Addie's 1st School Picture

When Picture Day at Pinecrest came around, I thought nothing of it. On two occasions at Tutor Time, Addison screamed and wouldn't take a picture. Anticipating the same result, I purchased the smallest package this time. Alas, they came out pretty cute!!!

Addison's First Haircut!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books Addison got her first haircut on Saturday. I figured it was time to even up the back mullet with the side wispy hair she has. She was all good when we got to Supercuts, and even when we put her up on the booster, but as soon as we tried to put the smock around her, she flipped! We tried everything, her paci, a flower, and a lollipop. We even tried my mom wearing a smock to show her it was ok. None of it worked. In the end, she sat on my mom's lap with paci in mouth, flower in hand, and my mom still wearing the smock. Comedy! You can see how hard she was sucking on her paci in the video, she was worked up! In the end they gave us a cute little certificate and we called it a day. You can't tell her cute much from the front, but the back looks much less straggly :)

Addison's First Trip to the Beach!

Addison- carrying the bucket just like a purse. I love this kid!

Not too sure about the ocean when we first got there. She kept staring at the other kids and the water. Eventually she broke down, but she was still pretty cautious.
And then she would point to things of interest
Addison and my neighbor's daughter, Angelique
Snot and sand- doesn't mix well
She is obsessed with shoes. She puts mine on, then hers on. Sometimes she even tries to add a second pair :)
The older girls had toga towels, so Addie wanted one. We had to fold it in half so it wouldn't drag. And then mommy cleaver tucked it in the back strap of her suit to hold it up :)

Addison's first pig tails!

And boy did she hate getting her hair done. My goodness! We'll save those for special occassions. LOL!

My First Popsicle

I found these sugar-free popsicles at the market and though; Why not? It took a few seconds of getting over the cold factor, but then she dove right in! I knew she loved it based on the blue slobber everywhere!!!

Addison's First Visit With Santa!

Addison isn't quite looking at the camera, but she wasn't crying so we took it! Of course if Roger had listened to the litlle elf, he would have stood in the right place and she would have been looking straight ahead.

A Sweet "Ma Ma" for Me :)

At night we lay Addison down around 7PM. We play one of her nighttime CDs and lay her down with her blanket and bunny. She drifts off to sleep so peacefully. The other night, she randomly woke up again around 8:30, I of course headed in to see what she was doing. As I walked in the room and looked in her crib she sat up, raised her arms, looked at me and said "ma ma". It was the first time she had said the word and I knew that she was using it intentionally. Nothing could melt my heart faster than that! I promptly picked her up and snuggled with her before I put her back down :)

Pictures From Addie's 1st Birthday Party!

Addie giving her Auntie Deuce some love

Starting to open presents.
Attempting to put on a shirt she got. I guess she really liked it!
Thank you so much for my presents! *blowing kisses*

Me, my Dad, and Lisa. They are just amazing. They flew from AZ to CA for the day to be here for Addison's party. We were so honored. AND, they willingly worked their butts off to help us get set-up! We love you guys!!
Addie, Roger, Me, and Genie
Having some fun in the bouncer. Addison looks like she is raising the roof!
More fun bouncer time with my bug and baby Zaide!
Auntie Deuce and Addie!

A little unsure of all of the people!

The cupcake cake!
The smask cake, that I MADE! Go me, I was pretty dang proud of myself.
The sign we had made. The sample sign on the web site actually had the same verbiage. So we bought it, and copied them :)

More to come later....

Overall, Addie's party was a big success. I was a little worried when they weather turned late in the week. We live in CA, who would have thought we would get rain? It turned out that it did not rain on Saturday, it was just cold. So, we kept all of the celebrating inside and lit the fireplaces. We even had a fire pit out back for the "outside" people, otherwise known as "smokers" :) The big bounce house with the slide was a big hit amoung the kids as well as the adults.
Addison was a little under the weather with two ear infections and four teeth coming in, but still was in pretty good spirits. She just wasn't her normal smiley self. When it came time for cake, Addie didn't want to smash up the ladybug. Maybe she knew how much work her Momma put into it? Instead, she just snacked on a carrot and barely licked some icing of of her fingers.
She did get tons of fun presents from friends and family! So many clothes and toys for her to enjoy. Thank you everyone!!

Shots of Addison at Lunch on Her Birthday

We spent lunch with Addie's Auntie Deuce. While waiting for our food, Addison devoured at least 3 radishes! I couldn't believe it. I for one don't like them, but Roger does. It seems like she inherited those taste buds from Daddy!

Happy 1st Birthday, Addison!!

Happy Birthday to you Addison, my sweet girl! I can't believe that it's already been a year since you arrived. Your birth was a day of so many emotions for me, and today they have only deepened. This past year has been amazing, joyous, and eventful! To see life through your eyes is invaluable- a true gift. Everything is richer with you in our lives.

Although, time flies by so quickly, but I have managed to savor so many moments. Your milestones are ones that tug on my heartstrings. I look back fondly on this past year and eagerly to the next. I know we have so much more to share. I look forward to teaching you so many things, and learning from you lessons that you don't even realize you teach.

I'm so proud to be your mom. Our bond and love is nothing I ever could have imagined before.

Click here for a video of Addison's Birthday morning greeting:

Happy Thanksgiving!

We hope you enjoyed your holiday! As with all years, we are grateful for our family, friends, and health. This year in particular, we are exceptionally grateful that God blessed us with our daughter, Addison. It was a long journey to bring her into our family. She is a reminder of how God works in his own ways. We are so thankful for everything she has brought into our worlds. Even the most ordinary instances are exciting when you see them through your child's eyes. I can't express my gratitude enough for the joy she has brought to my life.

Finally-Holding her own bottle!

YES! Now on a regular basis we can lay Addison down with her bottle and she will hold it by herself! YAY! This was a loonngg time coming. My little diva just never wanted to hold the bottle herself. She would even get frustrated if you tried to force her.
Now onto the sippie cup........

Addison's 1st Halloween!

Addison was so good on Halloween. She cruised around in her stroller peacefully while we Trick Or Treated with AJ and Shannon. She was nice and snug, she even camouflaged right into the background!