5 Months Old

Opal

Ila - I'm pretty sure Ila was about 8 months in this picture.

We spent all day trying to get a good picture of Opal at her 5 month mark. It is really difficult to get a good face shot bacause she moves so quickly. She is definitely changing fast. She wants to sit up all the time but she can't do it by herself yet. She likes being on her stomach and yesterday she started getting her knees up under her body. In the bathtub she loves to put her face in the water. She comes up laughing. Another mermaid! This morning she figured out how to bounce in her jump-up and loved it. You can hear Ila cheering her on. Sleeping patterns are still a mystery with her. Sometimes she sleeps all night, sometimes she wakes every two hours. Her naps are 45 minutes short, barely enough time to get anything done. I'm thankful that she always wakes up with a huge smile. Ila is so proud of her every accomplishment, no matter how small it is. I'm glad they have each other.

Beautiful Mt. Ashland

Ian had been waiting for the perfect day to get Ila up to Mt. Ashland. Yesterday the sky was blue so we packed up Rio and the girls and went up there and had a blast. I had Opal snuggled in the front pack and she slept the whole time so I got to sit back and watch the fun. It was quite entertaining watching them hike up the hill and sled down while trying to dodge Rio as he ran down practically on top of them. Ian's goal was to get Ila on the snowboard. He did, and she did great! She loved it. Unfortunately the camera ran out of batteries before she got on her own board so I didn't get pictures or videos but there will be more opportunities I'm sure. We were proud of her for being so fun...and tough. We can't wait to go again!

Ila and Africa

Last week the sun came out so we invited Ila's good friend (and neighbor) Africa to Lithia Park. They bypassed the playground and got right into looking for critters on the trail with Africa's binoculars. In the last picture they were bamboo queens doing a dance for me. Yes, Ila is hiking in her pink cowboy boots again. Don't ask me where she gets her snazzy fashion sense. Ya'll know its not from Ian and I.

Ila and Africa want to have a sleepover sooooooo bad. We told Ila she could try sleeping over there when she turns 5. On the way to Lithia Park she said, "Don't worry, Mom. When I stay at Africa's if I wake up in the night I'll just go get in bed with Dawn and Javier". We'll see...We are very lucky to live in the neighborhood that we do, and Africa definitely adds to its splendor. She and Ila have a very sweet friendship.

Opal Happenings

As you can see, Opal Skye is still fat and happy. Ila thinks her nickname should be chunky knuckles. Rolling over is her latest talent, although she doesn't do it very often. She reminds of of Ila as a baby in that way. She's pretty content right now just staying put. She prefers human interaction to toys which I'm sure is common with babies. We tote her all over the place and she is always happy. She never complains and is ready to smile at anyone and everyone. It's fun seeing her in all of Ila's old clothes. It brings back lots of memories for me. If her personality continues as it has been so far, we are going to be very lucky! Of course I don't get any sleep most nights, but hey, Ila started sleeping through the night when she was 4 so... what is that? Only 4 more years!

Not a great picture, but Ila took it and was so proud of it. She told Ian she was probably going to be a photographer someday.

Opal sucking on Ila's nose. Can you believe Ila let her do that?

Ladybug's Birthday Party

Ila decided that on January 4th that January 4th was her Ladybug light's birthday. She had a party all planned in her head so we tried to give the light a proper celebration. I told Ila that if she wanted to make a cake she had to walk to the market with me to buy the mix. She did the frosting and decorating. Ladybug turned 6! We even sang. Now, some people wonder why I would go to these lengths for a light. I feel privileged to be an at-home mom right now, but it isn't always easy. I will do just about anything to kill an hour or two in the afternoon if my kid is motivated and has a creative idea.

The Uncles

I hope that Kayla, Natalie, Gus, Vinny, Ila, Opal, Eliza, Adie and Ashlynn know how lucky they are to have these wonderful men in their lives. What will they be wearing next year?

And there's the Christmas Party!

Lots of people in animal prints...

Lots of dancing...Like mother...

Like son!

Look at the big kids! They are definitely the life of the party.

Ben's Beautiful Girls!

Guess who?!

She entered the fireplace vortex!

Best Friends Forever!!!!!!!!!!!! I like your shorts Mel. I don't think I noticed those at the party.

Ben is the best! Michael was lots of fun that night as well. Notice the wrap on Ben's hand? He got bit by the neighbors over protective wiener dog earlier that night. Didn't seem to bother him at the ping pong table.

Ah, the party is over. Nice to snuggle up with the family and read a sweet pickle book before bed.

There's Christmas

I am terrible at getting these pictures in any sort of order. One morning Grandma Kris and Gus left the house and Ila and Vinny spent the whole hour that they were gone setting booby traps at all the doors and windows so that they wouldn't be able to come back in the house. See the little army guy on the pillow? They were an essential part of the plan. I love watching Ila and Vinny play...they get very creative.

I can't believe this is my baby!

Ila was finally able to punch someone that wasn't going to tattle. Adie and Eliza called him "big scary guy"

Mom and Dad's living room looks no different on Christmas morning than it did 30 years ago.

Ila finally got her pillow pet. She called me in tonight after I put her to bed and this is what she told me: "Mom, November 25th is the biggest day. Do you know why? It's my pillow pet's birthday. We're going to have a party and invite all humans and ladybugs. We're going to eat ladybug cake." I really wish my mind would go to those wonderful places while trying to go to sleep at night. I'm usually thinking, hurry up...go to sleep. You don't have much time before somebody wakes up and needs you.

Ila can't get enough of her aunt Allison (Eric's wife). Spending Christmas eve and morning with Eric, Allison and Luci was really special.

Ila and Luci.

I bet Les and Judy never imagined they would have three little princesses in their house someday.

Opal was not going to let Rio get away with taking the spot in front of the fire for himself. It's like he didn't even notice she was there.

Santa left this dress on the Christmas tree for Ila. She couldn't believe her eyes. I don't think she took it off for the next 3 days.