She's finally walking!

This kiddo didn't seem to be in any hurry to start walking. She had been taking a few steps here and there starting in November at about 13.5 months. This was about the same time I started walking so I guess I shouldn't have been too surprised. Then lo and behold, she really took off on Thanksgiving Day when we were in Tennessee. I was so glad that my parents could see this milestone! She walked back and forth, from room to room, around the island, and just had a ball. These pictures were taken when we were back home and Jordan was in on the fun. It's a bittersweet moment because while I enjoy her independence, she is becoming just that - more independent from mommy and daddy. I love that Addison still wants to be held and carried and I still eat it up. All too soon I won't be able to pick her up and cradle her in my arms. So I make sure to do it often these days!

November

I just love when Addison sits this way. She is so darn cute!

She loves the snowflake puzzle from one of her Christmas books.

Reading with her Sissy. Addison LOVES it when Jordan is here to visit us for the weekend.

We had another Thanksgiving dinner the Saturday after the holiday. Addison thought it was pretty yummy! Daddy sure is a great cook. :)

Addison loves to play with Daddy's phone. And who can resist that smile?

Can you see why these two make my heart smile? I AM SO BLESSED!!!!!!!!!!

Mimi's here! Mimi's here!

It was such a blessing to not be teaching this semester because I was able to spend some extra time in Tennessee. Mom came up Saturday and took Addison and me back Monday. Then Jeff came Wednesday and we returned to Indiana Friday. It was busy and there was lots of driving, but of course it was worth it. Addison was SO excited to see Mimi when she arrived. Check out that warm welcome! Doesn't it just melt your heart? She couldn't get enough of her Mimi during this week and mommy just might have been a tiny bit jealous!

Alexander and Addison's Playdate

Addison loves playing with Alexander! Good thing too, since she'll soon be getting lots of playtime with him when mommy returns to work. We've been going to visit Miss Jolisa and Alexander since Addison was tiny so she's very comfortable there and I'm so grateful. And yes, she's in the monkey outfit again but that's because it's the same day as her one-year pics at Vicki's! Alexander loved the train ride-on and Addison loved to push him on it. It was so cute!

One Year Pictures

Vicki really wanted Addison to dig in and go crazy with the cake. She wasn't wanting to get all messy so we tried to rub the cake on her. You can tell what Addison thought of that!

As usual, my super-talented, super-wonderful friend Vicki took Addison's pictures to commemorate her first birthday. I had ordered another smash cake and picked up some more balloons for the occasion. Of course I took so many props over and forgot about them and had already messed up the cake before I got in the door, but that's okay! Vicki just worked around it. If you haven't figured it out, this monkey outfit has been my favorite and I'm so sad Addison has now grown out of it. :( The tutu pictures are absolutely precious and I'm so grateful Michelle let us borrow it. I'd love to know which pics are your favorite!

Addison's Tennessee Birthday

Addison and her cupcake pinata.

Grandaddy was thrilled to see Addison and hold her during the party.

Yum! Addison really enjoyed her special birthday cupcake.

Addison and her Great-Granny Joyce

Well this is long overdue! The weekend after Addison's party here, we all journeyed to Tennessee to have another. It was really special to celebrate with my family from home because we just don't see each other near enough anymore. Of course Addison's Mimi went above and beyond and everything was fabulously perfect! The cupcake theme was adorable and we munched on yummy pizza and cake. The weather was great and we were able to be outside and enjoy it. It could not have been any more fun and we're so grateful to everyone for coming to celebrate Addison's special day!

Halloween 2008

Our family joined the Klein's and the Bradley's for Halloween this year. Addison didn't really know what was going on but she seemed to enjoy the stroller ride. And I can assure you that mommy and daddy enjoyed picking out yummy candy! It was a little embarassing, I'll admit, because it was obvious Addison wasn't going to be eating a Twix or Hershey's bar. It was a tough job but someone had to do it! The things we do for our children.

Meow! Addison was a very cute cat for her first Halloween. Last year doesn't count because we hid in the house and didn't answer the door. It's true.

Mia and Cole are so cute together. They just might get married one day. And we have pictures of how their love started. Awww.....

Tysh and Mia as Mia tries to bolt off. She wants more candy, mom!

Erin and Cole in a cute pose. Erin was the only one of us grown-ups who dressed up. She gets the spirit award!

The three kiddos together. Aren't they adorable?