WildLights at the Columbus Zoo

It was Blakeley's first trip to the Columbus Zoo.  She had to experience it from the cozy, warm bundleme in her carseat but she may have had the best view of all the lights.  It seemed like every tree, bush and building was covered in lights, there was even a light-show to music that played every hour that was truly amazing.  It was perhaps the coldest night so far this winter--it has been very mild so far (no snow yet either)--about 35 degrees. She didn't see many animals but enjoyed the carousel. We are very fortunate to have such a wonderful zoo here in Columbus! She can't wait to go back when it is warmer to see all the animals!

First Foods

Blakeley has experienced her first food: rice cereal!  After her first experience she wasn't too sure about it.  I think she prefers much more flavorful foods...

Merry Christmas to All!

Blakeley's first Christmas and we celebrated three times this year!  

The first celebration was with my family in Ft. Wayne.

 The second celebration was with Casey's parents in Columbus.

Christmas Eve went to the family service at church, "officially" hung stockings, and read The Night Before Christmas before going to bed.

 And then we celebrated together as a family in Columbus on Christmas day.

Blakeley received so many wonderful gifts from family and friends although we hope we showed her the true reason for the holiday as well. We have many blessings to be thankful for...in everything give thanks to the Lord!

5 Months Old!

This month has been full of growth, development and frustration!  

Blakeley has been wearing 6 month clothing all month, she is so long, everything is too short for her body and legs.  She is very alert, she seems to sit back, take things in, and then act; she seems to be thinking and processing before she does anything. 

She is also a very determined little girl who definitely has ideas about what she wants and how she wants to do it, however her body hasn't caught up to her mind. She can now sit unsupported by herself, so she'll see something she wants and try to grab it by lunging full force for it, expecting to get it, sit back up and then go on with doing whatever she intended to do with that item; instead she lands on her face and belly, can't get back up, and screams or cries.  She will also try to do something over and over; I'll see in her face she is trying and concentrating very hard; and then she'll put hands behind her head and throw her full body backwards with an irritated grunt and groan because she was not successful at what she wanted to do. What she wants to do, I do not know, so I can't "help" in any way and even if I attempt to help her, it just makes her more frustrated.

I'm sure this is all part of the learning process. It is amazing how fast she is growing and how much she learns each day!

  

Tough Boiler Loss in Ohio

We traveled to Cincinnati to meet Casey's parents and go to the Purdue vs. Xavier basketball game which was Blakeley's first game! 

 

The game was looking good until the very end. It was a bit loud for Blakeley with all the cheering and screaming when it came so close in the 2nd half.  She had a good time even though it was a loss for the Boilers.   

Christmas Card Photo Shoot

Blakeley and I had fun with a holiday card photo shoot...the tough part was choosing which photo to use!

These were only a few of the photos...needless to say she was tired!  But still so cute!  

Happy Holidays to all!