It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

We got our decorations out to set the mood for the coming Christmas season. Lyddi is very excited about the new decorations, colors, and sounds. She especially enjoys reaching up and ringing the door bells.

Got it!

The Christmas tree is also very fascinating. Here Lydia is checking it out with Daddy.

"Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree...How Lovely are Your Branches..."

It will be fun to watch Lydia experience her first Christmas with the gifts, get-togethers, and celebrations. But it will be even more exciting to teach her about Jesus and His love for her! What a gift it is to know and be in relationship with our glorious King!

Lyddi and her yellow balloon...

Lydia received a balloon from a neighborhood friend. She was quite enthralled with this balloon immediately. As you will see, she became quite attached to her yellow balloon.

She brought it with her for her morning snack...

...and evening snack.
                            

They went exploring around the house together...

The two were partners in crime...

Just hanging out...

Play time...

Unfortunately, Lyddi and her balloon had to part ways. The balloon was no match for her razor-sharp incisors. So long yellow balloon!

Grandpa and Grandma Visit!

Mom and Dad M came out for a pre-Thanksgiving weekend visit! Lydia was very excited for their arrival.

Daddy tossing Lyddi into the air.

Grandma, Lydia and me all ready for church.

A brisk Sunday afternoon walk together.

Lydia enjoyed playing peek-a-boo with Grandpa...and climbing over him during his nap.

Grandma and Lyddi singing Pat-a-cake.

We went to Home Depot and they had a fake Santa outside to greet us. As you can see, Lyddi wasn't too sure about her first sighting of ole' St. Nick.

Below are a few shots of Mom and Dad.

Lydia loved her time with Grandma and Grandpa.

Uh....what's going on Zach...

Lydia especially had fun going to Coldstone for dessert one night. 

Below is her first ice-cream experience.

"I want some more!!"

Thank you so much for coming to visit Mom and Dad! We enjoyed our time with you so much and look back fondly on the memories and laughs. Already looking forward to our next visit together. 

Love and hugs!!

Lydia...8 months.

Lydia is 8 months old! Wow, our girl is growing fast. We do our best to keep her baby book updated and jot down cute stories as they happen. We thought it would be fun to share a few of her interests. She is one curious little lady. She is on the move more every day. Lately she has been standing on her own for a couple seconds at a time, before falling over. It is so fun to watch her discover new places and objects. 

Likes: peas, sweet potatoes, mixed veggies, sweet potatoes and turkey, carrots (to name a few), any and all Gerber desserts, mum-mums, puffs, yogurt puffs (can you tell she's a great eater?), tags, chords, dogs, babies, leaves blowing in the wind, i pads, remotes, mirrors, peek-a-boo, zerberts, watches

Dislikes: diaper changes, waiting, green beans, her car seat, cold milk, cilantro

Lydia, you continue to enrich our lives each day. We delight in watching you learn and grow and thank God every day for you! Love and kisses sweet girl. ..Momma and Daddy.

Cougar-Bee!

My aunt Cindy, Mom, Lydia and I traveled to beautiful Fort Myers, Florida to visit my cousin Lindsey and her handsome new baby, Hudson. We named our trip the "Cougar-Bee" (long story).  Here is the  awesome Mamma Lindsey with her sweet little man.

                        Lyddi riding in a cart for the first time.

 We spent most of our time lounging by the pool. Not quite sure what's happening in this picture...basking in the wind of Hurricane Sandy maybe?

In the airport I had Lydia strapped to me in a sling, her diaper bag and my purse over my shoulder, my carry-on in one hand and I was lifting my big suitcase with the other. I felt like a mule. The big suitcase was pretty heavy and it kept banging against my leg. This was the result.

Lydia loved the pool.

Lydia also loved her new buddy, Hudson.

A few cute shots of Lydia all dolled up for dinner.

                                     

                    All ready for a lovely morning walk to the ocean.

We made it!

We celebrated Lindsey's birthday while we were there. 

Happy 29th Birthday (again)!!

                                      More pool shots.

Little buddies.

Mooooo! Happy Halloween! Lydia was a little cow for her first Halloween.

                                     Superman!! ...and the cow.

She's on the Mooooove!

Lyddi thoroughly enjoyed the day after Halloween....candy time!

Arg! Wrappers! 

Future candy lover, just like her parents.

Going back for more.

The whole troop on our final night together.

We stopped at the beach to catch the sunset. Unfortunately we missed it by about 5 minutes, but we still got some fun photos. 

Lydia's first time touching sand!

Three super sweet ladies.

Three generations. Two of my favorite girls.

Lydia did very well on the plane, as long as we kept her entertained and eating puffs.

What an awesome trip! Many, many laughs and great memories to look back on. Thanks for having us Linds. Love and miss you already!