Joy

This is my kind of JOY! Playing at the park with Mom and Dad. Going down the slide when I should be at home taking a bath and getting ready for bed. Having Daddy push me on the swing and the feeling of the wind blowing through my hair.

Are you gonna catch me, Daddy?? Here I come....

Weeeeee!!!!

Mommy and Daddy's joy is hearing me laugh as I fly down the slide, seeing me smile, spending time as a growing family.

This is joy...

I wish you all a very joyful Monday!!

Table Manners & More

The time has come for me to start using silverware at the dinner table. I was so excited when Mommy let me use a big fork last week during lunch. I caught on very quickly but, the big fork was a little awkward in my hand so when we were shopping last week, we picked out some forks and spoons that are more suitable for me. I feel like such a big girl when I'm using utensils just like Mommy and Daddy! I still need some practice at using the spoon though.... the food seems to "hop" off before it reaches my mouth!!

1st day using my new fork See how good I am at picking up my mac and cheese?! I'm very patient and persistent.

2nd day using my new fork

I guess you caught me enjoying my chicken and dumplings!!

Mmmmm, these pears are delish!
And, there you have it. There's never been so much clapping at our dinner table before... I guess Mom and Dad are proud of my new skills.

We, of course are continuring to prepare for Henry's arrival. Last week I helped get our car seat all cleaned up and ready for him to ride in. I guess I took it for one last spin before declaring it Henry's...
Hmmm, let me see if I remember how this works....

I guess I'm just too big for the baby seat.

Just brushing my teeth. We've since got Henry's bedding in his bed and I think He'll really enjoy sharing a room with me.
I hope everyone had a great week! On Thursday, Daddy and I will go with Mom to her doctor's appointment. The practice always does a 38 week ultrasound to guestimate baby's weight, amniotic fluid, check baby's position, etc. I'm excited to see brother again and I'm sure to be on my best behavior!

Tanner's Orchard

Let me tell you about one of our very favorite places to visit in the Fall. Let me tell you about Tanner's. They have the best apple cider I've ever tasted.... ok maybe it's the only cider I've tasted but, it is delicious! Even though it was about 80-85 degrees when we were there, all that cider prepared us for the seasons ahead. Mine and Mommy's favorite snack there is the apple cider donuts. mmmm mmm good! Daddy has a special place in his heart for the bavarian almonds... hopefully I'll get to try those next year.

They have goats and llamas, a big play area, a huge pumpkin patch, and a trailer that takes you into the grove so you can pick your own apples to take home. They have a HUGE selection of jams, salsas, gifts, decorations, and baked goods too. I hope we can make it back there again before they close for the year.

As you can see, I was very uneasy around the goats. I clung very tightly onto Daddy.
I can't wait until I'm big enough to ride in one of these blue barrels, all the kids looked like they were having a blast.

I did get to sit in one and practice steering though...

Finding the perfect pumpkin!!hhhmmm did I miss any??

Alright, I'm ready for a glass of cold cider and a donut!!

Sunday Funday!

We had an absolutely beautiful fall weekend here in Illinois. Saturday we worked on projects around the house, went to church in the evening, and out for supper as a family. That's become our Saturday routine and we're really enjoying it! Hopefully when Henry arrives he'll enjoy our Saturday routine too!

Daddy had us up early Sunday to help with yardwork.
We certainly don't mind helping in the yard these days. It's beautiful outside. It's Fall.

Daddy sealed our dining room table on Saturday night so, he brought Mom's craft table out to the deck and we got to eat lunch and supper outside on Sunday!

Check out these awesome strap covers Mommy made for my car seat!! Now I don't have to worry about the straps cutting into my neck. She used two layers two layers of batting so they're nice and comfy!

We also went to Tanner's Apple Orchard on Sunday afternoon, more on that later! Have a great day everyone!

Cousins Norah and Abigail

I guess it's been about a month-and-a-half since these pictures were taken out at Lake Tansi, TN but, we just got around to putting them on the computer. Abigail bought me this outfit to match hers so, of course we needed to have a photoshoot! I love the cute outfit and I loved all the time Abigail and I got to spend together. So enjoy....

Abigail is so much fun to play with and I hope she gets to come stay with us very soon!!
Excuse me Mom, I've got cousins to play with!!!

Happy Grandparents Day!

Today, I'm reminded... by Mom and Dad... of how blessed I am to have two very loving sets of grandparents!! Thank you so much Grandma and Grandpa for always being such a strong source of love and support in our lives.

Grandma and Grandpa Scholand

Grandma and Grandpa Skalet

Love,

Norah and Henry too!!

14 Months!

Well, another month has past and I now stand tall as a 14-month old, energetic little girl. This past month has been great!! Now that it's cooling off outside, that's where I've been spending a great deal of my time.... let's just say I may have already worn a hole in the shoes I got last month!!! I prance down the sidewalk as proud as can be, I play catch with Mommy and Daddy, try to pop bubbles, play with our neighbors and still ride very nicely in my stroller...especially if we're going to the library. I've become quite the little social butterfly there. I love to "read" and you can usually find about 8 open books scattered about our living room.... I love to practice turning just one page at a time.

This month has been difficult at times as I have welcomed 6 new teeth to my smile... that's right, 6!! I woke up with my fourth bottom tooth this morning. Before this month I only had my two bottom chompers. I've found that my best medicine for teething is sleep..... and teething tablets of course!I'm usually sporting one of these big smiles. Afterall, I've got to show these new teeth off!!

My friend from next door brought his cat over yesterday and I was very "gentle" with the kitty. Last time I may have pulled his tail...Put the camera down Mommy so we can play catch!

Little multi-tasker. I'm walking to the kitchen, combing my hair, and pretending I don't hear Mom calling my name!!!Awww, teething sure makes me one cuddly baby... if only for a moment.This was a great month and I can't wait to see what month 15 has in store..... maybe brother's birthday???

Have a great weekend everyone!!