11 Months and Counting!

Now that I get to play all day with mommy...I've been helping out a lot.Here's what we've been up to...we do the dishes!
We do laundry and make the bed for daddy to take a nap.
We get all dolled up for a night out with Grammie and Grandpa.
Happy Birthday Grandpa!
We cook.
We play peek-a-boo. This is my new favorite spot and I think it's hilarious!
Mid-game.
And we're oh so silly!

sidenote: I promise Stella has more pj's than these, but it seems I only pull out my camera when she is sporting the lime green.

Stella turned 11 months this week and has been very busy.

* She is 20 pounds
* She is still taking 2 naps and sleeping through the night like a champ.
* She is eating more and more "real" people food.
* She LOVES balls...she will freak out if we are in a store and she sees a ball and doesn't get to play with it.
* We probably need to work on sharing a little.
* She says Ball, duck, mama, dada and many more words.
* She is discovering books more and more and wants to read to herself.
* She is VERY independent.
* She likes going for jogs in the stroller ONLY if the steering wheel is playing music.
* She LOVES to be outside and she LOVES the pool even more.

Stella we love you so much and can't believe you're almost ONE!

Happy 60th Grandpa!

Happy Birthday Grandpa!
Thanks so much for always playing with me, showing me new things, babysitting me, loving me, and of course, cuddling with me!

I hope you have a great birthday...I love you!
Stella

Ready for some FOOTBALL!

Ok if this dress doesn't get you excited about Hog Football...well, I don't know what will!!!!
We had planned on going to Fan Day this weekend, but the day just slipped by so fast and Stella has been cutting a couple teeth and napping randomly so we missed it, BUT I still dressed her from head to toe in Hog stuff for church.
She love the camera!
Posing, but not a fan of sitting still so this is the best pic I could get before she hopped off the ottoman.
Who knew blocks could be so fun.

GO HOGS!

Last Day of the Beginning

Awww....I will me ALL the cake! We love us some Ricks. But seriously, how cute are these cakes...the message is so sweet.

Some of My Favorite Things

Stella and Diesel are loving their game of tug-o-war lately. It's amazing how gentle he is with her.
Watermelon is a new favorite!
And her ruby red shoes. I got these from my cousin, Troy and his family when I was pregnant and have been dying to get them on her, but she has the SMALLEST feet. These are for 6-12 months and you can see there is still plenty of room, but Stella LOVES them.
Showing off her shoes.
I had to add this picture because she is totally posing!

I just want to eat her up! By the way, Friday is my last day and then Stella becomes my official boss!!!!!!

Future Reporter?

Ha! That's a funny story idea Daddy!

Taking notes. Please ignore the very unflattering pics of me :)

A couple weeks ago Stella had to come to work with me for a little while and it looks like she might follow in her mommy and daddy's footsteps. This is her in the meeting and it was hilarious. It was like she was pitching story ideas for the day!
**sorry these aren't the best quality, they're off cell phones, but we couldn't miss the chance to catch her in action.

Look at What We Have...

Stella's FIRST PONYTAIL!
Yes, I know it's far back on her head, but I can't believe she already has enough hair to put in a rubberband. I was bald until I was two, so I just thought it'd be the same story for her :)
Of course, I added a bow.
Tom had a baseball game tonight, so it was just us girls playing and we hung out in her room for awhile and did some exploring.
Trying to get things off her hope chest.
Looking for her toys under her bed. I love this!
Being silly. Doesn't she look old here?
Sick of pictures.
And this picture has nothing to do with her hair, but I had to share. You see, Stella didn't want to finish her bottle while I was holding her before bed tonight. But she kept pointing to her carseat that was on the ground...so I put her in it and Little Miss "Me-Do" finished her bottle.
And yes, she is waving in this picture...we were watching Toddlers and Tiaras and she LOVED it. But don't worry---I have NO intentions of being a stage mom.

Ooops You Caught Me

Stella found a new toy and Tom thought it was so cute...he didn't stop her because he wanted to get a picture to show me. SOOO SWEET!
I love how she's sitting here. She loves to sit on her knees and (to me) it makes her look so much older!

Video Games and Brown Hair

Tom bought Stella her first video game system for Christmas and now she is old enough to play with him. She was very much into it today.
Today they were learning about colors....
Green is for apple. She kept hitting green!
And speaking of colors...bye bye blonde...today I made the switch to brunette. Crazy! Please ignore all the food on Stella's face and my lack of tan, but I think I like it. Of course, thats until I change my mind next week!

Congratulations Bert and Lyndsey!

Miss Thang is such a good traveler and loved sleeping in her pack in play when we headed south for Tom's best friend, Bert's, wedding.
Just chillin before rehearsal dinner.
Tom and Bert...they have several stories about each other!
Stella and her daddy before the ceremony.
Mr. and Mrs. Bert Sanders!
Congrats guys...we know you'll have a GREAT life together!!! Thanks for including us in all the fun!