"Uh, Oh" and "Thank you!"

These are AB's new words. Last week, after something falling or dropping (which happens frequently) off of AB's highchair tray, I replied with "Uh, oh!". The next thing I knew, she was trying her best to say, "Uh, oh!" However, it comes out a bit like, "Oh, oh!" So cute! Then yesterday, AB, Joey and myself went over to visit GG. GG, in her high-pitched, enthusiastic voice, would say, "Thank you!" to AB every time she would hand her something. The next thing we noticed, she was saying something that sounded very much like, "tat-to!" It's so neat to hear her respond to things! She's just growing up way too fast!

Oh, how I love, love, love this face.

Major Milestones: Eating Table Foods

The last few weeks, I've tried my best to get AB used to eating table foods instead of baby food. This has been quite the hurdle for me to overcome. I have a serious fear of her choking, and then not being able to do anything about it. So I cut everything up into itty bitty pieces. She does great at feeding herself and eating almost everything that I put in front of her.

Her likes:
*boiled egg whites
*mandarin oranges
*bananas
*bread
*green beans
*cous cous
*macaroni and cheese
*strawberries

Her dislikes:
*peaches
*gerber chicken sticks
*mixed vegetables (she'd rather play with them)

Here she is eating strawberries. It took her a bit to get used to the "gritty" texture, I think, but overall, she liked them.

Carlos the Caterpillar: He's a Butterfly! {Yes, it's a He!}

I'm a little over due on this post! Carlos came out of his chrysalis June 26th. I was really disappointed when I found him out of his chrysalis! I completely missed him emerging from his chrysalis, because the last time I had checked on him, his chrysalis hadn't even turned clear yet! So, I was shocked to see him out so soon. Carlos is a Carlos. He had two beautiful black dots on the back of his wings. Unfortunately, he was being shy and wouldn't open his wings for a picture.

We took him outside for the release.

He landed on a tree in our backyard. Can you see him?

Daddy and Annabelle walked over so AB could get a closer look!

The release is always so bittersweet to me. I raised this little guy from a teeny tiny caterpillar. Every time I raise one, I expect them to not want to fly off and stay with me! It's silly, but their almost like a pet. It's good, though. He'll be migrating soon, but probably won't make it until next year. Many Monarchs don't live a full life. Oh well, maybe Carlos will be the exception to the rule. Goodbye, Carlos!

Happy Fourth of July!

What a blessed Fourth of July this was! We continued our family tradition of watching fireworks, that the DAC puts on every year, from my Grandmother's driveway. We were so impressed that AB didn't get upset or even flinch, when the loud (VERY loud) fireworks were set off. Before we left, I snapped a few shots of my little patriotic girl.

We had a great time with family over at Grandmother's. Here are a few family shots.

Four generations of Shaws.

Four generations of Hamlins.

Happy First Father's Day to the Best Daddy Ever!

Father's Day was a fun day for us, and because my husband is so super sweet and such an awesome Daddy, I felt he deserved two weekends worth of Father's Day celebrations. He got a few different gifts that day, but his first one was a surprise - to both of us. Since all three of us had partied hardy the night before at Christian and Erica's wedding, Miss Annabelle decided to sleep until noon!!! Whoa! What a great present to Daddy and Mommy! So, after we all woke up, AB and I gave Daddy his gifts in bed. AB couldn't wait!

His first gift, was a movie he had been wanting for a while - "The Fountain" with Hugh Jackman. So, AB and I put it in a bag for him to open, along with a sweet Father's Day card from AB.

The next thing he opened was a note...

...and it read....

Yup! VIP tickets to tour the Dallas Cowboys' Stadium in Arlington. His best friend Tony helped me out with the idea. So, after he saw the screen, there was another note to open.

So, Austin had two weekends in a row to be spoiled and celebrate Father's Day! Thank you, Babe, for being the amazing Daddy that you are! AB and I couldn't ask for more! You provide so much love and stability to this family. We are so lucky to have you!

Love,

Jen and Annabelle

First Meal in a Restaurant!

Now that I've pretty much transitioned AB to all table foods, we went out for breakfast the other morning, and actually bought her, her first meal in a restaurant. What, you ask? Eggs! Scrambled eggs. She loved them. We went to Barbec's. If you haven't been - GO! It's been around forever and serve the best beer battered biscuits I've ever had. It's just down the road from White Rock Lake and the Arboretum!

Here is AB feeding Daddy some of her eggs!

First meal in a restaurant - a success! Here's one of many more to come!