Oh, Hey Snow

one year old!

yes, that snow bank IS as tall as that house

Anyone remember the beginning of winter when I was so excited to finally get our first snow?  I knew at the time that we had it coming, and I would probably regret the day I ever wanted it to snow.  And here we are.  It pretty much won't stop snowing, and it's always cold.  Always, always, always.  But instead of complain, I'm going to keep it positive:

Way to go, Minnesota.  A+ for consistency.

Anyways, L is a little obsessed with puppies these days.  She'd be content to stand at the front window all day long just to lookout for "puh-puh-puh"s.  Yesterday we'd both been inside all day, so after work I decided to bundle us up and head out in search of any and all puppies. 

We ended up at the neighborhood park, where I quickly realized there are no paths shoveled, and also that I did not wear foot-deep-snow-friendly shoes.  Needless to say, my ankles froze quickly and we did not last long at the park.

On the way home we finally met one pup.  The owner told Lyla, "her name is Cassie!"  I laughed and told him that was also my name, not thinking twice about it or being offended in the least.  The poor guy though, he was stumbling over himself with an apology, totally embarrassed about it.  I'm pretty sure I ruined his day, just by having the same name as his dog.  I felt a little guilty leaving, like maybe I should have stayed to make sure he was OK.  But, you know, frozen ankles.

All in all, I would say not my favorite outing, but we did find a puppy and that equals major success in Lyla's book.  Which is really all that matters in my book.

Oh, and that blue thing in L's hand?  A toothbrush.  She's also a little obsessed with dental hygiene.  Or maybe it's just the bubblegum flavored baby toothpaste?

- K

These Days

 This upcoming little birthday has had me a little emotional about our little girl growing up so fast, but I sure wouldn't trade the stage she's in now for anything.  She's got so much personality...here's a little taste:

1) She's popped 2 more teeth (8 total now)...and has taken to biting her own hand when throwing fits.  Which I guess is better than biting others...?

2) She's throwing fits already!  They really aren't bad...yet, but this little lady sure doesn't like not getting her way.  She totally understands "no", and listens most of the time, but she also tests limits constantly.  I have to force myself to be serious when disciplining, but inside I just die laughing.  She's nailed the fake cry, and those big brown eyes seem so innocent.  She's gonna be a tough cookie, but secretly I like having a little sassafrass.  Keeps things interesting. 

3) She took her first steps!  I'll post a video soon.  :)

4) She's started dancing!  It's this hilarious little arm wave, very rap-star-esque.  I love it.

5) You pretty much can't feed her anymore with a spoon.  She wants EVERYTHING I am eating, and has to have her own spoon to work with.  She's getting pretty good with it, but for the time being I've given up on wearing white.

 - K

She Said Dada!

keeping warm

again with the credit card

As you already know (because Kassi has been rubbing it in your face) Lyla has been saying "mama" for a couple weeks now --- usually when she doesn't want to take a nap.  And though I have been playing it cool, it has been gut wrenching for me to think that I haven't been around enough for my little monkey to say "dada".  It also doesn't help that every idiot who finds out this little tid bit goes "oh wow!  THAT is soooo weird... babies ALWAYS say 'dada' first."

Well, as you also may know Kassi has had to travel last week and this week giving me the perfect opportunity to teach her a few things.  Not only did she say "dada" this last week but she also took her first steps tonight at only 9 months old... can't wait to tell Kassi when she gets home tomorrow night ;).

- R