Photo shoot

Today, "V", my mom and I spent the morning and part of the afternoon at Anne Silverman's home and surrounding beautiful yards taking pictures of "V".  I have known Anne for many years.  I started out babysitting for her two kiddos (who are way to old to mention just HOW old they are for the fear it may make me feel old ;-( )  Then when her kiddos didn't need me to "sit" them any longer, I got to take over the "watching of the house and keeping of the dogs while gone on a trip" duty.  I loved doing this because she always had the coolest dogs.  I think I always had a sweet spot for her dog Alex.  She was a Westie.  I got Lola because I loved Alex so much.  She had the best temperament and was always glad to see you.  I learned today that Anne had Alex for 16 years.  WOW!  Most Westies only live to be about 10-12 years.  She now just has Ziggy and Pogo.  Pogo tried to get in on the action today by howling at us a few times.  "V of course was super excited to see a dog, but Pogo didn't seem to care too much about her.  I have always loved Anne's pictures and knew that as soon as I had a baby, I wanted her to capture some sweet moments with her.  I can't wait to see what they turn out like.  Of course, "V" wasn't her crazy loud and smiley self, but she did good for taking 3 1/2 hrs out of her day to pose and be manhandled!  Thanks Anne and I can't wait to see your craft at work! 

8 months old

 Ok - so I am a little late...but here it goes!

"V" is 8 months old.  Things that she can do:  Crawling is going well.  It looks more like she is swimming, but she gets to where she is going and fast.  Pat a cake is our favorite game along with peek a boo.  I can clap my hands with a full hand and wave on command to others.  I love reading books and have discovered that I can look at them on my own and really look at the pictures.  I continue to love people.  It does not matter who it is, she leans into them and wants them to hold her.  So no stranger anxiety...actually I think she prefers strangers.  She LOVES other kids.  She will squeal so loud when she sees other kids when we are at church, the store, or on TV.

I weigh 20.9 lbs (got a weight when we went in to get a flu shot) and wear 12-18 month clothes.  Pants have to be bigger because she is really long. 

She also has 4 teeth.  2 bottom and 2 on top left...nothing on the right yet

Brought to you by the letter Oo.

OPERA!

For Artie's Christmas present, I got us tickets to see Romeo and Juliet at the Dallas Opera.  We use to have season tickets until we had "V".  They are not cheap, but they sure are fun.  We went at the end of Feb. and had a blast.  The new Windspear Opera House is just beautiful.  Compared to Fair Park, where we thought we were going to get car jacked at ever red light, it is WONDERFUL!

Artie going up the escalator in the car garage...you park under the Opera house - super cool!

Orchestra pit

Beautiful light that hangs right in the middle of the house.

Us ;-)

Beautiful shot of the seating

Otis and "V" - she loves to have him around her and he loves to be around her.

OUTSIDE!!!  "V" has really enjoyed her swing that Artie got for her!

Random pic of me and "V"...but I love it!

"V" Day continued...

So, if you are reading this...there is an earlier post of Valentine's Day photos.  Make sure to check that out too ;-)

This is the poem Artie wrote for me and baby girl ;-)


"Oh God, Merciful God, Beautiful Lord,


I fall before you, filled with fear and lament,

I fear for my loves, I beseech you Lord,

I ask their favor in your eyes, with your agreement,



Let no evil befall them, no devil despoil them,

Keep them safe and keep them well in your sight,

Let not my weakness and sin weaken them,

Strengthen me, fill me, steel me for this fight,



I am anxious and afraid, remembering the past,

Let them not dwell in the brokenness of my soul,

I see in them, a glimpse of You, at last,

And through You, I am healed, I am made whole,



Oh God, Merciful God, Beautiful Lord,

I kneel before you, filled with hope and love,

I dream of their full lives, filled by your grace, Lord,

I see these angels, God, sent by you from above,



May their dreams bring You honor and glory,

May others find You through their love and kindness,

Write their lives as a glorious and fulfilling story,

Spare them, Lord, from my blindness,



Let love pour over them from on high,

Lord, let it perfume them as flowered oil,

Let it run over them evermore, never let their love die,

Let love sustain them, through this sweat and toil,



Oh God, Merciful God, Beautiful Lord,

I stand before you, filled with thanksgiving and joy,

What a miraculous gift I’ve received, Lord,

Wondrous love and favor for this undeserving boy,



I give thanks, Lord, for the divine gifts I’ve received,

For Your love, for Your mercy, for Your grace,

When it was dark and sad, I had faith and believed,

Now I give You thanks for the smiles on her face,



My joyous girls, Lord, are a beacon in the night,

And their joyful light heals me, Lord, through You,

I pray, that I remain worthy in your sight,

That I may live to see all the good that they are destined to do,



Oh God, Merciful God, Beautiful Lord."

Happy Valentine's Day...a little early.

Since today was SUCH a beautiful day, we decided to do some things together as our "Valentine Day" instead of Monday...Artie may have to work a little late and that is just no fun!

This is Daddy with his newest Valentine. 

I got her an owl shirt made for Valentines because I love owls and it was just too

cute with the heart nose.

Found the owl on her shirt and liked that much better than looking at the camera.

Mommy and Me

What the super cute shirt looks like ;-) 

"V" being DONE with taking pictures.  Already with the fits...this one is a pic of ARTIE'S kid.  The one above is MINE!

Daddy treated us to lunch at El Fenix, got me a great CD and wrote the most amazing poem.  Will share later if he lets me.  Very touching and very well written! 

Best present I could ask for!

Snow day...or should I say week!

Well, I have been stuck at home since Monday after school because of the lovely weather that hit North Texas.  We first had ice and then last night, the snow came.  The temps have been highs 20's and low could be from 8-10 degrees.  WAY to cold for this little lady!
Today, we took our little lady out in the snow to get some pics. The last time it snowed up here...I decided she was too little and had a little big of a cold to go out...but not today. She had a fun time sitting in her make sihft sled (aka turkey pan).

7 months old!

I am 7 months old.

I am wearing 9-12 month clothes.

I love to eat vegetables and fruits.  I have 2 teeth and bite down super hard.   I love people and talk to them all the time.  Playtime on the floor is my favorite, next to time in my exersaucer.  Reading books is also something I really enjoy.  Shopping with mommy and daddy is so much fun.  I love riding in the cart and look at all the people and things around me.  I fixate on details.  If my mommy has a necklace on or my dad has his bluetooth in his hear, I will not let it go until I have it in my hands. 

I love to make funny faces.  The face below is me breathing out of my nose like a bull ready to charge!