Say Cheese!

We just got Jane's 12-month pictures back and wanted to post them as soon as we could. The studio here in Rochester doesn't do electronic copies for copyright purposes, but they did put some of the ones we purchased up on Facebook for me to get electronically. Although most babies are just learning to stand and walk at their 12-month appointment, Jane would not stand still (shocking!) so the only pics we could get were of her sitting and "posing". She is very aware of cameras and did surprisingly well. Here were a few of our favorites!

We loved the way her face looked in this picture; so innocent!
This was one of my favorites, as this is the way she smiles and laughs these days, with her nose all crinkled up like that!

She could not get enough of this white bench. She put her arm on the backside of it and wouldn't let us take it down. Just practicing waiting for the bus I guess!
She loves to cross her ankles! She does it naturally (recall her 6-month picture when she was standing with one foot crossed over the other?!) and I have no idea where she picked it up. Must be comfortable for her. I know, I know, more cardigan sweaters! I just cannot resist; I thought this plum color looked ravishing on her!

Happy Birthday, Jane!

We cannot believe that Jane is already 1 year old! The past 12 months have flown by (as I suppose they always do), and we enjoyed celebrating Jane a few weeks ago! It's hard to believe she has passed this milestone and is already onto more. She had such a good time on her birthday; she was happy and smiling all day long, almost as if she knew the day was for her. Thanks to all of our family and friends who could come and share such a fun day with us. With Evan's mom's help, I was able to bake and decorate some yummy birthday cakes!
A special individual chocolate cake for the birthday gal

Jane was an active participant in opening her gifts; after each one, she would hug the present and then move on to the next

Very interested in reading (chewing) on each of the cards she received

The birthday gal was very festively dressed in her tutu, beads, and her princess hat. But I think she was more interested in Keegan's pacifier

Jane's new car from mommy and daddy; she LOVES this thing

She also loves "So Big" - it always elicits a smile and laugh

I'm not sure if it's the candle or the icing that has her fascinated. Or the 2nd ridiculous hat of the day that she allowed me to put on her. (Thanks to Aunt Meagan for decorating her high chair!)
A little timid at first....

...but definitely a fan of her chocolate cake

What a ham! Very pleased with herself

All done! Only slightly messy

Since September...

**Warning - this post is very picture heavy!

I cannot believe how long it has been since we have posted anything here! My company had blocked blogger from our laptops for a few months, so it was a bit challenging, but I am hoping to be back in action in full force...or at least until baby #2 arrives!

We have been busy since our last post - lots of fun things going on and even some traveling. Jane is getting so big and we are loving watching her grow and learn, although at times we wouldn't mind it if she just wanted to sit still for 5 minutes! Here are some pictures from Halloween and Thanksgiving:Ladybug Jane and Papa on Halloween
Twins! Er, I mean Jane with Daddy

Too much partying for this gal

Thanksgiving morning sporting Uncle Joel's running hat

Jane saw the camera and literally this is the pose she came up with - this was not staged!

Just a pic to prove we are still alive...and smiling!

Evan with Jane and Keegan; Jane very fascinated by her older cousin

It was great to have my sister home from Charleston for the long weekend!

Aunt Katie with Jane

Getting caught eating a cinnamon roll from Nana

Going gangsta! Jane doesn't mind things on her head (for now) and I take full advantage of that

A favorite hobby - pulling everything and anything out of drawers, cupboards, etc.

We celebrated Katie's 24th birthday over Thanksgiving. A shot of the group at dinner at Nicholson's in downtown Cincinnati

A laughing 8 month old

Jane really enjoyed herself on vacation in South Carolina. Thanks for a great time Tommy and Tracy! We miss you.

Ready for T Ball

This chick has a mean fastball...

Get Well Grandpas Video

Jane wanted to pass along this video of herself for her Great-Grandpas. She is hoping it helps them feel better.

Visitors

We have had a great summer, highlighted by our favorite Arizona visitors! Emily and the gang made the long trek from Phoenix all the way to the midwest for a couple of weeks. We had a great time watching the cousins play with one another (Jane of course fascinated with all 3 of her cousins!) and visiting with everyone. Some of the highlights of their visit included trips to the Fulton County Fair, the Peru Amateur Circus (please ask me for details about this!), fishing off the pier, a slumber party at our house (inclusive of a broken toilet), swimming in Lake Manitou and many more memory-making moments! Here are a few pictures from their visit:

Jane and her pal Maddie

Jackson scoping out JaneJackson starting into the camera
Gilligan, er, I mean, Jane getting ready for a boat ride
Jane is rubbing Jackson's head for good luck

Once acclimated to all the new surroundings, Jackson was a happy camper! Here he is after mealtime
How adorable is this picture?! Katie, Maddie and Jane are pretty in pink

The 2 slumber gals at our house; Jane was the first one to fall asleep, go figure

I think they had a pretty good time!

Glamour Shots

We just recently got Jane's 6 month pictures back and we were thrilled with the results! Through the wonders of facebook (and my ultra savvy sister) I was able to get some electronic copies of the pictures, but unfortunately not without the studio's copyright.

We love her little toes coming through on this picture. She loved standing and posing. Oh boy. The first and only one she'd allow sitting. After that it was all over.
This picture, while seemingly posed, was ALL Jane. We didn't even know she had her feet like that until the pictures came back. What a ham!

A more professional look. I am just waiting for the comments from my friends (especially Angela) on how my 6-month old is already in a cardigan sweater. Yes, soon it will be turtlenecks and business suits for this gal.

A little closer up; still loving her camera time though

Mohawk Madam

Jane is still rocking her mohawk these days, although we're happy to report her hair does seem to be growing faster and has been getting a little darker. In our efforts to lube her up with 100SPF, we thought we'd take the opportunity to do some stylin to her 'do. Plus she wanted to show off her new bathing suit she picked out for vacation.

It's a well-known fact that she will forever hate us for these pictures, particularly this last one. What is that face anyway?

The Evolution of Man....err, Baby

One of the best things about parenthood so far has been watching the daily changes and discoveries that Jane goes through. Within the last month or so, it seems that Jane has really developed, especially in the field of mobility. I have no idea when or how this all got started, but watching her evolve and start to move has been a blast. Here's how it all went down:

She learns to roll over, of course in an attempt to get something out of her reach.
Then comes pushing up on her arms, laying on her belly.
Next was getting up on all fours, and beginning a "rocking" sort of motion, front to back.
Then began her actually moving, unfortunately backwards in the wrong direction.
She learns to move her hands forward, but can't figure how the get the back side going.
Her will and determination get her hands in sync, and she "drags" her legs behind.
Finally learns to use her knees, and she's off.
Slow crawling at first quickly evolves into very fast movement.
She learns that things exist above her now, so begins to reach for tables, couches, etc.
Learns to pull herself up on her own, and starts banging on all things.
Now upright, she wants to keep moving and starts walking with the help of a hand.
Her legs quickly learn how to step and she wants nothing to do with sitting or laying any longer.
Standing has led to squatting. Yes, squatting. Jane averages about 40 squats a day. Up, down, up. Her thighs are getting massive. (Well, massive for her that is)
The strength in the her legs has helped her balance and she can now stand, unaided, for about 10 seconds.
And this leads us to today.

A couple of key notables:
- I left off that along the way there has been many head bumps, bruised knees, scrapes and whines - all that are normally gone after she gets her eyes on something else and forgets she just hurt herself.
- Lastly, all of the above has taken place in about the last month or so.

What have you learned in the last month?!
Any bets on when she starts walking?

I only have a few pictures to try to depict such an evolution...

The beginnings of the mobility. Don't let the look fool you; she's got an agenda. Always.

The backwards crawl under furniture. This face lasted 2 seconds, quickly followed by shrieking for help.

The picture doesn't depict much, however, she started on the other side of the room when she thought I wasn't looking. She turned around to see me eyeing her. I think she is praying for mercy from her mother

I haven't taken many of the standing pics yet, but this is what Evan and I find every morning. An eager beaver waiting for the day to begin. Also of key importance, about 6 weeks ago she could only get her mouth above the rim of her crib. She is growing like a weed!