Happy Easter!

You Say Tomato, I Say Ba-ba-da-da-da

Stella had a big time in our backyard garden recently, getting her first look at our soon-to-be tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and zucchini. She didn't quite understand the difference between food and soil, and got a bit over-anxious about the future bounty by trying to ingest a nice dirt clod. Then she got distracted by some nearby grass.

Springtime is gonna be fun.

Happy 3/4!

Baby Stella celebrated her 9-month birthday on Saturday. As you can see, she had the traditional 9-month birthday lunch of green peas and chicken sausage. Mmmm mmm. She also got to wear her Ronald McDonald PJs all day long.

We were glad that Markana's parents and brother could be here, too. They, as usual, were a huge help after M's latest treatment and we appreciate everything they do for us.

Happy B-day Stella Rose! Big #1 is right around the corner...

Because My Mother Said So

We were in West Tennessee this weekend for a visit with my family. My Mother let me know before hand that I should bring a white onesie with me, because she was going to put Stella in the "Easter dress" that she bought her and take a picture.

I am not a girly girl. I do like a high heel (or I used to before a became pregnant/mother) and a fun dress, but I have never been "fru fru". Therefore, to the disappointment of most people that I know, I do not dress Stella in such things. But, Stella does own many of these things somehow...

Well, here is a photo that we captured with our camera and I must admit that she looks pretty cute. She looks "beautiful" my Mother says.

Baby Jude

We were so glad to finally meet baby Jude. We have been waiting for him for so long! If you have not read Heather and David's story (http://heltonbaby.blogspot.com/) I will give you the short. After many miscarriages and failed rounds of In Vitro, Heather's sister-in-law, Cami volunteered to carry their baby. And here he is!

Jude really is so lucky to have parents and a family that loves him so much. He is a special litle boy. We love him already.

We have secret hopes that one day Stella and Jude will marry. Silly, I know. But aren't they so cute together!

Congratulations Heather and David! We love you.

You can wear what you want when working from home

Stella Wins!

Well, not really. But when you post your picture to the contest it lets you create a pretend magazine cover. It also automatically generates the headline at the bottom of the page based on the overall cuteness of your baby. Amazing!

Thanks to everyone who voted for helping us select the best photo to submit. 'D' was the favorite with 7 votes, 'B' received 4, and both 'A' and 'C' received 1.

Cross your fingers!

Never Say Never

Please help us help Stella win a $125,000 college scholarship. We are shamelessly entering her photo in a contest held by Parenting Magazine/Gerber/Regis and Kelly. Our trouble is deciding which photo is the best bet. The deadline is Friday, so don't forget to vote! (see poll to the right)

A
B
C
D

Sink

From Stella, 2009.02

We had to move Stella's bath ritual to the kitchen sink, and so thought it appropriate to snap a few customary baby-in-kitchen-sink photos. We're starting to see the signs of a very mobile child — pulling up, crawling (well, scooting) — and therefore we are learning that it's time to baby-proof. Tonight's bath included grabbing a knife from the dish drain, dunking herself with the faucet and almost pulling up (and out) of the sink.

But aside from the usual baby stuff, we're also seeing signs that she inherited mommy's culinary talents. Like here, where she's practicing what does, and doesn't, fit inside a measuring cup.

From Stella, 2009.02

Look at me!

From Stella, 2009.02

Stella is 7 months old today and look at her grow! Fortunately for me, I have posed her in her bed like this - not of her own learning. But soon, very soon. She has not figured out how to crawl yet. Well, her knees and feet seem to know what to do and they are waiting for her arms to catch up. But when they do - watch out kitty cats!

.....who does this baby look like??? She is too funny.