Jolly old St. Nick

We debated whether or not to even DO pictures with Santa this year--clearly she won't remember, which mall to go to, what time of day, and not to mention since when do pics with the BIG GUY start at $15? What happened to the $4.95 polaroid of yesteryear? Alas we decided we would in deed go, BUT wait, she had other ideas and we couldn't make a visit work.

Leave it to dad E, he arranged for Santa (Dennis) to visit Amara on HER TERMS in person, do you believe it? So today, this guy shows up to Grandma and Grandpa Jahn's with his "HO, HO, HO" and all...she wasn't 100% on him at any given moment, and was much happier when mom or dad was holding her and letting her examine him, but it was a great moment and memory for us all. She did notably like the beard, and before you ask, no sleigh or reindeer--but I figure we have a few more years before the questioning begins.

Granny Lucy even got in on the action for a shot with the big guy--who can resist??

Thanks Dad!

First tooth

I'm not sure what we expected from the teething "thing," but frankly, we were kind of surprised when this tooth showed up a week ago or so--just kind of matter of factly she was gnawing on things (as she has been for a while now) and then, bam, something sharp in there! Granted--like I said, she has been working on those gums a while (note chewing on stuff photo). No sight of a 2nd one, which everyone assures us is soon to follow, but we'll keep an eye (and a finger) out for it.

If you look REALLY closely in the open-mouth pic, you can see the little pearly white in there. She is very proud and will gladly demonstrate its' sharpness at any request!

Little Candy Cane

It's almost Christmas and what better way to celebrate than with my Candy Cane striped lounge-wear...actually, Grandma Young got Amara this and it is adorable...but Grandpa Jahn named her "his little candy cane" and you can see why! Anyone who appreciates trying to catch a moving target would appreciate these action shots. Pretty much since she could sit up, it's been arms waving 24/7! She loves the trees, lights, and we recently discovered bells too!

Alas...the end of an era

Today (we think) was the last time for the giant blue plastic bathtub and she officially graduated to the plain old sink. Actually--she LOVED it. Now she can grab the sprayer, faucet, soaps, etc. all right at grabbing level. Don't get me wrong, the blue plastic thingy had it's perks "back in the day" but as wiggly as this one is, it's just not enough for her...oh, and with the growing bump on her bottom gums...this allows much more access to bite her bath toys with BOTH hands.

New favorite toy and best pal

Grandma (Jackie) knows best in this case! This week, she realized a tin pie plate was just what our little drummer girl needed. As an added bonus, Ily thinks it's her toy too--so it's family fun play time whenever it comes out...incidentally, I think it took 4 days before it was dented and actually cracked (which I've never seen a pie pan do) and prompted a trip to the store for new ones :) a THREE pack!

Amara is really enjoying sitting up, frankly, because she has access to all the things she's been trying to get at for a while now...she balances REALLY well and can grab the pup MUCH easier now--which of course Ily loves. In all honesty, they're both learning something new about boundaries!

A child's perspective...

You know the saying "through the eyes of a child?" Well, let's just say we've been spending lots of time on the floor! With the tree up, lights all around, and packages, ribbon, and bows, it's fun to experience the "small joys" for sure.

Amara and Ily are equally entertained by each other (luckily) so it's always a surprise how these new situations will end up.

Rice Cereal

When better to start a messy taste-test than OSU / Michigan game day, right? It was "ok"--she didn't love it, that is for sure! I think we got the "plane in the hanger" about 1/2 dozen times before it was evident she wasn't interested. We'll try again tomorrow! Hey--at least she doesn't mind the spoon, maybe something with a little more taste guys!!!

Check out my new fancy highchair though! (and my piggy-platter place mat too)

Highchair and Ikea ball toys

As with a lot of things at Ikea, these were impulse buys (near the checkout). I guess they are for "sensory stimulation" according to the sign--one has bumps on it, the other I call dragon ball, has little pointed felt triangles. She likes them a lot (so does Ily)!

Also, dad put together the new highchair (after many months of deliberation) and she appears to love it! so do we--she can sit right up to the table with us and it will grow with her ;)

Dad's baseball hero

Eric's fav baseball player of all time is Dave Concepcion. When we heard he was going to be in Cincy for a signing (and all of the Big Red Machine players actually) we had to go! He has a baseball he's completing with all the signatures on it. Amara was a sweetheart and made a lot of sports memorabelia junkies smile too ;)

More shopping

Eric found a cute little boutique shop that just opened on High near henderson called Sprout Soup. We had to visit--and of course, the "can't leave the store for under $60" applied yet again~

First trip to Ikea

As any girl knows, what good is a shopping trip without IKEA! We figured since her whole room is Barnslig from Ikea, that she'd enjoy a visit. (actually, we're setting up her play area). Dad found this adorable hat and couldn't resist snapping a pic--ignore me. I didn't realize I was in the shot!

Beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Well the Christmas season is upon us and what better way to start than by looking at decorations! Here we are at Straders taking a look at all the lights, I can't believe it's almost the holiday season--and the little hands will be grabbing I have a feeling...HO, HO, HO!

Ilybigsisterdog

EVERYONE and I mean everyone keeps asking us "how is Ily doing with Amara"--logical enough question considering what a key part of this family she is. The answer without hesitation is that she is AMAZING--she is the best dog ever.

These shots are at the end of a long weekend. I think Ily likes Mondays so she can get some peace and quiet!

clowning around

for some reason these rings on her arms (we did NOT put there) remind me of clown sleeves ...go figure. ham it up!

1st Halloween

Amara's first Halloween! How fun--clearly, it's a parental choice whether or not to dress your otherwise *clueless* child up for Halloween, and of course, we did! I did however, draw the line at taking her around for candy. This year, it was purely a photo op. She did though, enjoy the other kids in their costumes and I'm SURE would have dove into the candy bowl if I would have let her!

Check her out with her warrior/gladiator cousins--aren't they all sweet? Don't forget Grandpa Young too~