13 Months!

Where has the time gone. My baby is already 13 months old.  We have had a great year together.  When Adalyn was a few months old a few people told me that every stage just got better and better, it was hard to see that then because I absolutely loved the stage she was at then.  I now see where they were coming from, it is so much fun to watch babies learn and grow. I have loved enjoying her in her different stages and am currently enjoying listening to her laugh, babble,  climb stairs, watching her eat, play, understand and listen...

Our trip to Alaska in the beginning of August 2011. Adalyn was 8 months old.

My little lady bug (11 months old)

Fun times at the pumpkin patch

 So precious!

Out of order, here's more of us in Alaska.  Dad's highlight of the trip was catching a fish with Addie on his back.  It made mom a bit nervous.  Thank goodness for the metal bars on the backpack carrier that saved her legs when Dad fell on his bum.

Pictures with the Grinch became too difficult to capture after 9 months.

We enjoyed a few camping trips this summer.  Our favorite spot was Henry Cowell Redwoods, just 30 minutes away from home with a Safeway and one of our favorite ice cream shops nearby.

She continues to be attached to her bear, JP (Named after the logo JP Morgan on his shirt.  I admit I gave Dad a hard time when he brought this bear home from a work conference, "why do we need another stuffed animal in the house?" I have taken my words back and think it is adorable how much she loves JP.

Learning to use a sippy cup while camping

Fun times with her friend Gracelyn

Mom loves Addie's kisses, even with a bit of slobber

Andy's sister Ali got married in Utah in September.  :( No picture of the bride for you but of course one of Addie (10 months).  She was a good girl at the wedding. Spent most of her time sitting on a blanket on the grass playing with a book or keys.

Hanging out with cousins

Family has been entertained watching her enjoy her bananas. Circleville in September with the Karren Family  and Peterson Grandparents

I love the mountains in Circleville (small town in southern Utah where my grandfather grew up and owns the house he grew up in and now a cabin next door.  Population of about 300.  One of my favorite things to do in Circleville is to take a tour of the town cemetery with my grandpa, he knows everyone there! I also enjoy riding four wheelers, being out in the open land and air, and going down to the barn to visit all the milk cows.

A day trip into Bryce Canyon

More camping

Halloween with her buddy Gracelyn

Story time at the library

Adalyn's first birthday party with grandpa and great grandpa

Her favorite gifts were her clothes.  She opened them and hugged them and put them around the back of her neck. The box to her shopping cart was also a huge hit, she enjoyed climbing up it and sliding down it.

Thanksgiving Day in Centerville Utah with the Armstrong's.

The day after Thanksgiving, November 25th.  Her first birthday.

Carmel in December

Not a huge fan of Santa although she did take the grape from him.  She loves grapes! I would be in trouble if I let her eat all the grapes and blueberries that she wanted to.

We had a wonderful Christmas this year that felt like Adalyn's first Christmas, since she was just 1 month old last year.  We spent Christmas Eve Eve at my grandma's with aunts and uncles and cousins.  Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were spend at my parents house with my siblings and their spouses. We ate, played games, opened presents, read the Christmas story, and just relaxed together.  My favorite part was that despite all the fun Adalyn still got her naps.

In counting my many blessings I am thankful for a happy healthy little girl.  She is a wonderful little sleeper and eater.  This has made for a happy mom and little girl all year.

The first week of December was a huge step for mom.  I left my baby girl for 8 days straight.  I was a little nervous about how I would do being away from her for so long.  After all I miss her after I have been away for ten hours and return home from work. (I have continued working part time, 2 days one week and 3 days the next. Which is working out great.) But to my surprise I did great.  And she did great.  Although I wasn't worried about her, I knew she would be in good hands and I was pretty confident that she would be a great girl.  Andy's Dad flew out from Utah and watched her for us while Andy worked. I think they all enjoyed their time together... They went for long walks and Adalyn had 100% of grandpa's attention. Life couldn't get better for her. She now has grandpa wrapped around her finger. A few days before Christmas I got a call from him saying to look out for a package coming from UPS, he said that when 

Back to Adalyn... Her middle name fits her perfectly, she is such a JOY.  We have had friends babysit her that have described her as sweet, precious, and delightful.  And I'd have to agree, though that's not to say that she doesn't have her not so sweet moments too.

I'm so happy to be this little girls mom!