11 things I LOVE about being 11 months old!

1. WALKING!!! I am walking everywhere right now and crawling up and down steps or walking with Mommy's hand!

2. BEING OUTSIDE!!! I LOVE to play outside. I run over to the front door and say, "OUT, OUT, GO"!!! I could spend the whole day outside! I love to pick up sticks and carry them around, I try to eat rocks but Mommy always catches me, and I like to play with balls and sidewalk chalk!

3. TALKING!!! I say many words now. I say: mama (MOM), dada (DAA), cat, that ('dat), dog, frog, duck (that's a BIG one), up, down, off, on, in, out, go, (she likes opposites-if you didn't notice), and most recently STOP (with a wagging finger) If Mom remembers more later, she'll add them...

4. SIGNING! I still sign some words, others I have stopped. I no longer say, Monkey-my first word, I will only sign it!! SILLY!!! I sign: cat, duck, bird, want, all done, bottle, eat, go bananas, monkey, and stop. (that's all Mom can think of right now!)

5. DANCING! I love to dance, now that I'm pretty steady on my feet! I twirl, direct (with my hands), bounces at my knees, and the most recent dance move is crouching and hitting my hands on the ground--really looks like I am worshiping! I will not let Mommy video tape my dancing, I stop IMMEDIATELY if I see that camera out!

6. EATING! I have stopped eating those yucky baby food dinners...EWWW! One day my Mommy and Daddy gave me a McDonald's cheeseburger and I realized they had been holding back the "good stuff" from me! I like popcorn chicken, macaroni and cheese, crackers, steamed carrots, apples, bananas, and yogurt...to name a few! I'm sure Mom will give me more good stuff, like the Wendy's frostys and fries she let me try!!! MMMMmmmm!

7. READING BOOKS!!! Mom has given me the best books ever! They have ducks, sing songs, have bright colors, have ribbons, have plastic lady bugs and crickets...wow they are all AMAZING!!! Oh, and she has Tweety books too...although I'm still very confused because Tweety bird LOOKS like a DUCK but Mommy keeps calling it a bird!!

8. Playing with BALLS!! One day I was at Grandma's house and I had the best time playing with her ball. Now, I LOVE THEM!! Mommy and Daddy got me a beach ball, a pink light weight ball, and red small bouncy ball, and a small red and yellow soft ball! They are all great! I like to throw them over the baby gate and into Daddy's office! Daddy likes to bounce them off my head...FUN!!

9. Pulling the fan light ON and OFF and turning the TV ON and OFF!!! Daddy holds me up high and I pull on the string on the ceiling fan to turn the light on and off...so fun! Sometimes I hit it with my hands and have to chase it and catch it!! I tried to get Mommy to hold me up high enough, but she can't get me up that high! I also like to turn the TV on and off! Mommy doesn't like it very much, but I think its HILARIOUS!

10. CLIMBING UP STAIRS!! I love to walk from the car into the house. I hold onto Mommy's hand and climb them with my left and right feet....just like the big people do! It is sooo fun!

11. I LOVE MY MOMMY AND DADDY!!! I blow them kisses, give them hugs, we laugh together, and they are just the best ever! (okay...you are all thinking, we know who is typing all this...but I'm out of things to type! LOL)

Wedding, Landscaping, and a Baptism...Oh my!

This weekend we went to White City to a friend's wedding. Raychel enjoyed the ceremony as it was outside and she LOVES to be outside! She had a blast at the reception too! She found the door to the kitchen and kept sneaking out...you would think she could read since there was a sign on the door that said, "No children allowed!". How do they sense these things?? LOL

Daddy just retrieved her and THERE SHE GOES AGAIN!!! LOL

Enjoying a drink with lunch!

She actually stopped the bride and groom's first dance by walking out to the dance floor. They had been so busy moving and wedding planning, they didn't know she was walking! They both cheered! Everybody dance now!! =)

YEEAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!! This so soooooo FUN!!!!!!!! =)We...okay Daddy...put an arbor at the end of our sidewalk. It is attached to two whisky barrels that will be filled with flowers! HOPEFULLY, the Morning Glory will climb over the arbor before the end of summer!

Raychel thought it was great fun to watch Daddy use his power tools! She kept stealing the U ring that he was trying to install too...that was FUNNY! ;)

When he was away getting supplies, she tried out the local sticks! YES, it is a stick...not a cigar! Mommy's words...and I quote..."OUT OF MOUTH, RAYCHEL!"

When Daddy didn't come back soon enough, she started to the back yard to find him! She is starting to explore more, leave familiar areas, and go with or without Mommy and Daddy! She had never walked down this path before, but she was determined to find Daddy!

Daddy thought she was a perfect fit for the barrels!

Raychel already has selective hearing (like her Daddy...HA!!) She likes to play games!

This is the only picture I got on my camera before taking over a head photographer (not for my talent, but for my skill...I can push the right button!) for the baptism. This is Raychel climbing at the front of the church with her cousins, Riley and Jackie.

Graduations and Parties!

Saturday we attended cousin Jessica's college graduation! Raychel loved playing ball with Grandpa O! She was thoroughly entertained! Camera...well, I forgot that in the car! LOL

Sunday, after church we headed to Easton's first birthday party! Easton's Mommy and Daddy were in our child birth education class. He is about one month older then Raychel. Raychel had a blast roaming around the party, playing with the other kids, and enjoying the sunshine!

They hired a photographer to take pictures of each family in attendance. I thought that was a cool idea and a great rememberance for Easton when he gets older. This is the picture of our family! Now, when he looks back he can say...look how OLD they have gotten! LOL



We had to leave his party early to head to cousin Lynn's graduation party. She walked all over the building, happy to be out of the car. After eating, she cruised outside. She is really getting good at walking on rough terrain!

SHE DISCOVERED HER TONGUE!!!!!!!!!!! LOL While we were outside playing she found this GREAT toy in her mouth! Then, she was obsessed with it!

She learned that Daddy had one too and that was AWESOME!

My two little tongue sweeties!

Having fun eating!

Tonight Raychel enjoyed Macaroni and Cheese, Ham, Peaches, crackers, and Squash! She worked up quite the appetite from playing outside! She is LOVING eating "REAL" food! Although, she is still really picky! We are trying lots of different types of food! She hated Ravioli and mashed potatoes but loves bread and plain Ramen noodles. She also loves BBQ sauce (sucks it off the hamburger), McDonald's cheeseburger, fries from anywhere, Frostys from Wendys, and Nilla Wafers! Wow...she sounds like a healthy eater! We can still talk her into eating the fruit and cereal for breakfast and a container of veggies for lunch and dinner...so she is getting SOMETHING healthy in there!

She is learning how to use a spoon, fork, and plate. She knows what to do once there is food on the spoon but is not talented at getting it on there, although she tries!


Just SHOVE it IN!! =)

I LOVE HER LAUGH?? SQUEAL??? SHRIEK???

Playing outside!

Raychel and I enjoyed playing outside tonight! I brought out sand/outdoor toys and she had a blast all evening. She has become so confident and GOOD at walking around compared to last weekend when she wouldn't walk anywhere outside without holding onto my hand! She is thrilled to be outside and explores everywhere in the front yard! Too bad Mom got bit by those pesky mosquitos! I tried to watch her carefully and killed a few around her, so hopefully she wasn't bitten. I will have to go find bug spray for HER, especially!

She climbs up the steps on all fours, unless I hold her hands, and plays on the porch! Mom is behind her with hands close for catching, although I wasn't needed once! SHE may be confident in her abilities, but MOM is not as confident!

We came in for dinner and after we ate, this is the look I got when I told her we weren't going outside! She walks to the door and says, "Go, Go, GO!" She even said, "Da-Da OUT!" Daddy was working in the office and had not gone out with us to play! MOM CAVED!!!!!!!! So much for making dinner for Dad and me...we'll eat later!

We are WALKING!! =)

Raychel has taken off this week. She is walking all around rooms, from one room to another, and stepping over things in her way. She is starting to become a professional! LOL Okay...maybe she has a lot more practice to do...but for 10 months, 3 weeks, and 4 days old...she is doing AWESOME!!!

Of course she is still posing and making those adorable faces!

She is on her way to the couch...

And she just arrived at the couch, TA-DA!!!!!!

Next stop...get Mommy...she has that camera out again!

This is a video of her walking last week, when she really started getting better! =)

The next 2 videos are from today (5-12)...She is walking around and it is about 8:45 at night, WAY past her bedtime...but she is still going strong! We were out with my family from Texas tonight! FUN!

This is when she decided to leave the room tonight! She headed out to the hallway! I love her almost-fall-over-recovery!!!

Picture Post!!!

Just playing at home! =)

Daddy and Raychel inside the shop at McPherson! Funny story, the tire on our stroller was low and Daddy found the air bubble in the shop and aired it up in the middle of the guided tour! LOL

Daddy and Raychel in a 1920's Fire Engine! This was one of Daddy's favorites at the show.

Raychel cheesing with the T-Shirt surprise Daddy got that morning. It is HIS "yellow" Torino, but its pink and says, "Paint it pink, Daddy!" He loves it!

On Sunday, after the car show, we went back to Newton and spent time with all the guys he was in school with and their families. Raychel checked out all the toys!

Jon LOVES kids and Raychel thought he was pretty great too!

Playing the piano on this toy!

Of course she found a spoon to play with....Err, eat them!

Daddy was happy that she found some cars to play with too!

Raychel playing with Brian and Tara's two little ones!

I came home from work one afternoon last week, Derek had picked up Raychel, and this is what I found. He came home with her (awake) and set her down to play. Her forehead hit the floor, her body landed, her legs pulled up, and she was out for about 45 minutes!

Raychel LOVES Barney.

Cheesy smile, a little scary!

Oh, that is better!

This is Raychel's favorite book...Ten Little Ladybugs! It could be because it has 10 little plastic ladybugs to touch and feel!

Raychel and Audrey swinging in the park while their Daddies looked at cars at the car show in Manhattan. Audrey and Raychel last met when they were 3 and 6 months old at the Clay Center car show! Wow, they have grown and changed soo much!

Raychel leans forward....I'm flying Mommy!

Raychel in the Ladybug! This is a cool park!

Peek-a-Boo Mommy! The black surface behind her is made of recycled rubber. It is smooth and springy...Raychel could crawl on it or walk and fall down without it hurting a bit.

Raychel in her hat, looking for more stars!

Raychel and Daddy at the BBQ we had later that day in the park.

OH MY...

I absolutely CANNOT believe that it has been 3 weeks since I last updated the blog!!! We have been soooo busy that I haven't sat down long enough to update!! So...let me catch you up!

Raychel is 10.5 months old...

**She is walking (getting better everyday and this week she is walking across rooms)
**She is talking (I have lost track of everything, but she is signing bird, cat, and STOP now and says cat and stars)
**She is ORNERY!!!! (I'll share some funnies below)

I go in to pick her up in the morning and reach down to get her, she hops down and crawls across the crib. When I get down to the other end, she crawls back. We were both laughing by the end!

When she is doing something she KNOWS she shouldn't be doing (getting something off the table, eating something off the floor, going into a room she shouldn't be in) and you call her name, she will just start "running". We call it running, but really she is crawling...it is just that fast. Then, she gets pretty far away and will turn around to look at you like, "I didn't do it...honest!". Now, if she is eating something...she will pop that in her mouth before she runs!

I put a basket of toys in front of the end table to keep her from getting to the remotes and drinks on the table, but it doesn't stop her! She climbs into the basket and on the toys to get to the stuff!

If you ask her to stop doing something, she signs stop and then continues doing it until you get more serious with her...she KNOWS what it means...she CHOOSES to ignore! (How do they learn this so young?)

**She knows where your nose is and will be happy to hit it, poke it, or pick it...depending on where her fingers land!

**She follows Mommy's directions in the bath tub. Put the duck IN the cup, put the cup in the cup (nesting), put the baby duck on the mommy duck (has a flat spot for the babies to sit), put the duck ON the cup...etc.!

**She LOVES to go up and down steps. She holds my hand because she has to lean so far to get her leg up to the next step, but then she pushes up to the next step alone. We go up and down at least 2-3 times a night outside.

**She LOVES to walk from the porch to the car and the car into wherever we are going!

**She giggles and laughs... A LOT! She is almost always HAPPY! The other night she started laughing at something, while finishing dinner, and we spent almost 45 minutes giggling back and forth to one another.

**She POINTS at everything and wants to know what it is and then repeats something...even if it sounds nothing like what you said!

**She loves her Daddy and points at him and says, Da-Da, DAA-DAA, DADEEE!!! She asks for him when he is not there and calls to him when he walks by in the house. She even hits Mom in the head, pointing at his picture on the wall as we pass it on the wall! Oh, occasionally she says Mom or Ma-Ma...but Daddy is definitely a favorite word (oh, and PERSON) for her!

**She tasted a McDonald's cheeseburger this last weekend and now she doesn't want baby food! So, we are constantly searching for something she will eat now. She likes cheese crackers, Ritz crackers, peaches, ham, ground beef, bread, potato, golden grahams, vanilla wafers, and we are still trying others! She likes chocolate, but we don't think it likes her. We haven't found another night that we would like to be up with a screaming baby, so we haven't tried it again to make sure!

**Occasionally, she will eat more or stay up later and that allows her to sleep through the night. It has happened at least a couple times a week for the past couple weeks...Mom LOVES the break!

**She LOVES her new day care! She sometimes comes home covered in dirt or something else she got into while playing, but we know it means she had fun! When we come to pick her up she isn't screaming and crawling to us as fast as she can. Instead, she looks to say HI and then continues in her activities. She LOVES play group and story time that she gets to go to and so far has slept through all the Zoo visits (the stroller walk gets her every time).

**She wears shoes now. Before, she wasn't too interested in shoes. She would pull them off or seem to complain about them while crawling. Now that she is walking, it was a MUST...and she adapted quickly. We have found LOTS of cheap shoes, so she has sandles that flash, hot pink tennis shoes, and even a pair of moccasins (thank you Grandma O).

**She loves balls. She likes to play catch and is pretty good at throwing the ball straight to you! The problem is that it makes her sit still, so she doesn't play for very long. I imagine that when she is really sure on her feet, she will play all the time!

**I'll add more when I think of what I haven't told you yet! It has been a MAJOR month for growth and changes! Not only are we too busy to sit down, she is too much fun to let her play by herself so we can update! LOL

I'll have to post pictures tomorrow...it is bedtime! I know...I know...sorry, that is what you REALLY wanted to see!! LOL