Happy Halloween from Little Bunny Foo Foo

Karlee enjoyed her first trick-or-treating. We went downtown for a little while and then headed to the Dilworth's for dinner and more fun. I didn't count the kids but it was very controlled chaos. The daddies stayed outside by the fire while the mommies tried to feed themselves and the kiddos. Thanks all you dads!! Karlee was exhausted when we got home. She had a quick bath and bottle and right out to night-night town she went. I hope everyone else's Halloween Eve was just as fun as ours.

FYI for those that don't live in a college town, our city trick-or-treated on Thursday night so the bars downtown could be open on Friday night. Our city has it's priorities in order, doesn't it?!!!!!

First Steps!!

Karlee took her first steps behind her walker today. She had been pulling up on it all morning, then, she just took off. She walked about five steps before sitting down. I clapped and cheered and it made her smile so big. Oh goodness! Am I ready for a 9 month old walker????

Karlee also knows what a telephone is now, or at least what to do with it. She grabs the phone off of one of her toys and puts it straight to her ear (or close to her ear). She makes a sound like "hello" and smiles. She even says "daddy" sometimes while holding the phone. It sure doesn't take them long to realize daddies talk on the phone a lot!!

Weekend Parties

Saturday night, Chip and I attended a fun Halloween party. He was a western gun slinger and I was his saloon girl. We had so much fun and laughed so hard that my jaws hurt 'til late Sunday afternoon. Let me tell you, there are some very creative folks in this town. We saw everything from Kenny Chesney, to Elvis and Priscilla, and even Michael Phelps in full speedo fashion (I'll spare you the picture!). We have 365 days to come up with a creative idea for next year.


We hosted a couples BBQ baby shower at our house for Elizabeth and Travis Spratlin on Sunday. It was fun and they got so many nice things. I just had to post these pictures of the proud parents-to-be. Little Mason received monogrammed camo that was just precious. Travis received his own diaper bag that looked like a tool bag and was full of house building themed onesies, changing pads, and burp clothes. It was the neatest thing I've ever seen for a dad. Elizabeth collects Waterford Christmas ornaments. Russell and Adam gave her a Waterford baby rattle that was just beautiful. They will cherish the moment they hang it on the tree while holding Mason after he comes home from the hospital.

Healthy Busy-Body

It's hard to believe Karlee will be 9 months old tomorrow. We had her 9 month appointment this morning and all went well. She weighs 16 lbs 6 oz and is 26 1/2 inches long. Dr. Greer said we were going to have our hands full with her because she is so busy and active. He was impressed that she was pulling herself to standing so well, walking along furniture, saying "daddy", and climbing stairs (yes, climbing stairs is a trick daddy taught her). She climbed all the way upstairs last night with daddy following very close behind. I think she tries to say "Sable" when she comes around. The "ble" part is very distinct. No "momma" yet but we are close. I think God lets children say "daddy" easy because it makes the daddy feel better and like they accomplished something. We all know that the mommas are the ones doing all the real work!!

I know this is controversial to some of you out there, but we let Karlee get the flu shot today. We had a long conversation with Dr. Greer and even looked at the box and package insert. His office uses strictly the pediatric dose with no preservatives at all and no live virus. It has a very short shelf life with no preservatives so they are constantly ordering and replacing out dated shots they don't use. It also does not give the child any symptoms of the flu nor any of the normal vaccine symptoms like fever or soreness (which Karlee has never had with any of her other vaccines anyway). Karlee did well with the shot and didn't make a whimper. She acted like nothing happened at all. This was a big decision Chip and I made together today. We went into the office with no expectations of giving her the flu shot. Karlee is not in daycare of any sort now but will start a mother's day out program in January. We know the flu was awful last year and has the possibilities of being worse this year. We did what we thought was safe and best for our child. All of the research and literature out there just scares the living daylights out of me. We are extremely lucky to have a pediatrician that we trust fully and takes the time to answer and fully explain all of my million questions.

Self-Feeder

Karlee has the pincher fingers down pat for table food self-feeding. Well, today, the little priss decided she wanted to give herself her bottle. I said what the heck, go for it. I was trying to get laundry done and her summer clothes put away so self-feeding seemed great. The bottle spent most of the time upside down because Karlee thought chewing on the bottom was more entertaining. After the bottle lost it's pizazz with her, she then moved to the box of veggie crackers. Sable was very interested in this activity. After a quick trip to the laundry room, I came back to find crackers all over the floor and Sable having a ball eating them. I don't have a picture of this because I was in too big of a hurry to pick them up and scold Sable for eating them. Karlee had moved on to play with the stand up mirror in my bedroom. She had no clue that Sable was eating her crackers. That's just about 30 minutes of my day today. Karlee is in to everything and anything. If she's this fast on her knees, boy I can't imagine what a walking Karlee will be like. She's napping now and this is the first time I've sat down all day. God bless you stay at home moms!!

Rub A Dub Dub

Karlee had her first bath without her bath seat Wednesday night. She has always loved the bath but being free to roam in the tub was a big highlight for her. She splashed so much I think more water ended up on the floor than in the tub. Tooth number 3 is coming in so she's been a little cranky lately. Not in the bath though. That's the one place I know she'll be her normal happy, playful self.

While taking this picture, I heard what sounded like water lightly running. It was Karlee tinkling!! Bath time was officially over.

Pumpkin Patch Kids

Karlee and I went to the pumpkin patch in Lafayette this morning with a group of friends. It was so hot but lots of fun. Karlee enjoyed her first hay ride, saw her first horse, bunny, and goat up close, and picked her first pumpkin. It was a great day to spend with friends. Happy Fall! But, where's the cooler weather?