Oh...Hello everyone. Just wanted you to see that I'm pretty big now and I like to walk (short distances) and say words like "baby" (more like bu-bee), and "all done" (ahh-dee), and "hi" (sometimes I'll even wave to you when I do this), and I point to everything and say "oh" in absolute amazement, and throw EVERYTHING, so...WATCH OUT! Hope everyone's staying warm and cozy during our White Christmas.

AJ absolutely loves Whitey! He will crawl all over her and sit on top of her, thank God Whitey has been desensitized by having been raised by annoying owners (Adam and I) and is used to being pestered. I feel like she's always rolling her eyes at us, but she loves us all the same!

AJ likes to throw things, then say "uh oh" (it's always an accident...RIGHT)!

AJ's new glasses from Eyemasters...

This is Mr. Science learning about safety first! NO fun!!

Guess who turned "1" last Sunday!! We had a small party with family and a few friends. Needless to say, AJ loves sugar. Honestly, the kid loves food in general, but it was so cute watching him dive into his birthday cake. He was very polite and dainty initially, but then the sugar rush hit and THIS is what we were left with by the end of the evening! We also had a family anouncement to make, AJ will be a big brother!!! It's still very early, but the baby is due mid-July and YES, we WILL find out the sex this go-round! So we'll keep you posted. Until then, here are a few highlights from Aj's first birthday. Hope everyone's well!

Yo, mom, dad....which one of you gets to do my bath tonight?

AJ is not a huge fan of the birthday hats. It's tough to fit any hat around hsi large noodle, let alone have an elastic strap buried in his chin. I love it though, he was the cutest 1 year old, crying or not!

The first few delicate bites, before he became a blue smurf!

Hmmm, which present do I open first???

Just a preview of AJ's chompers!! He was out playing in the leaves at uncle Eric's house, he's great at the snap shots!! AJ is loving life in Spokane during fall. So many beautiful things to attempt to eat. So, I'm feeling a little nostalgic these days. I can't believe that in 2 weeks AJ will be celebrating his first birthday. It went by far too fast, and I am so greatful for the "village" of people that have helped me raise such a beautiful boy! I love you all!

He's been into SPEED crawling lately...the new Hollywood work-out craze. You should try it!

The best discovery EVER...ANOTHER red leaf!

Who pinched my baby boy???

We made it up to Greenbluff this last weekend. It was sunny and blue skies, BUT it was also frigidly windy. But it's all worth it for the hot cider and pumpkin donuts!! Here are a few pics from the day. I absolutely LOVE the fall!

" THIS is the pumpkin that I want"

Uncle Eric, AJ actually kept his hat on for 5 whole minutes!! Don't think that his halloween costume will include headwear this year!

Grandma and AJ trying to find the PERFECT pumpkin!

So....if any of you still check this blog, here a few updates of our crazy, fun summer. I haven't posted any pictures of our 2 weeks in Florida...but is that REALLY surprising. I'm lucky to be able to find a matching pair of socks anymore!! Hope everyone is well.

The top picture is one of my favorites! AJ took a bit to get used to the cold Twin Lakes water! Baths are ok...60 degree lake water, not so much!

We took the Gifford Ferry (didn't even know it existed until this summer) over to Inchelium to spend a long weekend at Twin Lakes (WA not ID).

Family hike to 7000 feet up at Rainier- July 2008. AJ worked HARD to weigh Adam down the entire trek! Those backpacks are frickin' sweet...a baby must-have!

Aunt Ingrid and auntie Meghan on our annual camping trip- JULY 2008 up at Rainier. AJ was a trooper. It was a bit frigid in the A.M. hours and at night, but we all cozied up!!

Who doesn't love a baby's butt??!!!

Aj's famous "O" face...he's quite animated these days!

Summer fun at Pioneer Days in Davenport, WA. If you've never been...mark your calendar for next year. Good ole Dino Rossi even made an appearance! Edna's has awesome burgers and shakes!

I can't believe that AJ is almost 8 months! It has been so fun though, watching him change literally everyday. His new trick is he's learned how to clap his hands...he shrieks and laughs at the attention he gets. He'll flash a little wave our way every once in a while also. Babies are true JOY- cries, sleepless nights and ALL! He says "dada" (dangit, Adam gets the first word). We're pretty excited for our trip to Florida June 23, we're spending 2 weeks with my dad and Linda (grandpa and meme). A little nervous for the flight though...we've all had the joy of sharing a flight with "that fussy baby"", but PRAY all goes well. We'll post some pictures when we get back...lots of pool shots I'm sure. We have some cute pictures from Ribfest (Matt and Melissa Barton's annual BBQ) AJ LOVED the pool.

I promise, we did not stuff his cheeks with cotton balls!

I was also a thumb sucker...I think it's a sign of intelligence :)

Pondering life's biggest mysteries.

Yeah ladies, he's single!!!

A bit constipated I think...

We were warned that Scorpio is a "fire sign", you see here a bit of his firey temper yelling at his stacking cup!