The Heartland

Last week, Kyle made her second trek to Iowa to enjoy some time with the Richards family. She was an amazing flyer, so excited and happy to give big smiles and check everything out.  A great time was had by the whole family.  Travis and Grampi even caught some fish while up in Canada, but I have an inkling both of them missed spending time with Kyle.  

Preparing to go swimming with cousin Rhapsody.

It's Battleship Kyle and Submarine Rhapsody.

Wrestling with Rhapsody

Some floor bonding with Rhapsody and Great Grandma

A hug from Great Grandma.  I don't suspect it will be long before Kyle takes over in height.

Enjoying a Hawkeye victory with Uncle Chris!  Aunt Melissa was so nice to let Mommy go to the game.

Using our feet to make a few barnyard noises.

Enjoying the last days of Summer outside.

Tackling a giant caterpillar.

Assuming Crawling position.  It won't be long now.

Checking out the scenery.

Not real sure about this talking bunny, but love when it hops.  Thanks G.G.

Reading with Grampi and Rhapsody.

Grampi and Grammi with their grandkids.

Enjoying a few moments with Mom.

Who wouldn't love this place?

Side-by-side comparison

Kyle has definitely grown in the past six months.  Her mom's arms will attest to that.  Below is a shot of Kyle as a newborn in her ladybug sleeper.  The second shot is Kyle at six months wearing a much larger size of the same sleeper.  She has changed so much in such a small fraction of time.   It's evident in how much control she has of her body and shows so much of her personality.

Happy 1/2 Birthday, Kyle!

Six months ago, Kyle came into our lives.  It seems like time has flown but it is also hard to imagine life without her.  She continues to be her same happy, go lucky self.  Always quick with a smile for her mom and dad, although getting a bit more hesitant now around others.  She is fascinated by new places and displays a more serious side as she takes everything in.  Currently she is not quite sitting although will do a bent over position somewhat resting on her baby belly.  Luckily she sought to please her mom by doing some sitting for her six month shots.  Although she may not be fully upright by herself, she loves to stand with you holding her, and can get from one side of the room to the other using a combination of rolling and army crawl.  Kyle's love for formula continues, and she mastered the understanding that you must tilt the bottle up.  Whenever the bottle is in the vicinity, she reaches out with both chubby little hands and a wide open mouth.  The same cannot be said for food at this point.  Typically she entertains us with one or two bites then keeps her mouth shut unless we pull out all the entertainment.  

Kyle's love for monkeys continued, often ignoring all other toys but getting a big grin whenever she sees a monkey.  She sleeps 8 hours most nights, although I guess she wanted us to remember six months ago last night.  Unfortunately a stuffy nose made for a not-so-happy baby and a few extra night time wakenings for mom.  However, she is battling back like a champ.  The litany of sounds continues with this month adding raspberries and what we like to call the old man wheeze.  Squealing still has its mark though.  She is fascinated by new objects, reaching out to examine every inch.  Kyle's hair is growing like crazy and has now hit that fuzz stage where she has inevitable bed head any time of day.  There is definitely no styling options going on.  It no longer appears we are going to have a red head, although surprises still may come.

Stats Update:  Head 45.5 inches (98%).  Weight 19.13oz (95%). Height 28.5 inches (98%).  Let's say this visit did not go quite as well.  Kyle was very suspicious of this provider.

It's been an amazing six months, Miss Kyle.  We can't wait for the many more months to come.

Our two favorite things - monkey and bottle.  Life could not be better on your half birthday!

woah. that ceiling fan is amazing.

Kyle has always had a love for ceiling fans, and now she has the shirt to prove it.

Moo Baa La La La

This has always been one of Kyle's favorite books.  Until last weekend, we always thought her favorite picture was the cow (although I would always place a good argument for the pigs).  Turns out after her first trip to the Evergreen State Fair, Kyle's favorite animal was the sheep.  We could not believe how excited she became.  In fact, she spent a good portion of the time in the barn having her own conversation with the sheep.  I wish I would have had my video camera because it was beyond adorable.  

Woah.  What are those?

There were alpacas (who provided the wool for Kyle's favorite hat) in the background at the time we started to try a photo.  Let's just say sometimes babies don't cooperate, especially when there is so much to look at.

Let's Go Hawks!

Kyle's favorite football team took the field today for the start of football season.  Kyle made sure to put on her black and gold game day gear and was beyond excited to hear the Hawks pulled off a victory.  Life would have only been better had she been able to see the game, but unfortunately those people everyone calls parents make her live in Washington.  There is no doubt she's an Iowa Hawkeye. 

Would like to say this is Kyle's game face.  However, it is now the smile she whips out any time I have the camera and she's not distracted.  If you ask my parents about my kindergarten photos, they will know where she gets it!

Giddyup Cowgirl

Based on the extremely well qualified recommendation of my niece, Rhapsody, I purchased Kyle a horse jumperoo. Rhapsody used to love jumping and her family enjoyed all the entertainment it provided.  We set it up for Kyle, starting at the shortest setting.  Well, she just stood flat-footed and stared at us.  At setting 2, she seemed to realize it's capabilities.  Unfortunately, it only goes to 3 settings so hopefully she does grow too much in the coming months.  I already fear a future of being too tall for the "cool kid" stuff.  However, as someone who was typically too short, I am a bit jealous.