Fun in the snow

Day 1 in the snow. At this point, we had a couple of inches of fluffy snow - no ice.


Playing at mommy...or staring at mommy playing.



I'll only post one picture of Taylor taking a dump in the pictures. Just so you know, we got a bunch, but I'll spare you (besides this one).












Walking with daddy.




Now we get a smile.


She sure didn't complain when Daddy was carrying her either.







Playing with a new toy from PMa. I love this new toy, I even like it when the ball pops and hits my face!!





Post-snow bath. Not happy at first (because Mommy or Daddy isn't holding her).


Okay, I'm happy again.






Day 2 in the snow - we got about an inch of sleet last night, so the snow was crunchy but still beautiful. Taylor was really confused by this. Rose "played" in the snow with our neighbor friends, Ross and Sarah's son, Julian. He was mad because he wanted to suck on his thumb but was so bundled up he couldn't move. It probably didn't help matters that both kids were 30 minutes from needing a nap, Rose was pulling on him and it was fa-reezing cold outside. Rose did pretty good.

Daddy sportin' a 'tude before going out in the snow. Looks good on you, honey :)



The Kurtz family (Sarah, Julian (baby) and Ross)


Take 2 with the babies. Both babies were the same. Poor Julian, he just wanted his mommy.





Family photo time.




Good photo time with Rose. She loves being outside like her mommy, daddy and sister.





We almost got the classic cry in the snow picture. This was as close as we got. :)



Some cool pics of the snow. Enjoy! Hope everyone has a great weekend.











Take 1 with Julian and Rose. Sliding babies, crying babies and snow all around - I'd say we can call this one a success.





Sisters in the snow



I guess I didn't prop her up good enough. She was a good sport about it though.



Pretty much how she acted outside. Staring at everything, trying to take it all in.





We got a ton of snow. I'm not sure exactly how many inches we got but it is more than I've seen in this year in a LONG time. We took Rose out to play yesterday and today. Both times she seemed curious but just wanted to stare. She wasn't interested in doing much except looking in. She didn't even want to play with it or put it in her mouth - can you believe it? Our neighbors, Ross and Sarah, brought down their 9 month old to share in the adventures of the first snow. Taylor isn't really sure what to do with the snow. She doesn't want to go to the bathroom unless I have my camera out and are taking pictures of Rose :)

So, we will be snowed in all weekend. That's okay - we will get some good playtime in.

A Big Girl!

Rose can pull up now. See the video. Sorry it's sideways

My Rosie is 8 Months Old

Awhhh, the eight month mark. Rose's personality is beginning to shine through. She is very independent (but also dependent, does that make sense?), knows exactly what she wants and is silly. She loves to cuddle, run in circles, play with animals, play with noise-making toys, anything sitting up, eating her own food and trying to stand. She loves bath time, her paci, napping with mommy, shopping and being outside. She LOVES her momma too :) She does not care for tummy time, being alone or sleeping more than 3 hours. Rose getting older is bitter sweet. I love that she is becoming more independent and am happy that she is more interactive and human-like. To be honest, I am not really sad to see the baby phase go, but know I will miss it once it's gone. I look forward to see what she will learn next and where this life will take her. I am really excited about the toddling phase. Not only will it be a good weight loss plan for me, it will be fun to see her explore.

She began drinking through a straw this weekend and only wants to be fed solid foods if she can feed herself. It is quite a mess, but I must say, is very entertaining. I think I'm going to have to work on my cooking skills though - I don't think she is impressed at all (judging by the pictures).

We are enjoying her more and more everyday. She is a little person now. It's really fun to pick out personality traits that you have or hear stories from your own childhood that relates to your little offspring. It's also fun to blame your partner for the not-so-cute characteristics, even though you know it probably came from you. :)

I just realized that I never gave an update to the neurologist visit. Blake and I took our princess in thinking she was having seizures but the doc told us that she is concentrating and trying not to poop. Probably my most embarrassing moment as parents....sitting there, genuinely concerned, taking a spot on a 3 month waiting list to hear that your little diva just doesn't want to poop. Trust me, we would must rather be embarrassed than have another outcome. We are thankful it's nothing serious.

Rose still has a little cold but is recovering. Her ear infection is gone finally, so we are getting back into the swing of things.

Here are some pictures of Rose when she was 7 months old.

Rose and Taylor are BFFs now. They have their own special playtime after bathtime, where Taylor gets "groomed" by Rose. Everywhere Rose is, you can bet Taylor is close behind. I am having trouble keeping Taylor's toys from Rose, since Taylor brings them over for Rose to enjoy. EEWWWHHH... Taylor is so good with Rose. I actually feel sorry for her sometime because Rose will almost pull handfulls of her hair out, but she loves the attention.




We threw my dad a surprise 50th birthday party. Rose learned her first lesson on deception, as Mom and I had to be sneaky so he wouldn't catch on. Rose got some lovin's from the Hoerman girls (Gillian, Rose Meredith and my Rose)



Happy 50th Birthday, Dad!



Rose loves to play on her little table. It keeps her entertained while I cook or clean dishes. This thing is a LIFE-SAVER. She is really fast on it and can actually move it a little. Couple this with her paci and sippy cup and this girl is in heaven. I'll have to post a video later of her rolling around on this when my internet isn't sucking.







I love this picture. She looks so mischievous.





Our little princess running around in her little toy. Probably her favorite toy right now. She can really pick up speed!

Isn't She Lovely?

Here is Rose on New Years Day, looking festive




She now has another ear infection and croup. She is recovering perfectly and has been an angel, even though she hasn't felt good. A little clingy, but not too bad at all for being so sick! My poor baby.

Christmas and a New Year and turning 7 months old

Even though Rose isn't crawling, doesn't mean she isn't mobile. She figured out how to move our obstacle course in her walker to get to the Christmas tree and is beginning to learn the word "no". When she would get up to the tree, she'd just touch it with a finger. It is so cute, almost like she's not really sure about it but curious enough to barely touch it. Now (well, before we took down the tree), she'd run up to it, turn around to see if we were paying attention and then would touch it, even if we said no. I'd say she knows what no means now. :)



On Christmas Day, we spent a lot of time with family. We were lucky to have Blake's parents in town, as well as my mom's family from Texas. We had a fun time socializing with everyone (not to mention eating well too). I'm sure it's a newsflash and you are really surprised to find out that Rose got everything imaginally possible for a 7 month old to get; ranging from toys to clothes, to even toys for when she is a year old. We are grateful to have such a wonderful, giving family (okay, and friends).


Wrapping paper was, by far, the best gift this year. We actually accumulated all of the wrapping paper and let her roll around in it. She had a blast.


Sleepy after a long day with family. Please note that this is a rare instance in this house...






































Blake and I celebrated our 3rd year anniversary on the 30th. It's hard to believe that we've been married this long. We both agree that this has been the first year that we've actually had to work at our relationship. Between having a new baby, changing work schedules to working nights and no sleep it's been a challenge. I'm proud to say we are still going strong, even with my sleepy mood swings. Thank you honey for understanding me, even if I am a nut job (at times). *Please note: this comment is not open for your wise-guy comments (unless you are my honey)*

On New Years, we got together with had our neighbors over, Ross and Sarah, who also have a sweet lil baby, Julian. We had a playdate before the kids went to bed and then have adult time afterwards. We rang in the New Year with a bang, played a board game, then called it a night. We didn't go to bed until 1:30am; sorda made me feel old because that's the latest I've stayed up in a while. Little did I know that Rose was going to be up ALL night after 2am. Hindsight is 50/50. I would have gone to bed at 8am if I would have known that. Happy New Year! (I have pics but I'll have to post them later)