6 months old and counting

Our little princess just turned 6 months today and what a day it was. You can definitely tell she was ready to be 6 months old because in the last couple of days being a 5 month old she has overcome many obstacles getting her ready to move ahead. Some of those obstacles include:
- Sitting up unassisted with wonderful balance
- Going from sitting, to on her back, to her stomach, to her hands and knees and then rocking back and forth. (It’s truly exhausting to watch)
- Eating all types of babies first foods and trying to like them
- Drooling excessively (I know theirs hope for a tooth soon. I can actually see a white spot trying to come up)
= She has even become even more vocal (I think Andrew and I are in for talking 24/7 little girl)

With all of her accomplishments so far I can’t be more proud of her. Andrew and I love our little girl deeply. I truly can’t wait to see all her other accomplishments unfold. I have been very blessed to be able and stay at home with our darling little girl while finishing up school. I look forward to every morning waking up to see her smiling face looking up at me, waiting for me to take her out of her crib and start our morning activities. One thing I love about everyday with her is having play time. I love that she laughs at me while I make funny faces and dance hysterically. I know I must look like a fool but we both enjoy that time together no matter what I look like or do.

Today since it was Eden’s 6 month birthday. I decided we should go out on a mommy and daughter date since Andrew sadly couldn’t make it because he was in Beaumont, Texas helping with the hurricane relief. We started our date off by going to Target one of our favorite stores, to pick out a special toy. We went through the baby aisle and the big kid toy aisle and finally found the toy she wanted (aka the toy that she laughed at the most). On the way out of the store I also found some really cute shoes I thought she had to have. (It was a special day and I know Eden would have picked them out herself if she knew what shoes were). So after Target we went to McAlister’s to grab a bite to eat. Eden looked like a big girl sitting all nice and straight in her little highchair. I should have taken a picture. After we ate we came home and Eden enjoyed some applesauce, a nice bath, and a warm bottle. She quickly drifted to sleep I kissed her little cheeks and put her to bed. I must say our day was successful. Now all we have to do is wait patiently for daddy to arrive home safely tomorrow. We are so excited to have daddy back here soon. We might even bake him some cookies.

I love my new toy! Thanks Mom & Dad

The shoes are ok too I guess

Yeah I'm finally 6 months old

Our Little Love Bug Is 5 and a half months old

So I guess it’s about time for me to blog about what Eden is doing now that she is 5 ½ months old. Well she is definitely getting bigger or should I say longer. Her clothes fit her length wise but she’s having a hard time filling them out width wise. It’s ok though she’s right on track to where she needs to be, especially after starting her on fruits and vegetables. She loves her fruits and some of her vegetables, mostly the orange vegetables. We try and eat the orange vegetables in moderation so she won’t turn orange. Another accomplishment of Eden’s would be sitting up by herself. She loves to play on the floor with her toys scattered around her.

Her newest favorite toy is Mr. Leap the frog. Grammy K. bought it for her and Eden just can’t get enough.

My Montage 9/13/08

Our sweet baby also loves to sleep. She has definitely mastered the napping process. I’ll give credit to Andrew for teaching her that. This month we started putting her in her crib when it was time for her nap or for bedtime without rocking. I think we’ve got it mastered. Although when she does go down she has to have her binky and rabbit blanket. She cries for a little bit which was hard at first to deal with but she’s gotten a lot better. Today Andrew and I were able to do a few chores and relax while Eden took a 2 an a half hour nap. The thought actually crossed our mind to wake her up because we were afraid she was over sleeping. It didn’t take us long to rethink that option. Her sleep habits at night are just as good. She usually eats a vegetable and fruit, drinks her bottle, and then its bath time. After bath time she usually plays a little bit and then she’s ready for bed. At night she usually sleeps from 9 till 7. It definitely gives Andrew and I a break.

Well before I jinks her wonderful sleeping habits lets talk scooting. Scooting is something Eden is trying to master. She knows she can get places by rolling around so now she tries to scoot, mostly backwards but its progress. I’m kind of scared to say this one but I think it’s true. She is going to be a dare devil. She loves to be thrown up in the air and whenever possible she loves to bend backwards. She really gets tickled when she does both. I guess people truly look funny when you’re looking at them upside down.

I never thought these events would happen as fast as they have but we’ve enjoyed every minute of them. I can’t wait to see what she does next.

Here are some other 5 months pictures of Eden

My Little Cowgirl Princess

A couple of weeks ago Eden and I were invited to go to a rodeo in De Queen with our neighbors across the street. Their daughter Morgan was barrel racing and competing for princess in the rodeo. Well, if a person is going to a rodeo what do you usually think they would wear... That's right cowgirl boots. I'm sure Eden was just as excited as I was about wearing her beautiful pink cowgirl boots. She looked so CUTE!

We got ourselves ready and we were off to see a rodeo. When we arrived, their were horses everywhere. Eden couldn't take her eyes off all the action. We also saw goats, cows, and chickens, so I couldn't help myself and I burst out in song, Old MacDonald had a farm E-I-E-I-O and on his farm he had a goat E-I-E-I-O, well you get the picture. She loved the song I'm sure as well as others around me. Once we sat down the rodeo soon started. I've never seen Eden so excited before she was on my lap jumping up and down keeping beat with the music that blared over the speakers while the parade of horses trotted by. Not to long after the parade of horses went by it was time to crown a rodeo princess. We all waited with intensity to see who would win. When Morgan's name was called out we all stood up to scream and clap for her. What a proud moment. Soon after she was crowned she came over to visit for a little bit. She was so sweet and she let Eden where her cowgirl hat with the crown on it. Needless to say she looked adorable.

I also got a great picture of Dee, Brad and Morgan our next door neighbors.

We all had so much fun but by the end of the night we were all tuckered out. Eden's first rodeo was a success. I think we might just have to find ourselves visiting one again real soon.

Great, Grand, Wonderful!

A couple of weeks ago we were visited by some very special people: Grandma and Grandpa Venable, Grandma and Grandpa Everhart, and Mark and Renee. We were so excited to have visitors. Eden especially loved all the attention. Our weekend consisted of some shopping, eating, and relaxing. This was such a wonderful time being able to visit with family that we love and don’t get to see very often.
Here are a few pictures of Eden, the Grandparents, and Mark & Renee

Here’s our Saturday morning pancake tradition. Andrew is wonderful at making pancakes. He made chocolate chip pancakes as well as bacon. He’s so wonderful.

What a great weekend this was. I truly enjoy getting to spend time with family. I'm glad everyone made it back home safely.

Eden's 4 month check-up

Today was Eden’s 4 month check up which consists of 4 booster shots: DTaP, IPV, PCV, & Hib. I always dread this part of the check up because you know your baby is going to scream, cry, and turn red. It breaks my heart every time. Well, the appointment started out well. We didn’t have to wait very long in the waiting room, which was a plus. When the nurse called Eden’s name we went straight to the weigh station. Eden weighs 14 pounds and 9oz and she is 26 inches long. She is in the 50th percentile on her weight and the 90th percentile on her height. Needless to say she’s a growing girl. While we waited on the doctor we played where’s Eden in the mirror. She loves this game. Pretty soon Dr. Wright walked in and began examining her. She did so well. She even shot a few smiles up at Dr. Wright. He ended the exam by saying everything looks good and then we visited a little while about the shots she was fixing to receive. The next part came too quickly. THE DREADED SHOTS! I held Eden’s hands while the nurse gave her three shots two in the right leg and one in the left. After the nurse left Eden calmed down and I held her for a little bit and then we left. Our day didn’t end their. We went straight to McAlister’s one of my favorite places to eat. I just love their sweet tea. We sat at McAlister’s for a while and watched it rain. Eden was so good. We talked and played. I just love to listen to her babble. It’s like she’s trying to tell me something. Of course I act like I understand her and she laughs or smiles and makes a high pitched screaming sound. After the rain slowed down we went back home and finished out our normal routine. Eden did well the rest of the night. I was afraid she was going to run a fever but she didn’t. We both got a good nights rest and woke up ready for a new day.

This brings me to today. Since it’s a rainy day and Eden’s sleeping I’m on the computer blogging about the latest. I have uploaded some new videos of Eden. Some of these videos were of her at 3 months and the cereal video is of her at 4 and a half months. I love videoing Eden and the latest things she accomplishes or is interested in. I just don’t like hearing myself on the other end of the video, but as a mom you have to say and do silly things in order to be qualified as a mom. I hope you enjoy these videos.


My Montage 8/18/08

Only 4 months ago

Today during Eden's nap I decided to look at all the pictures and video footage that was taken while I was in the hospital with Eden. I know this is said all the time but i'll say it again. Time goes by so quickly. Eden is four months old and is growing so quickly. Comparing her pictures of when she was born to now is unbelievable.

Eden is such a joy. She smiles all the time and is so playful. I truly enjoy my time with her during the day. Here are a few things she is doing right now.
- She is babbling a whole lot. She really babbles though when she is trying to go to sleep. (I don’t know if she’s trying to talk herself in to going to sleep or sing herself to sleep.)
- She loves playing “I’m going to tickle you” she laughs out loud every time
- Things she likes to do during the day
o Look in the mirror and try to give herself kisses
o Stare at the chimes that uncle Carey got her in her room
o Stare at the fan
o Watch Baby Einstein
o Go for walks around the block. This usually ends in her asleep.
o Play in her toy saucer with her laughing butterfly.
o Swing
o And of course eat. She just recently started eating cereal. We had tried it previously with her and she didn’t like it, so we decided to try it again a couple weeks later and she loves it.
Some of her firsts for this past week were
Eat Cereal
Put Her foot in her mouth
Sit in her bible class seat without any assistance. Those are the seats that are in the table.

On a side note I wanted to share this video with you of Eden getting her first bath in the hospital since we are talking about firsts. This was a video I came across today and I thought it was appropriate for this blog.

Eden is such a joy. She smiles all the time and is so playful. I truly enjoy my time with her during the day. Here are a few things she is doing right now.
- She is babbling a whole lot. She really babbles though when she is trying to go to sleep. (I don’t know if she’s trying to talk herself in to going to sleep or sing herself to sleep.)
- She loves playing “I’m going to tickle you” she laughs out loud every time
- Things she likes to do during the day
o Look in the mirror and try to give herself kisses
o Stare at the chimes that uncle Carey got her in her room
o Stare at the fan
o Watch Baby Einstein
o Go for walks around the block. This usually ends in her asleep.
o Play in her toy saucer with her laughing butterfly.
o Swing
o And of course eat. She just recently started eating cereal. We had tried it previously with her and she didn’t like it, so we decided to try it again a couple weeks later and she loves it.
Some of her firsts for this past week were
Eat Cereal
Put Her foot in her mouth

Holds her juice bottle with her hands
Sit in her bible class seat without any assistance. Those are the seats that are in the table.

On a side note I wanted to share this video with you of Eden getting her first bath in the hospital since we are talking about firsts. This was a video I came across today and I thought it was appropriate for this blog.

Eden is such a joy. She smiles all the time and is so playful. I truly enjoy my time with her during the day. Here are a few things she is doing right now.
- She is babbling a whole lot. She really babbles though when she is trying to go to sleep. (I don’t know if she’s trying to talk herself in to going to sleep or sing herself to sleep.)
- She loves playing “I’m going to tickle you” she laughs out loud every time
- Things she likes to do during the day
o Look in the mirror and try to give herself kisses
o Stare at the chimes that uncle Carey got her in her room
o Stare at the fan
o Watch Baby Einstein
o Go for walks around the block. This usually ends in her asleep.
o Play in her toy saucer with her laughing butterfly.
o Swing
o And of course eat. She just recently started eating cereal. We had tried it previously with her and she didn’t like it, so we decided to try it again a couple weeks later and she loves it.

Some of her firsts for this past week were

Holds juice with hands

Eat Cereal
Put Her foot in her mouth

Sit in her bible class seat without any assistance. Those are the seats that are in the table.

On a side note I wanted to share this video with you of Eden getting her first bath in the hospital since we are talking about firsts. This was a video I came across today and I thought it was appropriate for this blog.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Down Home Goodness

I am so excited to say this… WE HAVE A HOME OF OUR OWN! Andrew, Eden, and I have been in Texas for almost 4 months. We were gracelessly given a temporary house to rent and live in while we looked for something more permanent. It was truly a long process and a stressful one at that, but now we are in our new home which is in a great neighborhood. We have precious neighbors and loving every minute of being a family. A second plus is the internet. OH how I missed the internet! I had so many plans for when we first moved to Texas. I was going to blog as often as I could and keep people up to date with new pictures of Eden, but my plan was not successful due to the fact we had no internet. So now that we do have this wonderful stream of technology I can now follow through with my plan. So let me start off by giving you an idea of where we are living.

Let me introduce you to Hooks, Texas; population 2,973. Hooks is a city in Bowie County which is located in the Texarkana metro area. Here is a picture of main street Hooks.

This was the most exciting day! Closing DAY!!!

Now let me introduce you to our new home. The Venable residence if you will.

This is Eden's room. Pretty & Pink

Living room

Open Kitchen

Our Bathroom

I will post pictures of our bedroom and office room later when we get it fixed up a little. So that's our house. I thank God everyday for giving us the opportunity to purchase our first house. I also want to thank my parents as well as my in-laws for helping in everyway possible to make our home buying and moving experience go smoothly.

I also want to blog about how big Eden is getting. She is 4 months old and growing more beautiful everyday. She is smiling all the time, giggling, putting her feet in her mouth, trying to scoot. She gets her feet underneth her and bows up in a V with her behind sticking up in the air. It's really funny. I must say our daughter keeps us laughing. Here are some recent pictures.

3 months

Whoooo Pig!

Daddy's Little Princess!