So, It's Been Awhile . . .

And we are back! We have had a crazy month here, so the first thing to go was the blog! But, I am feeling more settled and I actually have some time to catch up on my blogging. A lot has happened in the past month, here is a recap . . .

• we moved (about five miles south of where we used to live to a more "family-friendly" place with more space and a backyard),
• that said, we are expecting a new baby in November,
• I quit my job and I am taking a year off (maybe more),
• we traveled to Illinois and Virginia to visit family and friends,
• AJ is talking up a storm! (This is by far the most exciting news! Some of her new words are bubble, Nonna and PopPop, hello, up and, her favorite, Elmo!)

I am sure there is more . . . but these are the biggies! AJ and I are excited to explore our new neighborhood this summer! We will keep you posted on all of our summer adventures!

Farmers' Market

It's a glorious day here in sunny California! Baby AJ and I are excited that the downtown Farmers' Market has begun. Not only is there delicious fruit and vegetables, but there is some great people-watching (and there is nothing AJ likes more than people-watching). We have begun hanging out with some friends from our building who went with us this morning for our first Farmers' Market experience of the season. When we got home, we enjoyed some delicious raspberries. Summer is right around the corner!

Hanging Out with Friends

Last weekend, we went over to a friend's house for some relaxing and a play date. While the parents indulged in delicious goodies and drinks, the kids frolicked in the beautiful California sunshine. AJ got to hang out with her friend, C, from school. Fun was had by all!

Happy Graduation . . . the First of Many!

AJ has graduated from the Infant Room to the Toddler Room at school. It is a big transition for her and we have worked hard to get her ready for the big move. One of the biggest changes is the way the kids sleep. The toddlers only take one nap and they sleep on a cot. AJ really likes sleeping on the cot and she actually sleeps better on the cot than in the crib at school. Isn't she precious?

According to her new teachers, AJ is doing well and enjoying her new classroom. They spend a lot of time outside, which AJ loves! In fact, when I picked her up the other day she didn't want to leave. Though heartbreaking for me, I guess it's awesome that she loves her school!

A Day at the Zoo

Over the weekend, we went up to San Francisco to meet up with some friends at the zoo. AJ loved to see all of the animals. She also got to get "up close and personal" with some farm animals at the Petting Zoo. It was tons of fun to see the animals through her eyes. Here are some pictures of us enjoying the zoo.

Walk On

Mission complete . . . AJ is walking. Now, hopefully I will lose the rest of my baby weight because she is EVERYWHERE. In one minute, she has walked across the room and is in to something she shouldn't be into, like turning on the television, grabbing for picture frames, and opening cabinets. (Again, I really need to finish baby proofing this place!)

The process of learning to walk was a long one. I had thought that as soon as AJ took her first steps that she would off and running. But, I feel like it has been a 3-4 month process. AJ first started cruising (while holding on to furniture), then she took some tentative first steps. In the last few weeks, her confidence has increased and AJ has been taking more risks. She has even learned to stand up on her own, without support. When AJ walks, she shakes her hands in a "v" in front of her. It is the cutest thing. She is sooooo proud of herself and we are so proud too. Pretty soon she will be running around! Watch out!

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!