Maggie's 1st B-day

We spent the past weekend celebrating Maggie's first birthday! Happy B-day, Mags! It was a great time..........well, except for a little time I had to spend hibernating in the bedroom due to a little illness..........but, we won't emphasize that part.

We started off by doing some shopping at the Chi Omega Christmas House (I think that's what it's called). And let me tell you, I was VERY skeptical about how that scene was going to end. BUT, with much encouragement -- we tried it out. And much to my dismay -- Miss Darby Kate did great! Of course, we had a bigger crew, so I think that helped. Plus, she was able to see that Maggie was in the same type of strapped down mobile device that she was -- the beloved stroller! Those kind of shopping extravaganzas can really get you in the Christmas spirit! Soooooooooooo many cute things. AND sooooooooooo much good food and yummy things to try. (which is one thing that may have contributed to my illness, but like I said, let's not go there) When Dixie and LL finished their shopping -- Clancy and I went up and down a few more aisles. Meanwhile, Darby Kate and Maggie had Babe and Auntie L on their toes. Another first occurred. Darbs went up to Babe, started pointed to her tail end and said "poo, poo" (I'm just repeating what she said, Mom). I'm not sure why she chose those exact words -- I don't say that around her (I chose a much more appropriate term -- doodle), but she did. And, off they went to change her diaper. I tried putting her on the big potty a few times over the weekend, but nothing major happened. One time she may have tinkled, but I think it was just a coincidence. Craziness! I didn't know this was coming up so soon. I need to read some articles, magazines, books......SOMETHING!! How about any and everyone give a little advice and save me some time :)

The following day was the birthday party!!! Miss Maggie looked too cute in her birthday dress -- like a little doll!! Darby Kate had a blast helping her decorate the cupcakes, and playing in her playhouse. (Oh yeah -- they also went to Rowlett's Christmas parade, but I wasn't even aware it was going on.........yuck!) She really enjoyed helping Mags dig into her cupcake cake, eating her own cupcake, and having some yummy ice cream! Thanks everyone for a FUN, FUN weekend!!

Yes, she is pulling her ear. And rather hard at times. Something else we have to work on....

Did I not catch a mischievous look or what!

The lovely birthday cake

The beautiful birthday girl

helping Mags get started

don't mind if I do

Thanks Bebe!

Last week, Bebe came to Hope for a visit. Her main purpose was to come and listen to a wonderful speaker that we had at church, and to eat at the salad supper. I thought it would be a good opportunity to get the Christmas decorations down and get an early start. :) We are keeping things pretty simple this year -- we got everything done EXCEPT for the tree. I'm a little anxious to see how that goes!! THANKS, BEBE!!

16 Months!!

And here we are -- 16 months!! I can't believe it (seems like I say that every time), time continues to fly by so fast! Darby Kate is moving right along -- at a high rate of speed (literally). She is constantly on the go -- pretty much until bedtime. I have actually gotten her to take a nap (in my arms) these past couple of days. Usually, she has to be in the car for me to get her to sleep during the day. Can I count that as progress?

What is she up to..........she understands everything. She is saying more words, but still omitting the first syllable (what is that called again, my speech path friends out there?) She knows eyes, ears, nose, mouth, hair, toes, belly, and clavicle. Ok -- I had to throw one anatomy term in the bunch. We'll see how long it sticks. I have not witnessed this personally, but a week or so ago, Babe reported that Darbs said a sentence. She said "I want something to eat". I know this is difficult to believe, but Babe and Poppy C heard the same thing. AND she said it twice. Who knows -- I guess she will say what she thinks she needs to .... She still loves to put her dirty clothes in her dirty clothes basket. She loves to put things in the trash -- but, when SHE is ready. I gave her a piece of paper to throw away the other day, and she said "no" (a sweet no), and carried it around a bit. I forgot about it and went about things. After she had gone to bed, I went into the bathroom, lifted the toilet seat, and there was the piece of paper. YES -- it's toilet time. She's in to lifting the lid, and she'll go for the water if she gets a chance. I still think the doggy bowl water is her favorite, though. She loves to laugh and to get tickled. She knows we love to hear her laugh really hard, and she will try to keep us doing whatever it is that is making her laugh real hard, so she can keep laughing hard (does that make sense?!?). She LOVEs her some Pepper (our dog). She basically tackles her when she hugs her. She makes a loud smooching sound when she gives sugars. She comes over in the middle of playing to give hugs and sugars. When she's in a hurry, she just gets close, makes the smooching sound, and goes back to playing. If I pretend to cry, she comes over right away to give me a hug or a kiss (I'm afraid that won't last long). She still does not love anything involving straps (high chair, stroller, car seat, etc). She is getting interested in some T.V. (we've started out with some "Jack's Big Music Show" -- thanks Miss Kim -- it's cute) Guess what she has no problem identifying on TV.......Deer, and Football. Hmmmmmmmmm......wonder how that happened?!!? She goes crazy when she sees football on tv. She screams and claps - - she yells "GO, GO, GO!!!" Her favorite word is NO. She has a sweet no, an I'm getting serious no, and a downright sassy no. Her favorite foods are cheese and bananas. She has started to stretch her arms out to any and all strangers. She will hang out in their arms for a minute - sometimes more, sometimes less. She doesn't like to brush her teeth, but we're working on it. She loves to listen to music and dance. She seems to really like band music. She can kick a ball and walk backwards (had to throw in a few gross motor milestones). And believe it or not, there's more. I'm sure of it. She's beautiful and wonderful and the light of our lives! Happy 16 months, Baby Girl!!

Here are a few pictures of how we spent her 16 month b-day...........

in PJs 'til after lunch -- now that's a good Saturday. Here she is trying to put a diaper on her baby bunny.

another photo session........

I love this picture

love these expressions........

Poor Pep -- Darbs booted her out of her bed after this shot.

Happy Birthday, Trev!

Thursday was Trevor's birthday -- the big 3-4. It's crazy to think about us being 30 something. We both feel, and of course look much younger :) We went over to Babe's house Wednesday night for a wonderful supper. Darby Kate had fun playing and helping Daddy unwrap his gifts. I think the musical cards were her favorite!!

Happy Birthday Trev!! To the best husband and daddy ever!!

Darby Kate and Babe playing

dancin', dancin', dancin'!!
A little relaxation before bedtime

look at this beautiful setup!

Dixie prepared a wonderful crown pork roast (i think that was the name for it -- look at the cute little booties)

mmmmmmmmm yummy coconut cream pie!

um yeah - this was the cake I made. I know it looks pretty scary, but it actually tasted pretty good :) -- sorry Trev -- it would have been a fire hazard to put ALL 34 candles on the cake!

Back Outside

With the past few days of dreary weather -- Sugar spent more time than usual inside. She LOVES to be outside -- so, days like these are little more challenging. The rain and drizzle finally cleared out, and so we ventured outside for some splashin' fun. She loves to go and get the newspaper and the mail. So, I got a few shots of a her enjoying a few of her favorite things........being outside, getting the paper, AND wearing her bumblebee boots!!

This and That

This Sunday went somewhat more smooth(ly?) than the last. BUT, for some reason, Darbs woke up a couple of times in the night. This hasn't happened in a loooooooooong time. So, Trev and I have to recover more than she does. She woke up in the night AND woke up early. Great combo. Needless to say, by the time church was over -- she was little miss grouchy sleepyhead. I was determined to get her picture (no, me, never) -- she was determined that I wouldn't. I guess I won that little battle (or did I?)...........

Darby Kate had so much playing in the leaves the day before at Bebe and Pappa's -- I was wanting to find some good spots to take her around Hope. Another chance for some good pics. Yeah! Well, it ended up being more challenging than I thought. We drove around for a good 30 minutes and could find NO colorful trees with pretty ground cover. Really. Is is too much to ask? Trevor thought so -- he was driving us around. And I guess the trees thought so, too. Hopefully, by next week -- Hope will have caught up with Arkadoo's tree time.

Since she was dressed........why not -- here are a few pictures.......

she actually wasn't in trouble here. she just looks kinda guilty, huh?

kissing the frog. mommy's praying for you to find your prince one day, Darbs!

Oh, and here is where we are on the high chair situation. Obviously, not in the high chair. BUT, she wasn't in my lap either. She seemed satisfied just sitting at the bar in a big girl chair. Not the most ideal position, but she made, and ate, the most of it!

yeah -- we're working on those ladylike table manners.

finger-lickin' good!!