Merry Christmas!

Based on her bounty of loot, Kyle was a good little girl this year.  It was such a different experience this Christmas with a little one in the house.  The magic of it all seemed to come back.  Even though Kyle did not show much interest in opening the gifts herself, she was thrilled each time the wrapping was uncovered to see what was inside.   We have many books, toys, and puzzles to keep us entertained.  

Our new picnic table made by "Grandpa Cooper"

What's in our purse?

Might as well test out this new bed, even if it's not for me!

Aunt Amy and Rache are so silly!

What are you building, Dad?

Partaking in some family fun.

Look at my new house!

How did that giraffe get in here?

Oh, boy!

What's this crazy thing?

Merry Christmas from the Watson family!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

With a crawling infant who likes to pull herself up on any object, our Christmas decorations took a new approach this year.  Luckily Kyle was amazed by the lighting of the tree, but since has been rather mundane about the large  montrosity in the living room.  To be on the safe side, several of the ornaments did stay in the box this year.  She does love playing with penguins, puppies and snowman.  Her father is thrilled that I keep forgetting to buy batteries, so for now, none of these items makes any noise.  

Is this for Me?

Unfortunately the present inside is not for her; however, the box is just as fun.

Jolly Old St. Nick

Given her persona, we're not surprised Kyle had nothing but smiles for her first meeting with Santa Claus.  This was even after a 2 hour wait in line.

Let the Holiday Traditions Begin!

Last weekend, we ventured out with friends to find the perfect family Christmas tree. Since this is the Evergreen State, there is no shortage of trees available.   Although we did pick a rather remote location on a cold winter morning with the ever-so-frequent Seattle fog.  Luckily, tree cutting was followed by warm cider and a tasty brunch to warm up the fingers and toes.  Next on the holiday list - pictures with Santa.  

The perfect tree - smartly marked with a saw to stake our claim.

Kyle willing to entertain her mother by wearing a snowman hat!

The quintessential picture in front of the tree -
 although  Travis may have been more interested in seeing if Kyle wanted to handle the sawing. She chose to drop it on his foot instead.

Perhaps we should take one where you can see the tree!

9 Months

When I realized it was December 11 today, I was a bit shocked.  Time has flown since Kyle arrived.  It is so hard to think she is already nine months old.  It is truly amazing how much growing and learning a baby goes through in the first year of life.

Kyle continues to entertain as with her smiles and giggles.  She loves to stand and will pull herself up on any object that is stationary, and attempt on some that are not.   She continues to prefer the army crawl for getting places, but when time is at a leisure, she will crawl on her hands and knees.  Kyle has an endless stream of babble and will have a conversation with anyone that seems willing to listen.  She has entertained many folks at the grocery store and other locations we visit.  Her healthy appetite continues with a particular desire for waffles, peas, and mashed potatoes.  This month she has gotten better at grasping objects and often takes her new found friends, whether it be a doll or a monkey, to play at other locations around the house.  More than anything she loves to wrestle on the ground with a constant game of climbing up and over whoever might be willing to join her.  Although she is not a huge snuggler, she still loves to fall asleep in your arms, but just make sure she gets to hold her own bottle.  She still only has her two bottom teeth.  A full head of hair is definitely coming in. I'm not sure I'm going to quite know how to style it eventually.

We love her more and more everyday.

Stats at nine months.  Height: 29 7/8 inches, greater than 98%.  Weight: 21 pounds, 12 ounces.  93% (our little chunky monkey is thinning out).  Head circumference: 18 1/2 inches, greater than 98%.

Enjoying some waffle on our 9 month birthday!

Does this work for posing by the tree?

Done with pictures. Coming to get you!

A future Beethoven?

Kyle has a small piano on her learning table for which she has mastered the fine art of press a key and a melody plays.  Recently she took those skills to the next level.  Perhaps there is a future pianist in our midst.  If she has her mother's rhythm and ear for music, however, this dream may be short-lived.

Well, isn't she cute?



All girls should be this happy with their appearance!



Thankful

This post is a bit late but Kyle was traveling over the holiday and quite busy.  In fact, she undertook two plane flights, celebrated with her Iowa family, returned to visit family in Moses Lake, and still made a trip to Chelan.  Kyle is thankful for many things this year, but above all, it's family and the love and smiles they bring to her life.  As for her parents, we are thankful for our happy, beautiful little girl who makes every day a blessing.  Although we are starting to wish they would not go as quickly.  

What are they doing?

Apparently when Kyle sits in a high chair, she becomes highly suspicious of what others are doing or eating.

Standing Tall

Kyle recently started pulling herself to standing position.  To say she was excited about this would be an understatement.  The minute to was standing tall, she exhaled a full on scream of glee fulled by tons of giggles.  The following were taken minutes after the first time she pulled herself up to her play table.  Perhaps we should have put the legs on sooner.  

Eight Months

Kyle actually surpassed eight months on 11-11-11. However, her mom has been a bit busy and the blogging has been lacking.  This has definitely been a thrilling month for Kyle.  She is in to so many things.  Kyle has yet to crawl on all fours but she army crawls quicker than you can imagine.  She loves exploring various rooms - trying to open drawers, bang on windows, or empty my clothes basket.  She continues to be as happy as ever with large grins and cheers of excitement.  I never have a dull shopping experience any more since everyone loves to smile at it, and she is happy to oblige.  She loves to pull toys out of her basket and open and close her "laptop."  Kyle's starting to enjoy stories, reaching out to turn the page.  She is delighted at bath time and has recently learned to splash everywhere.  She is starting to string together da-da-da or ga-ga-ga.  Unfortunately no mom to be found.  She does happily give me her pterodactyl scream (or so we call it), so I can't be too disappointed.  All I can say this is such a fun stage!

I'm Going to Get You!

Mischief has finally come to accept that Kyle is here to stay.  Much to Travis' delight, she preferred to be outside rather than near "that baby."  However, the tide has changed.  In fact, it might be that Mischief actually enjoys Kyle's presence.  It is clear that Kyle is fascinated and loves Mischief.  So much that she will crawl everywhere trying to get her.  Mischief has cleverly figured out she is still faster than Kyle, so she waits patiently until she is just close enough and then heads to the other side of the room. It's great exercise for both of them.

Playing with our crawl ball.

Oh, I see something! Forget that ball.

I'm coming to get you kitty!

A brief moment of friendship.  

Family Time

Just before Kyle turned 7 months old, we had photos taken in the historic area of the town near our house.  I'm so happy with how they turned out.  I was a bit nervous since Kyle started out all happy grins. However, she quickly became very suspicious of the camera lens and immediately went into serious mode the moment it was raised.  She definitely has traces of her parents in her.  Here are a few of our favorites.