I WANT IT

So Wednesday we officially started the "I want it and if you don't give it to me I'm going to cry" stage. I was holding Annagrace while unloading the dishwasher when she spotted this spatula. When I didn't give it to her, she started crying. I pulled it back out of the utensil crock, gave it to her, and the crying immediately stopped. SO . . . now we have a big decision . . . are we going to give in and give her things when she wants them or do we start now with the hard lesson of you can't always get what you want when you want it?

Tyson is ONE!!

Can you beleive Tyson is one?? He is so OLD!! We had a lot of fun at his birthday party last night. Annagrace was able to play with her two friends Tyson and Max (at this point she basicly just gets excited watching them play)!

The Powell's have a playground in their backyard, so we went out there and played with bubbles, on the merry-go-round, on the swings, and in the sand.

After playing we went back inside for cake and ice cream. Tyson completly distroyed his cake and was very serious while doing so, he felt it was his job, better yet, his obligation to make sure the cake was reduced to only crumbs.

Look at this beautiful little girl. Where did she come from?

Rink-Around-the-Rosie

Grandmother has been very sweet to come over EVERYDAY and babysit so I can work. It's so nice just to have an extra set of hands to entertain, feed, and change her so I can focus on ribbons for more than 15 minutes at a time. We are so grateful to have her so close and so willing to help. Annagrace gets so excited when she hears: "What's that baby doing?" Every time Mom walks in the door, that's the first thing out of her mouth. So, Annagrace knows . . . if she hears it . . . Grandmother is here!

I know, she is missing an arm in this picture, but her facial expression is so cute I just had to post the picture.

Munch and Mingle

We had a Relief Society pot luck lunch today at Church. I took chicken salad on croissants, grapes, and marble pound cake (Yes, I know, it's basicly the same thing I served on Monday). Everything was great. There was a delicious vidialla onion dip and an Asian chicken salad that I definitely want the recipes for, hopefully I will get them on Sunday!!! The missionaries also joined our lunch today. Hey, it was free food, what do you expect?

I thought it was cute that the Missionaries were having a "deep discussion" with this little boy. It is amazing the respect and admiration that even the little children have for the missionaries.

Sleeping Position

The last three nights we have placed Annagrace, sound asleep, in her crib length wise. Within 5 minutes she has grunted and squirmed her way into this position:

Bows

Well, the bows are starting to pick up. Unfortunately it is right when we are about to head to Idaho for vacation. I ordered all of my ribbons last week and was certain they would be here today. I even called Mom and had her scheduled for the full day to help with Annagrace while I worked all day on bows. Well . . . we waited . . . and waited . . . and waited . . . but no ribbons. However, I did get all of the laundry done, Annagrace's suitcase packed with everything long sleeved that fits her, and the sample bows organized for the October mart. I only have 30 bows due by October 3rd, but I have 350 due by October 31st. I would prefer to have them completed by the time we leave, but not to the neglect of my Mommy job. So, we shall see, I might be tieing bows while Nana entertains Annagrace in Idaho.

I think my child is already spoiled. Every book and website that I have read says that it is impossible to spoil a child at this age, they need all of the holding and attention that they can get. But, she is S-P-O-I-L-E-D. Normally I hold and play with her all day. Today Mom held and played with her all day. But, after Mom left I needed another 5 minutes to finish up organizing everything so I put Annagrace in her exersaucer and she whined and complained the whole time. My poor neglected little baby had to entertain herself for a whole 5 minutes!

Venture Outside

We went outside today to play however, Lucy demanded more of my attention than Annagrace.
Look at these cute little feet. She was so funny sweeping her feet back and forth through the grass, it would tickle her feet and she would just giggle.
She loves being outside, there is just so much to see and she wants to see it ALL. I guess we need to start saving now for a swing set. I just hope this doesn't lead to her being a Tom-boy, heaven knows I would have no clue what to do with her.

Okay . . .

I'm addicted to cards . . . THANKS Jenn!
I've started making them for Christmas gifts and my own Christmas cards.

Today was really nice though. Erin, Asher, Jenn, and Tyson came over for a ladies lunch of chicken salad on croissants and green salad. I was able to use my cute luncheon plates that have been neglected since a baby shower I hosted last summer. I didn't make them use the matching punch glasses though, they hold a whole 2 oz of liquid and I didn't want to refill them constantly.

Erin and Asher had to go pick Jensie up from school but Jenn and Tyson stuck around for card making. Between Tyson and Annagrace I don't know how we get any cards actually completed. They are never BOTH calm at the same time. I got Annagrace down for a nap and by the time Tyson went down, Annagrace was already awake. Her little cat naps are killing me!! I can't wait for the two long naps a day. Right now she is up and down all day long.

After weeks of wanting my drink, Jenn finally gave in and let Tyson try Diet Coke.

A first for Mommy and Daddy

We had our first "date night" without Annagrace tonight. I missed her horribly and called to check on her twice, but it was nice to just be Candi and Tyler for the night. We went to the Alford's house for dinner and games and I was actually able to play cards and socialize without having to entertain a baby. Mom and I had gone shopping this afternoon and as she was leaving I asked if she wanted to take Annagrace home with her. Mom was over-joyed to be able to take her for the evening. At first, I had planned on her just going for the couple of hours before we were due at the Alford's, but then I realized she could stay during dinner as well. It felt really strange, not having a baby with us, especially when we were just hanging out at home before going to dinner. I kept pacing around the house and telling Tyler "I'm baby-less."

It was a very nice evening though. Annagrace had fun playing with Grandmother and Granddaddy and we had fun playing with Angie and Keith.

The best part of the night . . . the gigantic toothless grin I received when we arrived to take her home. It made me feel like she had missed her Mommy.

FALL is HERE

Fall is officially here. The air has cooled, I made my pumpkin-chocolate chip cookies last night, and I purchased candy-corn pumpkins today. It really has snuck up on us this year. Tyler, the Halloween obsessed little boy trapped in a man's body, realized today that October is "ONLY A WEEK AWAY!!!" I guess that means the Halloween and Fall decorations will be making their 2007 debut this Saturday. I'm getting excited for the holiday season myself. I've had a re-decorating itch the past week or so and I think holiday decorating will scratch it.

Exersaucer

I just couldn't resist. I was in Mikayla's (a children's consignment shop) yesterday and saw this exersaucer. I left the store without it, feeling guilty that I've spent too much money on this little girl lately. But all night long, all I could think about was this incredible exersaucer and how much fun Annagrace would have playing in it. You see . . . this is no ordinary exersaucer . . . it has three legs: one stationary and the other two have wheels. So . . . the entire thing pivots around the stationary leg. It is the perfect marriage between an exersaucer and an old fashioned walker. Once Tyler and I decided that we couldn't live without this amazing toy I couldn't wait to go get it. I also realized that it could be gone, purchased later in the day after I left. So, first thing this morning Annagrace and I got dressed and speed off to Mikayla's to add this thing to our toy collection. And she absolutely LOVES it! There is a perfect circle of a tire track embedded in the living room rug now. She just loves going around and around.

Tyler Home

Tyler is now working from home. BCBS is allowing one person a month to transfer home and he was selected for September. He brought his computer, phone, and other necessities home on Monday and started working from home Tuesday morning. It has been really nice having him here. If I have a question, I don't have to call his cell phone, I just peak in the room and wait for his call to end to ask him. Annagrace loves having him here. During his breaks he is able to hold her and play with her and I personally have enjoyed taking a shower everyday without worrying that she is screaming her head off in the other room. Tyler feels like he is on vacation, his time working feels like he is just playing on the computer on a day off.

Peas Please

Annagrace is a good little eater now. She is getting better and better with a spoon, although you can't tell that from this picture. She tried peas and applesauce for the first time today. Yes, I know you are only supposed to try one new food every three days. But, in my defence I forgot that she hadn't had applesauce yet. Luckily she didn't have an upset stomach from either one, so we are all safe. However she is hungry, hungry, hungry lately. She normally eats every three hours or so, now I'm lucky to get her to wait two hours between meals. I think she is going through a growth spurt. Meanwhile I've been running all over town buying up long-sleeve 3-6 month size clothing for her to wear in Idaho next month. I hope she doesn't out grow them before we get there.

Lucy waited patiently under the table for any crumbs. She hasn't figured out that Annagrace's food doesn't have crumbs, it's all mush!

Card Making

These are all of my wonderful, beautiful new ribbons for card making (quietly clapping to myself with a grin from ear to ear). We went to Jenn's house today for lunch and to make cards. I love card days. They are my latest obsession, they are my hands-on substitue for scrapbooking. I feel like they are a productive hobby since they might come in handy for Christmas gifts. Annagrace loves Jenn and Tyson but she really loves their exersaucer. I just might have to go buy her one. I put it on her "Christmas Wish List" but I don't think she can wait that long. I'm sure we will find other great toys by then to put on the list. (Thanks Jenn for the pictures!)

Lucy Lu

Annagrace loves the Lucy Lu . . . and Lucy loves her right back. Lucy is so patient with her and just lets Annagrace pull on her hair and ears. She just gives her lovely, slobbery kisses in return.

GO BRONCOS!!

Can you believe this team??? They keep us on the edge of our seats up to the last minute (and over time minute) of the game. Today we just knew the game was over, they had lost by a field goal . . . but wait . . . there was a time out . . . the kick doesn't count. They return from the time out for a do-over kick . . . and he MISSES!!! The game went into overtime where the Broncos were able to score a field goal and win the game. You should have seen (and heard) Tyler. Annagrace was half scared and half laughing at her insane Daddy.

Missy

We went to lunch at Mom and Dad's today. You can see the jealously dripping like drool off of Missy when Annagrace is there. Daddy and Annagrace played peek-a-boo with her and she loved the attention.

But later she needed some more attention and loving so she came and took a nap with me and Annagrace.

5 Months!

I don't know if I am excited or if I want to cry . . . today is my little angel's 5 month birthday. No, we didn't celebrate, we are saving that for next month! So . . . Nana and Papa, we are expecting cake!

She is growing so quickly, I will look at her in the morning and two hours later she already looks bigger and older. She is just so much fun and laughs at everything. She is just such a pleasant, happy baby. I don't know how we got so lucky. I must say peek-a-boo a hundred times a day (I need to count tomorrow to see if that is really true) and she LAUGHS every single time. It is adorable! She is adorable!

Aunt Carol's Visit

Annagrace fell asleep last night before she had a bath so she waited until Carol got here to give her one. She had fun as usual. We spent the rest of the day shopping. We literally shopped until we dropped . . . our feet hurt . . . our backs hurt . . . even Annagrace fell asleep early and slept all night long.

Never Ending Dinner

We all decided to go to Outback when we were finished making cards. We called ahead, got there early, and still had to wait due to poor planning on their part. Then, the food took FOREVER to get to us. Anyway, I'll spare you the details but we were there for three hours with an infant and a toddler that were tired of the place within 30 minutes. The food was delicious though =) And Annagrace was able to sport her new blue jeans and tennis shoes.

She has decided that the back side of her pacifier tastes better. She sucks and chews on the little white nub on the back.

Card Making

Jenn, Tyson, Angie, and her Aunt Margret came over for a crafty card making day. This is Tyson, he's a little cutie!

The two youngins' did really well today entertaining themselves and each other. They were funny to watch.

I think Annagrace has a little boyfriend! (ughhh, it's already starting!)

I think Tyson may be on his way to a profession in plumbing!

You can't hold someones else's baby without your own getting jealous!

After our walk, and a little rest, I turned on the iPod and started cleaning. At some point I started singing along but I guess Annagrace didn't enjoy the singing. When I peeked over at her, I caught her doing this . . .

she was covering her ears with her head cushion.

Morning Walk

She absolutely loves walking. Yesterday we went to a park after we dropped Tyler off at work. But, today Tyler took the car, so we went around the neighborhood. She just looks so cute, ready to go, in her sneakers and all. I guess the walk just wore her out, she took a quick nap when we got back home. She is the master of cat napping. She slept for 20 mintues and was ready to go again.

Family Dinner at Home

Carol came down for a quick visit so I cooked dinner and Mom and Ellene (aka G.G.) came over.

She is getting too heavy for G.G. to hold!

These are my favorite shopping find for the day - they are the cutest tennis shoes I have EVER seen. Annagrace loved showing them off.