The Latest

Well, it's been a few weeks since I posted anything, and Doug reminded me that Olivia's "fans" are awaiting new content. Long story short, she got a nasty stomach virus shortly after we got back from Utah. Shortly after she recovered from that she came down with an icky cold. Needless to say, she wasn't the most photogenic thing over the last few weeks! However, she's all better now, so here's some new pics.

We've been trying to enjoy the nice weather as much as possible (since I know that winter is coming. Ugh.) and have spent as much time as possible outside. She's super into her ride-on toys!



She's also really into playing in her tent. Thank goodness for cheap Ikea finds!

Check out her sweet hair. Doug won't let me get it cut, so she always looks incredibly messy.

And check out what the little miss figured out how to do today!

She's been working on standing the last few days, and taking 2-3 steps, but today she seems like she's finally putting it all together. She stood up & took 10 steps before bed tonight!

Today

Today, I'm loving...

Olivia's new super-cheeser face.


Punk rock bathtimes.


Cousins in matching attire.



(Photos taken from my SIL Erin's adorable blog).

Gap's new City Flats. So cute.


The new Sara Bareilles album. Buy/download it. Now.

And, of course, what I love most of all today is the brave men and women who continue to serve and protect our country. And I am remembering those who lost their lives on 9.11.01. I think back to the many acts of heroism on that day, as well as those who continue to heroically protect our freedom, and feel so incredibly blessed to live in such an amazing place. Never forget.

Family Pictures (continued)

I wanted to share a few more "favorites" from our family pictures by the fabulous Ryan Phillips (he was our wedding photographer, too!). These were all taken while we were in Bend, OR this past July.

























Side note: We had a great trip to Utah... Olivia loved spending time with her cousins, and Doug got the deer he was looking for. All in all, it was a successful week for everyone :). I left all of the photo-taking to my mother-in-law and sister-in-law so once they share some pictures with me (hint hint, Chris & Erin :), I'll post again!

We're heading to Utah (the males are going hunting while we ladies will be spending time with the kiddos), but I got our family pictures today and wanted to leave you all with something new to look at until we're back in town!


Could she possibly be any cuter?!?

Olivia and I were playing in the backyard this afternoon and I realized that she really is turning into a little girl. Where did my baby go? Stop growing, please!

I love this age. Sure, it can be frustrating... she knows what she wants but can't express it, which of course eventually leads to annoying whines and crazy tantrums. But, on the flip side, it's so amazing to watch her soak up the world around her. I feel like every day she learns something new.

She is pretty close to walking (standing up on her own but hasn't worked up the courage to take any steps yet). Still no teeth, though! What she lacks in teeth she more than makes up for in vocabulary; she knows hi/hello, bye, doggie (her favorite), cat, bird, monkey, airplane, belly, cheese, night night, flower, dada and (finally!!!) mama. It took her forever to say mama, but it came out real quick in a jealous fit the other evening when I was holding a friend's newborn! Girl definitely doesn't like to share her mama.

I've been working on finishing up her nursery (and even roped my mom in for help with some painting :), hopefully I'll be able to post pictures of the finished product soon!

Seattle Sunshine

Pretty sure that it doesn't get much better than this!

(Olivia enjoying the view on our boat ride to dinner at Lake Union.)

Summer Days

We've been making the most of this streak of sunny days (yeah, you get excited about things like this in Seattle) and spending most of our day outside. I let O play with some chalk the other day, which she honestly didn't really understand the point of. But it made for a cute photo op!


Check out her mullet. Oooh yeah. At least it's a bit curly so it doesn't look so bad.
Right?!?


She finally understands the concept of ride-on toys, and spent a good portion of this afternoon on the zebra.


Taking a break to give him a close-up exam.


This is how she spends most of her time: climbing up on my legs and whining & clawing at me until I pick her up. This is my view a good 85% of the day. I'm kinda ready for her to start walking at this point.

And yes, she has a tiny black eye. Ooops! Darn sharp corners.