Merry Christmas!!

Evelyn was excited about what she found in her stocking ... a new baby doll

Santa brought Evelyn a table and chairs in just the right size

Evelyn and her friend "Niblet" the pig

O Christmas Tree

Santa Claus

We began a new Christmas tradition this year...taking Evelyn to the Macy's holiday display in Minneapolis, “A Day in the Life of an Elf.” We followed the pathway through the elves’ bedroom, kitchen, school, Santa’s mail room, and the toy and candy factory.  Evelyn loved the lights and movement of the animated characters in the scenes.

After going through the display, we went to meet Santa. Evelyn was not so excited about jolly old Saint Nick.

These boots are made for walkin'

Evelyn began walking shortly after her first birthday. It began with just one step, then two, then three, and now she takes so many steps we lose count. She is very proud of her newly acquired skill...as are we.

Video coming soon...

Santa's helper

Minnesota experienced a major winter blizzard yesterday, dumping nearly 18 inches of snow and causing mail service to stop, public transportation to halt, snow plows to work overtime, and the Metrodome roof to collapse!! As you might imagine, we were snowed in. So we hunkered down and made the best of it by decorating the house for Christmas. Evelyn enjoyed untangling the Christmas lights and hanging the ornaments on the tree.

My how you've grown...

2 weeks

1 month

2 months

3 months

4 months

5 months

6 months

7 months

8 months

9 months

10 months

11 months

12 months

Evelyn's 1st Birthday Bash

Evelyn had her 1st birthday party today surrounded by family and friends.  She had such a wonderful time dancing, clapping, and entertaining the crowd. She enjoyed her special cupcake, eating it slowly at first... and then digging right in. What a great way to celebrate our sweet little girl.

She enjoyed being the center of attention

Special cupcakes from Cocoa  & Fig

 

Evelyn's cupcake

Happy 1st Birthday!

One year ago today our baby girl was born and our lives were forever changed. Words cannot describe how happy we are to have Evelyn as our daughter. She was just what we wished for in every way. Happy Birthday to our sweet baby girl Evelyn Elisabeth. We love you!!

We took Evelyn to the Children's Museum today. She loved the new sights and sounds. She climbed and explored and had a wonderful time. We went out to lunch at I Nonni Italian Cafe. Evelyn feasted on eggplant parmesan, penne pasta, and french bread. We then spent the rest of the day at home as a family.

Evelyn weighs 20 pounds, 6 ounces and is 31 inches tall. She has beautiful hazel eyes and a gorgeous smile.

At 12 months, Evelyn...
takes 1 - 2 steps independently and walks well holding our hands.
loves giving sloppy kisses.
stands independently for quite some time.
gives high-fives.
"helps" sort laundry.
sleeps 12 hours at night.
understands some Spanish (bilingual daycare).
is very talkative... mostly baby talk with a few recognizable words.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Evelyn had a wonderful 1st Thanksgiving. She enjoyed watching the wild turkeys walking across the backyard. She partied with family and friends. She ate turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and stuffing...and a little ice cream too. Yum!

She also took her first steps...just two steps but we are so proud!!

Sledding

We bundled Evelyn up and headed outside for her first sledding experience.