On Big Girl Baths

For a while now, I've been taking my baths in the big tub.  At first, Mom was really nervous about this and I had to sit in my Bumbo seat.  But now that I do great sitting up on my own, bath time is so much fun!

On Toy Rule #1

Toy Rule #1:  The Poppin Pals shall never be up.

On a New Babysitter

Last week, Grandma came in to babysit while Grandpa and Uncle Jeff went on a dig in South Carolina.  Grandma and I had so much fun together while Mama and Daddy were at work.  She even helped teach me how to use my sippy cup.

On the way back from their dig, we all went to eat at Jason's Deli.  

I was not in the best mood at the deli because I knew everyone was leaving.  I hope they come again to visit soon!

On New Tricks

On a Swing

Thanks for letting me use your swing Cole!  I love it!

On a Winter's Nap

Usually, when one talks about a winter nap, they are curled up inside with toasty blankets.  However, a few weekends ago, the weather was so nice that Colleen and I decided a nap in the hammock would be nice.

On a Nine Month Old

Nine Month Doctor's Appointment
Weight: 18 pounds 8 ounces
Height:  29 inches
Head Circumference:  17 1/2 inches

We are pulling up on everything and have five teeth showing!

On Extended Family Christmas Parties

While at my parents' house, we also got together with extended family members for Christmas.

The Mangan Christmas (Mom's side)

The Gebhart Christmas (Dad's side)

On a Gebhart/Rees/Uhl Family Christmas

After leaving Medina (in the snow I might add) we headed for my parent's house for Christmas with my side of the family.  Our car was packed like a jigsaw puzzle with new toys and borrowed baby gates for Colleen as well as gifts for my side of the family, luggage and baby gear.

We celebrated Christmas on Thursday, December 29th.  Unfortunately, my brother Kyle wasn't able to be in town as he had come in earlier during the week.

My parents bought a tree which they could plant outside.  Our presents were wrapped in cloth bags and tags made by my mom.

This is the gift Nini helped Sophie make for Kara and Andy.  It was a potholder with pictures that Sophie had drawn of her family.

James taking a break from opening presents.

A few years ago, my mom started a new tradition in our family.  She sewed a stocking for each member of the family which we exchange small gifts in. It's nice to be able to pick up small items to put in my siblings' stockings.  These picture frames are what we use to "label" the stockings.

 My mom also made Elf dolls for each of the grand kids.  This one is Colleen's.

 I love how Colleen, James, and Owen are all looking at Sophie in this picture.

Colleen loves mirrors!

Owen and James checking out the view from the coffee table.

Owen playing silly games with Pop Pop.

Tom and Sophie working on some puzzles.

It was a wonderful day!

On Cole's 2nd Birthday Party

My nephew Cole's birthday is at the end of December.  We are lucky to usually be in town for his birthday party.  Take a look!

 Cole is a big fan of Elmo!

Colleen enjoyed playing with Cole's new toys.

There was some Nerf Gun playing down in the basement.

Colleen hanging out with Great Grandma Ashton.

Grandchildren picture

 Colleen enjoyed hanging out with the baby in the mirror.

It was a great party!