Christmas with the Kuhn's

Christmas came a little early this year as Grandma and Grandpa Kuhn visited last weekend.  Malina loves spending time with her grandparents, especially Grandma Kuhn.  She was spoiled (as usual) with gifts and attention.  We all enjoyed a Christmas celebration on Sunday night with the whole family.

opening stocking gifts

too excited to open any more

getting the hang of how to open a present

playing in her new Mickey Mouse beanbag chair

Auntie Lynne and Uncle Joe

Grandparents

...if only we could get the grandparents to cooperate

Rewind- Thanksgiving

We had an awesome Thanksgiving at home with Lynne, Joe, and Kenny.  Unfortunately, Jason had to work- and he was extremely missed.  We have hosted Thanksgiving for many years now - maybe five or six, so the preparation part is getting easier.  Everyone arrived early to play games and cause a little backyard commotion (beer pong).  It was a great day and I look forward to many more Thanksgivings with this small family group. This was the only semi-group photo of the day- Malina has some interesting (looking) men in her life :)

Santa and Snow

 

Malina was not a huge fan of Santa this year.  He was a bit creepy.  A friend invited us to her neighborhood Christmas celebration where Malina sat on Santa's lap and played in some snow.  Both experiences were a bit traumatizing and though she didn't enjoy the morning, Brian and I enjoyed our friends.  The pictures say it all.

Trick or Treat

Better late than never.  It has been nearly a month since Halloween and I am finally catching up.  Malina was a purple butterfly for Halloween and actually loved wearing her costume.  We enjoyed four celebrations: Brian's cubicle trick-or-treating, our neighborhood Halloween Howl, Stroller Strides after-party, and family trick-or-treating.  Malina learned pretty quickly that trick-or-treat means candy and she still uses the phrase when she wants some.

My little butterfly

 

Getting a kiss from Uncle Kenny

Jackpot!

The gang

Stealing from our bowl

 

Summer 2012

It's been months since I've last posted so I will briefly recap our summer.  We had many visitors and enjoyed all of the help (with Malina) our family has so graciously given us.  Brian and I were able to get away for two long weekend vacations- one to San Diego, and the second to Denver for a wedding.  Malina enjoyed her time with grandparents and soaked up all of the attention. 

Malina is now 19 months old!  She has really "grown up" in the last couple months.  She talks nonstop at home; she is still extremely shy when we're around others.  She can spell her name and can count up to ten (though she skips from 2-6).  She loves to be thrown around by her Daddy and loves to dance with her Auntie Lynnie.  Unfortunately, we are already seeing signs of the terrible twos, as Malina throws little tantrums when she doesn't get her way.  A few pics from summer...

Swimming with Daddy

Splash pad fun

Swimming with Grandpa

Reading with auntie

Walks with Grandma

Checking out the scenery with Great Grandma

the girls

Duck

Malina and her dogs

Trying to get Bella to help with a puzzle

Bella chose to rest on the puzzle instead of help with it

Hmm, a nap sounds nice

But I would rather be silly...

Showing Pumba her new crocs

Eating grass with Bella

Trying to ride Bella

Just relaxing

Showing Bella her favorite book series

Leaning in for a kiss

Malina is obsessed with Pumba and Bella...and luckily, they love her just as much. 

15 month old Malina Violet

Another doctor well-check has passed so it's time for a little Malina blogging.  Our little darling is now 15 months old and definitely a crazy little toddler.  It's hard to believe that she's no longer a little baby but a walking and talking little person.  Malina lives quite the life...waking around 7 to eat breakfast with Mommy, playgroup activities in the morning, lunch at noon, nap from 12-2ish, afternoon playtime until Daddy gets home, dinner at 5:30, bath and bedtime at 7.  Life is good!

Malina is obsessed with her doggies Pumba and Bella, and has no problem enduring the 110 degree temperatures to be outside with them.  The only TV show she will watch is Dogs 101, a documentary on dogs...fascinating for Brian and I (insert sarcastic voice here). She is extremely shy in social situations but absolutely crazy at home. 

Our little babe measured in at a healthy 30.5 inches (50%) and 20.4 pounds (10%).

Our little blondie

There is nothing better than an exhausted baby

Having some fun with Daddy

Grandparents are the best!

The Kuhn's drove into town for a short weekend of fun.  We woke up early Saturday morning to get to the zoo before the temperature reached 100.  Then on Sunday, Mother's Day, we enjoyed a brunch at the house with Lynne and Joe.  Here are some of our favorite pics from the weekend.

Yes, that is a leash

Taking a break to have a snack at the zoo

Grandma and Malina

My favorites

Grandma and Malina again

Family

Toddler Malina

Playing chase

Sitting at her "big girl" table

"DaDa's" girl



Sharing spit with Bella



Ready for the pool

We have seen the biggest change in Malina over the past month.  She started walking at 12 and half months and hasn't slowed down since.  She loves to spend the mornings and evenings outside with the dogs and would probably sleep with them if we'd let her.  Pumba follows her everywhere, whereas Bella's interest is fleeting.  She is obsessed with reading and insists on the same book over and over again.  She is a bit crazy at home but extremely reserved when we're out with our play group (maybe like her momma).