I can't help myself

I can't help myself.  She's so cute!

Daddy, look what I can do

Hey Daddy, betcha I can put my big toe in my mouth

First, you grab your foot

Mommy, do you want to watch too?

Tada!

Should I take a bow?

Watching Birds

On a rainy Sunday afternoon, we took a trip to a local Federal bird sanctuary.  It was a beautiful walk.  Amber spent the entire time with mommy.

So content....

Sandi saw this little guy try to hide from us by being very still.  It made for a great photo-op

The focal point is a massive birds nest in the middle of wetland.  This highlights the need for a telephoto lens.

A mother duck and her nine ducklings

Real Food!

Amber started her journey into real food last month.  She is so funny about it.  Like all babies, she puts EVERYTHING into her mouth except real food.  Sandi gave her mashed avocado and Amber hesitantly put the tiniest microscopic little particle in her mouth and made a very concerned face.  Same with just about everything we put in front of her (the exception being a red pepper that she willingly gnawed on).  We decided to hold off on any adventurous foods for awhile and stick to yogurt, pureed prunes and oat cereal.

Amber does pretty well feeding herself.  She understands how to use a spoon - as much as a 9-month old can understand a spoon

Whoa!  A sweet potato exploded right in front of me!

Amber likes to gum fruit in the mesh socks

After-dinner treat

8 Months!

Amber turned 8 months last week. She wants to crawl so bad and she try so hard.  So far, she manages to scoot backwards and pivot.  We constantly have to bring her back to her starting point so she has room to maneuver. Amber is still teething but so far we can only see her bottom two teeth.  She is very vocal at the dinner table and really wants to be a part of the conversation.  It's so fun coming home after work and seeing her light up when I walk into the kitchen.  I love picking her up and having her dance and jump in my arms.

planking

play time

Amber is much more engaged with her toys and its fun to watch her pound the little dog on the ground to get it squeak.

Bed and Breakfast

Sandi and I are lucky to enjoy Mom and Dad's B&B when we head up north.  Amber gets spoiled and we get to go out on dates!  Thanks, Mom and Dad!

Despite what you see in the photos, Amber enjoyed seeing her cousins again (she was just a little tired after being on vacation).

Whidbey Island

Downtown Langley

Sandi and I had the good fortune to meet up with our friends Sam and Heidi on Whidbey Island for a little vacation.  So fun!

Elly, Heidi, Michaiah, Sam

We introduced them to our favorite coffee shop for breakfast.  Michaiah rappelled down to the beach and hunted for treasured rocks and Elly entertained us with her smiles.  Amber made new friends.

Reading books at the Commons Coffee Shop

What's a walk through town without visiting the Fire House?

This was our first vacation with Amber.  It is certainly different having to work nap time into your sight-seeing schedule.  We went down to the beach and drove to Double Bluff beach, but mostly we hung out at the cabin - very relaxing.

Michaiah had a knack for making Amber laugh

I laugh every time I see this: Amber loves to take off her sock and suck on it.

The kids