FIRST CHRISTMAS

We had a wonderful Christmas with Brynlee even though the only gift Chris & I gave each other was a new furnace (the old one died and we figured a warm house was going to be a pretty important thing to have). Brynlee wasn't quite sure what was going on and probably thought it was a little silly to have a tree in the house. She never really bothered it though and was more fascinated by the bows and tissue paper-filled gift bags.
The grandparents spoiled her as grandparents do. Thanks to all for the wonderful and thoughtful gifts. We also had a great visit with Drew, Laura and their 3 boys between the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Thanks for spending so much time with us y'all. We met Ian and Bryce (Caleb's twin brothers) for the first time and we already can't wait to cuddle them again! Caleb was so cute playing with Brynlee. He's a great cousin to her and we are excited to watch their interactions as all the kids grow.
Here's a few pictures from all the festivities. I tried to put together a slide show but many have said they can't get it to load so my apologies for the long string of photos. Enjoy!

Bryce and Ian
I love how they link arms when they lay by each other

Chris had to hold Brynlee in place
She was a bit restless

Cheesy family photo

Our Christmas princess
Thanks for the dress Grandpa John

Brynlee and dad

Brynlee and mom

Bryn was a lamb in the family nativity.
Nice yoda ears baby.

She did quite well with Santa

Even though she couldn't figure out
who this strange guy was

RAWR! TIGER ON THE PROWL

Brynlee the ferocious tiger says. . . Hooray for Halloween! Although she is not old enough for candy quite yet, Brynlee dressed up and helped me hand out popcorn to the Trick-or-Treaters. She was very curious and studied all the costumes trying to figure out why everyone was dressed so silly. She got plenty of "Aawww"s and "How cute" comments. We agree. Don't you?

The hood didn't fit very well so the ears don't really show.
Oh well, she's still darling!

And, yes, we tried whiskers.
With all the thumb-sucking and face-rubbing the water based eyeliner didn't last long.
Bryn just had black smudgy cheeks, so off came the whiskers and out came the smile!!

JUST PLAYING AROUND

Playtime is serious business to Brynlee.

SIX MONTHS OLD

WOW!! Where has the time gone? Brynlee is growing so fast! At her 6 month check up she weighed in at 18 lbs and was 27 inches tall. So when I say growing I really mean it :)
Brynlee has become an efficient roller. She gets everywhere (and I do mean everywhere) by rolling. She has managed to escape the playmat and get out the office door in under two minutes. She also likes to venture under her crib. I think she follows Saba (the cat) under there since that's his favorite napping place lately.
Brynlee has also developed quite a taste for solids. She pretty much eats anything we offer. Sometimes she likes it, sometimes not so much. We haven't tried potatoes yet though. With Chris' very strong dislike for them it will be interesting to see what Bryn does.
U of U football games are quite different with Brynlee along.  She is much more interested in watching the fans than the game.  I have to admit, sometimes I am too.  We are getting pretty good at the whole restroom stall nursing routine and she takes a quick power nap just before kick off and falls asleep pretty quickly after the game ends.  When it gets too loud B and I walk the concourse and watch the herds of people at the concessions stands.
Here are some pictures of the little munchkin. As you can see she quite a happy girl. She sits quite well unsupported now and examines her toys carefully - mostly with her mouth.

SEPTEMBER ALREADY??

When I started this blog my goal was to update it weekly. So. . . yeah. It's turned into more of a monthly sort of thing (if that). I can't believe it's September already. Here's a quick update:

The most exciting news is we are an Aunt & Uncle again. TWICE!! Drew and Laura had their twin boys, Bryce & Ian, on the 24th of August. They are absolutely darling. We are hoping to be able to visit them sometime in the next few months. For now they have other family members visiting and helping them get settled in. Caleb is a great big brother. He looks even more grown up next to those tiny little guys. All our best and lots of hugs and kisses to you guys. You're fantastic parents and Bryce & Ian are lucky to have you (and Caleb too of course).

Chris is still working his tail off at Franklin Covey. All his hard work and determination have really paid off by keeping him safe through some pretty major cut backs. Way to go babe! I'm so proud of you climbing that ladder. I'm glad those around you at work realize how valuable you are. I've know it for so long. Here's hoping some monetary recognition comes your way, eh? Commission work is challenging.

I have found new employment as my merchandising work is running thin. I am a server at the new Olive Garden restaurant that just opened two days ago in The District shopping area. It's quite literally just down the street. Specifically 0.4 miles from home. Yay!! No more graveyard shift and midnight drives to who-knows-where. OG has an amazing training program and the management team is super! They really help you and all the employees are so friendly. It's a fun place to work. Come see me!

Brynlee is growing so fast! She's rolling and babbling like crazy. She loves to be up on her feet so Nana & Grampa (Miller) bought her a play center she can stand in and the seat spins around so she can play with a variety of toys. Thanks for the "entertainment center" you two! We all love it! And a shout out to Gramma Kit for watching Brynlee while I trained at the OG. Those were some long days. I appreciate your help! :)

Sounds like Brynlee is waking from her nap. Time for lunch. We are onto "real" food and I think we'll try squash today. Wish me luck. I'll get some pictures and videos on here sometime over the weekend (at least I'll try). Check back soon.