Hannah's first birthday

January 26th, Hannah took her first solo steps. . . this picture was taken immediately afterward with the hopes she would do it again. She didn't (then) but she did enjoy all the congratulations and clapping immensely. =) Doesn't she look cute in her baby blue jeans. . . with that little round belly?
Birthday bath. . . gotta start the special day all clean! And Hannah does love baths - 'cause that means splashing in the water!

We enjoyed a two "real snows" this winter. . . and our one year old was fascinated by all the white stuff in the back yard - forget the camera!
Still gazing at the snow. . . this was one of Hannah's (Mommy's) first real hair-dos. =) So cute, but we really like it free right now!
Sister games! Is anything more exciting that getting pushed (raced!) down the halls in your walker powered by Big Sister in her construction attire? They both loved it and I had to smile. . . and take a picture.Our baby girl is beginning to love babies! Doesn't Hannah make a sweet little mommy (auntie) to Abigail's dolls? Might be time for her own. . .After supper, the taste we've all (okay, Abigail and Mommy) been waiting for - Hannah's first ice cream! She wasn't impressed. Must've been the cold - waaay toooo cold for her liking.Hannah's present (actually there were about a dozen little gifts wrapped up and stuffed in that bag!) from her loving big sister. Abigail had been preparing this gift (gifts) for about a month and eagerly anticipating Hannah's birthday.And Daddy and Mommy's gift for Hannah -her own baby doll. Hannah gave Baby sweet hugs and we later decided to name her Eva (all of our dolls are named after friends =).
How we thank God for another precious daughter! This first (almost - February 7th) year with our Hannah Elisabeth has been so sweet. Praying that Hannah will soon come to know the love of the Heavenly Father who longs to adopt her into His family!

Georgia visit - January 25

Visiting Grandmama and Granddaddy is always a treat! We stopped by the ranch office where Grandmama works and Abigail immediately spotted "Sally," the stuffed puppy she'd sent to keep Grandmama company a few months before.

Grandmama took around the ranch to see some of the animals. Abigail loved the animals behind fences and at some distance. . . and Hannah called excitedly to any horses she spotted. Touching distance though was a bit overwhelming. . . those things are big (especially when you weigh 18 pounds!).

This was her "spotted a horse!" expression - while standing in Mommy's arms and calling to it.

We had lunch and nap time at Great-Grandmother's. She has some 25 great-grands and is so sweet and loving with little ones.

Hannah, Daddy and Granddaddy (on a break from upholstery) - caught that baby grin!

Granddaddy and Abigail have always been buddies and enjoy silly pictures together. Abigail's hair color probably comes from Granddaddy (lots of people ask! =).

Mid January - life at home

Eleven month old Hannah was delighted to discover that not only could she climb into her rocking chair herself, but she could stand up and rock too! What are you worried about Mommy?

Just for fun, we met Lydia and the cousins at Sam's Club - double shopping carts and big pretzels are so much fun! This was Hannah's first time riding in a cart like a "big girl" (not in her infant carrier which still fit). She thought she'd arrived! Abigail put on her silly face (though she was excited to be sitting next to Hannah in the cart - a long awaited day) and the twins wondered what the fuss was about. They're regulars at Sam's!

Two sweet little girls welcoming Daddy home. . .it's a party when he arrives and everybody wants hugs!

Some people are sleeping at six a.m. but not Hannah! She's ready to tackle the day. . .helping Mommy unload the dishwasher and then doing some dramatic cooking (and making a lot of racket trying to wake Daddy and Sissy!

"My sister is the coolest ever!" (And my girls are the sweetest ever - how I thank God for them!) Abigail loves to climb into Hannah's crib when Hannah wakes from a nap and Hannah usually enjoys her big sister's attention. Gotta love the paci and shades together!

Early January

Abigail is her daddy's best helper! Nathan was kindly reattaching the drooping sink in our "new" house to the countertop and Abigail got out her new builder set (a Christmas gift. . . alternative to princess play!) so she could assist.
Abigail enjoys drawing (more than coloring, I think) and one afternoon around the first of December (she was still three!) she drew this independently during her rest time. Notice the two cars, the people (her and Hannah) and the names (Abigail and Hannah).
Our dear friends Andy and Erika (now from Illinois) visited family here in town and we were delighted to spend some time with them too. One Tuesday, Erika and I and our FIVE little girls packed into our minivan (five carseats!) and drove to visit our good friend Bing with her newborn daughter Skylar. Abigail (4) and Emmalein (3) were overjoyed to be together again and Celia (almost 2) joined the fun.
Three mamas with our three baby girls (Erika and Evelyn, Bing and Skylar, Julia and Hannah)
Hannah was fascinated by two month old Evelyn, but more than a little concerned when the baby began to cry!