Busy Little Baby

Now that Alaina is up and walking she is constantly busy. She LOVES playing outside and has fun helping out around the house when she is inside. Here are a few pictures and a video of Alaina's play and work time.

All Business

Today, Alaina and I got to spend Labor Day together and she was all business despite the relaxing nature of the holiday.

She started out taking her "brief case" to a very important meeting. Harry noted that it must be business casual if she can go in a PJs, but it's Labor Day so I think it's ok. 

Then she sat down for a good read. She did sit in her basket of toys (something she started doing yesterday and seems to love) but she didn't play... no, no. She was very into her studies.

Happy Labor Day!

On a side note, this was Alaina's due date 1 year ago. She was 5 days late so her first birthday is coming up on Saturday!!

Walking!

Alaina took her first steps weeks ago but this past weekend she really started walking to get where she is going. She does this adorable impression of a T-Rex while she walks by holding her little hands up to her chest. She's getting really good at walking and I know it won't be long before she is running!

Our Last Day of Summer Break

Today was my first day back it school and Alaina's first day back with her wonderful nanny. To prepare for our separation, we spent yesterday snuggling, playing, and having fun at the park. 

 

We visited the swings, Alaina's favorite, and went for a walk down by the water.

 

 

 

 Checking out her new kicks... baby New Balance. 

She's a brave little lady. 

Lady Liberty

The past few days, Alaina has been helping me do some spring cleaning (in August?). She has found a lot of interesting things: keys to my high school car and keys to the boat I worked on in high school, negatives from my sister's wedding, and various other trinkets. Her favorite has to be the New York City glasses.

I think they just might be my favorite, too. 

Oh, and just in case you are wondering... we are keeping these (probably with Alaina's things).

11 Months Old!

 Today is Alaina's 11 month birthday. In just one short month our little lady will be a year old; it's so hard to believe that almost a year has gone by already.

  

Current Likes:

Goldfish Crackers; Ritz Crackers; Toast; Chasing mommy, daddy, or the cats; Pulling things out of drawers; Getting into cabinets (and trash cans); Swimming at the pool; Playing with a variety of toys; Playing Peek-a-boo

Current Dislikes:

Her carseats; Getting out of the bathtub; Being told "no"

New Tricks:

Clapping; Standing unassisted; Taking a couple of unassisted steps

Random Pictures

I've gotten some pretty cute pictures this past week of our little Alaina... here are a few. 

 Cups! I love cups!

Sharing is caring! Story time at Davidson Public Library.

I'm not going to sit here much longer!

Let's go this way, Mom.

 I really like this walking thing.

Standing and Walking!

Today, Alaina took her first unassisted steps! She was sitting on the floor and I rolled the ball away for her to chase. She stood up on her own, steadied herself, and then took 3 steps toward the ball! Yesterday, I helped her take a step (or maybe 2) towards her walker/stroller but she had help getting started so we are counting today as her first official steps. Best of all, Harry and I were both here to witness the momentous event. Our baby girl is getting so big! 

I took the following video earlier this evening to show Alaina standing unassisted. I'll work on capturing the walking on video, too. Yay Alaina!!

10 Month Stats

Alaina went to the doctor for her (ahem) 9 month check-up today... yes, she is 10 months and 11 days old, but I had trouble getting an appointment. Anyway, here is how our little lady measured up today. 

Weight - 22 pounds and 10 ounces - 90th percentile 

Height - 29 inches - 75th percentile 

Head Circumference - 18.5 inches - over 100th percentile

This picture was on my phone from our recent trip to Hilton Head Island and I couldn't resist posting it. Alaina found her way into the bathroom of our hotel and then proceeded to shred the toilet paper. Harry and I feel foolish that we invested in a paper shredder; clearly we should just give Alaina all documents we don't want to fall into the wrong hands and she will keep our personal information safe while having the time of her life.

Hilton Head Island Vacation

Harry, Alaina, and I spent a long weekend at Hilton Head Island. It was just what we needed to relax and recharge and even escape the heat in Charlotte. Here are some pictures from our trip. 

 The walkway and entrance to Coligny Beach. It was a beautiful beach with a great park.

Alaina saw her first alligator in the swamp behind our hotel. She got a stuffed alligator to remember the occasion.

Snack time on the beach.

Playing with daddy. 

On Vacation

We are currently relaxing and chasing seagulls at Hilton Head Island. 

More pictures to follow when we return. 

10 Months Old!

Today, Alaina turned 10 months old!

 

 

Current Likes:
Cats and Dogs, Playing with other Kids, Lil' Crunchies, Climbing the Stairs, Playing Chase, Hugging her Baby Doll, Pushing Her Stroller

Current Dislikes:
Wearing a Bib, Being Told No

Here Comes the Hotstepper

Alaina was a very busy bee today. She started the day at home playing with her new car seat....

let's hope she likes it this much once it is installed. 

Then, she decided today was a great day to learn to climb the stairs all the way to the second floor!

It might be time for a baby gate at the bottom of the stairs.

Then, after a nap, it was off to the park for a picnic with Jessica and Liam.

Yes, she is stealing goldfish from Jessica.

Finally, it was over to the jungle gym for some swinging and a little driving.

 

Here, Liam is turning the wheel and making "vroom vroom" noises while Alaina danced next to him.

She should sleep very well tonight.  

Happy Independence Day!

We hope you all had a wonderful 4th. Harry had to work today so Alaina and I spent the afternoon with his family in Charlotte for the Winget family reunion. I didn't think to get pictures but I know some will show up on Facebook soon so maybe I can post some after that.

Once we were home, Alaina celebrated our nation's independence by having a little sing-along/dance party to Sesame Street. 

We then finished up the evening by visiting with friends for a cook-out (again, I didn't take pictures... I don't know what's wrong with me today). We enjoyed our day and are very thankful to all who have fought and continue to fight for the freedoms we enjoy.