Saturday, November 27, 2010

A Week Full Of Fun Adventures!


With the weather changing into something more like winter these days, Lillian and I dropped into Starbucks for a warm tea and apple juice while out shopping in Turlock! Starbucks had all their Christmas decor out including some cute children's stories with a cast of stuffed animal characters... Lillian latched onto Mr. Huxley, a cute little stuffed mouse!
The pet store is one of Lillian's most favorite places to visit! She loves playing with the squeeky dog toys, watching the many salt and fresh water fish, harassing the birds and pointing at the bunnies and hamsters! This is all harmless, but with her mobility and confidence growing, the more trouble she seems to be getting into... go figure! More recently, she has begun pulling off price tags... Pictured here, she climbed up onto a display shelf, has a feeder fish price tag in one hand (which she pulled off while I wasn't looking) and is pulling off tank thermometers with the other! I have to watch her like a hawk!
At gymnastics this week, Lillian showed off her skills on the balance beam!


Lillian has learned how to jump on the trampoline bringing both feet into the air at the same time! This is a skill that's difficult for little ones to master!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

A Walk to Remember!


It was a chilly day yesterday, but Lillian, Keith and I decided to tackle the frigid air and go on a long two mile walk around our neighborhood and golf course.
Lillian rode in her little blue car only for a little while... most of the time on the course, she demanded that she walk and, to our surprise, easily kept up with her daddy and I!
Near the second hole with Finn in the lead!

Baby Boy Coffee Bean's Baby Shower!


We had a baby shower for our son (who we're calling Coffee Bean for now since we're still undecided about a name) this past Saturday! Keith and I were humbled and extremely grateful that so many of our friends and family were there to help us celebrate his anticipated arrival! We must have had twenty guests as well as at least ten children in attendance! I was overwhelmed with the Kindness and generosity expressed to me in the many hugs and gifts given! A big thank you to everyone for making our baby shower a party to remember!!!!
Aunt Kate, Lillian and I
Aunt Vicki and Lillian!
Uncle Lee, Aunt Vicki and Lillian
Kristl, Aunt Vicki and Lillian!
Kristl brightened up the day with her beautiful smile!
Ellen and Kristl!
Ashley made the cake and cupcakes, which were TO DIE FOR!!! The cake was decorated to match the 'Little Explorer' theme for Coffee Bean's room! It was a delicious lemon cake with four layers of lemon filling to boot! The cupcakes were amazing and my husband wouldn't stop raving about them days later!
The cake!
Mira's Beautiful baby girl!
Some of the kids!
Shiloh and Lillian!
Theresa and Mira next to the piggy bank given by Aunt Vicki!
Gina and Amber
Great Grandpa Oli, Grandpa Stan and me!
One of the many amazing gifts showered upon us!
Aunt Erin and cousin Caity!
Andrea and her twin boys!
Grandma Sandy, Great Uncle Lee and Great Aunt Vicki!
Great Grandpa Oli!
Ashley and Andrea with beautiful children!
Shiloh, Theresa, Gina and Amber!
Me with Uncle Lee and Aunt Vicki!
Emily with her girls, Camilla and Olivia!
Shiloh and Mira!
Lillian with her Great Grandpa, Oli!

A Visit From Grandma Cynthia and Grandpa Tom!


Lillian really enjoyed her grandparents while they were visiting last weekend! I'm pretty sure Grandma's arms were sore afterwards :) Grandma and Lillian read many stories and Lillian enjoyed cuddling with her grandpa on the couch! We packed in a lot that weekend including many wonderful memories!
Lillian hanging out with her grandpa!
Grandpa Tom, Finn, mommy and Lillian getting ready for a walk!

Early Thanksgiving With The Adams Family!


Cousin Caity impressed us with her talent on the clarinet! She's only been playing since September and already knows a book-full of songs!!
Lillian had a great ol' time playing with her cousins! Pictured here, Lillian is taking a break from all of her running around 'monkey time' on her cousin Samantha's lap!
Aunt Erin and Uncle Alex made an amazing turkey dinner. Yummy, yummy!!! Grandpa Tom cooked up some delicious stuffed peppers and my Keith cooked up a tasty yam dish as well as a green bean casserole! It was a meal fit for royalty! :)
Lillian REALLY liked climbing up and down the stairs! Daddy and I took turns watching her and helping her keep her balance! Eeeeeeeek!

Friday, November 19, 2010

Her First Baby Doll!

We got Lillian her first baby doll yesterday! We did this for a couple of reasons... to help her get used to a new baby in the house... the fact that every little girl seems to LOVE baby dolls... What I didn't expect was how much she would actually like it! Upon picking it off the shelf at the store, she was completely entranced! When we got home and I took it out of the box, she immediately held it close. It came with a little bottle, so I showed her how to 'feed' the baby... I did this only once before she understood what it was used for and began feeding her baby on her own. I have to admit, I was a little surprised at how quickly and happily, she cared after her little baby... and at 15 months no less! For most of us born with the inherited the XX chromosome, caring for our young must be ingrained in our DNA. Even though I was a tomboy, I was the same way when I was a youngster. My brother on the other hand was more into blowing them up with his pretend machine gun when he was a little boy. Not saying that XY chromosomal inheritance means that all men steer toward infanticide, but it does show a stark difference between the sexes with respect to instincts!
Holding her baby close!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Gymnastics With The Boys!

On Tuesday evenings, Lillian's gymnastics and cheer class is an all girl class, but on Wednesday mornings it's all about the boys ;) Mikey is very affectionate and gave Lillian some kisses and hugs! She spends a lot of time just watching the boys jump and tumble, but when it's her turn, they are very gentle and protective of her. It's very cute to watch!
Lillian has learned how to bounce on the trampoline all by herself!
Miss Erika is 'rolling' Lillian on the giant red ball! This activity gets the children used to different orientations and helps them be less afraid of tumbling :)
Mikey and Lillian rolling the ball together!
Hi-ya, boys! ;)
Lillian getting ready for a summersault!
Weeeeeeeeeee!
Navigating a step!
Time for the parallel bars!
Lillian completing a summersault! Just last week, Lillian was a bit uncomfortable with the whole summersault thing, but this morning, she participated with enthusiasm!
Balancing beam!
Watching Mikey and Ryan acting goofy!
Getting ready to run and jump onto a large pad!
At the end of gymnastics, Lillian got a sticker for each hand and one on her nose for a job well done!