Daddy visits....Shelby turns 1...and it's hot

Boy, what a busy month August turned out to be! We started with Drew's arrival - once Shelby heard his voice, she knew him and wanted to go to him. Very sweet. We had her bday party on the 11th and what a blowout! We had yummy BBQ that Uncle Russ made and cupcakes that I made (I had grandiose ideas for frosting them, which were quickly changed and it was just good 'ol Pillsbury in the can). Some of Shelby's playmates came, Abby, Zachary and Mason, and some of our close friends. Had a great time.

Today, was her one-year checkup. She is still measuring high on the charts, weighing in at 23 lb/14 oz and 31.5 inches long. The shots part of course was NOT fun but she seems to be doing well tonight and not having any fever or feeling bad. Been having some teething issues recently as she is working on some molars and we're up to 12 teeth now. Boy these are a doozy. She ran some temp last week and had a few rough nights sleeping in addition to a little diarrhea that resulted in bad diaper rash again. She pretty much eats everything we put in front of her....recently tried black eyed peas, squash, salmon and lima beans. Her favorite word these days is 'hot' (if I hear her say "that's hot" like Paris Hilton then I will be worried.)...she learned this while Drew was home when we were out running errands one day and commented on how hot it was. Now everytime we walk outside, she says "hot, hot". And she is really good at scolding Maduro..he's been getting into her room and she'll say "git cat" when she hears me scold him. And then the babbling Chinese talk occurs every now & then too...Ahh, kids are funny.

Next Friday I am finished with my career in IT project management. That will be my last day @ GMAC Rescap and then I will begin my next gig....full-time Mom and providing childcare for my friend's daughter, Abby. I'm really excited to be home w/Shelby. I will miss my friends at work, but I really do feel ready for this change.

Below are some pics from the party and her one-year photos - enjoy!!

Hmm....I like this cupcake! Icing is sweet and it's easy to eat!

Yes, cupcake and ice cream, a good thing.



Daddy & I are playing with my new garage toy....makes car sounds!

It was actually kinda cool one day this past week, so I wore my new fall outfit from Gma C. I really like this music chair she & Gpa C got me and this doll....my Mommy had a doll exactly like this one.

Riding my new tricycle from Gma & Gpa Bomar.

July 4th...11-Months...WALKING!!

What an eventful month we've had! Kicked things off with July 4th and a houseful of company! Grandma & Grandpa C, Mason and Uncle Russ came to visit. We had lots of fun playing, cooking out and eating cake & ice cream! Shelby had her first taste of sweets....Uncle Russ shared his DQ Blizzard and boy was she his best friend! She also had some chocolate cake and her first hamburger. She liked it pretty well. We went to OK for Mason's 1-year bday party...what fun that was! Shelby didn't much care for the water adventures, but she had fun playing with Jaylee & Mason and her great Aunts & Uncles. She even got a couple of early bday gifts, so she got a little practice in opening presents. Enjoyed the paper more than the toys of course! Shelby caught a stomach bug last week, fortunately we were still in OK visiting so Granny helped me take care of her. Yes, hit a Mom milestone last week.....I was puked on. Vomiting, fever, and diarrhea that resulted in the most horrible diaper rash. This was an event I hope to not repeat again. Thankfully she is all better now and back to her old self. But her biggest milestone this month is walking. Everyone kept saying "Any day now..." and sure enough she just took off!! She walks everywhere, even picks up & carries her Huggies diaper box (empty of course - but I'm impressed she can manage to pick it up and walk!). I think the cats are a little worried now that she is even more mobile. It's been a lot of fun watching her explore and hit this milestone. Exhausting as well...;-) She's also said a few words....Boo (comes out sounding like bow), Git (she helps scold Maduro when he gets on the counter), Mom (sounds like Mum) and Daddy (pronounced Da-day!). All in all it has been quite a month and we're really looking forward to Drew's visit next week from Iraq. I will also be home full time with Shelby starting in August. I will still be working through the end of August (I was extended on my layoff), but then will be a full time stay at home Mom......and I CANNOT WAIT!

Granny reading Shelby & Mason a book.

Grandpa getting some quality time.

Oh yes, more cake Granny!!

Hmmm, me like cake Grandpa!

Mommy's little helper...well sort of. At least it wasn't folded before she tossed it to the floor.

Check out my suit!

Jaylee, you hit that button to make it beep.

So Uncle Russ, let me tell you about that water....it was cold!

Our best attempt at getting these 3 in a picture....it was easier when they just sat still!

This is a new expression this week....pierces her lips - it's hilarious!

Summertime!

Well the summer is truly flying by....I cannot believe it is almost July! We've got family coming to visit next week for the 4th, so Shelby & I are looking forward to that. Granny is going to stay for the whole week w/Mason, so Shelby will have a playmate all week! Yea! And we heard from Daddy today that he will get to come home for 14 days in August, so we are REALLY excited about that! I'm so happy he'll be here for her birthday. She is jabbering so much these days, but it changes...some weeks it's "ga-ga", then it's "na-na-na" and then she makes one babble that I swear sounds like she is speaking Chinese! It is so hilarious! We tried lasagna tonight...nanny Julie was making some for her dinner and was so sweet to make us one too! Shelby really gobbled it up along with her carrots (gotta have a veggie!!) and some turkey. But I will say the ricotta cheese was a little messy...but who cares, she enjoyed it and I got a kick out of watching her eat it. Anyways, that's all for now...will add some new pics after the 4th!

Thought it was cute how she crossed her legs....such a lady!

I really like these peas Mom!!! YUM!

Not sure about this pasta though.....

Awww....giving the OU bear a hug.

Let's play with this block Mason.

Mom still hasn't unpacked, so I thought I would help her.

Madison's trying to figure out a way to break outta this joint!

I could climb over this pillow, then get through that gate......

Mason body slams the bear!!