Just stopping in!

Well, it has been a few weeks since I gave a real update. As some of you know, my sister Kimberly, has been in the hospital due to pnuemonia. Thank goodness she is doing much better and finally home. Now my mom has pnuemonia, and we're hoping for everyone to be well in time for Christmas. I really want to say thanks to the rest of my family for stepping in and helping with Allie. Normally my mom keeps her during the day, but my aunt and grandmother came to my rescue! Of course, my poor grandma is probably exhausted and a bit crazy from chasing our little monkey around all day.

Now, an Allie update. I can't believe my baby girl is going to be 11 months old next week! She is such a little girl now and, I have to admit, I miss that itty bitty baby! I was just telling DJ last night that I am really sad knowing that we will never see that tiny girl again. The saying, they grow up too fast, is so true! The reality of it has really hit me the past few days...and it makes me sad when I see other little babies. BUT, I will admit that Allie is really fun these days! She has the best personality that I have ever seen in a child. She is constantly happy and smiling...and into everything! She is definitely curious, and wants to check everything out...there is no hiding anything from her! She is crawling like a maniac, standing on her own (without holding on to anything), and she took two steps last week! She loves to feed herself, and basically, that is the only way she will have it these days. She is also very loving, giving everyone "sugar" that asks for it, including her stuffed animals. Her newest thing is holding her baby dolls and patting them. I love seeing that girly side of her come out.

I am looking forward to the next couple of weeks. We have a busy holiday season planned with many family events. I am so excited to have Allie this year and spend our first Christmas together as a family. I'll admit, buying for her has been a blast! I know she doesn't really "get" Christmas yet, but it is fun for me. In the midst of Christmas break, I am also going to begin planning Allie's first birthday party. I already know the date, and have the place reserved...but it is time to get busy on invitations & decorations. I have a feeling that her actual birthday is going to be emotional for me. Like I said before, I can't believe my baby is getting so big!