Baby Autumn

Mama Is A Big Time Slacker

2009-04-24T20:26:00.000-07:00

K, so I know I'm the worst Mom ever b/c I haven't been keeping your blog updated. But when I had to buy more space on Picasa Web Albums to store all the pictures from my blog and yours, I decided I'd better just keep mine updated. Then I'll just have all your pictures printed out into a book, but I'm not going to put them on this blog. It was too hard to keep your blog and mine updated everyday. I would rather spend time w/ you creating memories instead of blogging about them on my blog AND yours. Anyways, if you want to know what's going on just check out my blog.

Colors Anyone?

2009-03-07T06:57:00.000-08:00

Lately you’ve been interested in the tupperware (I was hoping we had skipped over the phase where most kids take all the pots and pans out of the cupboards). Anyways, this morning you were playing w/ the tupperware lids. You kept holding them up to your face, so I took it as an opportunity to teach you about colors. “Where’s the red one?”

“Where’s the blue one?”

“Where’s the purple one?” (red & blue together)

We had the Disney Channel on and I went to get us some cereal. I came back and you were lounged out on the couch like this, just enjoying watching your shows. You crack me up!

I looked over to see what you were doing and you were sitting on the floor talking to the animals on your little bench. I don’t know what you were saying to them, but you were very animated and serious about it. LOL!

After you woke up from your nap, you wanted to watch ballroom dancing. Luckily I taped it the other day when we were watching it, b/c you have wanted to watch it a few times since then. When one dance is over you clap and then you turn and look at me and do the sign language sign for “more”, b/c you want me to fast forward through all of the commentary and get to the next dance. You had me put on your ballerina skirt and then you danced around w/ your babies. You crack me up. I’ll have to look into getting you into some dance classes when you’re a little older.

When I went to WalMart today they had kites for $1, so I bought us one. I love flying kites and figured you might like it too. I was right, you did.

You had enough kite flying and wanted to jump on the trampoline. You are such a cute little bug.

You are such a girl and love shoes, purses, dresses, dolls, etc. You found my pink shoes and were trying to put them on and walk around in them. You crack me up!

We went for a ride in the car to go get some Sonic drinks and mandarin chicken salads at Wendy’s. You were trying to sing along w/ the songs in the car and of course had to have a baby w/ you. You are so stinkin’ cute and kept saying “more” when you wanted a drink. I think you probably drank 1/2 of my drink, but I’m more than happy to share.

Ballroom Dancing W/ Don

2009-03-04T18:40:00.000-08:00

Before we went out to Cheddars tonight, Don came over and you wanted to watch ballroom dancing. Not only did you get to watch it, but you got Don to do some ballroom dancing with you. You had so much fun and were laughing like crazy.

Ghetto Diaper Princess

2009-03-01T17:18:00.000-08:00

Today when you got up from your nap I was changing your diaper. You went to grab the new diaper just as I did, and the little tab on the side ripped. Diapers are expensive, so I decided you were still going to wear it, so I just taped it up w/ some black tape.

You looked so pathetic w/ your diaper all taped up like that, but you didn’t care and just wanted some mangoes. LOL!

After that, you were playing w/ your dolls and you found your princess hats from your birthday. You put one on and then wanted me to wear the other one. You were in such a silly mood.

We decided to go w/ a ghetto theme and even wear our hats off to the side. You had a mango in your mouth and stuck it in front of your teeth so you look like you have an orange grill! LOL!

Warm Winter

2009-02-26T18:20:00.000-08:00

Tonight the weather was so nice (82 degrees) that we went out and ate dinner out by the pool. Papa brought home a fun treat for you…dates. You LOVE dates. These dates, however, weren’t pitted so Papa had to take out the pits for you.

These dates were BIG, and next thing we knew, you had stuffed the whole thing in your mouth! You couldn’t even close your mouth b/c it was so big. Talk about a big old dog bite!

The pool water was actually nice and cold, but not too bad so I stuck my feet in. I love you, my little Autumn Bug.

You’ve been on a booger picking kick lately. You think it’s so funny when I say, “Eww! Gross!” You’ve even started coming over and trying to wipe your nose on me. SICK! You picked a booger and tried to go over and give it to Mimi and she freaked out and you thought you were so hilarious.

You found your favorite outside toy…a broom. You were going around sweeping the patio and thought you were hot stuff. You even did a few twirls w/ the broom.

I love this look. “Yes, I know I’m cute…and???”

After sweeping you wanted to go and feed Gigi. You aren’t scared of her and all and she is finally starting to warm up to you. You just went and sat on the ground w/ Papa outside of her little dog house she stays in. You kept trying to feed her w/ your hand, but she wanted a lot more than what your little hand could hold, so she went straight for what was in the pan.

After that, it was time to head over to the fort. Papa said you fell off the stairs the other day while you were out there playing, so now he is putting some hand rails on there! You are the most loved little girl ever, and you have Papa wrapped around your little finger.

After that, it was over to the garden. You took Papa’s finger and led him in there. Then you took Mimi’s finger and led her into the garden. Then you came and got my finger and led me into the garden. You can’t go anywhere w/out your little entourage. You were so cute and helped Papa to pick some onions.

After being outside and feeding Gigi, it was definitely time for a bath. You have the cutest little facial expressions. Look at that precious smile!

After your bath you proved even more that you have Papa wrapped around your little finger. You got him to give you a foot/leg massage w/ lotion. You are such a lotion fiend. I am so glad that you are surrounded by so many adults that love you so much. I hope someday you realize and appreciate how great we have it.

Dancing Rose

2009-02-18T17:16:00.000-08:00

Tonight after daycare/work you demanded that you be allowed up on the counter. I’ll usually let you sit up on the counter while I am getting dinner ready, b/c otherwise you are holding onto my legs and I almost trip. I soon found out the main reason you wanted to get up on the counter…you wanted to smell the roses.

They have gotten prettier the longer they’ve had to bloom. They are so full and gorgeous right now. It’s nice to see that you appreciate nature and things of beauty just as much as I do.

Lately when we go pick Alison up in the morning, I’ve had the same CD in the car. One day you were super fussy, so while we waited for Alison to come out, I put on the song “Don’t Know Why I Didn’t Come” by Norah Jones. I reached back and held your hand and sang it to you, and it calmed you right down and you actually tried singing along w/ me after a while. So, that is now “our song”. As soon as we pull into Alison’s driveway, you start grunting, which I have come to figure out means you want me to play “our song” and you always insist that I reach back and hold your hand and sing it to you.

Tonight I was messing w/ my laptop and you wanted my attention, so you kept coming over and grabbing my hand from typing. I have itunes on my laptop, so I decided to play “our song” and you stood on the table while munching on some Pringles and you and I danced to “our song”. It was exactly what I needed after a rough day. You bring me such happiness and joy and unconditional love.

Grapefruit Girl

2009-02-17T18:19:00.000-08:00

Sorry this picture is grainy, but it was too cute not to post. Papa & Uncle Nick went and picked you up early from daycare. You were outside working w/ Papa in the front yard when I got home from work, and you came RUNNING across the grass towards me. It made my rotten day just melt away and I was SO HAPPY to see you.

After working in the yard w/ Papa it was time to go play on the fort. You usually like going down the slide, but for some reason you weren’t wanting to tonight. You wanted to play hide-n-go-seek w/ Papa instead.

You were REALLY unhappy when Papa made you swing w/ him. I don’t know why, but for some reason you have always hated swinging. Most kids love it, but not you. But then again, you are not like most kids.

Another way you are not like most kids is that you have interesting tastes in food. You love to eat veggies, dates, Vietnamese food, and now grapefruit! How many 2 year olds would consider it a treat to sit and eat a grapefruit?

Papa spoils you rotten, and you LOVE it! You have him wrapped around your little finger, and you are the best of buddies.

Tonight you learned a new trick. I was in doing dishes when all of a sudden the light went off. I came around the corner and this is what I saw…you had gone and gotten your step stool out of the bathroom and had pulled it over to the light switches! You are so stinkin’ smart!

“Hey! Get that camera out of my face! I don’t want you to have any proof or evidence that I was the guilty party!”

Potato Princess

2009-02-16T18:11:00.000-08:00

We have been missing Mimi while she is in Utah. Papa made potatoes for dinner tonight. But, you didn’t mind at all and enjoyed eating potatoes w/ Papa.

I love this picture so much! You and Papa are so close and I am so thankful that you have such a loving and caring father figure in your life every single day.

I’m Lame

2009-02-15T18:14:00.000-08:00

Dearest Autumn Bottom,

I just wanted to apologize for not being very good at keeping up on your blog. I thought I could keep up w/ my blog and yours at the same time, but it’s proving to be harder than I thought. Before when you went to bed at 7:30 every night, I had a good 2-3 hours to myself to blog. But, now that you’re older, you aren’t going to bed until 8:45 or 9:00. Also, when you are awake you are wanting my undivided attention, so blogging is out of the question. And I just feel like spending time w/ you is way more important than blogging. I am going to try and be better and at least do a few posts a week.

But I do want to let you know that I love you so much and you are the light of my life. I have had a lot going on in my personal life, but I am trying to come home at the end of the day leave all my personal issues at work so I can be a good Mom to you. You are the most important thing in the world to me and I hope you know that. My life would be incomplete w/out you. I am sorry if I am short tempered w/ you sometimes, but I wish you could talk and tell me what you need instead of throwing fits. But, together we are figuring things out. You make me so happy and I am still in awe that I am your Mom. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me!

Love,
Mama

Happy Valentine’s Day 2009

2009-02-14T18:29:00.000-08:00

This morning we woke up and had bacon and eggs for breakfast. You wanted to help me cook. You made this sign at daycare this week, and I thought it was a great way to start our Valentine’s Day.

Giving Uncle Nick some love on Valentine’s Day. I love both of your expressions here! LOL!

After breakfast, you and Papa were having fun and were dancing in the living room.

He had to go get ready for work, so you danced w/ your bunny in the kitchen instead.

After dancing, you wanted to serenade us w/ a song. You were quite the little entertainer this morning.

The last of your performances was “playing” the piano. You are quite the musician.

After that, I gave you a bubble bath and was brushing your hair. You decided the Emma needed to have her hair brushed, too. She is so patient in putting up w/ you sometimes.

After we ate lunch and took a little nap, I ran to the store to get some groceries and you went outside to play w/ Uncle Nick. You had a blast playing on the fort and when I got home you were playing in the sand box. This is the look you gave me when I told you it was time to go in… Since it was a look of “drop dead” I decided to stay outside w/ you for a little bit so you could play. But, I knew it was time when to go in when I started dozing off in my chair.

At 6:30, Don came over to visit. You had gone down for a nap around 4:00, so I came and woke you up so that you would actually go to bed tonight. That’s why you look all icky in this picture…I had just woken you up. Don was so nice and brought me a bouquet of flowers, but he also brought YOU a bouquet of flowers! So thoughtful!

He kept you entertained w/ chocolate and candy while I made you some mac & cheese for dinner. Then I left you home w/ Uncle Nick for a little while (until Papa got home) while Don and I went out to dinner. We got home at 10:00 and you were still up running around like a little monkey. You crack me up. You wanted to play foosball, then you wanted to play the piano, then you and Don went upstairs and I found you both sitting on the floor in Mimi’s craft room while you laid out strips of scrap fabric on the floor. I just stood in the doorway and watched for a while b/c it was so cute.

Anyways, I want you to know how incredibly much I love you. I love you more than anything in the world, b/c you ARE my world! You have the best and most unconditional love I have ever felt in my life. I hope you know now and you know in years to come that you are loved more than words can express by me, your Mama.

Happy Valentine’s Day 2009

I LOVE YOU!

My Little Who From Who-Ville

2009-01-26T11:53:00.000-08:00

Tonight on the way home from daycare you got mad and started pulling your bow out of your hair. When we got home you wanted me to fix it, but I knew you were going to take a bath tonight and I didn’t want to go to all the trouble of taking the elastic out and fixing it when I was just going to take it out for your bath. So I just took your bow and pinned up your hair so it wouldn’t be in your face.

You can’t really tell from these pictures, but your hair stuck straight up in the front and kind of made you look like a Who from Who-Ville. I couldn’t get a good picture of you b/c you were playing w/ your new Strawberry Shortcake magnets that I got at the Dollar Spot at Target for your birthday. I love how you have your tongue sticking out in this picture. I do the same thing w/out even knowing it when I am concentrating on something.

Evening W/ Autumn

2009-01-21T19:08:00.000-08:00

Today I left work early and came and picked you up and took you over to the county health center to get your immunizations. I have been a bad mom and have been way behind on getting them done. The reason is that when I took you to a doctor last year for your one year check up and a few immunization shots it was $700!!! I was NOT about to pay that much again to get a few immunizations, so we went to the county clinic to get them. While we were sitting there waiting, this older black lady came in and sat down behind us and you were all smiley and waved at her and kept saying, “Hi! Hi!” She was really cute and played peek-a-boo w/ you. There were about 3 young mothers in there w/ their babies, and it was so fun to see how everyone was so kind and patient and friendly b/c of the children. We all were smiling at each other and talking about our kids. I wish adults were more like kids…just open and loving and accepting. Autumn did good and only cried for about 20 seconds (I was sneaky and gave her some Tylenol as soon as I picked her up from daycare so it wouldn’t hurt so bad).

We came home and fed Gigi and it was nice outside so we sat outside and played. You look like a chimney sweep carrying around the broom in your cute coat.

You found a pair of your shoes outside and kept strapping them to the handles of your bike??? What a kid.

I love sepia pictures.

We came in b/c it was getting too cold. I was doing something in the kitchen and I turned around to see that you had climbed up on this chair on your own and were sitting there looking at the Ensign! Look at how cute you are w/ your ankles crossed.

I am so glad that you are not a picky eater. Tonight for dinner you ate a whole entire plate full of sautéed onions, yellow squash, and zucchini. I just hope you always like eating your vegetables and don’t turn into a picky eater when you get older.

Lately you’ve been wanting me to lay down on the floor at night. You cover me up w/ your blankets just like you do to your babies. I had my head up like this to watch TV and you came over and pushed my head down and said, “Shhh! Night. Night.” That means lay down and pretend like you are asleep. You are such a cutie pie.

Dates Anyone?

2009-01-20T19:01:00.000-08:00

Tonight we came home from daycare and it was pajama day at school, and you had fun wearing your “twinkle twinkle little star” jammies to work. Papa bought some dates the other day and I let you try one and you LOVED them. I love how you were sitting on the counter and had your little feet crossed at the ankle while chowing down on your dates.

“Can I have some more dates, please?”

(Me: “I would like a few more dates (w/ men) myself!”) LOL!

“Thank you, Momma.”

“No more for you, Autumn or else you are going to have diarrhea!”

Polka Dot Princess

2009-01-19T19:33:00.001-08:00

This morning you got bathed and cleaned up kind of early, so I didn’t want to put you in your church dress just yet. You were happy to run around in just your diaper, tights, and church shoes.

“Peek-a-boo! I see you!”

You had some cereal for breakfast, but then you wanted some chips. You crack me up, b/c you couldn’t be a real princess w/out having your chips in one had w/out having your pearl handled purse in the other hand?

We had to get a picture together in our cute church clothes. This is a fun polka dot dress you got for your birthday. Uncle Nick said it reminds him of Twister (a game). You were funny at church and were making smiley faces at Jake while he was passing the sacrament, and then you went and sat w/ Uncle Curt & Jessie for a while today at church.

You are quite the little monkey and when I tell you to go get in your high chair you go around the table, climb up on 2 chairs and over to your high chair. Today I caught a pic of you in the act!

I love giving you kisses and getting kisses in return. You are such a Little Love Bug.

Mimi loves spoiling you rotten and was feeding you ice cream right out of the bucket and you were loving it.

“What??? It’s all gone? Are you sure? Can you check again to make sure it’s really all gone?”

You looked so stinkin’ cute in your dress today. So many people at church tell me how adorable you are. And most of the time I would have to agree (except for when you’re throwing your tantrums). You are my Polka Dot Princess!

Happy 2nd Birthday!!!

2009-01-17T12:57:00.000-08:00

This was you and me on your birthday last year. I can’t even believe how much you have changed in just one short year.

You weren’t even walking yet. You would stand up on your own for a couple of seconds, and were able to cruise along the furniture, but you couldn’t walk on your own. And look at how short and thin your hair was!

Today we got up and you were up to your usual Saturday activities of watching Disney Channel, playing w/ your dolls and eating a cup of cereal. However, today you did something for the first time. All of your dolls have diapers under them instead of being covered up w/ a blanket.

After playing for a while Mimi & Papa finally woke up. We had sausage, eggs, and toast for breakfast. You wanted to be Miss Independent today and insisted on feeding yourself. We busted out the traditional Happy Birthday placemat, Happy Birthday clown plaque and red plate.

You even got a Happy Birthday hug from Uncle Curt.

One of your favorite things to do is to play at the park. And since today is your birthday, we went to the park to play. You had so much fun running around.

You copied some other kids that were doing this and starting hanging from the handle before you went down the slide. This is the first time that you went down the slides by yourself. You probably went down about 30 times and loved every minute of it. But you were still very cautious and would lay out spread eagle so you could go down slow.

After the slides I tried taking you over to the swings and you FREAKED OUT and were screaming bloody murder as soon as I put you in and before I could even push you once. So I took you out right away. I don’t know why you have such an aversion to swinging. We went over to the rocking toys and you were obsessed w/ this motorcycle.

I just love the look on your face. You had SO MUCH FUN running around just being outside.

There is this wall w/ tiles all over it w/ hand prints on the tiles. You thought it was so cool and kept walking up and down putting your hand on the tiles.

It got pretty windy after a while, so we packed up and headed to WalMart to get you some diapers b/c we are almost out. I called and talked to Connie (my friend from Prosper) b/c it’s her birthday today, too. You took a little snooze in your car seat on the ride over to WalMart.

After WalMart we went over to Market Street and got Penne Dolcelatta for your birthday lunch. You love that stuff, and so do I. You were being such a cutie pie and were waving and smiling and saying, “Hi!” to everyone we passed.

The weather was so nice outside when we got home that we just sat out on the patio and ate out there. You had fun running around and sitting on your little picnic table.

You remembered you had your little Strawberry Shortcake tricycle out on the patio and rode that around for a little bit.

That is until Uncle Nick wanted to try it. I love the look on your face. It’s like you’re thinking, “what does this crazy guy think he’s doing?”

When I was finally able to drag you inside you helped me make some cupcakes for tonight. You even helped me lick the whisks (for the first time ever).

Now there’s a face only a mother could love. And I DO LOVE IT!

You finally went down for a real nap. After you woke up you wanted to go upstairs and see Mimi b/c she was up there sewing. You found some scrap fabric so we both put it on our heads. I look like Yentel and you look like Mary.

We waited until Papa got home from work to have cupcakes and open gifts. You knew what to do this time w/ presents (at Christmas we had to help you open all of your presents) but this time you didn’t need any help.

You were being silly and put your pants on your head. You got a few pair of pants (the stretchy kind, b/c you don’t really like wearing jeans), a shirt, and…

…a pretty new dress.

Uncle Curt and Jessie came over to celebrate w/ us. You loved having them there.

I know I say this all the time, but I really can’t believe how much you’ve grown and changed in one year. Even in the past few weeks you’ve changed so much. Here I am trying to feed you a cupcake.

You didn’t want me to feed it to you, you wanted to do it yourself. At first you were just taking bites off the top and were eating the frosting only.

I hope you know that you are the light of my life. I know my life would be completely different (in a bad way) w/out you. I know we have our moments when you’re not happy w/ me and I have to give you a little swat on the butt or put you in time out. But the majority of the time you are my Little Love Bug. I LOVE coming to pick you up at daycare everyday b/c you see me and get a big huge smile on your face and you come running over to me w/ your arms open wide and you give me a big old bear hug when you get to me.

You keep me laughing, you keep me guessing, and you keep me happy. You are the reason I don’t get a good night’s sleep, but you’re also the reason I get up every day. You are the reason I have bags under my eyes, but you’re also the reason my eyes sparkle when I talk about how amazing you are. You are the reason I can’t wear nice clothes, but you are also the reason my life means more than clothes or material things. You are by far the best thing that has ever happened to me and you are my world!

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY, LITTLE BUG!

Us, 2 years ago today.

Birthday Letter From Dad

2009-01-17T06:59:00.000-08:00

To my Beautiful Princess

Is't your second birthday and I wish I was there to spend it with you. It's been a while since I have have held you in my arms and loved you or even talked to you. I didn't know our distance and time would be like this, but this is your day and I want you to know your dad loves you with all his heart. Soon I will again see you and hold you and talk to you and show you that I care and love you. Never give up on me, never look down on me if you do then that is when our love begins to fade. Your mom has done an excellent job of raising you by herself and I respect her more than she knows for taking up this responsibility. She is a very honorable woman in that way and many others, and I hope you learn everything good about her and make it a part of yourself. I named you Autumn because in my life your name represents change and a new begining. It is a clean, pure name that is beautiful, many people don't see it this way, but if they knew my heart that is what it means to me and that is where it came frm my heart, and this is why I named you Autumn. Your middle names come from your grandmother on your Indian side of course. She also loves you and we can't wait to see you again very soon. From this point on you will never be out of my life for long, because I am making the changes nessasary in my own life to be apart of your life. I have your picutres around my room along with your other sister Jewel, and your two monkey brothers Jason Jr., and Justus. They know of you and look at your pictures and wonder when they will see you and I tell them soon. Your all mine and I will tell you like my mom told me and that is I love you all equally, but I will always treat you like my princess. I hope you get everything you want in life that is good and everything that helps you to be a strong powerful woman that loves God and his son Jesus. You are only a baby now and this will make more sense as you grow older, but for now just know that your dad is always praying for you, always thinking about you, and will always be on your side no matter what, such as my mom and dad have been for me. Again this is your birthday, happy birthday my love.

Love, Dad

My Baby Girl Is Growing Up

2009-01-07T19:35:00.001-08:00

I just LOVE this picture. (You have to click on it to make it bigger to really appreciate Autumn’s adorable expression.) What a cutie you are, Autumn. Papa spoils you rotten and fed you breakfast this morning before we left for the day.

You looked so cute in pigtails today that I just had to get a picture in then car while waiting to pick up Alison. Today when I picked you up they told me that they had moved you up to the 2 year old room b/c yesterday you were too aggressive in the 1 year old room. They said you are bored in there and were ready to move up. You were SO excited when I came and picked you up and I’m glad to see that you are learning and growing. I’ve noticed that you’re trying to say more words today, too.

“E.T. phone home.”

For dinner tonight you decided that you wanted to have chips and dip. And you actually said the word “dip” so I was a sucker and gave in and let you had some. You are becoming Little Miss Independent and want to do things yourself like get your own chips, dip them yourself, etc. These pictures were just TOO cute not to share!

“You’re really going to let me have chips and dip for dinner? You’re THE BEST MOM EVER!”

“MMM! I love me some chips and dip.”

After that we went upstairs to see what Mimi was doing. She was quilting a top that Great Grandma Johnson had pieced together for my cousin, Ashley’s wedding. I laid under the quilting machine and you came under there w/ me, but you were scared of the sewing arm that moved back and forth.

I got you to come and lay down w/ me under the quilt so we could get a picture. You were laughing b/c Emma had just licked your fingers.

You were being really clingy tonight, so I decided to have you sit on my foot while I walked around so I could try and get things done. You thought it was so much fun and just laughed so hard you couldn’t hold on for very long.

Karaoke Queen

2009-01-05T19:05:00.000-08:00

Tonight when we got home Uncle Nick and I were jamming out on the karaoke machine. You decided that you needed a turn.
"Hello??? Is this thing on?”

“I’d like to dedicate this one to you, Papa!”

Trying out her KISS tongue.

This girl was born to be a star!

My Goat-Feeding, Orange-Eating Hair Dresser

2009-01-04T18:52:00.000-08:00

This is a regular occurrence on Saturday and Sunday mornings…you and Papa out feeding Gigi. She is scared of you, but you are not scared of her and walk right up to her and pet her.

You found this comb and decided that you were going to be a hairdresser today. First it was Papa, but you had to go at it from the side since he has none on top.

Then there was Mimi’s hair… “just tease it and make it look like a brown football helmet.”

Uncle Nick’s hair is really too short to do anything with.

And your comb got stuck in my long curly locks.

You are such a sweetheart sometimes. Look at that sweet and angelic (and also dirty) little face.

We had some oranges and you went to town on them! You ate about 3 of 4 slices and still wanted more.

Are you smelling that orange or trying to hide behind it?

I had to post this picture just in case anyone reading your blog thinks that things are always peachy and easy w/ you. Lately you’ve had quite the little temper and I don’t know why. If you don’t get what you want you scream, kick, scratch, bite yourself, etc. I’ve tried ignoring it, giving you a little swat on the butt, putting you in time, 0ut, etc. I hope you grow out of it soon and also hope that things will get better when you can actually talk and tell me what you want. But either way, I love you to pieces!

Bug Eyes, Dresses & Hide And Seek

2008-12-21T10:03:00.000-08:00

Papa took these pictures of you while I was still sound asleep in my bed. You crack me up. Are you a diva/movie star?

Or a weird-o w/bug eyes?

“Hey, you taking pictures of me? If so, I want 1/2 of the $ you make off of them.”

After getting you in your Christmas dress, you were dancing all over the living room and just thought you were ALL THAT. You even had time to squeeze in a kiss and a dance w/ Papa.

I am so lucky to be your Mom. You make me so happy and fill my days w/ joy.

3 Generation Picture

When we got home from church, you wanted to lay in Mimi & Papa’s bed. You were “hiding” from them. You kept saying, “Shh! Shh!”

I would hide you by covering you up w/ the blanket. Then you would take the blanket off and say, “BOO!” What a cutie pie.

Autumn & Football

2008-12-20T09:56:00.000-08:00

You made a little yellow bell ornament at daycare this week, so we went and put it on the Christmas tree.

You didn’t like it very much when I told you not to play w/ the other ornaments on the tree. So, I had to find something else to occupy your time.

I remembered this fun advent calendar that Mimi had made me a few Christmases ago that I used with my Primary kids on Sunday. So, I got this out for you to play with. You had so much fun and wanted to do it over and over again.

If you look close, some of the wisemen are upside down, the angels are flying crooked, but that doesn’t matter. You had a good time and we talked about the different pieces and the Christmas Story.

After that, you wanted to go outside to feed Gigi, the Goat. I thought you looked so cute in your red Dora jammie top, diaper, and red shoes. Who dresses this kid?

You aren’t scared of Gigi at all and you go right over and pet her head and horns and help Papa feed Gigi.

“Mom! UGH! Can you please quit taking pictures? I’m in my diaper here!”

After that we went inside and got cleaned up to go to lunch w/ Mimi. There is a new Chinese restaurant just up the road from where we live. They also have Vietnamese food, which we LOVE! You love it too and even tried using chopsticks. The owner’s little 4 year old girl was there and kept coming over to you to say hi. You two kind of look a like.

After we got home, I left to go and get my nails done. It’s my monthly treat to myself. When I got home, you wanted to play so we went outside and you jumped on the trampoline for a little bit. The morning was warm, but it was COLD when we went out this afternoon. You jumped for a little, but we were too cold and went back in.

We were going to go to the ward Christmas party tonight, but you needed a nap and I was too tired from the 2 parties in the past 2 days. We spent the rest of the evening watching 3 football games.

Stackin’ Eatin’, & Sneakin’

2008-12-17T09:47:00.000-08:00

Tonight when we got home, I was putting together some little goodie bags for a lady I visit teach. I got out this curling ribbon and you decided that you were going to use them as stacking blocks.

“Look what I did, Mama!”

I was doing dishes and I heard you shuffling around the room. I wondered what in the world you were doing, b/c it didn’t sound like the normal pitter patter of your feet on the floor. I came around the corner and this is what I saw…you had pulled your pants down to your knees and you were trying to walk around. I think this is a good sign, b/c you told me you had poopies and needed your diaper changed. Isn’t that the first step towards potty training?

You said you wanted her bah bah, and you only get that when you go to bed. I went to put your in your crib, and this is what we found…Papa had cleaned off the fireplace b/c he and Mimi invited a doctor that he works with over to do the Forgotten Carols at noon. He had put all the purses, scarves, pillows, and stuffed animals in your crib! You thought it was pretty funny to just chill sitting on top of all your stuff.

You weren’t ready for bed yet and wanted to play. You discovered this party tray on the table. “Autumn, unh unh! Don’t touch!”

“It wasn’t me, Mama even though I have a super guilty look on my face!”

“I know who it was, though! It was Uncle Nate.”

We played w/ your toys for a while and you found your little back massager and I was able to trick you into giving me a back massage. Too bad it only lasted about long enough to take this picture and then you were done and on to the next thing.

I was watching TV, and all of a sudden it got way too quiet, which is never a good thing. I found that you were being ambitious and starting early on spring cleaning the pantry. What a kid!

Ice, Ice, Baby

2008-12-16T20:13:00.000-08:00

Today we got up to icy roads, so the daycare was closed and so was my work. I called some customers from home and then spent the rest of the day inside playing with you. I was such a bum and stayed in my pajamas the whole day. It was great. I got you all bathed and cleaned up for the day. Since I knew it was going to be a long day of being cooped up inside, I broke out the alphabet magnet letters for the fridge. I was going to save those for Christmas, but you had so much fun with them that I was glad I got them out today. You would arrange them on the fridge and then take them off and put them in your bucket and put them back on the fridge. You got such joy out of such a simple thing.

After you got bored with that, you were looking at Mindi & the Kids’ Christmas present. “Unh, unh, unh! No peeking, we don’t want to ruin the surprise!”

I went to get some cereal ready for you to eat for breakfast. I came over to the table and you had climbed up into your high chair all by yourself! Papa had left a bag of Fritos on the table, and you had the whole bag and were just going to town. What a little monkey…you are climbing all over the place.

I have been wondering why Emma has been looking a little chubbier than usual. I finally figured it out! You’ve been feeding her human food on the sly.

After being inside for most of the morning we wanted to get out. We went out to see the goat. Notice the water pail behind you. The water was all frozen and we had to break the ice up so the goat could get a drink. I think you look so adorable in this jacket.

Papa wanted to clean out the dog/goat house, but that stubborn goat would NOT come out. He had to grab it by the legs and pull it out. We fed it and tried to get it to drink water, but it wouldn’t. It just stood there and shivered. I didn’t know goats could shiver, but now I know they can. While Papa was cleaning out Gigi’s house (we named the goat Gigi) she snuck around the back of it and when he wasn’t looking she tried to push him out of the way and get back in the house. I was laughing so hard I almost wet my pants but then held it in so it would turn to ice! Who looks like the bigger (excuse my French) ass? LOL!

You had a good time being outside until it got way too cold and your little hands and nose were bright red. You liked visiting the goat. Look at that precious little face!

“Bow, wow, yo. Yippee yo. Yippee ya.”
I was loving your gangsta hat that you borrowed from Uncle Nate.

After being outside and being freezing cold, you were ready for a cup of warm Friendship Tea. It’s not really tea, it’s just spiced up Tang, but that’ s just what we call it, and it is so good.

Dad was showing you how to get Emma to do tricks. First it was, “Dance, Emma, dance.”

Then it was, “Play dead.”

“Good job, Emma. Here is your treat.” Notice how you made Emma stand up on her hind legs to get her treat. Emma really is a pretty talented dog.

It was a fun day of staying home and spending time together today.

Last night when we got home from daycare Mimi had made some soup and I got a bowl for you and I to eat. I told you to tell Mimi, “thank you.” Usually you just does your sign language thank you, but tonight you did the sing language AND said the words thank you! I let out a scream of delight and gave you a big hug and a kiss. When you were little I would notice when I would get home from a day at work that you had made a “turn.” Meaning that I noticed that you had all of a sudden grown up a lot during that one day. I haven’t noticed any “turns” in a long time, but tonight was definitely one. You are finally trying to talk more and make more sounds. You are also such a big girl and you are so smart and inquisitive and you understand so much. Somehow, last night, you grew up a little bit more right before my eyes. I am the luckiest woman ever to be the mother of you, Little Bug!

Sunday Morning With Autumn

2008-12-14T10:03:00.000-08:00

Papa got this little pretend chainsaw at the white elephant party last night and you thought you were hot stuff this morning when he showed you how to push a button to have it make noise. So funny!

After that, we went out to the pen to see Curt’s goat. You were so excited and kept squealing in delight when the goat would move around. Look at that face, “Mama, can we keep it? Can we?”

You even got to sit on the goat, but that didn’t last for too long. You didn’t like it, and neither did the goat.

After that we went in and you had a bubble bath. After your bath Mimi fed you a cream cheese bagel. I don’t think you have any idea how good you have it and how lucky you are to have so many adults around you that love you so much.

You looked so cute in your little jean dress and pink boots that I wanted to get some pics. We had a quick photo shoot out on the front porch before heading to church. You kept sniffing that rose that was growing out of the flower pot.

You found that ribbon in the house and carried it around with you all morning. I love your cute little smile and laugh.

“Mom, are we done yet?”

I love how the pink stands out in the flower, your shirt, and your adorable boots. I am so lucky to be your Mom!

Tornados…Take Cover!!!

2008-12-08T19:25:00.000-08:00

Tonight it was raining REALLY hard, which is not really anything new for Texas. We get some pretty awesome thunder storms and I love them. Anyways, I was getting ready for bed when Uncle Nate came in and told me Papa had just called from work and we had to wake you up and go get in the closet under the stairs b/c he was watching the news and it showed there were tornados forming right near where we live. So, we went and had to empty out all the winter coats and all the luggage we store under the stairs and get in. I was laughing the whole time and saying, “Yeah, right. There’s no tornado.” I said that b/c we still had electricity and even the TV was still working. Emma wanted to get in the closet with us.

While we were in there we looked through our 24 hour emergency back pack. There was a piece of paper in there (the one I’m holding up) saying what was in the backpack and I noticed it had written at the top that we got it in May of 1994!!! Our emergency bag is over 14 years old! We looked through it and there were some alcohol pads that were all dried out and Uncle Nate found a little package from an MRE (that’s a military meal and it stands for Meal Ready to Eat). He opened it and started eating the fruit mix. He said it tasted really good. You were really good, especially since you had just been abruptly woken up. You just sat there on my lap w/ your blankey and wondered what in the heck was going on. You thought it was kind of fun to “hide” in the closet.

Anyways, I’m so glad that we didn’t have any damage, b/c the county just north of us had some major damage. It was a fun experience to at least know we were somewhat prepared in case something happened. Next time we’re just going to hide in my bathroom so we don’t have to put back all the luggage and coats. I think we need to update our 24 hour emergency backpack, though…14 years old??? LOL!

One Year Ago…And One Year Later…

2008-12-07T19:39:00.001-08:00

You couldn’t stand on your own. You were running all over.

You had a little whale spout. Your hair is SO LONG!

    I couldn’t get you to smile                     You are a total cheese ball.
       or look at the camera.

Either way, whether it was last year or this year, You are SO DANG CUTE! This dress has special meaning, especially, b/c my best friend in the whole world, Auntie Tara, gave it to you and Tara passed away this year. This is a dress I will save for you to pass down to your daughter’s. You are so sweet and I LOVE getting kisses from you. You are the best gift ever!

Fuzzy Bunny Slippers

2008-12-07T16:31:00.000-08:00

You got these bunny slippers from Curt & Mary & Jessie almost a year ago. They didn’t fit then, but they do now!

You were so excited to wear them and walked around the house like you owned the place. I love your little expression here! You are such a crack up! Looking back at those pics from a year ago, it is crazy to see how much you have grown up!

My Angel By The Angel Tree

2008-12-06T17:30:00.000-08:00

Today we got cleaned up and headed over to Plano to go to a bridal shower of Liz, one of the girls I work with. You were pretty good, but you didn’t let me stay and enjoy the shower and opening of the gifts too much. You wanted to walk around and explore the house. If you notice, you have one of my chap sticks in your hand, b/c that was one of my sneaky tricks to help keep you quiet. Your face here cracks me up, “Hey, Mom! Leave me alone and quit following me around w/ that camera so I can go upstairs and get into things I shouldn’t!”

You loved this HUGE angel tree in the entry. I especially love your super cheesy grin! You are MY angel!

Chocolate Advent Calendars

2008-12-05T17:22:00.000-08:00

I have ALWAYS loved those chocolate advent calendars you get at Christmas time. They just bring a huge smile to my face and make me so happy. I love waking up each morning knowing I get to look at my advent calendar to find the next number and then I get to open it to find a little chocolate surprise. I know the chocolate in them is cheap and kind of gross, but I don’t care. I still eat mine anyways and love every second of it.
I distinctly remember buying MY own (my Mom used to buy them for us before that) during Christmas 2006. Daddy and I were married and I was 8 months pregnant with you and was super excited to get my first advent calendar for myself. And this year I bought one for myself and also one for you! I don’t think you’ve quite caught on to the whole idea yet, but I’m so excited to carry on that tradition of chocolate advent calendars with you!

Christmas Cheer

2008-12-03T19:25:00.000-08:00

We got home from daycare/work and you were in a good mood. You looked so cute in your little red sweat suit outfit from Aimee that I just had to get some pictures.

“Thank you, thank you for the crackers, Mom!”

We have some Christmas hats that we get out every year and you discovered them tonight. First you were a Christmas Tree.

Then you were practicing saying, “Ho, ho, ho.”

Santa Baby

Ebenezer Scrooge & Bah Hambug

When it was time to put the hats away, you were NOT happy and tried hitting me, so you had to sit in the time out chair. I usually put you in the chair, tell you why you’re in time out, and then ignore you while you scream until it’s time to get out of timeout. You quit crying all of a sudden, so I turned to look and see what you were doing and you had your foot about 1 inch from the ground. I told you not to even think about getting out until your 2 minutes was up and you just looked at me with this daring look and wiggled your foot to within centimeters of the ground. I know I’m in trouble when you’re a teenager if you are already defying me at such a young age!

Luckily you finally believed me that I would keep you in time out for an extra minute if you put your foot on the ground. After your timeout, you gave me a kiss and said sorry and were off to playing. You wanted me to take off your jacket and shirt and kept saying “bubbles” which means you want to go take a bath. But before a bath, you were being a silly goose and were playing peek-a-boo w/ me on the chair.

“Look at my pretty red shoes, Mama!” Those used to be Jewlsey’s shoes that Mindi is letting us borrow. You look so cute in your red bow, diaper, and red shoes! What a kid!

Christmas Dress

2008-11-30T15:02:00.000-08:00

Papa & The Park

2008-11-29T19:10:00.000-08:00

This morning you and Andrew spent time w/ Papa. He made us waffles for breakfast and then read you and Andrew books. It is so sweet to see how cute he is with you and Andrew.

After reading books, we went outside to see the big huge squirrel that Papa caught in a little trap he set up near the garden. You and Andrew were scared of it b/c it was big and kept running back and forth in the cage but Papa was there to protect you both.

We all got cleaned up and ventured out since we spent all day yesterday inside just relaxing in our jammies. Lexie & Jon needed to go to Sam Moon’s for some shopping and I was more than happy to go along with them. You did really well in the store, especially b/c I gave you some bows I bought for you to carry around the store. After that, we wanted to go to the park to wear you and Andrew out so you would both take good naps. You loved going down the slide.

Andrew, Aunt Lexie & Uncle Jon

You were pretty adventurous today and went to the “big kids” part of the park. You just ran and around and climbed on things like it was no big deal. You are growing up so much!

And you’re ridiculously adorable too!

We only stayed for about 30 minutes b/c it was super windy and that made it really cold and miserable. You were NOT happy when I went to put you in the car and had to carry you football style while you kicked and screamed the whole way.

We got home and after a nice long nap you were much happier. You found this little stuffed Christmas moose and carried it around with you all afternoon. What a fun day!

Decorating for Christmas

2008-11-28T19:04:00.000-08:00

We spent the morning watching the Disney channel, dancing in the living room, and making funny faces.

Mimi went upstairs to find the Christmas tree box so we could decorate and you and Andrew went upstairs so you could “help”. You had so much fun sticking your faces through the posts and waving to me down below.

Aunt Lexie & I decorated the tree and when we turned it on you “oohed and ahhed” at how pretty it was. You kept wanting to look at it and touch it.

Mimi & Autumn Bottom

Happy Thanksgiving 2008

2008-11-27T18:20:00.000-08:00

This was such a fun and eventful Thanksgiving. We got up and were on the road by 9:00. We went out to Aunt Sandy & Uncle Robert’s. We went so early so we could spend the morning just playing and having fun. You and Papa played basketball for a little bit. You didn’t like being up that high in the air, but you did a few dunks before deciding you didn’t want to do that anymore.

Aunt Sandy & Uncle Robert have 2 big dogs, but you weren’t afraid of them at all. You kept trying to chase them and loved petting them.

We sat and watched the boys play football and just enjoyed the PERFECT weather. I love this picture of you…your facial expressions just crack me up!

Mimi & Emily were both dying for some caffeine so Uncle Robert went down to the gas station to get them some Dr. Pepper. When he got back, you decided you needed some from Mimi & Brooke wanted some from Emily. At first you tried drinking it straight from the bottle but that didn’t go too well so Mimi would pour some in the little lid and give you a drink that way.

Emily went in the house and so Brooke came over to Mimi to get a drink. Mimi was nice and shared with her while you watched. This next picture is PRICELESS…

“You TRAITOR! How dare you give MY drinks to Brooke? Don’t even think about doing that again or I’ll have to disown you as my Mimi.”

After getting your fill of Dr. Pepper, you found this little bike and had Papa push you to Uncle Nate and Uncle Nate would push you back to Papa while you had your feet propped up in the basket on the front. Y’all did that for a good 20 minutes and you were loving every minute of it!

Finally everyone got to the house and we took a group picture. There were Kerry, Carmen & Kids; Mimi & Papa, Lexie, Jon & Andrew; Aunt Sandy & Uncle Robert & Grandpa Asay (Aunt Sandy’s dad); Tyler, Emily & Kids, Rocky, Heather, & Shane; You & Me. It was so nice to spend the day w/ so many family members.

We wanted to take advantage of Rocky & Heather’s nice camera and great picture taking skills, so we all brought nice clothes to change into to take our family picture to send out in our Christmas cards.

You were in a good mood, so I also wanted to get some of you and I together.

Your cheesy smile is too funny and I”m glad to see you got my cheery disposition.

You LOVED being outside and LOVED playing on the fort in the backyard while we waited for lunch to be ready. You learned how to climb up this ladder and did such a good job climbing!

You had fun playing with Brooke and Shane. You would all run to one side of the fort and then run to the other side while laughing and screaming the whole time.

You even got brave and went down the slide a lot on your own. But you would always turn around and slide down on your tummy instead of your bummy!

You spent the majority of your time in the sandbox playing with the trucks and sand. You look so dang cute in your yellow shirt, jeans, and pink boots!

Peek-A-Boo

We had an AMAZING Thanksgiving meal, but you weren’t really hungry and didn’t eat much (probably b/c I had let you snack on too many chips before lunch). After we ate, we all headed over to the farm. You had been going non-stop since 9 am, so both you and I took a little nap on the way over. But when we got there, it was non-stop fun again. You went over and saw the chickens and keep saying, “DOOO! DOOO!” (That’s your version of cock-a-doodle-doo).

After that, Uncle Robert gave all 10 of you kids a ride on the tractor. You chased the cows around and you were laughing the whole time and had such a good time.

I wanted to take advantage of the cool surroundings and took some pics:

You loved making Papa go around with you to everything. You showed him the chickens, the dogs, the cows, the ducks on the pond, and anything else you could show him. It was so much fun. After that, we headed back to the house to watch the Cowboys game and have some pie. You liked the pumpkin pie w/ lots of whip cream. We left during the 3rd quarter so we wouldn’t get stuck in the traffic. You slept the whole way home.

Once we got home, we had left over turkey sandwiches, did puzzles, watched TV, you and Andrew played, and the adults did a puzzle. You had a pee pee diaper, so I changed you and I wasn’t paying attention to what I was doing when I put your pants back on. I put both of your legs into one pant leg. You were NOT happy when you had to waddle around the kitchen while I ran and grabbed my camera to get a picture, but it was too funny not to get a picture of you.

I know you’re too young to appreciate how blessed we are, but I hope you’ll realize it when your older and be thankful for all that we’ve been given. We are so blessed to live with family that just love and adore you. We are so blessed to have each other, and I hope you know that you are one of the most important things that I am thankful for!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2008

Bubble Baby

2008-11-26T18:01:00.000-08:00

Tonight Papa made a bubble bath for you and got WAY carried away w/ the bubbles. They completely filled the tub.

Nice beard there, Santa Claus!

“Don’t you just love my ravishing new hat, daaahhling?”

Blowing bubble kisses

In this pic, the bubbles look like a visor and you look like you’re a drunken card dealer, “Pick a card, any card.”

Quilting Queen

2008-11-25T20:56:00.000-08:00

Tonight when we got home, Maggie & Mimi were in working on a quilt. You decided that you wanted to “help”.

This was the perfect job for you, b/c you LOVE to pick up dish towels, blankets, and now pieces of fabric and lay them out on the ground. What a good little helper. You were NOT NOT NOT happy when we were done laying out the squares and you started to make a mess instead of helping and I took you in the other room. You would have thought it was the beginning of World War III w/ the way you were throwing a fit!

But after that it was time for a horsey ride with Papa. What a spoiled little girl! But you are so dang cute. Look at that precious face! No we just have to work on that temper of yours!

Getting Schooled

2008-11-24T20:19:00.000-08:00

Tonight we were watching Dancing With The Stars and you LOVE to have me dance around the room while holding you. But after dancing around for a while, I had to go do the dishes. You were playing in the living room for a while but I looked up and you were gone. It was way too quiet, so I went to find you to see what trouble you were getting into. This is what I found…you sitting at the old fashioned desk. I love this picture of you trying to show off your cute new pink boots.

Then it was time to get down to business and study. It’s hard to take you seriously when you have a neon green topped sippy cup on your desk! At least it seems like you’re happy to be at “school.”

You found your hat that matches your new rain coat and wanted to wear that, too. “Miss Kemble, if you can’t quit being so cute and distracting the rest of the class I’m going to have to send you to detention.”

“I’m sorry Miss Johnson! I can’t help it that I’m so cute! Please don’t punish me for being the cutest student that ever lived. There’s nothing I can do about it.”

Non-Stop Saturday

2008-11-22T12:57:00.000-08:00

This has been quite the busy day. You and I woke up this morning and played, watched the Disney Channel, and then it was time to hit the road. We went to Costco to get some more diapers (you were completely out and I was having to use the backup emergency ones I had in my car and the diaper bag). You were really good, and this is such a classic Autumn face! After that, we ran over to WalMart to get some groceries for the party tonight.

After WalMart, we went to McDonald’s to meet up with one of my best friends from high school. I haven’t seen Jen in over 13 years! She’s married now with 3 adorable daughters. You had a lot of fun playing with her little girls and also playing on the playground there.

After that, we headed home to get ready for the game. You crashed, b/c it was 4:00 and you hadn’t had nap all day. I finally got you up around 6:00 b/c I wanted you to still go to bed tonight. You had fun playing w/ Steve’s 2 kids, and you ate a lot of the fun party food we had.

While we were gone all day running errands, Mimi had gone out to Frisco to meet up with Aimee again to get MORE clothes for you that she had forgotten about! This adorable coat and matching hat were in the bag of clothes from Aimee and still had the tag on it! SO CUTE! I also got these adorable pink boots for you while we were at WalMart. You look like you’re ready to head out to the wild Alaskan frontier. I just noticed you also look like a life size porcelain doll b/c of the position of your arms and hands, the look on your face, and the price tag hanging from your arm!

It was a busy day, but everything was so much fun. It was so nice to get things accomplished, spend time with old friends, and make new friends!

Kisses For The Kitties

2008-11-21T13:56:00.000-08:00

Tonight you were in a really good mood and were having me chase you around the island in the kitchen. When I would come around the corner from the opposite direction than you thought I was coming, you would just stop and hug the cabinet and smile like this. You are so stinkin’ cute!

Uncle Curt must have felt bad that you cried when he left w/ the kitties a few days ago b/c he came back w/ Jesse this time and brought all 4 of the kitties.

We had to keep telling you to be “soft” w/ the kitties, b/c you would get so excited and try to grab their tails or squeeze them too tight. You loved giving them hugs.

You also like petting them b/c they are so soft. You also kept wanting to give them kisses.

I know this picture is blurry, but I really liked it anyways. You are so lucky to have not only a family that loves you so much but also Uncle Curt and his family that love you and spoil you rotten!

Sugar & Spice

2008-11-20T13:52:00.000-08:00

You were able to go back to daycare today. I got off a little early today, and when I got home we made some pumpkin bars for me to take to the people I visit teach. You wanted to “help” so I pulled your chair up to the counter and you sat there and watched while I made them. For some reason, you really were into the spices and kept playing with the spice bottles and were rearranging them and pretending to smell them. You’re such a good little helper and I love it that you want to be near me no matter what I’m doing.

Sick Baby

2008-11-18T13:48:00.000-08:00

Sunday night you woke up in the middle of the night and were just burning up with a fever. I gave you some medicine and you went back to bed, but still weren’t feeling good. Mimi kept you at home for me on Monday and took care of you. Today I stayed home with you in the morning b/c Mimi had a dentist’s appointment. Papa checked your throat and you had white sores all over in your mouth and on the back of your throat, but it’s a virus so we didn’t have any medicine to give you other than Tylenol and Motrin. You were such a cuddle bug this morning and I hope you get feeling better soon!

Kisses For The Kitties

2008-11-17T13:41:00.000-08:00

Tonight you and I were laying on Mimi’s bed watching TV when all of a sudden there was a dark figure standing in the doorway. Luckily, it was just Uncle Curt. He came over and brought 2 of his baby kitties with him for you to play with.

You had SO MUCH FUN playing with the kitties. At first they just sat on your lap and were still. Then once they got more comfortable with you they started to venture out on the bed and you would crawl around on the bed following them and screaming with glee.

After a while it was time for them to go and you were so cute and gave them both a kiss goodbye. You were NOT happy when Curt left with them and shut the door. You cried and cried and wanted them to come back. We will have to go over and visit them sometime soon.

You Love Clothes

2008-11-16T20:17:00.000-08:00

You would NOT take off this dress that was in the bag of clothes that Aimee gave us. So, I let you wear it but I made you wear pajama bottoms so your legs wouldn’t be cold. I thought you looked so cute in this dress w/ your hair in pig tails.

I’ve been trying to get you used to sitting on your little potty so it won’t be a scary thing when you start to really potty train. Mimi caught us with the camera practicing our “pee pee in the potty” song.

You found your towel and were walking around the house wearing it like a cape and then you pretended to be a ghost and say, “Booo!”

I was watching TV and noticed that it was unusually quiet. I knew you must have been up to something and guess where I found you…sitting between the recliner and chair playing with your pile of dirty clothes.

CAUGHT IN THE ACT!

You were playing w/ Papa and he took one of your skirts and put it on his head. He looked like an ancient Egyptian. I whipped out my camera, of course and he said to me, “Don’t even think of posting that picture on your blog.” “Um, ok, Papa. We won’t post it on Autumn’s blog.”

NOT!

A New Puppy

2008-11-15T14:03:00.000-08:00

No, I didn’t get you a real new puppy. Let me start at the beginning…I got up this morning and went to the temple w/ Papa and Uncle Nick. It was so nice to be there again and I can’t wait for you to go there someday. After that I came home and got you ready for the day and you and Mimi and I went to Frisco to meet up with Aimee to get some more clothes for you and Andrew. You fell asleep in the car and slept the whole time. Then we went to JoAnn’s to get some fabric. You found this stuffed animal dog that is as big as you are and you would NOT put him down. You got so mad when I tried to check the price tag on it.

It kept you happy and quiet while we shopped and you snuggled up with it in the cart. When we went to check out you threw a FIT when we tried to hand just the ear over to the cashier so she could scan the tag. We ended up having to rip off the tag to give to her to scan since you wouldn’t let go of it. Luckily it was on sale for only $10.

Aimee gave us some great clothes. You were SO EXCITED to look at them when we got home. This leopard print tankini was in there and you insisted on trying it on even though it was only 57 degrees outside. You thought you were hot stuff and kept posing in it all over the living room.

I was freezing cold, so I knew that you must be took so I finally got you take that off and change into this cute dress. You totally were cheesing and hamming it up for the pictures.

I thought it was still too cold so I put this cute jacket on you. As you can tell from this picture, you weren’t liking it too much! “Mom, please take this thing off me.”

You were so happy with your puppy dog and new clothes. You are such a cutie pie not to mention SPOILED ROTTEN!

Pearly Purses and Tape Measures

2008-11-09T18:36:00.000-08:00

This morning you were watching cartoons and I offered you a banana, cereal, toast, and a few other things for breakfast. You didn’t want any of them. You eventually took my hand and led me over to the pantry and showed me that you wanted some chips. I gave in and let you have a little bowl of chips for breakfast.

“Thank you, Mom, for giving me chips for breakfast. You are the bestest mama ever.”

While we were at Costco yesterday, Mimi & Papa bought this for you for Christmas. However, we didn’t put it away last night and you discovered it on the table this morning. You literally sat and played with it for at least 35 minutes, which is a long time for your short little attention span. But you LOVED it!

After that, it was time to take a bubble bath so we could get ready for church. After looking through your first blog book that I had printed, I realized I used to take a lot of pics of you in your hoodie towels and that I hadn’t taken any in a long time. This is the best one I could get…you were in a silly mood.

I got you dressed in this little red dress and with your white ruffle socks and black shoes you kind of look like Annie. I found your little white purse w/ the pearl handle and you would have thought I handed you a purse full of money the way you carried it around and would not let me take it. You even kept it on your arm the whole time at church and even in nursery.

Are you reaching for the cell phone already? You’re not even 2 years old yet! Uh, oh. I’m in big trouble!

Papa & Autumn

When we got home, you went right to sleep and even fell asleep in the car on the way home. When you woke up from your nap you were still carrying your purse around. I had gotten out a tape measure to measure something and you LOVED it when I would extend it out and then snap it back in fast. You started carrying that around with you in addition to your purse.

You’re going to be an ideal girl…you’re girly, but you also like boy stuff like basketball, football, and now tape measures!

You Have Been Published!!!

2008-11-09T17:41:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago I spent a few nights working on a special project. Today that project came in the mail and I was ESTATIC! I had the first 2 years of your blog turned into a book via Blurb. It was $65 for me to get a 174 page book w/ Image Wrap hard cover, but it was worth every single penny.

It was so easy to download the software, fix up the pages the way I wanted them and have it printed. I am going to do this every year with your blog so that you and I will have a journal/scrapbook/picture book all in one beautiful book. I can’t wait for you to be old enough to appreciate this and sit on my lap and look through the book together and have me tell you stories about the first year of your life!

A Few Firsts

2008-11-08T10:31:00.000-08:00

This morning you had some breakfast w/ Papa and sat and read books. You two are so cute and love to play and spend time together.

About 9:30, we decided it was time for Mimi to get up. We went in her room and you found something…her bra! You didn’t know what it was and you were wearing it on your head. But then I put it on you and you weren’t sure what to do. You kept grabbing it and squishing the cup part flat. You were so funny.

Then you finally let me take a normal picture of you and we were all dying w/ laughter this whole time. You skipped right over using a training bra and went right to a real bra!

But as you can see, even gravity has an affect on you and your bra is now down around your waist…welcome to the plight of all women!

After that, we went outside and spent some time in the garden pulling weeds. You kept wanting to throw away big clods of dirt. You were a good helper with carrying the bucket, and you loved being outside.

After that, Papa asked us to rake up the leaves with Uncle Nick. I raked up a huge pile of leaves in hopes of getting some cute fall pictures, but as you can see, you did NOT like sitting in the leaves, even with me sitting in them with you.

After we raked a big pile, we took them over and dumped them on the lot. You weren’t keeping up with Uncle Nick and I and would get mad when we wouldn’t walk slow with you. So, we came up with a plan to put you in the wheelbarrow. However, you didn’t like that too much.

You were a good little helper, though and were more than happy to help Mimi sweep the leaves. You did such a great job but then around noon you had had enough and were ready for a nap!

Free Dinner at Chuy’s

2008-11-08T08:46:00.000-08:00

Mimi got some tickets to go to a new Mexican restaurant called Chuy’s that is opening in Richardson. They wanted people to come and eat at the restaurant so the waiters and cooks and all the staff could practice before it opened for real next week. So, we got to go and eat there for free. As you can tell, we had a good time.

We were seated by the kitchen, and it was really loud in the restaurant. This something you’ve just started doing in the past few days. You stick both of your thumbs in your ears when it’s loud. You did this about 20 times tonight and it was SO FUNNY!

“You making fun of me? I know you’re not talking smack about me!”

You had found this little white purse and had it on your arm the whole night. You were in a cuddly mood tonight and were giving me and Papa and Mimi and Uncle Nick big bear hugs and kisses on the cheek.

I know this picture is blurry, but I still liked it. I got a cherry coke, so there was a cherry in it and you wanted it and stuck the whole thing in your mouth. It was a fun afternoon to spend time with the family and go to a yummy restaurant for free.

Sour Toes & Cheesy Smiles

2008-11-06T14:15:00.000-08:00

Tonight we got home and Mimi had gotten chicken salad from Costco, and you LOVE that stuff. You wanted to feed yourself and of course got it all over your face, but you were a happy baby.

You think it’s the funniest thing ever to have us all smell your stinky feet. At first it started out as just a little game we would play to make you laugh, but you really do have sour vinegar toes at the end of the day, b/c you insist on wearing your shoes even to bed! I thought Mimi’s face was priceless in this pic and you were laughing so hard and kept doing this over and over and over.

I just loved your little expression here. I love it when you do your big cheesy grin where you show your teeth.

We had to go get a flu shot at the clinic last night and you still had your band aid on. You ran around the house like this for a while w/ just your diaper, hot pink socks, and shoes! SO FUNNY!

“I have an idea. How about you take a picture of me looking too precious and too cute in my kitty cat jammies and socks and shoes.”

Bubble Bath W/ Mimi & Flashback

2008-11-05T14:11:00.000-08:00

Tonight Mimi was taking a bath and you decided that you wanted to climb in with her. It reminded me of another picture from a little over a year ago…

…look at how much you have changed in just 13 months! But you’re still just as cute.

It’s hard to believe that you have grown and changed so much and how stinkin’ fast the time has gone by!

We Voted!

2008-11-04T13:34:00.000-08:00

Today was election day, and it was quite the ordeal to go and vote. I went to the wrong place and en route to the right place to vote we found Uncle Nate running on the shoulder of a busy road, so we gave him a ride to wrestling practice. Then right after we dropped him off, Uncle Nick needed us to come and pick him up from work, b/c Mimi & Papa were at the movies. So we went and got him and finally made it over to the voting place with just 15 minutes to spare. The cute little ladies there offered you a sticker that said “My Vote Counted” but you were being shy and didn’t want one. You were glad when we finally got home and got you a bah bah and got some food in your little tummy.

Tonight you had a change in routine. Instead of covering up your babies with a dishtowel, you covered up Papa instead. You started out covering up his tummy and hitting the dishtowel 3 times.

That got interesting when you covered up his face with the towel and then hit it 3 times! We had to tell you to be soft when you hit the dishtowel.

Then he needed to have his feet covered up. You kept trying to cover his tummy or face until he finally put a big blanket over his face and body and then you finally went down and covered up his feet.

You are the cutest little dishtowel cover uper that ever was! (Is that a word…cover uper? LOL!)

Scarf Swirler

2008-11-02T13:26:00.000-08:00

Mary across the street had needed to borrow a scarf the other night and we left all of them out. You found this one and would NOT give it up. You would cover yourself up and pretend to be a ghost with it. You would also use it to cover up your babies.

Then you wanted to wear it so I put it on like a little skirt. I loved this action shot I got of you twirling around in it. You are such a girly girl and I love that!

The Cut Throat Jester

2008-11-01T14:14:00.000-07:00

Today we spent the morning relaxing and then we got cleaned up and went over to Napoli’s for lunch. I don’t know where you found this hat, but you would not let go of it and wanted to wear it,even in the restaurant.

Mimi noticed that you had some chocolate on your dress, so I was cleaning it off. You had been playing with the silverware and I noticed that you had the knife in your hand and you were resting your hand on my chest. I told Mimi to grab the camera quick and take a pic. “If you don’t clean that spot until it’s gone I’ll have no choice but to cut you.”

“Mimi, did she do a good job? Should I spare her life?”

Happy Halloween 2008

2008-10-31T10:27:00.000-07:00

Tonight we had some special friends stop in to say hi. These adorable girls are Bro. & Sis. Quigley’s grand daughters. Since Papa is their home teacher, he got to know these girls pretty well, and they stopped by to see him, but he was at work. You had fun playing with them for a little bit. They are the sweetest, most well behaved little girls ever! The little on in the red riding hood costume is just a few months younger than you. But you are big for your age and she is small for her age, so you look like such a big girl when standing next to her.

After they left, you wanted to hit the road and get some candy. It was warm out tonight (78 degrees). We went across the street to the Berard’s, but you would NOT go up to the door…little stinker. We were only able to go to about 3 houses, b/c you had to stop and look at every leaf and stick and bug. But, you still got more than enough candy. You wanted to stop and look at every piece and hold it!

After we got to a whole total of 3 houses, we went out to the clinic b/c Papa wanted to see you. You sat on the floor to look through all of your loot. You practically had your head in your pumpkin.

“What? That’s all the candy I got? That’s it? I got gypped.”

But, you had a BLAST sitting on Papa’s lap while he wheeled around the office in his rolly chair. You had a great Halloween.

Tonight when we got home from the clinic, I got the milk out to give you a bah bah and I turned around and saw this…you had decided to take a seat on the refrigerator! It took bribing you with candy to get you to move. I guess you were trying to cool down from having that Piglet costume on in 78 degree weather.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN 2008!!!

Reading Time W/ Papa & Ramen

2008-10-30T10:20:00.000-07:00

Tonight you sat and read the story of “There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly” w/ Papa. You were loving it and kept looking at him after he would finish one page and tell him “more”.

I don’t know if you can tell from this picture, but I’m pretty sure that you love reading time w/ Papa!

For dinner, you wanted Ramen Noodles. You were being such a monkey and making such a mess and kept letting them hang out of your mouth like moss growing out of a cave. You crack me up!

Fruit Snack Box

2008-10-29T09:57:00.000-07:00

Tonight you wanted some fruit snacks (just like you do every night). However, the fruit snacks are all gone! Yep, you went through all 80 pouches of them already. I told you they were gone, but you didn’t believe me until I showed you the empty box. Since you couldn’t have fruit snacks, you decided to use the box for other things. At first it was a drum. You loved banging on it while I sang.

Then when you got tired of that you noticed the pencil and paper sitting on the desk, so you wanted to draw. I sat you on the floor and used the fruit snack box as a desk, b/c you’re not too good at keeping your drawings all on the piece of paper quite yet!

Driving To The Moon

2008-10-28T22:16:00.000-07:00

Tonight we went to the store w/ Papa to get some juice boxes for the Halloween Party at your class tomorrow. I know this picture is blurry, but I just thought it was cute of Papa chasing you down the aisles in the store.

While we were waiting to check out you were looking at all of the magazines. You would go along and give a kiss to all the magazines. Anything that you think is pretty gets a kiss...your baby dolls, a flower, a dog, and now apparently magazines!

Right as we were leaving you discovered a shopping cart that had a car on the front of it. You climbed in and would NOT get out. I let you play in it for a minute, but then we really did have to leave and you were NOT happy when I made you get out. But, I'm glad you had a good time playing in the car for a little bit.

We had to go pick up Uncle Nick at work, but stopped in at Papa's clinic in Allen to drop something off. The walls are all painted like outer space. You were SO EXCITED when you saw a mural of the moon. You wanted to go over and touch it and kept saying, "mooh. mooh. mooh."

Did You Know Piglet Is A...

2008-10-26T22:15:00.000-07:00

...purse collector.

...and a cereal eater?

Trunk-Or-Treat

2008-10-25T22:07:00.000-07:00

You would NOT take this witch costume off and wore it around the house all morning. But, I was totally fine with that, b/c you looked so stinking cute in it.

You loved it so much, that you wore it to bed for your nap!

After your nap you were ready to play. Usually you play with your dolls (AKA babies) and cover them up with dish towels, but Emma was the lucky recipient of your dish towel blanket today. I had to keep telling you to be SOFT when you patted her!

You and Andrew had fun playing in the recliner, eating fruit snacks, throwing a ball back and forth, etc. He's a fun friend to play with, unless you are both fighting over the same toy.

After all the fun playing it was time to get ready to go to the Trunk-Or-Treat. Here's Papa with his Superman and Piglet. SO CUTE!

Snow White wanted to make an appearance, too!

The Trunk-Or-Treat for the ward was over at the Jones'. Here's Jessie with her 2 cousins. They decided to be triplet babies. You walked around with them for a while and especially loved jumping on the ground level trampoline with them!

After that, it was off to take a ride in the little train w/ Jessie. They had these barrels hooked up to a golf cart and gave the kids a ride around. You liked doing that w/ Jessie.

Then we went and got some cotton candy, and you would NOT let go of that thing all night until it was gone. You even dropped a few pieces on the ground, but ate them anyways even after I tried to stop you and told you they were ICKY! Your hands were a sticky mess after carrying that cotton candy around.

Your favorite part of the night, however, was the cupcake walk. You LOVED walking around in a circle on the numbers. We never won anything, but you didn't care. You were just having fun seeing the numbers and stepping on them. After a few hours, it got dark and you and Andrew had ha enough and were ready to go. But, we stayed for a just a few more minutes and then they started the Trunk-Or-Treat. You didn't really carry your pumpkin bucket around, so I had to carry it for you. You also wouldn't say "trick or treat" so I said it for you. I would tell you at every car to say thank you, and you did (in sign language). No one else could see it, b/c it was dark, but I was proud of you for being so silently polite!

We had to hide your pumpkin full of candy from you when we got home. I let you have one small pack of M&M's, but you kept wanting more and more and wouldn't even eat it, you just wanted to open the candy and look at it, so we hid it so we can ration out a little bit to you everyday!

Which Witch???

2008-10-25T10:06:00.000-07:00

This morning I was trying to decide which Halloween costume I wanted you to wear...the Piglet one or this witch costume. I put the witch costume on you and you would NOT take it off. You looked so cute in it and just loved wearing it. You kind of reminded me of a little girl I once knew who also loved that witch costume...

...ME! That's right, this is me at the age of 3 when I wore that costume for my birthday and for Halloween! Mimi had taken it in a few years ago for someone else that wanted to borrow it, so it fit you pretty well. But, I think we'll wait and save that costume for next year and take out the hemming so it will fit you perfectly. It's so fun that Mimi saved fun things like this for me, so that now you can wear them!

Happy 29th Birthday, Mama!

2008-10-24T22:02:00.000-07:00

Today on the way home from work (I got off early so I came and got you), we stopped and took pictures of this mansion that was totally decked out for Halloween! You were NOT happy when we finally drove away. You wanted me to go back so you could look at all the spiders on the house. When we drove up you started going, "Oohh! Oohh," b/c of all the spiders.

I wasn't going to come pick you up early, b/c it's my birthday and I was going to go out to Sam Moon w/ Mimi and it's hard to keep you entertained in there, but Papa said he would watch you, and he wanted me to pick you up early and bring you home. You decided that he should wear my birthday crown!

When Mimi and I got home Aunt Lexie, Uncle Jon, and Andrew were there. They had come up from Austin to spend the weekend, and they brought me the best birthday cake EVER! You and Andrew had fun playing outside. You had made that cute ant antenna headband at daycare and wanted to wear it around outside.

After dinner and birthday cake (which you stuck your finger right in the frosting of by the way) we played dominoes. I thought this picture was so cute b/c this is usually how it is...Papa always having you, Andrew, and Emma close by!

Here is the elliptical that you helped to go get on Saturday. This was my birthday present to myself so I can start working out and be skinnier and healthier so I can be a better Mama for you! But, being your mom is definitely the best gift I've ever received!

Mean Old Uncle Nate

2008-10-23T21:58:00.000-07:00

This morning it was cold when we got up (in the 40's), so I put you in a big pink puffy jacket that someone gave us last year. You LOVED it and were more than happy to model it for me to take pictures. You look like a pink Michelin Tire Man in it.

It warmed up a lot by the end of the day, so you wanted to go outside and enjoy the nice weather. You were so excited to play with the bubbles and chase them around trying to catch them.

You were in such a good mood that I told Mimi to hurry and take a pic of us together. I'm pretty sure you were looking at a plane flying by. You are obsessed with looking at every plane that flies overhead. You stop whatever you are doing, wave at it, and then watch it until it goes out of sight.

Papa had trimmed some bushes outside and wanted Uncle Nate to pick up the branches and leaves on the ground. You, Mimi, and I went out and helped him. He likes to tease you and put you in the recycle bin. As you can tell, you didn't like that very much.

Then he decided to be nice and take you out in the garden. You like being out there and looking at all the plants growing and any little bugs that you can find. You stand over the bug and say, "Buuuhh. Buuuhh," until one of us comes over and looks at it to and verifies that it is in fact a bug!

Cheesy Smiles & Kisses

2008-10-22T21:56:00.000-07:00

You were in such a good mood tonight and were super smiley, so I decided to get some pics. I love it when you do your "cheese" smile!

It's the best when you're all cuddly and being my Little Love Bug. Everyone says you have my chin, and I'd have to agree. We're pretty cute if I do say so myself.

It's rare to get a kiss from you, so sometimes I have to try and sneak one in. You're the cutest thing ever and I'm so glad that I'm your mom and get to be a part of your life every single day!

LOVE YOU!

Sugar Cookies

2008-10-21T21:53:00.000-07:00

Tonight I wanted to make sugar cookies and you wanted to be my good little helper. I pulled the smoothie chair (the chair you sit in to "help" Papa w/ smoothies) up to the counter and you sat and watched me. Once you saw me eat some cookie dough, you wanted some too. I gave you a little teaspoonful.

"MMM! This stuff is TASTY! I think I'll have some more please!"

Here are our the fruits of our (mostly my) labors. We toasted some pumpkin seeds and then our little ghost cookie is at the top of the pan. I frosted them and they were super good, but you didn't really want to eat them once they were done. You just wanted the dough! You were a good little helper and it was fun to have you sitting there with me while I made the cookies.

Pumpkin Carving

2008-10-20T21:48:00.000-07:00

Little Miss Cool Guy

You discovered this quilt in our stack of many, many blankets. You liked it b/c it had the moon on it and you're obsessed with the moon.

Liz & Liberty came over to carve pumpkins. Before we started, I wanted to try and get some cute pictures of you sitting on the pumpkin. "Autumn, we can't carve pumpkins until you smile pretty."

"CHEESE!!! Can we carve pumpkins now, Mama?"

You were super excited to get started and you kept hitting the pumpkin b/c you liked the hollow sound it made.

Once we got started, you weren't too excited about taking the ooey gooey guts out of the inside. I tried to get you to put your hand in there, but you were NOT about to touch that stuff.

You also weren't too excited about them when I told you to show me where it's teeth were.

Once we got the lights inside of them, you thought that was pretty cool!

As you can see, all of the excitement of carving pumpkins wore you out! It was such a fun night!

Silly Sunday 2

2008-10-19T20:32:00.000-07:00

I wanted to get a pic of us before church since we were dressed up and looking cute. However, you were in a silly mood and not wanting to look at the camera.

"Show me your pretty dress, Autumn! It's so pretty with the red flowers, and you look so cute!"

"Mom, jeez...you're embarrassing me! Can you stop taking pictures please so we can go to church?"

After church, you still wanted to wear a dress but I didn't want you to get your pretty red one dirty, so I put you in the cute little pink one. Mimi was so kind as to feed you a popsicle.

You're not SPOILED ROTTEN ARE YOU?

You and Uncle Nick were playing catch and kept rolling the ball back and forth. You got tired of having to carry the ball over to him when you couldn't throw it far enough, so I put it in your dress and you thought that was the funniest thing ever. You walked around like this for 5 minutes just laughing and having a blast.

Then before bed you were eating chips and dip w/ Papa. However, if you look closely in the bowl, there is no salsa in there. But you didn't care...you were still going to dip your chip before eating it....SILLY GIRL!

Getting Errands Done

2008-10-18T20:28:00.000-07:00

We got up early this morning and headed over to Plano for me to buy a used elliptical so I can start exercising and being healthy. We took Nick & Nate & Papa with us. The house we went to had this fun Halloween decoration outside. You weren't too sure what to think about it. You were really good in the truck on the way over and back and just sat there in your car seat between Nate & I in the back seat and just laughed and were adorable.

We got home and had some lunch. I thought this picture of you smelling the flowers with Papa holding you was so cute.

After that, you and I headed off to Costco to get some diapers and milk. I was going to get some dried mangoes, but the bag of them that's usually $8 was $14! I said no way am I paying that much for a bag of dried mangoes, and I turned to leave, but you had a FIT and were not about to let me leave without getting them. I even had to open the bag and give you one before I paid for them. We also stopped and got gas, and the fact that gas is below $3/gallon is great, b/c just a couple of weeks about it was about $3.80! As soon as I put you in your car seat, you were out like a light.

We got home and you took a nap and then we played at home and watched some movies. You wanted to put on this little ballerina tutu over your jammies. And you kept playing with Mimi's shoes and kept trying to put them on her even though she didn't want to wear them.

You look so cute in your little tutu!!!

Happy 22 Month Anniversary

2008-10-17T13:36:00.000-07:00

Tonight you were taking your bubble bath and I told you to swim like a fish, and you turned over on your tummy and had a blast! That's the first time you've ever done that (usually you just sit in the tub). You were so cute and even kicked your feet and moved your arms as if you were swimming. I love this adorable pose!

It's official...you are the most spoiled child that ever lived! What other kid gets hand-fed a dinner of ramen noodles in the tub? You chowed down on it and were just "eating" it up (get it?).

"Mimi, are you sure it's really gone already?"

After your bath, you wanted to brush your own hair so I let you have the brush.

You tried brushing Papa's hair, too, but as you can see he doesn't have any! So, I guess you were just brushing his scalp.

After that, you got your 2nd wind and had a sudden burst of energy. You and Papa played hide and seek for about 20 minutes, and we were all laughing the whole time. This was your idea of "hiding". If you can't see him, then he must not be able to see you! LOL!

You were kind of wheezing, so I asked Papa to listen to your lungs to see if you needed a breathing treatment. You thought it was part of playing and were just laughing like crazy while he listened to you breathe.

By this time it was 9:30, and you usually go to bed at 8:00, so I thought for sure you would be worn out and ready to go to bed. However, you weren't. So, I got out your Piglet costume that Auntie Tara bought you last year and tried it on to see if would fit. And it did, and you looked absolutely too cute for words!

As you can see, you were so happy with the costume and wanted to admire yourself in the mirror.

"I'm so cute, I just have to give myself a kiss!"

I told you to turn and smile, and instead you stick out your hip and "strike a pose".

Time to try and get you to go to bed now that we've shown your costume to Mimi & Papa.

But, you were still not tired, and wanted to play on the stairs for a while.

This Piglet costume really is too cute, and when I saw you in it, I cried a little b/c it reminded me of Auntie Tara and how much she loved you and spoiled you rotten.

I didn't know that Piglet could play the piano???

This picture is just the most innocent and precious pictures ever! Look at that sweet face!

Go Cougs...NOT!

2008-10-16T21:43:00.000-07:00

Tonight Mimi, Papa, Uncle Nick, and I went to the BYU/TCU game in Ft. Worth. I got off early and we went and tailgated before the party. I was going to take you with us, but it would have been too difficult to keep you entertained and happy the whole time. So, Aunt Mary and Jessie came and picked you up from daycare and took care of you. Aunt Mary said you had a WONDERFUL time playing over at their house! I'm so thankful that they are such good neighbors and friends. I didn't have to worry about you once, b/c I knew you were in good hands and were being taken well care of. The Cougars lost, but it was still a lot of fun, and I'm glad you were having fun while I was having fun.

Cutest Little Mama Ever

2008-10-14T13:33:00.000-07:00

I was doing the dishes and it was way too quiet in the living room, so I came to see what was going on and what mess you were making. But, I found this cute little scene instead. You were sitting on the floor doing what you do best...covering up your babies with a baby wipe.

"Do you mind? I'm trying to put my baby to sleep and the flash from your camera is not helping!"

You love to walk around the house with at least 2 or 3 stuffed animals. I watched tonight as you took them one by one and put them in the recliner and then you climbed up there and gathered them all into your arms and started rocking them!

You are the cutest little bug that ever was! Your smile just melts my heart and reconfirms to me that I am the luckiest person in the world, b/c I get to be your mom.

LOVE YOU, LITTLE BUG!

Pretty Pink Ribbon

2008-10-13T13:28:00.000-07:00

Today when we got home, you found this pink ribbon and wanted to go outside to play with it.

You are the cutest little bug that ever lived!

You completely crack me up with some of the silly faces you make.

Just enjoying some of the nice warm weather outside on the bench.

What are you looking for under the table?

"Mom, did you know there was a hole in the middle of the table?"

"Peek-a-boo! Here I am!"

"Emma, get off of me...you're ruining my shot."

"Hey, that's my pink ribbon! Silly dog!"

"OK, you can sit in my lap for this picture, just don't steal the attention I'm getting."

"Mom, can we go play in the backyard?"

And...she's off...

"What??? It's getting cold and dark and it's time to go back inside? I don't want to!"

My Little Cinder-Autumn

2008-10-11T18:26:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time in a land far, far away...in the land of stories and make believe where things aren't real, and they're only just pretend there lived a little girl named Cinder-Autumn. Poor Cinder-Autumn had to beg for food b/c she was so hungry.

But, in order to earn her keep and have food to eat, she had to sweep the porch and felt like a slave.

Even her best efforts weren't good enough and she had to be shown by the master of the house how to do the sweeping to his liking.

Cinder-Autumn tried and tried to please the Master of the House, but she always felt inadequate.

She went and hid in the bushes and cried out for her fairy god-mother to come and save her from this life of servitude and slavery.

Fairy god-mother sent her Penne Dolcellate, her favorite pasta dish, which she ate and ate to her heart's content.

Cinder-Autumn ate until her little cheeks were full like a chipmunk.

"Mirror, mirror on the wall..." Oh, wait. Wrong fairy tale...that's Snow White, not Cinder-Autumn. But either way, Cinder-Autumn thought she was beautiful and was so happy to see her new hairdo.

"I am the fairest in the land...just look at me!"

I will use my beauty and talents to help others. I will sew little dresses for mice and birds. With my big magic earrings, I can become anything I chose to be. No more Cinder-Autumn for me!

THE END!

I'm pretty sure that I'm in big trouble when you're a teenager. Today I went and got my nails done, and while I was gone you and Mimi played dress up. You had found my purple earrings I took off last night after we got home for the day, and Mimi put them on you! You thought you were the greatest thing since sliced bread. You totally crack me up and I love you so much. I just hope you always remember that you are beautiful and that you always have this much self confidence (but not to the point that you're stuck up). You are an amazing, gorgeous, brilliant, and phenomenal person!

Sunrise and Spider

2008-10-10T13:08:00.000-07:00

This was the view this morning on the way to work. I just had to stop and take a picture, and I wanted to post it on your blog for you to enjoy in years to come.

I hope you'll enjoy nature as much as I do. It's so gorgeous and I really feel like a morning this is a gift and blessing from Heavenly Father. It's His way of letting us know that He loves us.

Aunt Mary brought over this super cute spider candy bowl today. At first you weren't too sure about it, but once you figured out there was candy inside of it, you got over that really quickly.

What's in Mimi's Bag?

2008-10-09T13:03:00.000-07:00

I know this picture is dark, but you spent forever outside tonight, b/c you wanted to play with bubbles and were obsessed with the moon! So, I had to try and get a shot of you with the moon in the background.

You also wanted to go and check out what was in the garden. You must get that green thumb from Papa, b/c I for sure don't have it.

Once it got too dark, we headed inside. Mimi had gone to Costco and got some things and this roll of wrapping paper was on the floor and you kept playing with it and rolling it around and pointing out Santa Claus on the paper. I have no idea where you learned who Santa was, b/c I've never told you and it's not even Christmas time yet? But, you knew who he was and pointed him out correctly every time.

Usually these saloon doors on Mimi & Papa's bathroom are open, but for some reason today they were closed. Instead of opening them, you decided to crawl under them. It made me laugh, b/c it made me think of those old Western movies when the coward sneaks away from the hero by crawling under the saloon doors.

After that, you found Mimi's bag again and wanted to climb inside like last time. Let's take a look at what's inside Mimi's bag...

Lipstick

A bag of baby wipes

A skull notebook

A package of tissues

"I think that's all, darn it! I was hoping there was something yummy in this bag. Mimi always has goodies and candy to share!"

"Oh, wait! What is this? Tootsie Pops? SCORE!"

Too bad I was a mean mommy and wouldn't let you have it, b/c you just make a huge mess. I let you hold it for a minute, and you even tried to chew on the wrapper b/c you were so desperate for candy.

"I'm writing you a love note, Mom. Don't look at my love note until I'm done!"

Tights and Bangs

2008-10-08T12:59:00.000-07:00

This morning I found these adorable striped tights that I wanted you to wear to school, b/c it was going to be cooler than usual today. However, you did NOT want to wear them and we almost had World War III break out. Luckily, when I came to pick you up at daycare you loved them. You also love looking at the planes going by with Papa.

You are so loved and spoiled rotten by your Papa.

You were such a good little helper tonight and helped me set the table. I would hand you a cup or silverware or plate to take over to the table, and you would have thought I handed you a million bucks. You were so happy and so excited to help set the table. I hope you're still like that when you're a teenager!

Papa & Autumn Bottom (serious pose)

Papa & Autumn Bottom (funny faces)

I took about 20 pictures before this one trying to get you to look at me and smile. Right when I would push the button to take the picture, you would look away. But, we put Emma up on Papa's lap and got this cute pic right away. I love it that you're all posing and being cute with Emma on your lap.

I gave you a bath tonight, and I've noticed the past couple of days that if I don't have your hair pulled back, then it gets in your eyes and bothers you. So, I decided to have Mimi cut you some bangs tonight.

As you can tell from these pictures, you were NOT happy about it! I don't know if you were just tired, or if you knew what was going on and really didn't like the way you look. But, I think just that one little thing makes you look SO much older and mature. You look like a little girl now instead of a toddler. Maybe I shouldn't have Mimi cut bangs for you so I can keep you as my little baby for as long as possible, but I think you look so adorable with bangs.

No, No, No!!!

2008-10-07T13:44:00.000-07:00

You've started doing this thing lately where if someone does something you don't like, you'll shake your pointer finger at them and say, "No, no, no!" It's usually directed at Uncle Nate, even if he's not the one that does something you don't like. If he's in the room, he gets the brunt of the "No, no, no!" If he's not around, then Mimi is next in line for it. I know I shouldn't laugh when you do it, but it's just so funny!

Masks

2008-10-07T12:56:00.000-07:00

Today I went to Target on my lunch break, and I just had to stop by the Dollar Spot. I found these adorable masks for just $1 each! I brought them home for you to try on.

You didn't want to wear them at all and had a fit when I tried to put them on and take pictures. But, you did love carrying them around and looking at them. You just wouldn't wear them.

Instead, you decided to wear them on your arm like purses. You would hold one up and look at me expectantly until I made the noise that went with the cat, frog, and tiger mask. Too bad they weren't a hit to wear as masks, b/c I could have used one for your Halloween costume. But at least you liked them and spent the whole night carrying them around on your arm.

Scratchy Scruff

2008-10-06T12:53:00.000-07:00

While sitting with Papa and helping him eat his breakfast this morning, you discovered that he hadn't shaved in a while (he's growing a beard so he can be Alma The Younger in the Book of Mormon Pageant). You were fascinated by it.

"Oooh, that is scratchy and scruffy. I don't think I like the feel of that."

"I possibly cannot tolerate sitting on your lap any longer until you shave that disgusting beard!"

"I'm sorry, Papa! I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I still love you even with your scratchy scruff."

"OK, now that I've apologized can you come and make me a smoothie, Papa?"

General Conference Day 2

2008-10-05T19:56:00.000-07:00

This morning we woke up, got cleaned up, and got ready to watch the Sunday sessions of General Conference. You were such a snuggle bug, and I take advantage of every second I can that you want to snuggle. You got all your little babies and came and sat on my lap and just let me rock you for a few minutes. I treasure moments like this.

Uncle Nate decided if I was going to rock my baby, then he wanted Mimi to rock her baby! I don't think Mimi enjoyed rocking him as much as I enjoyed rocking you...her face shows exactly how she feels about it.

I was finally able to catch you on video doing what you do for hours on end every week...you lay your babies down, cover them up with dish towels or baby wipes, pat their back, etc. I'm glad you can keep yourself entertained for so long with such a simple thing.

General Conference

2008-10-04T20:51:00.000-07:00

I don't know what it is, but you are so obsessed with wipes and Kleenex and wiping your nose. It's kind of nice though, b/c I don't have to fight with you to wipe your nose (usually), I can just give you a tissue and tell you to do it yourself.

You're also very good at taking care of your babies and wiping their noses too.

We watched General Conference this morning and Mimi had sewn this quilt and needed help tearing the paper off the back of it. Even Nick and Nate got in on the action.

You wanted to try it, too and were such a good helper. I would pull the paper off and you would run and put it in the trash and then come back for more. We made quite the good little team.

"Are we all done so I can lay on it now? Did I do a good job helping?"

Happy B-Day, Daddy & The Park

2008-10-04T19:43:00.000-07:00

Today was Daddy's birthday, so to celebrate we went to 7-11 and got a Slurpee for Slurpee Saturday.

Then we went to the park to play and enjoy the Slurpee. That's something we used to do all the time in Utah when we would have Bubzy, Justy, and Jewlsey come over to stay for the weekend.

"Thinking about you, Daddy, and sending Happy Birthday wishes your way!"

"I'm ready to go play!"

First it was a trip down the yellow slide (a few dozen times).

Running down the ramp to get to the slide again.

Trying out the yellow tube. I have a feeling you're going to get closer pretty soon...

...YEP! There you are. I have a feeling you're giong to be getting even closer...

...YEP! There you are all up close and personal, and what a cute little bug you are!

After the yellow slide you wanted to go over the green section of the playground to try the bigger slide. You also went down that a few dozen times (with my help).

You had been trying so hard to pretend like you weren't dying to go over and play in the water. Since we were going to be leaving soon, I decided to let you try it. But, you weren't wanting to get wet...you just wanted to get as close as you could without getting wet.

The sun was starting to go down, and I loved this picture I captured with the water spilling out of one of the buckets.

You stopped for a minute to also enjoy the pretty sunset...

...but that didn't last for long before you were off running away from the water again.

After the water feature, it was time to go play on the rocking duck...

...and rocking horse (I know this is kind of dark and far away, but I was trying to get the moon in the picture also since you love the moon).

Last but not least was this rocking motorcycle. You were giving a dirty look to a girl behind you that got on the rocking horse right after you got off. And that dirty look was then directed towards me when I said it was time to go b/c it was getting dark and cold. You threw a FIT and I had to carry you like a football back to the car while you kicked and screamed the whole way. We'll have to try going to the park again, b/c you loved it so much.

Bath Time & A Lovely Hat

2008-10-03T19:40:00.000-07:00

I was running late getting ready this morning, and Papa got home from seminary and you had peed through your diaper. So, he said he would give you a quick bath while I finished getting ready. I thought he was going to put you in the tub, but I came out into the kitchen to this picture...

...taking a bath in the sink like you used to do when you were smaller.

Then today when I came and picked you up, you had this AWESOME hat you had made at day care.

You would not take it off except to look at it and admire it and then put it back on.

"Oh, my! I look so lovely in my new hat, don't I?"

Auntie Tara's Funeral

2008-09-30T18:12:00.000-07:00

Auntie Tara passed away on Friday, Sept. 26, 2008. She had been sick for a long time, so it is good that she's not in pain anymore, but she will be GREATLY missed. She was my best friend in the whole world. I drove to Longview on Saturday, and Mimi helped out and watched you for me. You and her drove to Longview on Monday to be there for the viewing and funeral. I came and met you at the hotel when you got there. Mimi was tired from driving, and I was tired from crying and being so emotionally drained. I tried getting you to lay down for a nap with us, but you were WIRED and didn't want to sleep. You ran around in the room playing hide and go seek. I chased you and you ran between the bed and the little night stand and were stuck and had no where to go. I love the look on your face.

Then you found a pen and paper and decided to start writing. I told you to be careful and not write on the nightstand and this is the look you gave me.

After the look of death, you were right back to drawing your picture or writing your letter.

Before the viewing we went over Grandma Deb's house. Tara's older brother, Jake, and his wife and kids were there. I was shocked to see how much you look like his little girls! You could totally fit into their family and no one would ever question if you belonged to them.

Those kids were so cute and SO WELL BEHAVED! Maybe I should have let you go stay with them for a few weeks so you could pick up some of their good manners and learn how to be well behaved.

You spent the afternoon carrying this huge stuffed animal cow all over the house. It was as big as you were, but you would not put it down.

Then it was time to get dressed and go over to the funeral home for the viewing. You thought you looked so good in this dress, and you did.

Just getting in a little piano practice with Jake's girls before we headed out to Gilmer. Again, I still can't get over how much you look like them, and they played with you and included you just like you were part of their family.

After the viewing we went back to the hotel. I should have known I was in for a crazy night when this is what we found outside our hotel room! I kicked it out of the way, b/c you bent down to touch it, and it was still alive and started moving!!! Well, in the middle of the night I woke up b/c I felt something on my hand. I flipped on the lamp as fast as I could, and there was a baby roach crawling in the bed. It was heading right for your hair, so I grabbed you out of a dead sleep and hit it, but it didn't die. It was near Mimi, and she was awake now, too, b/c of me screaming to kill it. I told her to hit it, and she hit it towards us! She finally just hit it onto the floor and rolled back over and went to sleep. I went and got my shoe to see if I could find it to step on it, but it was gone! GROSS! YUCK!

The next day, we went to breakfast and then I went to the church for the family meal before the funeral. You were being a stinker, so Mimi took you and you went to WalMart. Then, you both came over to the church for the funeral. We changed you into your dress out in the parking lot, and Uncle Jeremy was helping you put on your shoes. This is the sweetest picture ever.

When you're older, you'll look back at the pictures and things I tell you of Auntie Tara and realize that she loved you just like you were her own, especially b/c she wasn't able to have children of her own. She and Uncle Michael spoiled you rotten. She will be incredibly missed!

How Many Layers Can One Girl Wear?

2008-09-26T18:10:00.000-07:00

When we got home from school tonight, I had some of your dirty clothes on the floor waiting to be put in the washer. However, you had other plans for them...you wanted to wear ALL OF THEM!

White shirt, yellow tank top, blue dress, and camouflage pink pants. What a combo! I'm pretty sure this outfit could qualify you to be on "What Not To Wear!"

Then you had to accessorize with this lovely black handbag with faux blue leather trim. I love how you're posing like a true fashionista!

Then it was time for family prayer and you decided Mimi's butt was cold and needed to be covered so it wouldn't get cold! You treated her butt like you do one of your babies...you laid the wipe on her butt very carefully and made sure it was just perfect and then you patted it 3 times before repeating the same process again. You are too funny! It took a little bit for all of us to compose ourselves from laughing to say prayer.

How Many Bah Bah's Does It Take To...

2008-09-25T18:03:00.000-07:00

Tonight when Papa got home, you climbed up on his lap to help him eat some of his dinner, just like you do every night. But tonight was special, b/c you decided that you need not just one, but TWO bah bahs!

"Hmm...do I like the water better?"

"Or the chocolate milk?"

"How about both at the same time?"

This picture just cracks me up. Do you think you have Mama and Papa wrapped around your little finger? If there was ever any doubt, this picture completely proves otherwise.

You are so loved and cared about! And out of the two of them, Papa is definitely wrapped tighter around that little finger than Mimi is.

"Autumn, show me which finger do you have them wrapped around! That's right!"

You are the most precious little bug that ever was. You absolutely love this little blue and white polka dot dress, and I got it at WalMart for $3! What a deal!

You always want to play with wipes, but I always have to tell you, "Just ONE!" You were so kind as to wipe my nose after you wiped your nose and your baby's noses!

"Mimi, let go of Papa's leg! I want him to come and make me a smoothie!"

Here you are using your ONE wipe to also cover up your baby. You're such a careful and caring mommy to your babies.

Then you have to pat their back 3 times after you have their blankey on their back just so.

"Don't forget about your other baby! She needs a blankey, too!"

Kisses

2008-09-24T18:01:00.000-07:00

You were in such a cute mood tonight when we got home. I always tease you about having stinky feet. Well, tonight you were giving me a taste of my own medicine and having me smell my own stinky shoes!

"Mom, I don't want to smile for the camera. The flash hurts my eyes!"

"OK, if you give me kisses them I'll smile at that rotten camera for you!"

"Blow kisses!"

This is the cutest facial expression. It's like a mixture of surprise, excitement, and pure delight! That's exactly how I feel every time I look at you!

Happy 23rd Birthday, Uncle Nick

2008-09-22T17:56:00.000-07:00

You are obsessed with balloons and Mimi had a bunch of them in the house for Uncle Nick's birthday. You latched onto this yellow one and wouldn't let it go!

You also wouldn't let go of your bah bah while watching the planes go by.

Yellow is such a good color for you.

Isn't it supposed to be a red rose you hold in your teeth...not a yellow balloon???

"Knock. Knock. Let me in, please."

After playing with the balloon outside, Robin came over and we all headed over to Saltgrass Steak House for Uncle Nick's 23rd Birthday.

It was a really fun evening, and you were SUCH A GOOD GIRL! You played with your toys and ate the food I gave you and didn't fuss or cry once. Sorry you kind of got covered in this picture by the water carafe!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, UNCLE NICK!!!

Good Little Mommy

2008-09-20T17:55:00.000-07:00

Your newest thing is to get a handful of baby wipes or Kleenex and wipe your babies' noses. I am always wiping yours and telling you I'll do it "soft" and so you softly wipe the noses of your babies.

You are such a good little mommy!

Bubbles

2008-09-18T17:54:00.000-07:00

Mimi was in taking a bath and you decided that you needed to go in and take some of her bubbles.

"Don't act all sweet and innocent you little bubble thief! We're gonna have to take you to jail if you don't quit stealing bubbles."

Flowers, Planes, and Toenails

2008-09-17T17:49:00.000-07:00

Today we got home from school/work and Papa was outside planting flowers. You decided to go check them out and see if he had done a good job.

"See Papa, you should have moved this one over here instead, but this will do I suppose."

"Let me inspect the rest of them to see if they are to my liking."

After that, you wanted to help Papa clean up, so you got out the broom and started pushing the dirt around.

It was so nice outside this evening that we just ate out on the patio. I'll have to teach you which end of the chicken leg is the right end to chew on, b/c you are chewing on the wrong end!

You kept obsessing about the planes that were flying over-head while we were outside eating. Every single time you heard one, you had to stop what you were doing and look up at the sky and point and make a noise to let us know there was a plane.

"Look! There's another one!"

After dinner, Mimi noticed Uncle Nick's toenails were out of control, so she was cutting them. You were all sorts of concerned and worried about him getting hurt.

Little did you know that it would be your turn next! MU HA HA!

Playing in Pigtails

2008-09-14T17:44:00.000-07:00

You are obsessed w/ your babies. You have to lay them on the floor, face down, cover them up with a dish towel, and then pat their back 3 times. You can do that for 30 minutes straight, and I love to watch you do it. You definitely have a system of how to do it. When you catch me watching you, I tell you that you're such a good mommy and you get a big smile on your face and then go back to what you were doing.

Gathering more dish towels to cover up more of your babies.

Andrew was NOT wanting to go to church today. Can you tell?

Papa & Grand-Babies

It's so rare that I can get a picture of both of you smiling! So cute!

You also like playing with your cell phone and pretending that you are talking to someone.

Next on your list of things to do is play with the Kleenex box (I was really sick today and wasn't doing a very good job of watching you...I kind of let you just run a much while I laid on the couch and tried not to throw up). I love the little look on your face and your cute pig tails!

"Wipe your nose! Think you have enough tissues?"

Horsey, Horsey

2008-09-13T17:39:00.000-07:00

Today you and Andrew decided that me & Aunt Lexie got the privilege of being your horseys.

You two were laughing like crazy and having so much fun just riding around on our backs. The laughter was definitely contagious.

Then somehow I got suck being the horsey for both of you yahoos.

We thought it only fair that if we were your horseys that you and Andrew should take a turn being our horseys!

After you'd had enough of that, it was time to be Miss Cool Lady and wear matching sunglasses w/ Papa.