Sunday, October 16, 2011

Fall Fun

I was not ready for fall. I needed the warm summer air and hot mid-day sun to stick around just a little while longer. My hopes were met with one very recent "heat wave" where it was nice and chilly in the mornings and night but got down right hot in the middle of the day. But it has passed and now fall is upon us.

We have kicked off the season with an apple picking trip and plan to go pumpkin picking this week. We usually go apple picking every year, this year, Harper dressed herself and insisted on wearing her sisters headband. Oh boy. She does a lot of outfit choosing...this was one of her first missteps.

Harper is becoming such a little lady. She wants to help and for the first time she's actually helpful. She can help me cook or prepare dinner and I recently ordered these choppers that they use at her school to cut carrots. They are safe for tiny fingers but still cut carrots.

She is so fun to be around and holds a full conversation with you...and her memory is amazing. You can't sneak anything by this little lady...she's unreal. I also can't get over the things she remembers from the past. She surprises me a lot.

In this picture Harper was helping me make some pretzels for an Oktoberfest party we were going to. She coated each pretzel with egg and butter and shook on the salt. They were delicious!

Paisley is at such a fun stage. Her and Harper and just starting to really be able to play and enjoy each other's company. It's so fun to watch their relationship develop. Paisley loves her sister...she is obsessed with the hair clips Harper wears and sometimes tries to pull them out of her hair.

She becomes so interested in new things. She is showing a preference to a few specific toys and really enjoys the play kitchen. She is finally starting to show more of an interest in books and brings me her board books sometimes to read. Paisley is growing her vocabulary and has added doll to the mix. She is doll crazy like her sister and especially loves the little dolls we have, I think because she can carry them easily and cuddle them right up.

She is super cuddly and will nuzzle in and give you a huge when you least expect it. Duck face has turned into a kissing face and she gives kisses all the time.

In this picture she's about to sneak up on her unsuspecting sister and grab her book so she'll pay attention to her. Oh boy!

Paisley had her 12 month check up and she weighs 18 lbs and is 28" tall. She barely gained since 10 months because she's so busy and is now running all over the house. I can't say I'm surprised.

Right now I'm working on organizing the toys so they are easier to play with and put away and getting rid of stuff that is no longer age appropriate. It's going to be a long winter indoors and I want to be ready!

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Celebrating A Year

We recently celebrated a year in the life of this little girl.

Easily the fastest year of my life and by far one of the most challenging and enjoyable. Paisley's arrival made our family complete. She taught me that a mama's love grows when a new baby arrives, rather than being divided. She made Harper a big sister and that girl was made to be a big sister. She is loving, thoughtful, inclusive and gentle. Their friendship is growing each day and it's a joy to watch.

So last weekend we celebrated Paisley and we celebrated us. And what better way to celebrate than with a party full of family and friends.

My parents were kind enough to host since Will, Paisley and I went to a wedding on the Cape on Paisley's actual birthday and our anniversary. So on Sunday their house filled with kids running and adults chatting and catching up.

Paisley loved hearing us sing Happy Birthday to her. Her mouth got wide and her eyes lit up. We sang for several days because it made her so happy. She wasn't as big of a fan of opening presents but girl will have that down at Chirstmas.

She hated the cake. Everyone teased me for making Harper a cake with avocados and cream cheese frosting with very little sugar but Harper ate that cake up. Paisley's regular cake with store frosting was a little too sweet for her and she wasn't a fan.


But don't worry...the big kids LOVED it!

Earlier in the week we had a party with friends. Of course I didn't take a single picture but you can read more about it here at my friend's blog Rub Some Dirt On It.






Celebrating Paisley


Paisley's first birthday cake


Dinosaur cups and stickers for the kiddos


Annie & Paisley



 Pre-party nap...girl needs to rest up for such exciting events!


Happy Birthday Paisley Bryce. We sure love you!!!