In the Saddle For the First Time

Well, Evie took her first ride with her daddy on Tiny, the Mule.  Besides looking absolutely adorable, she loved every minute of it.  We thought she would be full of "oooh's and aaaah's" but she acted like a complete natural and as if she's been on a horse/mule a hundred times.  

While riding around, she loved keeping track of Codee (our dog) and she also loved watching the birds fly overhead.  

And, most of all, she loved being on that mule with her daddy.  I seriously cannot tell you how much Evie loves her dad!  And, without any doubts in the world, her daddy loves her and this has gone down as one of the highlights of his life.  He's yearned to take his baby girl for a ride for YEARS and this dream of his came true.  He was on cloud 9 (well, maybe cloud 900).  

Evie Looks up at her Daddy!  I love this picture so much!
There is so much love demonstrated by both Evie and Beau.  

And, if you REALLY want to watch her first ride you can with this clip.  I apologize for my poor camera skills.  

It's kind of hard to hear, but towards the beginning Beau says, "she's a natural."  And, my personal favorite part is when she wraps back around and sees me holding the camera.  That grin and the excitement of her seeing me and knowing that I'm watching her is, well, priceless.  Oh, she melts our hearts every minute of every day!

Ball Popper = Pretty Awesome

Shortly after moving into our new home (more to come on that later), I finally pulled this new toy out of the box.  My brother and sister-in-law gave it to Evie shortly after she was born and I had been waiting to pull it out when we had more space.  

After pulling it out and seeing her reaction, I wished I hadn't waited for so long.  I think this toy about blew her mind!  She could hardly believe something could be so awesome!  

Evie's 9-Month Wellness Check

Evie had her 9-month wellness check and she's still doing great!  I'm glad I snapped this picture BEFORE she had her toe pricked because she was all tears after that.  :(  Her blood results looked good other than her iron level is a little low.  So, we will start pumping some extra protein into her diet.  I hope Evie isn't vegetarian.  Ha, ha!

Current Stats:
Weight:  18 pounds, 7 ounces.  54.33%
Length:  27.75 inches.  53.16%
Head:  16.75 inches.  16.44%

Valentine Day Love

There was a lot of love passed around in our home this Valentine's Day.  I mean, it's already beaming with love, but maybe there was a little bit extra this particular day.

Don't think for one second that Evie wasn't all dressed up for the day, because she totally was!

Happy Valentine's Day!

That very afternoon we got a little visit from the Valentine's Man.  What?  He doesn't come to your house?  You probably need to be a little nicer if you want him to come.  It's totally worth it because he leaves little treats that are filled with love.  He's sneaky too.  He usually leaves those love-filled treats on the door step, rings the doorbell, and then vanishes from sight.  It doesn't matter how fast we answer the door, he just disappears too quickly.

Beau & I got GIANT chocolate-dipped strawberries.  YUM!
Evie Doll got a puppet board book and a GIANT chocolate kiss.

Evie is definitely the highlight of our home.  Everyone said that once you have kids, nobody cares to visit you anymore . . . they just want to see your cute babies/kids.  Well, today was of no exception.  Her grandparents showered her with tons of love!

Grandma Debbie & Grandpa Kay drove all the way out to see this little love bug.

Grandma Ellie & Grandpa George made SURE to stop by for  hugs.

And even Evie's BG (Birth Grandmother) sent her a special Valentine.

 A unique event also happened on Valentine's Day for our little family.  We closed on our new home.  We signed all the paperwork and we now officially own a new place.

Beau and myself in front of our new home.

I will also say that I have the sweetest Valentine.  Back when we first met, it just so happened to be February 13.  That was the date of our very first date to the symphony.  So, we like to celebrate V-Day on the 13th of February every year because it TOTALLY means something to us (and it is quite convenient when going out because there are no crazy crowds).  Well, my handsome Beau came home from work yesterday and told me to get my coat on because he had lined up a babysitter (thank you Chance & Jamie) and he was taking me out for the night.  He presented me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and out the door we went.  We ended up going to dinner at Ruby River (one of my favorite steak houses).  We also made a stop by the Sweet Tooth Fairy for some cake bites.  While I ALWAYS miss my Evie when we're apart, it was so nice to spend some quality time with the man I love.  It's been 9 years since we first met and guess what, I love him more than ever!  I'm a blessed girly!

And, Valentine's Day eventually came to a close and we all went to bed.  But, our love still lives on.

Goodnight Valentine Kisses

Evie at 9 Months

This last month whizzed by!  I'm sure it had something to do with buying a new house, getting our old house ready to sell, and packing boxes like crazy!  Yes . . . we're moving, but I'll share more of that later because this post is all about Evie at 9 months.

I know I keep saying it, but she is sooooo fun!  She's full of energy and curiosity and we cannot. get. enough. of. her.

Here's what she's up to now.

• She started crawling right after she turned 8 months.  And, at this juncture . . . she's crawling like a champ (she's getting fast).
• She figured out how to pull herself up while holding on to something (such as the couch, coffee table, ottoman, etc.).  She is so proud of herself EVERY time she does this.  She always looks to us for validation and praise.  It's adorable.
• She is constantly looking to explore new things.  She wants to feel textures and taste everything (from food to toys to power cords to whatever she finds on the floor).  Don't worry; we do our best to keep harmful things out of her reach. 
• She started this fun, new look where she tilts her head down, but looks up at you with her eyes.  She always follows it with a big grin.  It pretty much melts our hearts!
• She bounces to the beat of music.  When music starts, she starts bouncing.  (This even occurs when we sing to her.)  
• She tries to sing along with us when we sing.  It's awesome!  She's "sang" in the past, but now it's totally on purpose.  Along the same lines, she likes to mimic the music leaders at church.  The music leaders bust up laughing every time.
• She's starting to cut 4-ish teeth on her upper gum.  Yes, I said 4!  Plus it looks like another wants to start on the lower gum.  That makes 5 at once.  My poor baby!
• She still loves animals, but now she loves to chase Codee around the house because she can.  She loves it when she catches up to Codee and gets a chance to pet her.  
• I've started teaching Evie the animal sounds.  Her favorites are duck, cow, and dog.
• She is fascinated with Beau's hair.  It's so funny.  She wants to touch it, but almost doesn't dare.  When she finally gets the courage (or Beau pushes his head into her hand) she giggles.  Oh, it's funny!
• Her giggles are still contagious.  She loves to be lightly thrown into the air and this almost always comes back with the best sound in the world . . . Evie's giggles.
• She still snuggles and loves to be kissed.  

Pretty, Pretty, Evie Doll

Sun, Beach . . . We've Got You Scheduled!

Evie has an announcement to make.  Well, we all do but it's WAY more fun for Evie to make the announcement these days.

Guess where we're going later this year?  It involves the best sun in the world, a beach, shave ice, and relaxation.

Yep, Hawaii!  My parents have their timeshare scheduled for several days in the late-fall.  We're planning to join them and several other members of the family for some Aloha Spirit!  We can't WAIT to share such a fun trip with our Evie doll!

And, I must share this picture I took of Evie while I had my macro-lense on.  (She got her picture taken right after I took this picture of Sweet Potato and Black Bean Turkey Chili.)  I love grabbing pics of Evie with the macro-lense because it really picks up on her features.  And, I think her features are so pretty.

Cousin Time

We spent some time with Beau's family on Super Bowl Sunday.  Since I have little interest in football and much more interest in my baby, I spent my time with the girls.  Evie had a BLAST playing with HaLee and I'm sure they are going to be the best of friends throughout their lives.  They are only 9 months apart in age and a pair of cuties!