surprised as we were.

Baby Monkey

Lyla is becoming quite the little climber. 

Our current arrangements have her crib directly behind the couch

 and she will nose dive right off the couch into her crib. 

She is fearless and I'm not so sure that's a good thing.

This is another trick she has learned....

Since I'm not exactly sure the whereabouts of the hospital around here,

I figured it would be best to not allow her to learn a lesson on her own this time. 

Even though she was having a wonderful time using the walker as a climbing gym, 

I decided to prevent any potential skull fractures by collapsing the toy.

As you can see, my efforts didn't put an end to her adventures. 

I couldn't help but giggle when I looked over to find her lounging in the seat.

My Baby The Kid

My sweet little girl turned 11 months old last week. 

This was just fine and dandy until I realized this means next month she will turn ONE.

Say whaaat?

I checked on her during nap time and

also realized she no longer looks like baby....she looks like this.

When did she get so tall? When did my baby start turning into a kid?

Not only is she growing like a weed, her personality changes more each day.
Her newest trick is to "tickle" dad. Also, she has taken baby talk to a whole new level.

I've tried to capture her cuteness on camera, but it's not quite the same.

We are so blessed to have such a happy little girl. She makes us smile every. single. day. 

I recovered my camera from Idaho, so I should start blogging again more often.

In the meantime, here are some pictures of our simple adventures from the weekend...

Despite my efforts, she has never been much of a binky lover.

(Why I was insisting that my child be attached to a
 comfort mechanism, I'm not quite sure...)

However, she discovered a binky in her toybox and knew exactly what to do with it.

Still showed no sign of interest...she's an independent woman!

This weekend Kirk was determined to make my car look all spiffy.

In return, Lyla and I were determined to be a big inconvenience.

Looking all un-baby like again...
she even has one of those awkward KID faces going on in this picture. 

side note: only 2 teeth still. keep waiting for more to poke through!

Promptly after the vacuuming was complete Lyla 

thought pouring an entire bag of fish all over the seat sounded like fun.

Only one year into this gig and I'm finding it difficult to

 control my laughter during moments I should be teaching "no no"

Kirk and I recently learned we should probably quit

 laughing when she gurgles her milk...

Lyla is starting to take an interest in cartoons. 

So far, I've resisted the urge to plop her in front of the
 tube while I catch some more zzz's. 

I'm just kidding...come on people...

I will at least wait until she can walk to the kitchen to grab her own snack!

As you can see, she also likes ice-cream. But who doesn't?

 And finally, we drove by the house where Kirk lived as a young lad. 

It was exciting to listen to the memories about his old stomping grounds...

Sunday Funday

We've officially been in Texas for two weeks now. 

It's been a huge change, lots of transition.

We are doing well, but we're still adjusting.

I've been neglecting my blog simply because I really haven't taken many pictures

and I really didn't want to write about our move to Texas, and so, I won't.

Instead I will show you pictures of these two cuties.

Kirk dressed her...if you couldn't guess.

We Have Arrived

I live in Texas now, ya'll.

Halloween

stop #1: pick-up costume

Grandma made Lyla the most adorable owl costume for Halloween.

Lyla wasn't really diggin' it, at first...

stop #2: boo at the zoo

Then we went to the zoo with "baby bee" Avi. 

If I had known how packed it would be, I probably wouldn't have gone...
I'm kind of lame like that, but we ended up having fun anyway.

 Lyla really enjoyed the animals!

stop #3: trunk or treat

We then attended trunk or treat with grandma & grandpa.

Lyla scored big time here!

stop #4: boo & stew

We ended our night at aunt Kari's for the annual grilled cheese party.

delicious mozzarella, tomato, basil grilled cheese and tomato soup.

mmmm....my mouth is salivating all over again!

note* pictures of the boo & stew party are on a memory card
 in the bottom of a box somewhere. sorry!

Don't Cuddle Me, Mom

As I was getting ready for bed last night,

 not looking forward to another night of sleeping alone, 

I decided I would sneak Lyla out of her crib and bring her to my room. 

I needed a cuddle buddy. And it started out just perfect. 

The little cutie snuggled up right under my shoulder and was snoozin' away.

 This was a very special moment for me because Lyla is much too busy

 during her waking hours and refuses to cuddle me...at all...ever. 

I was thoroughly enjoying myself for a good five minutes. 

And then, the cat walked in.

meow. meow. meow. 

Lyla's slumber ended immediately as she bolted up into a sitting position. 

She started laughing at the cat while pointing and from there

it seemed she forgot she was ever sleeping at all.

This girl is fierce, I tell ya. 

I tried my best to curl her little body back into mine. 

I kept wishing that dang cat would just go away.

But suddenly it was play time. 

What have I done, I asked myself?

Just as I was feeling the need to abort my cuddle mission

Lyla went from giggling to falling back into my arms sound asleep. 

Strange...was she "sleep playing" I wondered? Oh well. 

Suddenly she would shoot back up again looking for the cat. 

And, once again, her body would go limp and she would fall over.

 This happened at least three times. 

I couldn't help but laugh myself.

I kept imagining her trying to keep her heavy eyes open in the darkness. 

She was fighting it, but in the end, she couldn't resist her body's desire for sleep. 

 I eventually took the cutie back to her crib where she could rest peacefully.

Cuddle session failed...but not forgotten.

Fun with Grandpa

Lyla hanging out with her great-grandpa Dave. 

According to my mom, these silly kids can 
keep each other entertained all afternoon....

oh yeah, and she can drink out of a straw now. who knew!

Weekend Warrior

We survived our first week and weekend without dad.

I'll tell you one thing, it is a lot harder than I thought it would be.
 

Our Saturday morning went a little like this....

 

 

 This was probably the most fun I've had during breakfast....ever!

 

 

so much fun, it required a bath afterwards.

 

 

Our house is officially listed with a realtor. The packing has begun.

I am starting to feel less nervous about Texas and

 more excited about spending my days with Lyla.

I'm ready for a change.

 

I'm also ready for 2012 to quit with the life changing events.

It has been a crazy year...and I have a feeling the surprises aren't over quite yet.
2013, I ask you in advance, please take it easy on me!

No Shots!

9 Month Doctor Visit

 

Weight: 18 lbs, 4 ozs, 50th percentile

Height: 28 inches, 60th percentile

Head: 18 inches, 97th percentile

 

The little miss had her 9 month visit with her doctor today.

No shots this time, so that made her happy.

She did flirt with the doctor as he checked her vitals,
in return he reminded us that Lyla has the biggest noggin' in all the land.

 

Also, I totally understand that 'waiting' at the doctor's office is pretty standard,

but if the appointment is for a baby they should really try to hustle!

Wall murals simply do not satisfy the entertainment needs of a little person.

 

Be sure to check out Lyla's previous stats by clicking

here, here and here!

Big Changes

After 23 glorious years I am saying 'goodbye' to Idaho and 'hello' to Texas.

I love Idaho.

I don't want to leave this beautiful state.

I don't want to leave my mom. my pops. my bro. my gram. my gramps.

my aunt. my uncle. my cousins. kirk's fam. my friends.

I need them! all of them!

I don't want to leave the traditions I know and love.

I don't want to leave familiarity.

I don't want to quit my job.

This is my home!

But the stars have aligned and opportunity is calling our name.

You see, Kirk's sister and brother-in-law are constantly

trying to recruit their Idaho family members to Texas.

I've turned them down at least one million times,

but they finally hooked us, right on the lip...

  like a poor, unsuspecting fish in the river.

Kirk's brother-in-law offered him a great job with

 his evergrowing and very successful business.

After much consideration, and when I put my aching heart aside,

I agree that it will be a good decision for our family.

As a mother, I was especially looking forward to sharing Idaho

 and the experiences from my childhood with Lyla.

But we can come back to visit. You can visit us.

 Lyla can still learn to appreciate Idaho from 1,500 miles away, right?

Kirk is from Texas. So, it is home for him.

I will do my best to make it home for me, but it ain't gon' be easy ya'll.

(see, I'm working on my southern draaa'l already)

Kirk leaves this Sunday and Lyla and I are quick to follow on November 2nd.

This is more than just a new chapter...this is a whole new book...

Nine Months Today

23,667,694.5  seconds.

384,462 minutes.

6,574.3 hours.

40 weeks.

274 days.

9 months

the skills and life experience of a nine month old:

1. she waves! to everyone and everything!

2. she can kiss. she is very selective about who she will kiss,

 it is most likely to happen when she is in front of the mirror though.

3. she has attended two weddings, two funerals (regrettably),

 two family reunions, and one baby birth. 

that's a lot of action for only nine months!

4. she is a really good eater. seriously, she likes everything! 

she has only made a 'yuck' face when trying my beloved avocado. 

we will just pretend that didn't happen. she will love them next time around. :)

5. give her a beat and she will make that diaper booty boogie.

6. daddy taught her where her nose is.

7. we are fairly certain she pronounces her name. 

we say "Lyla" and she says "Lah-Lah" right back. vain, much? 

8. she's never been much of a cuddler and I can respect that. 

but she is finally giving out hugs. yay!

9. sometimes she balances all by herself while standing.
it only lasts three seconds tops, and it's a good thing cause 
one second longer and I may start crying.

10. she has developed a fake laugh....serious.
she definitely has a genuine, real hard, belly laugh.
but we've also noticed that she has a little chuckle
and seems to put this chuckle to use when she hears a 
group of people laughing. silly stuff!

kirk comment: she has developed a sense of humor early on 
which is a sense of relief really, considering what kaili brought to the table. 
thanks, babe.

if you feel like crying, be sure to check out lyla's previous 

milestone lists by clicking here and here.

A picture of the bed head on her 9-month birthday is above.
Gassssp, a black eye, you may ask? Yes.

 It was very tragic and I considered writing a post about it,
but frankly, I want to forget it ever happened.
Plus, I just know one of you would turn me in for child abuse. hehe!

Long story short...she fell face first on grandma's fireplace.
All is well and she is healing just fine.
In the meantime, feel free to call her Rocky.

Happy Nine Months, Lyla!

Friend or Foe?

Lyla is getting reaaal fast at this crawling business. She is a mover and a shaker.

This is bad news for Kramer. Poor guy.

I'm very impressed by his continual acceptance of abuse from Lyla.

He has only retaliated once and it was only because

 he just returned from being out in the wild.

He was still in aggressive, predator mode....

He learned his lesson.

Toybox and Other Happy Things

This is exciting stuff guys, brace yourselves.

 "Mom, mom, it arrived. Look! It arrived."

Lyla could hardly contain her excitement about her new toy box. 

Okay, yes, I was probably more excited...

The pile of toys in my living room was becoming really bothersome.

Why can't babies learn to pick up their toys when they are done playing!

Anyways, I decided to quit my complaining and do something about this mess. 

I visualized the most perfect storage bench for the spot.

Well, I searched online and found exactly what I was looking for.
I never thought I would be excited about purchasing a toy box.

Hooray for dreams coming true! (mom moment)

Oh, and please disregard the swimming suit.
We were greeted with this lovely surprise right after 

walking in the door from swimming lessons.

Or, perhaps we do wear our swimsuits around the house...what of it!?

Lyla felt she needed to check out the view from all aspects

in order to truly appreciate the new piece of furniture.

This may have been right before she fell off the bench.

Don't worry though, Kirk was the hero for this catastrophe and

 I continued to take pictures of my crying baby like a good mother.

Please don't mind as we slowly 

transition from swim time into pajama time.

 It also doubles as a playpen, who knew!

A really amazing upgrade that the website didn't even mention.

I feel that I seriously got my money's worth with this thing!

 In addition to our toy box surprise, we were also surprised with dinner from Kirk.
He has been getting on Pinterest behind my back, I just know it...

Annnnd, I do believe I have a new favorite picture!

She Just Wants to Swing

a story about our ridiculous search for a baby swing...

I will begin by reversing in time to a few weeks ago when

we were at Tautphaus Park for a super exciting family reunion.

Lyla immediately noticed the playground nearby and was begging to go play.

We were having tons of fun sitting around listening to stories 

we've heard ten times over, but we finally gave in to her request. ;-)

This is us making our mad getaway to the playground.

"Hurry fast, before grandma sees us!"

The new(ish) playground at Tautphaus Park is super cool and super high-tech.
We played on the jungle gym a bit but there were some 

big, mean three year olds trampling over Lyla as if she were invisible.

We quickly put an end to that nonsense and told Lyla, "maybe next year, sweetie.."

I knew we were saving the best for last anyways. The SWINGS!
Yeah, not so much. I figured Tautphaus Park, being a famous landmark,

would surely be equipped with the baby-bucket swings.

This is the swing we found. 

I'm fairly certain it is designed for disabled adults....not babies.

Funny, yes. The swing experience we were searching for, no!

Fast forward back to real time. 

On Saturday we had some time to kill and 

I told Kirk we should find a park with a baby swing for Lyla.

We were already downtown so our first stop was the creepy park by the library.

No swings. Bummer. Next stop, Kate Curly Park.

I definitely remember that park having baby swings. Drive there, I say!

No baby swings. Just regular person swings. Crap.

By this point Kirk was getting slightly annoyed of my antics.

Okay, well let's just try one more place, I told Kirk.

Community Park, for sure, has baby swings.

We arrive to Community and quickly learn that everyone decided 

it would be a good day to take their kids to the park.

Soccer moms....everywhere!

Kirk did not seem impressed by the demographic.

I said to Kirk, these are our people now, embrace it.

I think he was just feeling old and dad-ish. 

Anyways, we approached the swing set and I heard angels sing 

when I saw the empty baby-bucket swing.

We got down to business right away!

Kirk agreed that despite the time wasted driving around due

to my phony knowledge of parks, it was all worth it.

Because there is nothing sweeter than the belly laugh of our Lyla girl.

She is my constant reminder to enjoy the simple things in life.

Swimming Lessons

Lyla's first swimming lesson started tonight.

The class is small in size and Lyla is the youngest student.

The session consisted of blowing bubbles, dipping our faces in the water, 

kicking, treading through water in a circular motion, and singing songs.

I'm not certain it should even be considered a "lesson", but we'll go with it.

It seems the purpose is simply to familiarize babies with water,

but who knows, maybe Lyla will be swimming laps by the end of this thing.

All I know is she had lots of fun and she loves being around other kids!

When we got home from swimming Lyla climbed into the swim bag. 

It was just too funny to not share!

Times Are Changin'

Days are getting shorter, nights are getting colder. 

Fall is emerging and for this family that means one thing...

our Sundays are consumed with football. 

It's time to get out the crockpot and turn on your ovens, people!

Lyla and I lost interest in football and decided to make

 a mess in her room and take some pictures.