J & T

Thomas is Jordan's "best friend." Here is a cute pic of them at church last Sunday.

Stella's 12 month update

This update is past due, for sure, but I wanted to post it. In some ways, this blog serves as an on-line baby book, tracking memories that I know we'll want to have for the future...and that I know will, with time, slip away otherwise. And so, the 2-week late 12 month update. :)

As of Stella's 1st birthday, she's an active & happy girl. She's taken a few steps here & there, but isn't quite walking on her own yet. We're pretty convinced that it is more a matter of her mind than her body. She just isn't quite sure of herself yet. She loves to play patty-cake and ball with you. She likes to hug her baby dolls, rock them, and say "aw!" She enjoys taking all the toys out of the bin. Another favorite pastime is watching the dogs in the backyard while standing at the back glass doors. Her favorite book is "Goodnight Moon." She says mama, dada, baby, thank you, ball, wow, yeah, & no. She loves to sing with you & by herself. Stella has a big appetite and will eat almost anything you put in front of her--except bananas, apples, and blueberries. She's mastered the sippy cup now & also loves straws. She helps a lot getting dressed, but hates to slow down to get a diaper change. She loves the bathtub and playing in the water. She really enjoys laughing with other people and is deeply entertained by her sister.

Stats from her 1 year appointment were: weight 23 lbs. 3.5 oz. (75th percentile), length 29 in. (50th percentile), and head circumference was in the 97th percentile. But she doesn't look abnormal or anything. ;)

Stella is a great baby. Right after her birthday, she started going to preschool two mornings a week. After a few days, when I picked her up, her teacher said to me, "Stella is a really cool kid. She's just cool." We agree & like her a lot. She's really happy almost all the time, but when she's not, she's furious. The best word we keep coming up with to describe her personality is "intense." She likes to study people when she first sees/meets them, but usually withing a few minutes, she's reaching for them wanting to be held & cuddled. She's fun and funny and we can't wait to see how she continues to blossom.

Jordan had fun, too!

Stella wasn't the only one who enjoyed Charleston!

Jordan wanted to pose with the outdoor sculpture at the aquarium

Steering the Pirate Ship

Another posing opportunity

Fun breakfast at the IHOP

Jordan loved looking out into the harbor for boats

While shopping, we found an enormous Hello Kitty.
It was only $85. Jordan got lip gloss instead.

Shopping in the market

Jordan really enjoyed the pool at the hotel, too!

Birthday Weekend

Last Saturday, Stella turned one. We celebrated by going to Charleston, SC for the weekend. We had a great time. Here are some shots of the birthday girl.

blowing bubbles with Jordan

digging in the sand

enjoying pizza and a sundae at Bubba Gumps' Shrimp Company
(yes, they actually had pretty good food!)

the family at the harbor

our sweet birthday girl on the boardwalk

We can't believe she isn't a "baby" anymore. The last year has been such fun with Stella in the mix. We love to celebrate her.