Not so long ago

As you may know, Paige had been a little under the weather lately. This is a rare opportunity for her daddy and I to get in a little snuggle time. Now that she's on the move, she has very little patience for sitting still with mom and dad. I took this picture of Paige and daddy napping together, and found an older (and almost identical) picture I had taken when she was a newborn. I can't believe how she has grown in these few short months.

Tiny little Paige and daddy snuggling.

Not so tiny anymore!

So this is Christmas.....

Christmas has come and gone, or has it? I'm sad to say Paige's first Christmas hasn't been so Merry. Her first Christmas was also her first trip to the ER. She's been battling a flu bug for over a week and we had to take her in for some IV fluids Christmas night. We also had to postpone our Christmas celebration at G & G Malichky's that was to be held on Christmas Eve. We did manage to make it to my parents and we all had fun seeing Paige with her huge pile of presents. Nanny and Pappy spoil her so much! We're looking forward to round two this Sunday at G & G Malichky's. We hope you all had happy, healthy holiday!! Here are a couple pics of Paige opening her gifts from Santa at home, and a few from Nanny and Pappy.

Paige opening her Little People school bus. She loves the little girl, pays no attention to the bus.

Opening her baby Crayola markers.

Sitting on her present, apparently more fun than playing with it!

VERY excited about her new car!!

Ho Ho Ho

Paige met Santa last weekend. She really enjoyed waiting in line and playing in the gym with her new friend Halle, but didn't know what to make of Old Saint Nick. She studied him closely, but that was about it. I guess I shouldn't have expected too much from a ten month old!

Little Monkey

Paige is not only getting very good at this whole walking thing, she's also becoming quite the little climber! She's figured out how to climb up onto her rocking chair, turn herself around in it, and even stood up on it! I didn't get a picture of her standing on it, because I threw the camera to catch her incase she fell. Not 15 minutes later she discovered the overturned laundry basket on the living room floor and decided it looked like a good climbing obstacle too. It scares me to death, but at the same time, it's so amazing to see her learn how to manuver in this big scary world!

All shopped out

I think Paige is relieved that mommy is finally done Christmas shopping! She had about all she could handle last Saturday. I just had to take a picture of her in Kohl's!

O Christmas Tree, O christmas tree

I got our Christmas tree up and decorated. So far Paige has paid very little attention to it! After being told no a couple times, she has totally left it alone. And only one package has had it's bow ripped off! Now she just points and waves at the tree :)

Oh yeah, did I mention she waves? She is a waving fool! And she's starting to say bye-bye!

Connected, and catching up!

Great news everybody, we finally have the internet at home again! And of course, that means the Paige Page is back up and running. Now, where do I start?

First, Paige had a great time playing with her cousins over Thanksgiving. She didn't get many naps in, but she didn't let that slow her down. Paige is always up for a good time! Here are just a couple pics of the kido's playing together.

The day after Thanksgiving, we took the kids to Washington for the lighted Christmas parade. Paige got to try out her new snowpants and winter coat. Of course, she looked cute as could be!

Also, Paige has been making a lot of progess with her walking! She can cruise with no problems when she's holding onto something, or someone. But she has also been taking steps all by herself! She can make it a few feet now! It's absolutely amazing to watch your child walk for the first time. It will bring tears to your eyes! She is also a pro at standing up on her own. It's so cute to see her standing, then squat down to get a toy and hop right back up. She loves her new found freedom! I need to remember to keep my camera handy, I haven't gotten a video of her walking solo yet.

New Pictures!

I got the cd from the portriat shop, so I thought I'd share a few of our latest pictures!

How boring are we?

Well, I may not have any cute pictures or videos to make this interesting, but here's an update on Paige. She had her 9 month check up two weeks ago and she's a very healthy 21 lbs, and 29 inches long. Still in the 95% for height, but down to 80% for her weight. The doc said she's developing right on track and to keep up the good work!

As usual, Paige came down with a cold a couple days after her check up. It never fails, step foot inside the doctors office and you get sick! She's still coughing a little, but the runny nose is pretty much all gone. Of course she could have caught it from daycare too, it seems they were all a little under the weather. Our daycare provider had to take a whole week off!

Paige is really getting around now. She's getting to be quite the little mover and shaker these days. She is cruising along furniture like a pro, and even lets go and stands on her own for periods of time! We got our family pictures taken last weekend and we got an adorable shot of her standing all by herself. I'll try and get it up here as soon as I get the cd from the portrait place.

She's also starting to be a little chatter box. I'm glad too, I was starting to think she might be mute! She's always been such a quiet baby, but now she's babbling and jabbering most of the time. She usually sounds surprised :) It's pretty dang cute.

Still Kickin'

If anyone is still reading this, I thought I'd let you know we are still alive and kickin'. I still don't have Internet access at home, so I haven't been able to post or upload any pics for quiet a while now.

I'm very glad to say we are all moved into our new home in the country! We love it, and it's been very cool to see Chris and Jim driving by between the farms all the time :) Chris has been able to park the tractor in the drive way and come in for dinner during some of his recent late nights hauling poo. Paige and I are happy to have the extra time with him!

Paige continues to grow like a weed! She is really moving these days. She can crawl super fast, and is a pro at pulling herself up. She loves to "walk" too. Anyone who will lead her around is her new best friend. I think she'll be walking on her own very soon!

She has her 9 month check up today. It's so hard to believe she is 9 months old already! I guess I better start planning her birthday party, it will be here before we know it!

Another piece of good news, our best friends Jon & Kelly (and Bryce!) are moving back north! We can't wait to have them back and see more of them! We wish them luck selling their current home, and searching for a new place.

Well, as soon as I can I'll get more Paige pics uploaded. She sure is changing fast!

Catching up!

We've had an extremely busy last couple of weeks. Paige and I have been busy packing and preparting for the move, and Chris has been busy hauling manure, and now powerwashing. We've seen very little of eachother the last couple weeks!

We got all moved last weekend. I must say a huge THANK YOU to all our helpers! You guys were amazing. We were hanging things on the wall at the new house by 1 O'clock! We're about 90% settled in now. Just a few minor adjustments need to be made, but most can wait for a while. We don't have internet yet though, so posts will be somewhat sporadic for a while.

We did manage to squeeze in a little Trick-or-Treating Friday night. Paige looked so cute in her costume, and was a very happy little ghost/princess! Here's a pic of her and her cousin Blake in their costumes.

She's so Boo-tiful!

I decided to try Paige's Halloween costume on today, to make sure it fits. I'm not exactly sure to tell people when they ask what she is, so I'm just going to tell them she's Boo-tiful! Here is a sneak peak. I think it turned out totally adorable!

Lazy, blustery day

It's been a pretty quiet weekend for us. Saturday Paige and I went to the Fall Bazaar at the VFW with Grandma Carol, Aunt Judy, Aunt Jo, and GG Marjorie. I didn't buy anything, but Carol got some Christmas shopping done. After the Bazaar we went out to Jim & Carol's for lunch and visited with the family in town for the weekend. Paige was ready for a nap around 2:30, so we came and I got some more packing done while she slept. Today we haven't even left the house yet. Chris had to work this morning and didn't get home until about 11. We had a quick lunch then he and Paige took a little snooze in the recliner and I packed some more. Nothing very exciting, but that's ok sometimes!

Babe in Toyland

Yes, we are those parents now. The ones with a living room FULL of toys. Once upon a time, I smugly assumed I'd never let my living room look like a toy store. Never say never. Now I absolutely love watching Paige play with her toys. Every one is new and exciting, even if it's the 100th time she seen it. I know these oh so easy to please days won't last forever. But right now I delight in watching her find joy in her many, many toys.

Chris will even wear an octopus on his head just to get one of Paige's gorgeous smiles!

Nap? I don't need no stinkin' nap!

I though Paige was ready for a nap Sunday afternoon, apparently I was wrong. I heard her giggling in her room, so I went back to investigate. This is what I found.

One little monkey jumping on the bed!

Baby proofed???

Dear lord, her we go! I sure hope daddy did a good enough job with the cabinet locks and outlet plugs, cuz Paige is mobile!! At least we're moving in two weeks so all my knick knacks are packed away safely. I'll have to remember when unpacking at the new place, make sure it's baby proof!

It's been somewhat of a slow process, but Paige finally got the hang of crawling on all four's yesterday. And when motivated, she can really go! Grandma Carol seems to think it's not going to be much longer before she starts walking too. She has been pulling herself up quite a bit lately, and she's so brave! Once she's up she lets go, and every once in a while takes a step!

I'm with you Kelly, it's absolutely amazing to watch your child grow and turn into a little person! Chris and I are shocked at how fast Paige has changed. Last night we were talking about the day we brought her home from the hospital. I'm not exaggerating when I say, it seems like just yesterday! Time goes so fast, marked by so many milestones in a baby's life. Treasure each and every second you have with them, it goes by all too quickly. Sigh.......

Here's a little video, sorry if it's a little long. And for those of you who know Chris, notice that Paige's tongue is sticking out in the beginning, when she's thinking hard about taking off!

Kisses!

Paige learned a new, and absolutely adorable, trick tonight! She gave kisses!

She's been practicing lately, so tonight I asked her for a kiss and puckered my lips and she leaned right in and gave me a big smooch. Chris wanted in on the action too so he tried, and sure enough she puckered right up. Or rather opened her mouth as wide as she could and smooshed her mouth on his face. It was SO cute!!! Everyday she does something new that totally amazes us and make us fall in love all over again.

What a great weekend!

The count down is on, only two more weekends before moving day!

This weekend was a great one for us. Friday night Chris and Paige and I went to Murphy's for dinner with Amanda. Paige was very good and had fun watching all the people, and the neon beer lights!

Saturday morning Paige and I went with my mom to Lone Tree to their city wide garage sales. Paige made out like a bandit! She got an activity table, riding toy, lawn chair, and a few other little toys and books. After a couple hours of bargain hunting, we went home and started packing. Nanny was a big help packing and playing with Paige so mommy could keep working! Saturday night we went to Washington for Mexican with Bill and Marla. After dinner we went back to Bill and Marla's to visit for a while. Paige had a blast "riding" Marla's huge stuffed teddy bear! Wish I had taken my camera along.

Yesterday morning Shawna and I got up early and headed up to Cedar Rapids for the Especially For You Women's Race Against Breast Cancer. It's a 5k walk to raise money for Breast Cancer treatment put on by Mercy Medical Center. This was my 5th year participating, and it's always a great time. After the race I went out Chris' parents for lunch and to pick up Paige. We ended up hanging out most of the afternoon. Paige had a great time playing outside in her saucer, and riding Spike around the yard!

It was an early night for all of us last night. Paige only had one very short nap, so she was ready for bed around 7:30. Chris and I were both asleep in front of the TV by 8:30! We've had some very busy days the last couple of weeks, and we all need the extra rest. I'm afraid it's only going to get worse as we prepare to move!

So much to do, so little time.

I think I need to take the rest of the month off work! My plate seems to be filling up rather quickly, and unfortunately the days aren't getting any longer. I'm sure I'm just putting more pressure on myself than the situation warrants, but I tend to do that! I've got three more weekends to pack before moving day. So far I've packed three boxes. Not an awesome start. And just to add to my to do list, I've decided to make Paige's Halloween costume. I started last night, but ran out of tulle. I think it's going to be totally adorable when I'm done though! And last but not least, we are still in the process of deciding who we are going to rent our duplex too. We've got 4 parties who have expressed a wish to rent it, which is great, but it's been a lot more complicated than we had originally thought. So today I need to call and check references, and hopefully by the end of the end the week we can make a final decision. I'm so sick of straightening the house every night so people can come view it!! And of course this weekend is Lone Tree City Wide Garage Sales, I guess I'll have to start packing after that!

Paige goes to the Pumpkin Patch

Paige got to experience her trip to the pumpkin patch today. It was even more special because Kelly and Bryce were up from Burlington, and our friend Amanda joined us too. We had a great time showing the kids the chickens, goats, and pumpkins at the Sass Family Farm. I love watching Paige see and experience new things. She especially enjoyed the goats, and didn't think twice about stickin her hand in for a pet. Bryce was a happy guy today too. I think today was the first time I got to see him when he didn't cry! Kelly, you are an amazing, patient mommy. I love sharing our babies first's with you!


After the pumpkin patch, Paige and I went to Grandma and Grandpa Malichky's for dinner. Paige had a great time swinging, playing, and riding Spike!


And no, I didn't forget my camera this time! Here are some pics from the patch and Granny and Gramps'.

Paige and Amanda checking out the chickens.

Bryce atop the great pumpkin.

Paige and her pal the goat.

Swingin' at Granny and Gramps'

Tasting the goat fence!

Riding Spike.

Paige stood up!!

That's right, tonight, for the very first time, Paige stood up. And not only did she pull her self up, she let go and stood there, for a few seconds! It was very exciting. I just wish Chris had been home to see it! I managed to get a few pictures, except for when she was actually standing without holding on. Go figure. I was too excited to take a picture!

Our House, is a very very very fine house!

Today was the home inspection! It was bumped up to today at the last minute, because our realtor had the inspector double booked for next Monday. Great Grandma Marie watched Paige for us so Chris could follow the inspector around, and I could take lots of pictures! The house passed the inspection with flying colors. For a home built in 1900, it's in amazing shape! The previous owners have done a wonderful job keeping it in great shape. I'm even more excited now, it's starting to feel a lot more real. I feel like we "got to know" the house better today. I can't wait to get all settled in and share it with our friends and family.

Here are just a few pics.

This is the house from the road

This is the awesome yard

The three season porch, one of my favorite things!

Fall

It's my favorite time of year again, Fall! I love the Fall. The colors, the smells, the not too hot, not too cold weather. Every year I look forward to decorating for fall. Buying pumpkins and gourds and Indian corn. I'm going to have refrain from that this year. As we will be moving on Halloween night, it doesn't seem to make sense to put out my decorations now, only to pack them up again in a couple weeks. I couldn't NOT decorate at all, so I did put out a scarecrow and harvest sign in the yard. I figured I could yank them out and stick them in the new yard pretty easy!

I will, however, be taking time out from moving to take Paige trick-or-treating. I would not let her miss her first Halloween for the world! I am also planning on taking her to the pumpkin patch and letting her pick out her first pumpkin. Daddy may not like it, but he will be moving a jack-o-lantern to the new house!

So Close!

Oh, and I took a video of Paige I thought I'd share with everyone. She is SO close to crawling! I don't know if I'm happy about that or not. In a way I think it's so cute and I love to see her grow more independent. But in a way it means she's moving farther away from being my tiny baby, and becoming too independent! In any case, it's inevitable, so I best get used to it.

Another busy (sort of) weekend

This weekend seems to be a strange mix of rushing around, and relaxation! Friday evening we went to visit Jamie, Shannon, Aidan, and new little Madilyn Strabala. Maddie is two weeks old already! As usual, I forgot my camera, so no pics of the little sweetie to share.

We got a call Friday night that a couple was going to come look at our place Saturday morning, so when we got home from the Strabala's and got Paige in bed I started cleaning. I woke up Saturday morning and continued cleaning! Mom came and picked up Paige around 9, so I could finish up before they came. Paige and Nanny went to meet Pappy at Lake Darling and spent the day at the park. The couple came to see the place, and when they left I had every intention of cleaning out closets. Unfortunately I didn't plan ahead and had no boxes, so I just layed around the rest of the day!

Chris and I headed down to Lake Darling in the evening to pick up Paige, and attend his cousin's wedding reception. We didn't stay long however, becuase Paige had come down with a nasty cold and we wanted to get her home.

Today Paige and I are just bumming around the house. She's not feeling to great, and is rather annoyed at me for wiping her nose so much. She's napping now, and I just cleaned out all my kitchen cabinets, so at least I got something accomplished today! I'm sorry to say the couple that looked at our place called to say they aren't going to take it. Bummer. I just hope we can get it rented out soon, before I have a nervous breakdown!

I'll think I'll go get some more rest now. I'm going to be a lone ranger at work this week, as my partner is on vacation all week. I'm really not looking forward to the next five days! Oh well, I'll keep my eye on the 6th, the home inspection day, and hope the days go by quickly!

I'll leave you with a few pics of Paige. I let her play with my purses this morning, what girl wouldn't be cheered up by purses?!

A country life for us!

When I go out into the countryside and see the sun and the green and everything flowering, I say to myself Yes indeed, all that belongs to me! ~Henri Rousseau

Chris and I have exciting news! We put in an offer on a house in the country, and we got it! And the best thing is, it's close to his parents, grandma, and the hog buildings!

We are so excited to spread out in a larger home, and enjoy a MUCH larger yard! We look forward to sharing the joys of the country with Paige as she grows. I can already see her running and playing in her huge yard!

The home inspection is scheduled for next Thursday, and if all goes well, we should be able to take possesion November 1st.

Here are a few pics (stollen from the realtors website). I'll try and take some better ones next week.