Family evenings

Pulling Up!

At 8 months old Sydney is pulling up on everything! She definitely wants to be standing up. She was tickling McKinzie's toes this morning as Kinz was sitting on the couch! Seems like it has all happened so fast! Crawling at 6 months, sitting up on her own at 7 months, pulling up at 8 months! Sydney loves the mobility!

Sitting Up!

It seems like it has all happened so fast! Sydney is crawling and sitting up. I still bring a blanket for her when we go to parks, but I'm not sure why!

Crawling!

Sydney is officially on the move. She is crawling anywhere and everywhere!

Love those lazy afternoons

Swim Lessons

McKinzie did so awesome in her first solo (without mommy) swim lessons! She had no problem walking away into the pool with her swim instructor and 3 other kids - I was so impressed! Kinzie had a great time at each lesson and gave her best effort, so proud of that! She was very encouraging to a little boy in her session that was terrified of the water. Not sure which I'm proud of more - her efforts in the pool or her compassion for a friend. Way to go Kinz!

Born to Entertain

Babies cry, that is something that I don't think McKinzie (nor I, honestly) was expecting to happen as much as it does. At first Sydney's crying really bothered McKinzie! But it's fun to see that just like I've been able to get to know Sydney's personality and help sooth her - so has McKinzie!

Sunday Mornings

We really appreciated finding a church to get involved with and seeing McKinzie grow to love her Sunday School time. Now with Sydney I've been staying home to find that quality time together. I have to say that I've really loved our quiet Sunday mornings together! It's so great to get to know her and see her flash that sparkly eye smile!

Big Help

I'm noticing that McKinzie is passing on our little traditions to Sydney. It's fun to see!
McKinzie and I spent countless hours at the park across the street from our old house. When McKinzie was too little to climb on the play equipment she usually wanted me to push her on the swing. I always sang to her while I pushed - not sure why, maybe my mom sang to me too? Anyway, it's so fun to hear her singing to Sydney now!

G & G visit this spring

Of course, we wish we had taken way more pictures, but here are a few from our visit with Grandma and Grandpa over Easter. The weather was perfect and we had a great time doing outdoor projects and spending time together.

We visited the Downtown Aquarium with Grandma and Grandpa. This is a favorite place to take McKinzie!
One of our favorite activities to do when G & G visit - make cookies!

Grandma getting a pedicure - I didn't realize McKinzie would be so interested already. She had a great time watching and asking questions. I'm sure all the ladies in the salon appreciated it too!

The weather was perfect for outdoor projects!

Grandma teaching Sydney the art of sunbathing.

McKinzie was so excited to go fishing with Dad!

Good thing we brought snacks!

Sunny Skies

We took full advantage of the wonderful spring weather we were given! It was great to be able to enjoy our new backyard and swingset!

Making a Mess

If Sydney could talk I think she would already be saying, "All by myself mommy!" I love her drive and determination ... messy at the moment but it'll serve her well later!

Almost crawling ...

Sydney is one strong little baby! She can scoot herself and roll to get where or what she wants, but we're seeing those crawling skills develop too!

Daddies and their daughters ...

Of all the great things that have happened for our family with the addition of Sydney, one of my favorite things is the time that daddy and McKinzie have to share. I feel so fortunate that they love to hang out and do fun things together. This has helped McKinzie in her transition from only loved on child to sharing the attention (and newborns need lots of attention!).

Kangaroo mama

Now that Sydney is napping less I carry her around in the Baby Bijorn - although if I put her in it when she is a little sleepy by the time I finish a few chores she is usually lights out!

Thanks for the picture McKinzie!

Getting the giggles

I love the way McKinzie and Sydney can already play together in their very own way.

Eating breakfast together

Enjoying some outside play

Baby Talk

Princess GiGi

McKinzie loves the Princess GiGi books and dvds!

Including little sister

Sharing our favorite activities with Sydney had been fun! Now that she is more active and mobile we'll see how this all works out! We're all learning that it's our joy to share!

First Food

Just before 6 months Sydney tried out rice cereal!

She wasn't buying it at first, but eventually got a taste for it!

Oh, how quickly the time has gone by!

Sydney had her first meal on the same day McKinzie got her first haircut!

That was a special day!

First Haircut

This is the before picture ...


It was quick, easy and painless! McKinzie sat so still in the chair, pretty nervous I think! We had gone in the week before so McKinzie could watch me get my haircut and see that it was nothing to worry about! Sydney was just 5 months old so she looked on from her carseat.

Watching it all happen in the mirror.

We celebrated this exciting event with pizza at our favorite place!

I couldn't have been more pleased - I think Kinz looks adorable!

Fun with Friends