Happy Early Birthday, Grandaddy!

We had an ice cream "party" for Grandaddy tonight to wish him an early happy birthday! We are so glad that he and Mama Pat live here now so we can have spur-of-the-moment get-togethers.

Snoozing at Aunt Sara's

Our little Sara got to meet her Aunt Sara while we were in Boaz this weekend. She was charming...and sleepy...for the visit.

Cuddly Christmas PJs

Ho, Ho, Ho!

My Little Pilgrim

Christmas Decorating

Nana and I decorated my house this weekend. Hallie was a big fan of the silver ribbon we used.

Brooks Family Get-Together

We got together with the Brooks family yesterday in Boaz and had such a good time! We're so thankful for a family with such a wonderful heritage of Christ-centered love and fellowship!

Nana and Papa

Nana and Papa have been at our house this week! Here they are before they went to an anniversary party on Friday night.

Do Not Leave Unattended

Dawson Thanksgiving

We enjoyed spending Thanksgiving Day with the Dawson family, just like we did when I was little. Uncle Mike, Aunt Jolene, David, and April drove down for the day, and Uncle Ted came too!

Manly Thanksgiving

These pictures were taken before my children morphed into little monsters last Sunday night.

Whiz Kid

Miss Toni greeted Hallie this morning with, "And how is my little Valedictorian doing today?"

(Note: I will not entertain any theories about Toni possibly saying that to all of her children when they get to school because I am fully confident, being as unbiased as I am, that Hallie truly IS the Toddler I Valedictorian. She's putting it on her resume.)

Invasion of the Bodysnatchers

To whomever has taken my girls and replaced them with feverish, ornery, pitiful little things: please return my sweet children as soon as possible. Preferably before they spend Thursday and Saturday this week with family members they absolutely never see.

Bathtime Roll Call

We've been telling Hallie about Thanksgiving and getting her ready to see some of her out-of-town family this coming weekend.

Christmas Cheer

I must say, these are some of the cutest elves I've seen in a while.

(All credit to Mom, who created it and sent me the link.)

Song and Dance

Eating Cereal

Sara ate rice cereal tonight! She did pretty well with it and even seemed to like it the longer she nibbled. I'm very proud of her quick adjustment to eating from a spoon!

Sara has been having some tummy issues, so she and Daddy went to the doctor today. He says she's just teething (no kidding! she is so drooly!), so that is good news. He also said with a smile, "I'd be more concerned about her tummy if she weren't a 17 pound 4 month old." He does have a point, I guess...

Do you see the little blonde head at the bottom of the screen? She sidled up to Mommy's leg when she saw that Daddy was taking a picture of Sara. She wanted to be in it too!
"Look at me! I'm cute too!"

Words, Words, Words

Dr. Anderson asked me yesterday how many words Hallie could say. I couldn't begin to count them, so I just told him 25. It seems I greatly underestimated my little talker (who, by the way, said the word "No" all the way to school today). So, here are Hallie's Top 25 Words, the ones she says the most, the clearest, and most often in context.

1. Thanks

2. baby

3. good girl

4. eye

5. purple

6. Joe and John Paul (school friends)

7. school

8. yay!

9. cookie

10. jacket

11. bag

12. bow

13. go

14. bar

15. car

16. bubble

17. bath

18. shoes

19. spoon

20. Archie

21. yogurt

22. apple

23. bib

24. bottle

25. uh-oh

She also names most of her family members. :)

UPDATE: It has been brought to my attention that I may need to clarify: "bar" is in reference to her granola bars, which she enjoys for breakfast.

UPDATE: In response to some grumblings that "woof woof," "wa-wa" and "moo" may not count as words, I have amended the list.

Stats

My #1 Cutie Pie went to the doctor this morning for her 18 month checkup and got a great report. She weighs 25 pounds, 10 1/2 ounces (75th percentile) and is 33 inches tall (90th percentile).

She was not happy about the flu shot--I think maybe daddy will take her next time. :)

Mommy and the Bee

Christmas Card, Attempt #1

Well, if we manage to get a Christmas card picture at all this year, it'll be a miracle. We tried before we went to the wedding, and no dice. Here is the evidence.

But, to make me feel better, the professional photographers at their school had even worse results. Sara was full-fledged crying, and Hallie looked really mad. I had to laugh as I looked over the proofs...and as I tactfully told them I'd be passing on purchasing them.

Little Bowhead

Aunt Melissa calls the little girls in her classes who wear huge bows "Bowheads." Well, I believe we may have one. Hallie has decided that she likes--no, loves--wearing bows in her hair. At home, at school, at church...All the time, really. Which I am COMPLETELY ok with. :) Here she is in diaper and bow, of course.

Bumbo Seat!

Look at our Big Girl, sitting up in her bumbo seat! She's laughing at her daddy, of course.

Sarah Baldwin's Wedding

Hallie and Savannah Groover enjoyed a little dancing.

The Girls (Allison, me, Duski, Sarah, Morgan, and Courtney)

We took the girls to their first wedding reception this weekend. My friend Sarah got married, and it was beautiful!

Baby Shower, Part II

We had a fun baby shower for Julie in Birmingham on Saturday night. And Uncle Jon and Aunt Julie stayed with us for the weekend!

Happy Birthday, Pat Pat!

We took Mama Pat out for a belated birthday dinner on Thursday night. By far, the highlight of the dinner was when the waiter made her stand so the restaurant could sing to her. Hallie's favorite part, though, was coloring with Uncle Gray.