A New Favorite Thing

We usually keep the door to our bedroom closed to keep a certain little wanderer out. But, AJ sometimes finds her way in there. When she does, she quickly finds her way to our bookshelf (I should really finish baby proofing this place!) where she will inevitably grab a hold of her new favorite thing . . . a picture of her cousin E when she was a baby.

She clutches it to her chest, as if she is hugging her cousin! It is precious! Even though we are far from you, cousin E and A, you are always close to our hearts!

Merry Day

Throughout the weekend, we continued to enjoy our visit with Nonna and PopPop. On Friday, we spent the afternoon eating a delicious lunch . . .

and enjoying the warm weather at the park . . .

and AJ even got to ride her first merry-go-round!

What are we going to do when Nonna and PopPop leave tomorrow? BOO HOO!!!!

Down on the Farm

Nonna and PopPop are visiting us this week and we are having a blast. Despite a slight set-back at first (AJ was diagnosed with a sinus infection), we have taken every opportunity to get out and enjoy the beautiful California countryside. Last weekend, we went on a hike up to a farm with all sorts of fun animals. AJ got to see goats, chickens, cows, sheep, and, her personal favorite, the piglets. SO cute! Take a look at the fun!

Baby Steps

We're still counting the steps every time she gets going, but here's a video of her and a big 10 steps. The shoe in mouth helps focus.

Happy Birthday to YOU!

Our dear baby AJ is one year old today. We can't believe how she has grown over the past year. Every day is a new adventure and we are so excited to be a part of it! It is hard to imagine what life was like before baby AJ entered it a year ago today. Her birthday was long and exhausting, but we wouldn't change a thing about it. It was certainly the happiest day of our lives! We can't wait for more exciting things to come. Here is what baby AJ (or shall I say, toddler AJ) is up to these days. AJ

• loves to play with her baby doll (she lights up every time she sees it!),
• cuddles, especially first thing in the morning when she wakes up,
• adores her Fuzzy-Silky (blanket), she tries to carry it with her everywhere,
• took 12 steps tonight (on her own!),
• enjoys standing on her own, but topples over when she realizes she is on her own,
• dances to music, she even shares my affinity toward boy bands (so says her dad),
• loves to read books, her personal favorites are any lift-the-flap books and Baby Faces,
• wants to play with any electronic device - computer, cell phone, regular phone, you name it!
• likes to eat bananas, applesauce and any kind of nugget,
• is our pride and joy!

Happy birthday, sweet baby!

Birthday Play Date

I hosted a play date for AJ's upcoming birthday. (I can't believe that she is almost one year old! My, how time flies!) The kids had a blast playing with toys, taking toys from one another (when will they learn how to share?), and crawling all over each other. I made cupcakes that NOBODY ate. Oh no, what am I going to do with 24 cupcakes? UGH! Take a look at our fun!

Walk this Way

No, AJ is not yet walking (although last week she took 7 steps in a row!). We took advantage of the lovely weather and went on a hike. AJ loves being out in nature. She touched trees and flowers, and even saw some horses. Check out our fun!