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!