What We've Been Up To...

Ah, Fall is here and we are enjoying the changing of seasons. We have been busy running around the past week with appointments and showers and other random events. Here is a few pictures to update you on some things...

Amelia's new favorite spot. This is where she hangs out while I get ready. She continually finds new things and new places to play.

We have also been relaxing and enjoying some down time before craziness picks back up. Amelia loves her morning cartoon.

I have also been doing some crafting. I get in these moods. Halloween candles. Headbands for Amelia. Halloween costume. Also, I have been doing some fall cooking including some delicious plum applesauce.

After a full spring and summer with the cat outside, we've welcomed her back inside. Amelia is thoroughly excited about it and takes every opportunity to lay her head on Mercedes.

Amelia is learning new things all the time and amazes me how much she understands. Walking everywhere, pointing out trees all the time. New teeth. Learning and growing... We are even practicing using a spoon.

And we are spending lots of time outside in the amazing fall weather. Walks, parks, and playing in the yard. Loving it. Amelia could walk around aimlessly all day.

Looking forward to my favorite month ... OCTOBER!!

Arts and Crafts

Coloring with her bath crayons

Apple print painting for Papa's birthday

Coloring leaves to hang up for fall decoration (and having loads of fun, it looks like)

Our Weekend

We had a nice relaxing weekend to hang out and spend time together (while watching football).

Amelia has this new thing... she loves reading. And, although I love that she loves it and I love to read to her, she likes to read the same 5 books over and over... and over. The problem becomes when mommy or daddy has something they need to get done and can no longer read the bug throws a fit. She also has stopped playing with her toys or doing anything on her own. She just brings me books to read. I have thought about taking all books out of the living room ...

Saturday we spent a lot of time reading. It was nice to have daddy to read as well.

Amelia got these 2 necklaces from her great-grandparents last week and I am pretty sure has only had them off for bed and bath. They are the first thing gets to in the morning and after naps. In pjs, clothes, or just diaper, she is sporting the beads. Thanks, Mams and Paps.

On Sunday we spend the day watching more football. It has become a tradition to watch Colts game with my parents and Sister and Brother-in-law. Amelia loves playing with her cousins. Meanwhile we enjoyed the start of the football season. (I will not get started on the Colts weak attempt at rush defense or the fact that the offensive line couldn't block anything ... grr)

James and I also started small group on Sunday night. Glad that is back as well. We are studying the book "When sinners say, I DO" Looking forward to seeing what God has in store for us and our marriage through it.

Tricks!

After she warmed up to the camera, Amelia shared a few things she has been learning. It is fun to watch her pick things up so quickly... our little sponge.

Shapes

I made this new game for Amelia...

I figured the best way for her to learn colors and shapes would be to some how involve dinosaurs. Found this on a blog and thought it was so cute!

10 things ...

1. I love it that it is September! Fall is approaching... although I'd be ok if it came faster! I absolutely love fall; my favorite! I am looking forward to many things in the next few months - Football (exactly ONE WEEK from today!), crisp, cool weather, leaves, apples, bonfires, annual Hess family get-together ... just to name a few. Bring it all on!!!

2. Amelia is getting more and more comfortable with the whole walking thing. Now, as long as she's standing... she walks. She no longer has to think about it. She still can't walk for long distances, but we are glad she is loving to practice.

3. In related Amelia news, we have done several days with only one nap. She does a good job of letting me know when she needs a morning nap. But we have officially started that transition. I must say, for purely selfish reasons, I'm going to miss the morning naps. But maybe, just maybe, with no morning nap, she'll take a longer afternoon nap or go to bed earlier.

4. I have the privilege of being the Matron of Honor in my friends wedding this coming April. I have know her all her life and very excited for this! I must admit, I am having fun helping her and hearing about all the wedding details. Very excited for Kristen and Shaun and what God has in store for them.

5. James is heavily studying for the next test of his in November. He has some obscene amount information to read, reread, and learn. It is a heavy weight on his shoulders. We will see what November brings.

6. My grandparents have moved up here from Jacksonville, FL. They are now living just a few minutes away. I have never lived next to any family and, I must say, it has been nice. We obviously see them more, spend more time with them, etc. but it has been nice to be able to have someone else to drop Amelia off with for a few hours. With them just being minutes away, their house is never out of the way. I got to enjoy a mess free, chaos free lunch with a friend. Thanks, Mams and Paps!

7. Next week I start singing with the choir at church. Kind of excited. It has been awhile since I've sang with a group and although it isn't super structured, I'm looking forward to being with a musical group.

8. Amelia is good at making messes. And, I am pretty sure I could spend all day just picking up after her. No wonder by the end of the day I feel like I haven't gotten anything done.

Look, giant mess... and this is actually not as bad as usual.

She loves to take things out ... ALL out.

See, mess everywhere. Always

9. I am doing a cookie of the month for my brother-in-law for his first year of college. So once a month I send him a different dozen cookies. I am really excited for this. I've decided on some familiar recipes and some not so familiar. September is Peanut butter-toffee chip cookies. If I find good, tasty recipes, I'll share :)

10. Have a good long Labor day Weekend! We will be enjoying some of the last days of summer!