Julia turns ONE! 1/26/10

Julia enjoyed playing peek-a-boo with her new birthday onesie and bib that Nana and Grandpa got for her. She played with them for quite a while and had lots of fun! Who knew clothes could be so much fun for a 1 year old. I'm sure she's going to look cute in her birthday outfit.



Happy Birthday Julia! Tuesday, January 26, 2010 was a great day. Here she is playing and looking more like a 1 year old. It's amazing how quickly the year went. We enjoyed the first year with Julia and we're looking forward to the new things she's going to do this year.



Little love bug looks so cute opening one of her presents! Her ability to open presents has improved since Christmas time...now she helps a little.



Julia absolutely loved the jewelry box that played music and had a ballerina inside that twirled around. Right now we keep all her hair clips in there but I'm sure someday she'll find other treasures to keep in there. Every little girl needs a jewelry box...right. Thanks Grandma!



Julia and daddy on such a special day! We enjoyed remembering what we were doing a year ago.

Julia and mommy having fun on her birthday. Julia took a few great steps on her birthday so she could get closer to her jewelry box...she really wanted that ballerina. It was such a special day for all of us!

Shape Sorter

About two weeks ago Julia learned how to put all four shapes into the shape on the large cube. She holds the shape and we can point to the place to put it and say in and she can do it! Thomas and I clapped and cheered for her and she had such a great look on her face. She was quite proud of herself. The cylinder is the easiest for her but she can do all four of them. She continues to make us proud everyday with all of her accomplishments!

More presents!

When Julia got back from Texas there were more presents under the tree for her to enjoy. Nana and Grandpa sent Julia this stroller so she can take her doll for a walk. This is going to be perfect as she learns to walk. Right now she mostly stands and holds on like the picture here or sits in front of it and plays with the toys on it. Today we even took a few steps with lots of help from mom. Thanks Nana and Grandpa.

Also, Julia got a rocking horse from Grandma. We haven't thought of a name for him but she loves to rock on him and I sing silly songs and Julia laughs and laughs. She also likes to stand in front of it and hold the handles and give the horse kisses. I'll have to take another picture since you can't really see the horse. It's very cute and we all love it. Thanks Grandma.

Christmas in Houston, Texas

This year for Christmas we went to Houston, Texas to visit my sister and brother-in-law. We did the 12 hour drive overnight so Julia would sleep. She did great in the car and 'slept like a baby.' She woke up when we stopped to get gas and again about 45 minutes from Aunt Kim's house. It worked out great but of course Thomas and I were exhausted once we arrived. Here's Julia and Aunt Kim shortly after we arrived and Julia is wearing the cute outfit Aunt Kim bought her in Colorado.

Just the girls minus Julia...she was taking a nap after church.

After church we opened presents and Julia's first present from Santa were these pops. Now she likes to put her thumb in the hole.

Family photo on Christmas opening presents. Julia was a bit confused about the idea of presents. I'm sure next year she'll be tearing into the gifts.

Julia's godparents (Aunt Kim and Uncle Bradley) got Julia this lion. When you press the nose it makes a lion noise. She loves to be pushed around on her lion. Now I tell her to push the nose and then I push her. Grandma liked it so much and wondered why she didn't think of getting that for Julia. Thanks Aunt Kim for picking out a great gift!

We made dumplings on Christmas night with Sean and his wife...well I should say Sean and his wife made them and we all ate them. They were absolutely delicious! I decided to ask to see if I could help out and learn something new. After a few tries mine were looking more and more like a dumpling. Everyone was laughing at mine and Thomas even took a picture of it but at least I tried. It was fun and too bad I don't know how to make the stuff that goes inside.

Julia being pushed on her lion by grandma. I must say it's a great toy but not easy on the back.

I think this is my favorite picture of Julia from our trip to Texas. It was at the end of the day and she was tired. She looks so cute on the bench that Aunt Kim painted. I'm sure I had that look on my face when I was little and that's how my dad got my nickname.

We went for a walk in the park downtown and Julia was all bundled up for the chilly day in Houston.

Julia and I in the park. She's working on her standing again! The first time Julia touched grass was in the park.

Just the three of us. Mommy, daddy, and Julia having fun in the park. I think Julia likes daddy's glasses - he better watch out before she grabs them.

Julia and Aunt Kim in the park.

Julia and Aunt Kim are very interested in the balloon ride..not so much for Uncle Brad.

Just being silly with my dad! :)

We had lots of fun in Texas and we know we'll be back for another visit. Thanks Aunt Kim and Uncle Bradley for everything!

Standing up!

I know I haven't updated my blog in a while but Thomas was sick and then I got sick and shortly there after Julia did too. Hence, we were working on little sleep since the only way Julia will sleep when she's sick is if you hold her. Luckily it was the weekend and Thomas and I took shifts during the night since Thomas didn't have to work. Not easy on us but at least she got some much needed rest. Anyways, lately we've been working hard on standing up and putting weight on her legs. For a long time Julia's legs would just collapse because they weren't strong enough to support any weight. As you can see she's doing great and is now standing for longer periods of time with mom or dad right by her side for when she gets tired. I must say I love her little outfit too...her first pair of jeans. Isn't she so stylish?