These boots were made for walking

Flashback photo ... taken during our Memorial Day vacation in Yellowstone back in May. Pictured here is Aunt Stephanie's boyfriend Rick letting Adeline try on his hiking boots at our hotel in Cooke City. That expression is priceless!

Nine months....

To think nine months ago I gave birth to this beautiful baby girl. And nine months before that I began carrying her in my womb. What a journey JD and I have gone through these last 18 months. And don't even get me started on the journey my body has gone through these last 18 months. I'm proud to say however I'm on track to loosing my pregnancy weight. In the spirit of full disclosure, I gained 48 pounds while pregnant with Adeline. Ugh. It's hard to read that number let alone think about it. Since December 28 -- 9 months -- I have lost 33 pounds. A big chunk of that came off right away but it's been hard shedding the other pounds. That's why I joined Weight Watchers with my mom and friend Sarah (who is also on track to loosing her pregnancy weight!) It's been great having supportive friends and family and I applaud all you other new moms out there on the journey of fitting into those pre-baby clothes. Oh how I miss you my perfectly worn Gap jeans that are two sizes too small. So here's to skipping the potato chips, going on that evening walk and loosing those last 15 pounds.

Down by the river

These shots were taken earlier this month when we were driving through Yellowstone National Park after visiting family in Wyoming. JD and I found a quiet spot down by the river to nurse baby, have a break from the car and enjoy the sunshine.

Grrrr

Adeline enjoying some long afternoon shadows in the front yard.

Showin' off

Earlier this week I took Adeline to the 'Books and Babies' program at our local library. Moms and babies ages newborn to two get together to sing, read and play. During the end the babies get to play with a giant pile of toys. As I sat there with Addie in my lap watching babies close to her age crawl on their hands and knees I thought to myself...I wonder when Addie will begin this stage in her development. Yes she can crawl but it's propelled mainly by her arms — dragging her tummy — using her toes for momentum. Then out of no where Addie climbs out of my lap and crawls with her hands and knees TUMMY OFF THE FLOOR to reach a bright red ball a few feet away. I was shocked. The funny part...this was three days ago and she has yet to crawl hands and knees in front of her father and I at home. I guess all it took was peer pressure.

First Tooth

It's official. Adeline has her first tooth!
Bring on the candy apples and beef jerky.

Hello Earl, I'm Addie

...excuse me park ranger...but that baby is sitting on an elk....

No for real it's just a stuffed elk in Aunt Tephie's rental condo in Dubois, Wyoming. There are seriously like 30 mounted animals in her rental. Including but not limited to this elk — who is named Earl — a buffalo and an alligator!

p.s. doesn't her hair look red in this photo?!

Look at me ... I can stand

What Adeline has been practicing while we've been sleeping.

Happy Grandparents Day

Dear Grandma Cheryl, Thank you for taking me to the fair in Missoula. I loved seeing all the animals especially the little piglets and the rooster. I love you ~ Adeline.

Dear Grandpa Jim, Thank you for hanging a swing just for me...in your living room. This way I can enjoy it even when it's dark outside or snowing! I love you ~ Adeline.

Dear Grandma Cathy, Thank you for taking me out in nature and spending so much time with me this summer going places like Big Sky and Salt Lake City. I love you ~ Adeline.

Dear Grandpa John, Thank you for building me my very own teepee, I am such a lucky little girl. I can't wait to spend more time playing inside the colorful walls. I love you ~ Adeline.

No Mom, let ME have the spoon

Ooooo isn't she just the cutest.
Feeding herself some winter squash.

"In Your Face"

"Here's a glimpse of Addie I thought you three would appreciate."
A photo and message from Grandpa John.
And might I say...awesome photo...and quite a glimpse into Adeline's personality.

A beautiful 8-month-old baby

peek-a-boo Adeline !