Hicks Family

Courtney's First Royal's Game!

2010-09-19T19:08:00.001-07:00

About a month ago, we went to the Royals game with Courtney's papa Steve, meemaw Leslie, Uncle James and Leslie's mom, Dot (nini). We tailgated before the game and had a great time at the new stadium (this was our first time there). The game was awesome with lots of action, home runs, a grand slam and they won! Courtney did a great job and stayed in her seat the whole game. We finally left in the 10th inning (extra innings + 10:30 = 3 hours past Courtney's bedtime). Courtney loves to pick weeds and she was pretty excited to find that they even had some at the Royal's game!

Tailgating!

Twinnies!

PS...my sister, Patrick, Dan and I just went to another Royals game a few days ago and we got to see ANOTHER grand slam! It was pretty awesome!

Happy Birthday Dora!

2010-08-15T17:47:00.001-07:00

Today is Dora The Explorer's 10th birthday. I learned from the news that she is 7 years old on the showand the girl that does her voice is 14 (which means she was 4 when she started - wow!) It seems a little odd to promote tv to my child, but this show is pretty amazing. It is awesome to hear how much Spanish my two year old knows (and uses regularly). It's the only show she watches, so I guess I'll quit feeling bad:)

We made cupcakes earlier in the day. Decorated by Courtney!

YEAH! It's finally on! The watch party.
I bought these figurines at a garage sale yesterday! Perfect timing! Notice swiper is swiping some birthday cake:)

FELIZ CUMPLEANOS!

Are you writing this down?

2010-08-02T19:47:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am writing down almost all the funny and hillarious things that my daughter is saying. Whenever I tell my mom or sister about Courtney's latest witty remarks, they ask that. So...here are some of her recent best:

I take a lot of pictures. Almost all are of Courtney. She will say cheese without smiling for most of them. The other day I was taking her picture and she said, "Cheese. I want some cheese."
At the lake this past weekend, Courtney was done with her dinner and had the audience of 6 members. She stood up in her seat and was talking and told my nephew, "You're my best friend." Then, spread out her hands wide and said "You are all my best friends". So sweet:)
We were walking in our neighborhood and someone had their sprinkler on to water their grass. Courtney said, "It's a rainy day in their yard".
My dad is a farmer at heart and is outside, on the tractor, or in the barn or checking cows or something most of the time we are in Stewartsville. I told Courts that we were going to meemaw Frances' house and then added, and papa Gaylon's house. She said, "Nooo, papa lives in the barn".
We listen to the radio in the car and think it's cute to make Courtney say Justin Beiber in her cute high-pitched voice (you know, like his) and after listening to "I just need somebody to love" she made the comment, "He needs somebody"!!
Courtney calls herself "naked baby" (but pronounces baby, bebe) when she is, well, naked. We were watching Cinderella for the first time and when Cinderella wakes up in the morning and the birds take off her dress so she can take a "shower", Courtney said, "Cinderella is naked bebes".
About a month ago, we were eating lunch at my parents house with about 10 members of our family. Courtney was having a picky eating day and wanted to perform and talk with her family than eat. So, I was bribing her to eat (take 2 more bites of roast beef and then you can have more watermelon) etc. She really wanted cookies and (with everyone's attention) put her head on the table and said, "I never, I never, I never get a cookie". So dramatic.
Courtney has an imaginary friend named Erica. There is a girl that lives across the street from our babysitter who's name is Erica, but she has only seen her a few times. Erica will be around any time Courtney does something good because we hear "Erica" say she is proud of Courtney. Courtney is both of these characters and talks for both. It's hilarious to hear their conversations and hopes it turns in to no mental illness later in life. Currently, Erica misses her mommy and daddy becuase they live in the castle. She's going to visit them.
After basically 2 weeks being away from home this summer and eating out a lot Dan said, "I don't want to eat C-R-A-P-P-Y anymore." Courtney responds with, "You don't want to eat peepee?" Just when you think they weren't listening...

Thanks for reading. I sort of type these posts for me, so that someday, I can look back and read them to Courtney or print them and she can read them to her children:)

A day at Camp Farwesta Reunion!

2010-07-24T18:34:00.000-07:00

This year was a very fun year at Camp Farwesta reunion! We were excited to find out Courtney could go to class (it was really the 3 and 4 year olds, but several 2 1/2's were there). Being her super social self, she made lots of little friends! These are mostly in order for the day (although blogger wouldn't let me move them around).

After getting up and ready, eating breakfast and morning worship, I took Courtney to class each day. There were a lot of little ones, so I decided to stay and help.

Duck, duck, GOOSE!

Very out of order...this is Courtney's class singing at the children's program at the night service. She always sang and did the movements in class, but would only suck on her finger (stage fright) that night.

Music Class: Hokey Pokey!

Her class!

Crafts class: day one was bird houses!

Inside the classroom with all the kids! The first day the teacher told me Courtney was the only one who sat down the whole time. If you know Courtney at all, you know this is quite remarkable.

Lunch time! After naps each day - we swim!

Dinner! My whole family usually got to all eat together at dinner which was great (minus my brother and sister in law, we were all there)!

Each night we had a church service. Everyone helped keep Courts busy:)

Here is Courtney's bed in our cabin. She did a great job of sleeping peacefully here each night and nap (thank goodness)!!

It was such a fun week and as we were pulling out of camp, I cried for about 7 minutes. I was just thinking of all my memories and wonderful times at this campground and to know what a wonderful time Courtney had, made it an even more special week. I can't wait for many more years of camps and special times at Camp Farwesta!

Baseball!

2010-06-30T14:57:00.001-07:00

Last weekend, my family attended a St. Joe Mustangs game. It was such a fun time for all of us a Courtney loved it too! Even though it was a minor league (or something like that) stadium, it was very accomodating! They had fully shaded seats, pretty cheap concessions, fireworks after the game (which were Courtney's first and she really liked them, although had to wear sunglasses since they were bright!!). They also had a playground, batting cages, a bounce house and 2 horses (mustangs) fenced in for kids to pet.

Eating and playing at my sister's house pre-game.

Sporting a Mustangs hat.
The game was very fun and they even won! The game started at 7:00 and we usually put Courtney to bed at 7:30...but she stayed up like a rock star until 10:30! I kept waiting for her to lose it, but with 10 other family members, horses, stairs, books, snacks and fireworks, she managed to stay up!!

Just Add Water!

2010-06-23T19:27:00.000-07:00

We have been having a blast this summer at the pool, playing in sprinklers and going to our first sprayground. Water wings are Courtney's best friend because now she can go all over the pool!

This girl is not sinking!

We got to play at the pool with Ashley and a new pool friend, Emerson this week!

Kaitlynn also came over for a dip:)

We went to the McCoy Park sprayground this week and Courtney ran from one fountain to another for a solid hour. She giggled and grinned and squealed the whole time!
Seriously...she's airborne here. This girl did not stop running the whole time.

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-23T19:07:00.000-07:00

Courtney thinks Dan is the best daddy ever! And I do too! The day started with breakfast in couch...since Dan didn't sleep in quite long enough for us to rush it up to him:)Our first time on the train at the zoo! Courtney loved it.

We love you Dan!!

First Wake Trip!

2010-06-14T12:16:00.001-07:00

Yeah! Lake season is here! We took our first trip to Dan's mom's lakehouse last weekend and, of course, Courtney had a blast. I know she will warm up to being in the coolish lake water, she mostly loves the golf cart:) On our way down, she keptsaying "Where are we going (clap,clap,clap) WAKE HOUSE" True Dora style.

Eating her first s'more. Mmmmm.

Meemaw Jody found a huge Dora book of stories at the library that had Courts captivated!

And finally, a rare picture of just Dan and I:)

update

2010-05-16T20:14:00.000-07:00

Courtney can open doors now...

I love life from the perspective of a two year old

2010-04-21T17:41:00.000-07:00

1. Tonight we were on a walk and Courtney looks up in the sky and spots the moon. She says, "Mommy, there's the moon. The moon is broken, mommy (it's a half moon). We need to fix the moon."

2. Courtney has lots of conversations with herself and her toys. She talks to them how she hears adults talk to her. She changes voices for herself and whatever she is talking to (I think it's genius). Yesterday as she was standing in her crib at bedtime, she was "hi" to things. "Hi kitty. Mommy say hi to the kitty" (Hi kitty). "Hi penguin. Mommy say hi to the penguin". (Hi penguin)"Hi me. I'm Courtney. Oh, you're Courtney. ( in her high "other person" voice) Hi Courtney. Mommy say hi to Courtney". Funny!

3. Last Sunday we went to World Conference and were in a row with my whole family. Courts did a great job of staying occupied and quiet and one of the ways was giving her snacks to different family members. She gave one to my dad. "Here you go papa" (He took it and ate it). She then asked rather loudly, "Are you gonna say thank you?" That is one our whole family will remember for awhile.

4. We are transitioning Courtney's room into a "big girl room" and one of the first things I added was a reading tent. It hangs from the ceiling and has a big pillow she can sit on to read in. The first time she sat in it, I asked her if she liked it and in a dramatic voice she replied, "Woooowww. This is so neat."

5. Over the past few weeks since the weather is much nicer (aka not freezing) we have been outside a lot and Courtney's babysitter is taking the kids outside there too. We got a report that Courts wasn't listening too well and would run towards the street or around the house. This is annoying/frustrating with ONE kid, so we knew it was hard with 4 others at the babysitter. So, we started really reinforcing it at home and talking to her about it as much as we could. I guess we did too good of a job, because when she runs away at home or has to go in time out and get "talked to" about it, we say, "You have to listen to mommy and daddy". To which she replies, "No, listen to Tina". So, I guess we will start telling her to listen to mommy, daddy, AND Tina. We'll see how that goes:)

Babysitter Friends!

2010-04-19T19:43:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went to a birthday party for Mallory, one of Courtney's friends at the babysitter. It was my first opportunity to ever get pictures of her friends at Tina's. They are such a cute group of kids!!

Preparty Courtney.

The birthday girl at the top of the slide.

I'm sure they always eat this nicely during the week.

Coloring with the boys.

Easter, Class Reunion and Palm Sunday

2010-04-04T18:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter! Here are our pics from today, this week coloring eggs, pre-class reunion brunch, Easter egg hunt at the Stewartsville park, and Easter at my mom's house.

How big does my baby girl look here??!!!!

Playing catch!

Courtney showing us all her eggs! She got all of them herself:) Every year, we have Courtney take a picture with this bunny, who's name is apparently Alice. Courtney loves her:)

Courtney's Easter basket with books, carrot baseball, treats and a magnetic fishing game.

Our fam. I look fat, but Courts is smiling. I'll take it.

Courtney's 2nd cousin ( I think) at the Stewartsville Easter egg hunt.

This year's egg hunt at the park was WAY BETTER. Courts got 1 egg last year and at least 10 this year:)

This year was my 10 year high school reunion. Some of my girlfriends got together with our kids that morning for brunch (Thanks Mindi, it was delicious)!

Courtney with Kayleigh.

Playing with Kylie.

Coloring Easter eggs. Courts wore these cute ears the whole time.

For Palm Sunday at our church, all the kids brought forward palm branches, waved them and sang songs. My daughter likes to run away, but she stood on stage for a few seconds...which we got a few seconds of video of. Sorry the video turns on its side halfway through!

Look at all our kids! We are blessed to have SO many awesome kids and parents at Liberty St.

Spring Break

2010-03-21T07:50:00.001-07:00

We had a very fun spring break! It started off chilly, then got VERY warm, and as I type there is 10ish inches of snow on the ground. YUCK! But, it's supposed to be back up to 60 by Wednesday and I am hoping to get some seeds in our new garden by then!

We went to Stewartsville a few days of the break for a little St. Patty's Day fun with my sister and Patrick and got to play outside. Courtney was a little scared of the cows, but liked the baby calves. She LOVED watching my dad on the tractor!

Courtney helped my mom dye Easter eggs.

We got to see a live bagpipe "band". Very festive!
Dan - also being festive.

Yeah for playing outside - finally!

Looking at the cows with pappa.

Trying to see the shy baby calf.

At the zoo!

Friday was my birthday and it was excellent! Here is Courtney dancing to one of my musical cards!

The card that she made for me! Kaitlynn turned two this weekend and we went to her Elmo Party (in the snow). Courtney and her did NOT plan their outfits, they just happened to look identical!

This big girl made no mess when she ate her cake!

Presents!

Birthday Party!

2010-03-15T14:16:00.000-07:00

Courtney's birthday party on Saturday was so fun! It was super fun for me to decorate and prepare for! All the little girls wore tutu's and that could have been decoration enough! I put lots of pics on Facebook since that is a lot quicker to do, but here are some highlights!

Displaying all the tutu "best friend pics" that Courtney had taken with Ashley and Kaitlynn!

The "two" themed food included two on baguettes, not two hot salsa and chips, vegetwobles, fruit on twoothpicks, twooty fruity lemonade, two layer cake and (above) tworkey sandwiches! I LOVE A THEME!

Baby Aubrey was a big hit! Courts was merely "breathing" on the cake, but finally gave one big blow to get the candles out!

For some reason, this little girl in her tutu (what look like) long lanky legs and tennis shoes make her look all grown up (like 4). But it's a sweet picture!

Going in for hugs!

thanks to all our friends and family who came and celebrated with Courtney! She (and we) love you all!

Courtney turns 2!

2010-03-15T14:07:00.000-07:00

For Courtney's actual birthday on March 11, we celebrated big time by taking her to McDonald's to eat and play. I know - we are great parents. It is fun, though, that we can take her somewhere and bring in NOTHING with us! She got a cheeseburger, apple dippers and ate some of our fries:) We also took her to Kaliedoscope the morning of her party just for her to have something to do that day other than hear, "don't open your presents" "don't pop the balloons" "no, we can't eat the cake yet". Later that day, she kept saying something about Lyda's coat, Lyda's coat, but it was actually that she wanted to go back to Kaleidoscope. Awww. Having some apples.
WEEEE! The musical slide.

Making a puzzle.

Painting!

Valentine's Day!

2010-02-19T17:17:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

It may be February, but at dinner tonight Courtney kept saying, "HO HO HO Merry Christmas to everyone!"

Here are some pictures from our Valentine's weekend. We made cookies on Thursday night to give to all Courtney's friends at the babysitter, neighbors, cousins, friends, etc. Dan and I went out to dinner at Outback and then went to Ophelia's on the Independence Square. Courtney had fun at meemaw Jody's! On Sunday we fixed a "fancy" dinner for all of us to eat!

Courtney and I writing/coloring Valentine's for her friends:)

Showing us all the gifts and cards she got from the babysitter! And the roses I got from Dan are behind her!

Our dinner on Valentine's night (in our sweats)!

Conversations

2010-01-23T16:57:00.000-08:00

Courtney said some things today that were too funny not to share...so here they are:

1. We were in the car and drove by Panda Express. She calls that Panda a "mousie" and we don't correct her (b/c it's so cute). She had a conversation with herself and the mousie like this:
C: Hi Mousie, how you?
C (as the mouse) no response.
C:Hey, how are you?
C: (as the mouse) good.
C: Okay, see you later.

2. She threw or dropped her sippy cup today and when she picked it up said, "Sorry milk. Sorry."

3. Courtney has been asking us what time it is lately, so we tell her. She asked tonight and Dan said, "Dinnertime!". She excitedly responded with "Dinnertime! Oh Great!"

4. Over the past few weeks when we have been driving, Courtney suddenly became aware that we are at stoplights and she may have some road rage. She YELLS "go cars go", "Lights, turn green" and when the lights are green, she yells, "Yeah, you did it" obviously sarcastically applauding the lights to change. I love it!

5. While I am typing this, we are sitting at the table and Courtney is playing "tweedoh" or Playdoh. While she plays she talks to herself the whole time, "pink one, oops I dropped it, I'll get it, put the lid on, clean up, clean up everybody do share, I do it, get that one, mommy get tweedoh, dump it out. And just now she busted out in a gabba song "hold still, wiggle go, wiggle go (as she dances) then went right back to playing...she is just nonstop and it's fun!

Christmas!

2009-12-30T19:05:00.000-08:00

This felt like Courtney's "real" first Christmas since it felt like she could really participate...understanding and recognizing Santa, loving to open presents, and excited about the next chance to do so! It was also the strangest Christmas we've ever had. Becuase of the foot of snow and ice we got while at my parents house in Stewartsville, we lost power in the middle of the night (at 2:30). Courtney sleeps wonderfully when she has a fan going for background noise, but woke up a few minutes after it went off (it got freakishly silent). She stayed awake with Dan from 2:30 - 5:30 when she finally laid down on the floor and fell asleep. We didn't get power back until n oon on Christmas Day, so we spent some time at my sister's house day so we weren't freezing (she was lucky enough to get power back early that morning). There were tons of pictures taken, so here are some highlights!

CHRISTMAS #1 - Joplin with Papa Steve and Meemaw Leslie

CHRISTMAS #2 - Our house!

CHRISTMAS #3 - GoJo's and Meemaw Jody's house

Eating her bowl of rice like a big girl:)

Lovin her new Dora suitcase!

New kitchen!

Courtney and momma with their boots on!

CHRISTMAS #4 - Stewartsville with Meemaw Frances and Papa

Helping momma scrapbook (Courtney got her own Tinkerbell stickers to use)!

Hanging out at Aunt DeeDee's (warm) house Christmas morning!

Pretending to go back to sleep with her cousins!

no camera, but a few stories

2009-12-09T17:49:00.000-08:00

The flash died in our camera, so off it went to West Virginia to be fixed (under warranty - yeah:)! So...to keep some grandparents happy, here are some stories and new, fun things that Courtney is doing!

*For some reason, Courtney has started calling me Dana a lot. Dan uses my name, so I am sure she is picking up on that. She says Dan's name every now and then, but is calling me Dana more than mommy. A little sad, but also funny!

*Courtney is talking UP A STORM! We are so amazed at all the cute phrases she is saying/asking. It seems like over Thanksgiving break, she started really talking in sentences: "What's that noise?" "Where's daddy" "I do it" "Courtney did it!!" "One more time".

*Courts is super interested in potty training. She is really pushing this process. Every time she says "potty" we go and sit and hang out in the bathroom and almost every time she at least goes potty. She is so proud of herself when she (sorry if it's TMI...) pees, she looks down, gets a huge smile and says, "GOOD GIRL".

*When she wants us to see something, she grabs our hands and directs us to see. "Stand up". "C'mon!". It's really cute and we can't resist.

*Over thanksgiving break, we went to Stewartsville and saw my sister and Patrick. Courtney was having them help her put on lotion, so after 6 times, I told her one more time. Well, after she told Patrick "c"mon, more lotion", he couldn't resist and they went in the next room to get lotion. He told her "you're going to get me in trouble with your mom". She whispered, "shut the door". It was hilarious! I KNOW she is going to get my orneriness!!

Halloween and other pumpkin fun!

2009-10-31T21:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween! Yesterday was completely packed full of Halloween fun. In the morning, Courtney helped me cook pumpkin scones and spooky dip for our party that night. We carved pumpkins, well, scooped out pumpkin seeds and then I spent about 30 minutes cutting out a face (super thick pumpkin). We went to Grandma Jody's house to play in the leaves and trick-or-treat and then to Ashley McMurray's grandparents house for more trick-or-treating and photo shoot. Last, we went to the Sewing's annual Halloween party for more treating and, of course, more photo shooting. BTW - the pics are out of order:)
I made Courtney and Kaitlynn matching Halloween princess outfits! They looked great!

Ashley and Courts all by themselves (like big girls) knocking on their first door!

Christmas, I mean, Halloween gifts from Grandma - aka - the spoiler!

Being SUCH a good helper! This is my new trick so that I can get some cooking done: pull up a chair and hand her a spoon!

Last weekend, our church had trunk or treat!

We made some spider pumpkins (or pider punkins in toddler talk). We painted a pumpkin black and glued on legs. Courts was a pretty good painter!

We also made pumpkin play dough...very sticky, but it smelled good! Two weeks ago my family took my mom to Powell Gardens for her birthday. We went on the Pumpkin Walk which is their beautiful gardens lined with 100's of carved, lit pumpkins. My flash didn't work, so we got no pics of that...but here are some from other parts of the night.

With her cousin, Justin.

My brother David, Cindy, Justin and Laura brought Courtney a Halloween present.

On the coldest day in October, we went to the Crown Center pumpkin patch.

Going on a pony ride made the cold weather all better!

How much more precious can it get?

2009-10-24T19:59:00.000-07:00

So, Dan and I cannot believe how precious Courtney is these days! Here are some examples...

1. Today, Dan and I went to MU homecoming to see my neice Megan and tailgate all day. Courtney got to play with grandma Jody all day and they went to Build-A-Bear. Jody sent us a picture text of Courtney's bear: she picked out (all by herself) an MU t-shirt for her bear AND named it honey. I like to think she was thinking about us while we were away.

2. She learned Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star (not sure from where). She sings "winkle WINKLE star, how I wonlaladeedoo".

3.She started saying "Love you momma" a few weeks ago and I still practically cry every time I hear it. During our prayers at night she also says "love you Jesus"...also pretty adorable.

4. She LOVES pony rides. We have been taking them at lots of fall events and she is just too cute when she is on them and never wants to get off:)

5. Courtney has started putting her finger to her mouth and saying, "shhhh"...once again, didn't teach her this. Probably a babysitter thing.

6. We were driving the other day and when we stopped she said "stop sign". I am daily amazed at how little brains really are such sponges!! She has been talking up a storm for a while now, but in the past few weeks she is starting to say more sentences. It was amazign when she said her first words, now this seems amazing all over again that she is forming sentences.

7. My mom brought Courtney a potty chair about a few months ago and so we have had it in our living room to start talking about, etc. Over the summer, Courtney started tellign us "poop" and then going (in her diaper). It tapered off but recently she has been saying poop and then running over and sitting on her chair. The cute part: she grabs a book before she sits down! haha! Grandma Jody said she actually pottied in the potty chair today!!!! I can't wait to see that for myself, but also am a little scared to start that process. Yikes.

8. Courtney has been obsessed with spiders since she saw a big one in a web on our porch. She also said, "love you spiders" after we finger painted some the other night. She actually says it in a scared/dramatic way "piders". love it.

9. She has developed this dramatic voice. It sounds concerned and whispery and is adorable. She uses it when she talks about spiders, vacuums and anything that worries/concerns/scares her. She also says "sad" in that dramatic voice whenever she hears a baby or other toddler cry.

10. Overall, Dan and I cannot get enough of this cuteness. It is great timing since we are also starting to deal with NO, no NOOOO and several tantrums (this only happens whenever she doesn't get her way - so you can do the math on how much that might happen).

September Pictures - all at once!

2009-10-03T12:04:00.000-07:00

Here are some fun fall pictures from September. We have been doing a ton of fun fall activities already and we have a lot more in October! Since fall is my favorite, we have been taking full advantage!
We went to Deanna Rose Farm with Meghan and Kaitlynn one Sunday...

We went to the Red Barn Farm in Weston with my sister and Patrick. It is definitely going to be an annual thing! On top of being FREE it is just an adorable place!

Courtney's pumpkin from aunt DeDe.

On a pony ride. Love the jockey helmet.

Look at the AMAZING variety of pumpkins! Love this place.

We checked out the Blue Springs festival with Meghan and Kaitlynn which was a bust except for the bounce house and their FIRST EVER roller coaster ride. It was a bummer that my camera wasn't doing the best in the dark.

Last weekend we went to the Lee's Summit Oktoberfest. This will be another annual thing we do becuase it was so awesome for kids. They had a "kids street" that was all free activities, games and crafts for little ones. Home Depot was there and Courtney (well, Grandpa Steve) built her a bean bag toss game.

Sorry, Dan. I know you will hate this picture, but look how cute Courts is in her protective eyeware.

Another pony ride that she didn't want to get off of.

And I hate this picture of me, but it showcases the pumpkin that Courtney created, so I sacrifice.

We went to the zoo for a sunset safari with Lyda and Ashley and did more non-zoo stuff and barely looked at the animals!

The girls got free ice cream and of course, ate it up!

Sidewalk chalk.

After eating at Cheesecake factory, we had to get some pictures by it's fountain.I really don't care about the other art at the plaza art fair, but Courtney sure made some cute stuff at their tents!

Getting inside a bubble.

Making a necklace.

Omaha Vacation!

2009-09-18T20:10:00.001-07:00

We took our first family vacation to Omaha over Labor Day weekend. I know it is not a far exotic getaway, but when you have an 18 month old coming, the shorter the distance, the better! Plus, it is a super family-friendly city and there was tons to do. The pictures are in backwards order and so we will start with our last day...we went to this super cute little orchard (and pumpkin patch - a huge bonus for me). I am in love with all things country and fall exactly like this. I would go apple picking, pumpkin patching, leaf raking, hay riding, fall-festivaling every weekend of fall if I could. So I am glad to have Courts and Dan to share those things with!! And something super cute about our trip is that Courtney called Omaha "a-ha". Wonderful!

Here we are on our hayride headed up the hill of the orchard.

I love this picture! She was digging right in to the apples we picked.

And wouldn' t put down "her" apple.

This is a gross picture of me, but it was our first pumpkin picked of the season! Dan is the best daddy.

And this is why...he lets Courtney think its funny to hit his face and giggle.

At the zoo.

Love this desert picture.

Playing at Memorial Park.

Cheesy smiles!

Her first time in a booster seat (since this very old diner had to high chairs). It worked.

Our hands.

Playing at the Omaha Children's Museum. Very neat place.

The Omaha Farmer's Market was awesome. So much variety! We had to take advantage of the photo ops at this pumpkin wagon!

A Courtney sized pumpkin!

Playing in our hotel room. We stayed at the Hilton Homewood Suites and they were awesome. We had to stay somewhere where we could have 2 rooms and this worked out great - I reccommend it!

Fall Festival Fun/More fun at the lake!

2009-08-23T11:46:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went to Stewartsville to the Fall Festival. I wasn't sure what rides, etc. Courtney would be able to participate in, but we definitely know she loved the bounce house! She could have stayed in there for an hour! I also took about 100 pics while she was in there, but here are 4 plus a video.

Uncle Patrick took off with Courtney to let her walk around. When we found them, he had bought her a bunch of tickets to play games with her and win her giant inflatable toys! Thanks krickkrick (how Courts says Patrick).

Finally coaxing her out of the bouncy house.

One of the games she was able to play was the duck game (I'm sure that's its official name).

And she was a giant crayon!

This is our first successful carousel ride (she did not like the one at the zoo).

With momma!

This weekend we went to the lake with Deanna, Patrick and Jared as his last summer adventure in Missouri before he returns to Seattle.

Courtney looking at the water.

It was a little windy, so Patrick was keeping Courts warm.

Feeding the big fish at Plain Janes (one of our fave restaurants right on the water).

With her shades on (which she calls "eyes")

Leaving the lake! Courts with her meemaw (as she calls her).

Some of my favorites/Shatto Dairy Farm

2009-08-09T19:56:00.001-07:00

Here are some of my fave summer pics! Can you tell I love the color isolation feature on my camera?

If you blow these up, the clover in the clover field is all purple!

Courtney is saying cheese here. Sometimes its a cute smile, sometimes its a sassy pronunciation.
Trying to find the kitty in the shed on the farm.

Yesterday we visited the Shatto Dairy Farm. It is in Osborn, MO which is only a few minutes away from Stewartsville. This is the kind of milk we have fed Courtney since she switched to whole milk. It is hormone free (and it comes in cute bottles).

Fun with the cousins!

2009-08-09T19:48:00.000-07:00

Courtney has 4 fun cousins and this week she got to spend lots of time with all of them!

July Recap

2009-08-09T18:26:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the fun things that we did in July! We started working on our basement on July 2nd and just got carpet and paint during the past week! We have a few finishing touches before our furniture gets here in September. It really put a hold on my blogging, but not on our summer fun!!
Below is a picture of the mess that we lived had to work around, but the next pic...

is the finished product (just a little blurry! and with no carpet). Fave 4th of July pics!

How Courtney felt about the loudness of the fireworks...

Reunion at Camp Farwesta! Playing in the cabin with her cousins! They were THE BEST babywatchers of the week!

It was a rainy week and there was a huge mess of mud and leaves outside our cabin...we finally just gave in, stripped her down and let Courtney go!

Courts and I with Kristi (Palmer) DeRose and her baby Gia. Gia is only 3 days younger than Courtney. It is so cool to bring our babies to play and make memories where we made so many memories as kids! Gia was a hugger, too!

Courtney LOVES to be around other kids, so we didn't shed too many tears taking her to the nursery while we went to class. We popped in on her one day while all the kids were snacking. For a rowdy bunch of 1-2 year olds, they were all sitting so quietly and sweetly eating their snacks. Precious.

How to Have a Sleepover: By Courtney

2009-07-01T19:42:00.001-07:00

1. You should ask your friend if they want to spend the night. Yeah!! She said yes! 2. Do something fun or maybe go someplace like the zoo!

3. Eat some snacks together!

4. Do some exploring.

5. Get ready for bed together by reading books, racing upstairs and taking a bath!

6. Make sure to feed your friend a yummy breakfast in the morning! We love blueberry pancakes.

7. Try and squeeze in one last fun thing before your friend has to go home - like swimming or playing dress up with jewelry!

8. Thank your friend (Thanks Kaitlynn and Meghan) and maybe they will come have a sleepover again soon!!

A new friend!

2009-07-01T19:37:00.000-07:00

Courtney and I finally got to meet Miss Emerson and visit with Carrie last week! The girls got along and loved sharing food and drinks!! It is fun to see how similar they were and will be fun to get them together more!

Drinking buddies?!

Snacking...
Snacking again!

Zoo Trips!

2009-07-01T19:13:00.000-07:00

We have been to the zoo three times so far this summer and we plan on going much more when it cools down in the fall (or maybe even winter - when it's recommended the best time for the animals - who knew?)

A black swan (but all birds are ducks - quack, quack).

This sheep was nice and calm, but then "baaaa'd" very loudly and Courtney got super scared!!

This made her a little nervous, but she also giggled when the deer licked her fingers.

These lions were so active - jumping up the glass, which made the "kitties" very interesting!

The "ippos".

Happy Father's Day!

2009-07-01T19:02:00.000-07:00

I am so proud of Dan! He is such a great daddy to Courtney! I love to watch them play and be silly and chase, but also love the way he teaches her about animals, reading and manners!!

I love how they are both so alike - into their food!!

More summer adventures!

2009-06-18T19:24:00.000-07:00

We've had a lot going on in the past few weeks!! Here is a little bit of everything:)

Courtney loves Ashley's new pool!

Grandma and Grandpa Hicks and James and Dave and Bethany (Dan's brother and his wife)came to visit last weekend. We had a family picture taken on the Independence Square. The photographer was so good to Courtney and she said she smiled quite a bit...we will see when the proofs come in!

Sorry I couldn't crop out the drain cover...I can't seem to do that and easily upload them.

Playing around with her favorite buddy of the weekend: Uncle James...because he's so SiLlY!! Everyone hanging out on the deck...notice where the (literall) center of attention is...

It's time to wake up!!

I finally started playing with this cool feature on my camera to highlight just one color....I posted a bunch of facebook, but here are a couple of my faves!

We went to Paradise Park with Ashley on Monday. Courtney LOVED playing in the water...then didn't want to go anywhere else.

Buying groceries at "HyVee".

It was so cute watching Courtney try to move in the ball pit!!

Tonight, we surprised my sister for her 40th birthday at Olive Garden in St. Joe.

Courtney got to eat her first restaurant meal!

Playing with Megan.

This week when Courtney went to play at the babysitters, I decided to spruce up her new playroom. This was our office, but we didn't really need a GIANT desk and very old computer, so we trashed those things and made another place for Courts to play!

My hope is that she will play here...

While I scrapbook across the room here.

We visited my nephew Justin at Camp Geiger for Boy Scout camp family night.

Being silly with Uncle Patrick.
This is an old fire truck that my mom had when she was a little girl.

Courtney and Kaitlynn eating on our lunch date!

Meghan,Lyda and I went to see the "Big Cats" at the library. Bad idea, but a picture was taken.

Deanna Rose Farm

2009-06-08T18:03:00.001-07:00

Today we went to Deanna Rose Farm with Brian, Lyda and Ashley. We had a fun time and Courtney got to see lots of animals, swing and play!

Swings are the best! Our family! You. Me. Staring contest. Ride 'em cowgirl!
Courtney and Ashley checking out the baby calves. In this area, the girls went in and ran around with the super hungry baby goats. Courtney was a little nervous, but did get in a few pets. We did NOT buy a little milk bottle becuase I thought Courtney would just want it for herself...but she helped Lyda and didn't even try to take any herself!

Courtney really wanted a bite of the goat food...but she had no chance around these greedy goats!

Aren't these the cutest little flowers you've ever seen? Plus, they both have a tiny hand trying to poke out:)

My happy cuties in the garden!

Week One of Summer Fun!

2009-06-08T11:51:00.000-07:00

Even though I have only been home with Courtney for a week, we already did so many fun things and I, of course, had already taken hundreds of pictures! We have been spending a lot of time with Lyda and Ashley McMurray. Courtney is used to being around 4 other toddlers all day long and I just wasn't cutting it. I could really tell how unhappy she was without other kids and started calling out for "Ashee" a lot (Ashley)...so cute/sad/precious at the same time! Our biggest accomplishment of the week was taking away Courtney's giggies (pacifiers)...night one she cried for 40 minutes, but with NO wake ups and slept until 7:30. Tonight, it took her only 15 minutes of crying (with hopefully the same results)! It is not easy to listen to your baby cry, and my mom thinks we're cruel, but mom, Courtney still loves us:)!

These are pictures from Gymboree! We started going last week and are going to go just for the summer. Courtney loved it! It is right up her alley - with no limitations! She can wonder around, touch anything, climb on anything, dance and never hear "no, no"! It was circle day.

Watching a movie on the way home. I love how both their little eyes are glued!

We have been to our community pool a couple of times - long story, but it might just need to wait until next year...

Playing at the Grain Valley park.

And splashing in our pool on our back deck!

My grandma Thelma turns 90 in a few weeks, but we celebrated at the Whitmer reunion this weekend.

Courtney with her beautiful cousin, Laura!

Fun at the lake!

2009-05-30T18:47:00.000-07:00

On Memorial Day weekend, we went to the Lake of the Ozarks Jody and Terry's new lake house. We had such a great time and are so lucky that Courtney will have such a great place to visit as she grows up! We went out on the boat, laid out while she slept:), grilled out, and explored! And, of course, we all celebrated Dan's 30th birthday the whole weekend, too!

I love this boat!

Asleep at the wheel! The boat has quite a sleepy, calming effect on Courtney. She fell asleep way before her regular naptime, but we were in quite a relaxed mood and let her sleep away!

Grandma had this fun little pool. We filled it up early to try and let the water heat up, but Courtney couldn't wait. The water was so cold, but she didn't mind at all and played in there for a long time!

Our pretty view of the lake!

Combining the two best things: the pool and the boat!

Having a snack.

Courtney loved to ride on the golf cart. It was a savior for the killer hill to their house!

Courtney helping daddy open his presents for his big 3-0 birthday!

Visits with all the grandparents!

2009-05-30T18:28:00.001-07:00

Courtney has seen a lot of her grandparents lately!! Grandma Frances stayed with her all last week while Dan and I finished up school. She watched a sick, fussy Courts as she is cutting between 4-5 molars...ouch. We hope they pop out so she can go back to sweet Courts. We set up a little sand box for her to play in and grandma bought her a pool! They had lots of fun even though Courtney was a bit fussy.

My little escape artist!

Last night we went to a BBQ at Gma and Gpa McClains. Courtney kept trying to pet the kitty.

Yeah! Got ya!Playing by the pond.

We also had two brief visits from Gma and Gpa Hicks. I never got out my camera since we were visiting quick! When they come in a few weeks - I promise more pictures!

PAT play date, wedding and flowers!

2009-05-19T19:17:00.000-07:00

Last week, Ashley and Lyda invited us to their Parents As Teachers Sensory Fun Night. We were prepared for giant messes since they advertised paint, water, bubbles and more...Courtney just left wet! The girls had such a great time together and Courtney did not want to leave! Playing in the sand.
Trying to catch fish in the water!

This girl loves the swings!

On Saturday night we went to a wedding. Courtney must have hated the reception becuase all this girl wanted to do was run out of the banquet room and outside (of course all doors were propped open). Needless to say we were all exhausted from chasing our little runner!

One escape was with grandpa to look at the fish pond.

With Leighanna and Mindi. Their little sister was the beautiful bride!

Courtney helped me plant some flowers I got for Mother's Day. Dan got her a shovel and rake to match mine for my birthday and we finally got to use them. She loves to play in the dirt, so this was very fun for her!

Pretty blue eyes!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T18:52:00.000-07:00

What a happy mother's day it was - but more like mother's day weekend! On Saturday we had a picnic at Burr Oak Woods, I got to lay out while Courts napped and then we all went shopping at Legends and ate out. Courtney was such a good shopper since we were out and about for 4 hours.

Our Mother's Day tradition is to take a picture by our blooming lilac bush. Both it and Courtney grew over the past year:)

Check out that hair from last year!
Opening my card.
I didn't think Courtney would sit still to eat...but we all got to finish our lunch without any running!

Burr Oak has such a great kids area at their nature center!

She so wanted to get in that pond.

While shopping on Saturday, at Forever 21, Courtney modeled some giant headbands for me. How cute are these?

She knew how funny she looked even without a mirror:)

Another fountain she wanted to get into!

We finally got some of Courtney's words on video! EIEIO and outside! Enjoy!

A little bit of everything

2009-05-02T19:46:00.000-07:00

I have been way overdue on posting some pictures, so here is a very random mix of things over the past few weeks. Courtney has really started becoming a toddler lately (the good and bad:). She is saying lots of words: eat, outside (iside), eieio (which she now leaves the o off of), hi, thank you (daycoo), dada, doodee (which we aren't sure what she means - not poop - but it is cute). She has some little ornery things that she is doing such as turning on and off the tv while looking at us and smiling, running either to the street or to the neighbor's dogs when we go outside, and general screams (not sure why)...but she is also doing some things that are super sweet like giving us rocks she finds outside instead of putting them in her mouth, helping put away her toys, gives kisses, dances, likes to wear momma's jewelry, running in place and just learning and absorbing everything around her! Playing at Grandma and Grandpa Whitmer's.
Swinging with grandma. She wanted to sit by herself and did not want grandma to hold on to her. She is quite independent.

Sitting nice while grandma opens her Mother's Day present.

She couldn't wait to stand up, though!

Courtney and Kaitlynn: future shoppers! Courtney's fave new toys: chairs.

A visit from Uncle David and Aunt Cindy!

We went to a carnival at the school across the street and this was the only game Courtney could play. She won two tokens.

Such a big girl, using her spoon.

Courtney likes to get into the fridge any chance she can get. She can open the bottom drawer and she likes to take things out and pretend to eat them or lick them (like oranges). One day she got out a pear. I thought she was just licking it, but she was taking little bites! She ate most of the pear over two days. It was hilarious!

After day two.
Ashley got Courtney these matching dresses for her birthday. Of course there was a photo shoot!!
And yes, her and Ashley wear clothes sometimes when they get together.

Playing with mommy's old jewelry. She loves to walk around with it on.

We have some big weekends coming up with lots of fun things to take pictures of, so hopefully I will be able to stay on top of these posts!

Easter, farm pics, funny hair, squeaker shoes!

2009-04-13T18:41:00.000-07:00

This year for Easter, we went to Stewartsville. We were there for several days and Courtney got to be in her first Easter egg hunt. She got 2 eggs and was lucky to get that! If you watch the video, I had to guard the first one from some kid:) Easter was earlier last year, so Courtney was only 12 days old!! Quite a difference. Last year, she couldn't stay awake and this year we couldn't slow her down! Speaking of going fast...you can't miss the last video on the blog - the squeaker shoes! My sister got her these adorable shoes for her birthday and here is their debut!

Our family this year at Easter!

Our family last year at Easter.

I love Courtney's little rabbit teeth in this picture...with the rabbit.

Opening her Easter basket from mommy and daddy! Carrot bubbles:)

Egg shaped sidewalk chalk!

Blowing bubbles with Justin:0

Courtney with mom before church.

With the new mayor (grandpa) at the Easter egg hunt.

The video from the Easter egg hunt.

Glad we practiced putting eggs in a bag...or we may have been there awhile.

Courtney and her cousin Lane with their grandpas! Looking at grandpa's cows!

Moo.

Pretty flowers!

Courtney got her first Easter basket from grandma Jody!

We went to the mall last week and finally stopped by the play place. I was sad all the giant melting food was gone, but Courtney seemed to like this too!

Flock of Seagulls, anyone?

Squeaker shoes video:)

Spaghetti Oh My!

2009-03-28T21:07:00.001-07:00

This week we gave Courtney some spaghetti (well, penne noodles) and she LOVED it. I kept putting more and more on her plate and she kep gobbling it up! This was the first day and while it made a mess, she kept it pretty well contained to the plate... But after the third day of spaghetti, she found out how much fun it was to get it alll ooovvveeerr! And she was a little mad I was taking pictures and not getting her MORE SPAGHETTI!

Look really close and you will see some little pigtails! It is kind of a mess, but still cute!!

I am also a little sad that these are the only 3 pictures we took this week...last week being off for spring break, I took about 250. Wow. I will get more in gear this week.

A Wonderful Spring Break!

2009-03-22T13:15:00.001-07:00

What a great spring break! We had 9 days off with Courtney and it only made us so anxious for the summer break we will get to have with her. We did a ton of outdoor fun becuase of the great weather and we put her birthday toys and clothes to use! We went to a park in Lee's Summit with Brian, Lyda and Ashley for a picnic and to play on the playground, flew kites, painted with her birthday paints - sort of, went out to eat, celebrated my birthday, went to Kaitlynn's 1 year birthday party and played outside in the wagon every chance we got! How sweet is this picture?
First swing! She had a lot more fun than it looks here.

The girls loved the kites' tails.

Courtney loved to eat her afternoon snack in her wagon. In and out. Take a bite. In and out. Grab a drink.

Attempting to paint. Courtney mainly wanted to put it in her mouth. She did manage to stick it right in her ear. I was concentrating on her mouth, so I missed that!

I love how fat her tummy looks here!

Helping mommy open her birthday presents. Dan got us both gardening tools so Courts can help me this summer:)

Blue-eyed girls playing!

At Kaitlynn's birthday party! Courtney just walked around and took in the sights.

Kaitlynn got a new car (that seats one) but everyone wanted courtney to ride too.

This was the split second that both (little) girls kept on their party hats:)

Courtney's cute ice cream dress - thanks aunt Deanna!

We went out to dinner for my dad's birthday (yes - a ton of March birthdays around here). Courtney is pretty good in restaurants, but spends most of her time like this watching everyone else.

Birthday Party!

2009-03-15T12:24:00.000-07:00

Courtney had a great time at her party on Saturday. She had a lot of friends and family here to celebrate with her. We ate, watched a video of her first year, opened presents, watched Courtney eat cake and played outside. Our house was full of people, cute little girls, food and love for little Ms. Courtney! Courtney's cute party clothes!

Our only family pic of the party!

All the party decorations!
Beautiful cookies made by a friend from Stewartsville. Thanks Marilyn!

Courtney's cake later to be destroyed:)

Courtney and Ashley were getting a little restless waiting on the party...so we had to get some books to stay occupied! Everyone watching a video that Dan and I made of Courtney's first year. Opening presents...a skill Courtney needs some practice at! She was not that much into it!

Lyda and Ashley (but probably not Brian) made Courtney a picture book! The pictures are Ashley and Courtney and the story is about 2 friends - wonderful! If I was by myself, I might would have cried! Yum! The cake! At first, Courtney was daintily licking the frosting, but then dived right in!

Here is Courtney's audience as she ate her cake!
The weather was so wonderful that we got to play outside in another of Courtney's presents - a big wagon!

Courtney's gifts! All these springy gifts gets us excited about the spring and summer she will get to enjoy them in!

Happy Birthday Courtney!

2009-03-11T19:17:00.001-07:00

Courtney is 1 today! I can't believe my baby is now a toddler! She started really walking everywhere yesterday. It was like her little walking lightbulb went off and she said, "today I will walk." I get weekly emails titled "your baby this week: 3 months, week 1" for example. Today I received my weekly email and it said "your toddler: 1 year". WOW. My toddler? It is bittersweet to feel like your little baby is growing up, but with it comes so many wonderful changes. I will miss the cuddles, bottles, cute way her mouth moves with a giggy (pacifier)...but I will also love her running in the grass, saying first words, playing, singing, dancing and all those wonderful toddler moments.

Here is Courtney on her first day - one year ago...

And here is Courtney today!

Here is Courtney walking all the way across the living room, through the kitchen to her drawer!

I love you Courtney! I can't wait to see what this next year brings!

First steps and reading

2009-02-19T18:49:00.000-08:00

Last week Dan and I were playing with Courtney when she took a step! It was one of those things we will remember forever as we started laughing and hugging our girl. Then, of course, we had to see it again and again. We have some grandparents who are dying to see those little steps even though she is a long way from being an independent walker.

Here is another video of Courtney reading her books. I know the book is upside down, but it is a wordless book so it shouldn't matter:)

2009-02-10T17:37:00.000-08:00

Courtney turns 11 months tomorrow and this past month has been all about exploring her world! She has found many new play places around our house (which led us to finally have to babyproof the kitchen). Once we put a gate up to prohibit her from the front hall, she made a beeline for the kitchen. Take a look at what she found! The pantry...

The table and chairs...

and a draw of her very own! We created this drawer for her a while ago and it only led to her exploring all the other cabinets...

We left this cabinet "unbabyproofed" since it was just tupperware and she thinks its fun!Ashley came for a visit (in her cute hat!) on a beautiful January day! Can't say that very often!

We visited grandma and grandpa in Joplin. It must have been a quick visit since this was the only picture I got.

We visited Megan at MU for dinner and a little playtime at Meg's apartment.

Courtney is eating a ton of table food now and I gave her a whole strawberry just to see what she would do. She gnawed on it for quite a while, but would also shudder every now and then from it sourness - but went back for more!

Last weekend was GORGEOUS weather for February so we had a meal outside. Courtney just sat on this blanket and munched on her food for about 20 minutes. I wish she would sit that still inside!

We have had this car toy for awhile, but it wasn't getting much use so I stored it in the basement. I just got it out thinking Courtney might start to practice walking on it. This is literally her second push around the living room and we grabbed the camera. I thought it was hilarious how quick she had to walk to keep up! You might also notice our barricade into the kitchen and tv of the coffee table, ottoman and carseat:)

Videos! and Courtney turns 10 months!

2009-01-10T11:32:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow Courtney turns 10 months! Here are some of her best videos over the past month!

Courtney has the best laugh! It is my favorite sound in the world! Who knew taking a bib away from a baby could be the most fun game?!

Here is Courtney riding her new horsie! It makes her excited and she always opens her mouth when we start the noises!

Courtney got a kitchen for Christmas and here she is pretending to wash dishes and pick out what's for dinner in the fridge?

When we went to Joplin for Christmas, grandma Leslie was practicing her piano for church and Courtney joined in on "Angels We Have Heard On High" with the glorias - pretty cute!

Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa Whitmer's!

2009-01-02T15:15:00.000-08:00

We rounded out all of our holiday celebrations in Stewartsville for Christmas. Courtney actually got her first cold which turned out to make her very miserable and us very sad for her. The worst is when we were attempting to clear her nose and she is babble crying something like this: "wah dadada sniffle sniff aaaahhh dada da da waaahhh". Heartbreaking. But, from the pictures below, she seemed to still have a great time on her first Christmas!

I like grandpa's hat!

Checking out grandma's snowflakes.Where's Courtney? Having fun with family!

Playing cards...Courtney won.

Courtney is the same age I was when I had my first Christmas. My mom had to put the tree in the playpen because I kept getting into it and so I wouldn't tip it over...Courtney seems to have my same mischievious spirit!

My first Christmas!

2008-12-24T18:43:00.000-08:00

Courtney's first Christmas! Since we weren't going to be home on "Christmas" to open presents, we wanted Courtney to open her first present from us at our house...so we started early! Here is her official first Christmas present ever!

Courtney and I in coordinating scarf and hat - which she wanted to rip off immediately!Clapping for Christmas!
Another gift was a big kitchen...this is the aftermath of our gifts and trying to put the kitchen together.

Playing with dad in the kitchen!

Christmas with grandma and grandpa McClain

2008-12-24T18:31:00.001-08:00

On Monday night, we had our Christmas was the McClain's! We took our annual Christmas trip to Gojo's and Courtney enjoyed a few carrots. Soon she will enjoy all the grilled food laden with Hollandaise sauce like the rest of us!

Here I am being an overprotective mommy, but she already has so few eyebrows...why burn them off?

Checking out her presents at grandma's!

Yes! I got the piggy bank I asked for!Jody made us a calendar with pictures of Courtney!

Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa Hicks

2008-12-24T17:59:00.001-08:00

Our first family celebration was in Joplin last weekend. Courtney had such a good time exploring grandma and grandpa's house! Uncle Dave and aunt Bethany were there too.
Here is James practicing his Spanish alphabet on Courtney's new Christmas toy...and we caught him with it several other times throughout the weekend!

Showing off her new clapping skills. Courtney was helping Grandma Leslie practice the piano and sang along to the "gloria's" on Angels We Have Heard on High - well moaned along.

Opening her stocking. Helping dad with a big gift.

I wonder what this present could be? I hope it's for me!

Yeah - what a fun gift! This rocking horse, trots, neighs and...makes Courtney smile!

Another Santa picture!

Thanks for everything Steve and Leslie! We had a great time!

9 months, Santa, Birthday Party

2008-12-14T10:36:00.000-08:00

Courtney was 9 months old last Thursday! We took her to the doctor yesterday and she weighed 17 lbs 10 oz. She's still a shorty at 26 1/2 inches! We also went to see Santa last week. I fully expected her to cry like the other babies in front of us and that I would be able to tape it...which I did - but it only took 6 seconds - so I added the video, too.

Watch the full extent of our first visit with Santa - I guess it lasts longer when you can talk and actually tell Santa what you want.

Yikes - a bear!Watching the fishies in the giant aquarium.
My new favorite time with Courtney is reading her books. We have always read to her, but now she really snuggles into you, lays back, and listens.

This is Ashley's first birthday! Courtney helped her open a few presents and then got to play on her new toy while Ashley pushed!

Lyda let us borrow their duck tub since Courtney was crawling out of and growing out of her other tub. She thinks it's pretty fun!

Today is our 2nd snow day of the year and we actually have a lot of snow this time. Here is Courtney longing to play outside in it!

Snow Day!

2008-12-10T17:35:00.000-08:00

Today was our first snow day of the year - and we got to spend it with Courtney! We sure do enjoy our sweet little snow bunny!

Trying to move around in her snow suit - not easy.

I'm thankful for Courtney!

2008-12-08T19:57:00.000-08:00

Our Thanksgiving post is very late, but nevertheless we were very thankful to have Courtney this year! We went to Stewartsville for a few days and all she wanted to do was eat grandma's pilgrims and Indians ( at least she was festive - that's my girl)!

Showing the pilgrims some love.

Courtney's first Thanksgiving meal!

Great grandma with her newest grandbabies.

Our family!

Courtney enjoying a Thanksgiving story.

My parents and brother came a few weeks ago for a Chiefs game and Courtney loved grandpa's hat!

A cute little church outfit.
We gave Courtney her first teething biscuit this week. It was hillarious because it kept her busy for about 20 minutes and she practically ate the whole thing. It was a huge mess. I found some in her armpit the next day after a bath. Gross.
Once Courtney started standing she really wanted to move. She has been cruising along our fireplace and will play a little game of trying to get around us if we sit up against it - sweet!

First teeth, first plane ride and crawling - oh my!

2008-11-26T20:12:00.000-08:00

What a big week it has been for Ms. Courtney! Last Monday she decided she wanted to start crawling - so she did. We lured her around the living room with a Wal-Mart sack. EARLY Friday morning she boarded her first plane and traveled to Michigan to see her uncle Dave get married and later that day we discovered she had a tooth poking through her gums! We didn't even see it coming! She did so wonderful on all 4 of our plane rides, traveling for hours in the car, sleeping in hotels, being a quiet little girl for the wedding and a flirty little girl for the reception. We couldn't ask for a better baby!A VERY sleepy Courtney (notice it's still dark outside:(

We had long layovers, but luckily, this girl loves terminals.

Meeting her Great Grandpa "poppa" and Grandma Mary!

"I knew I shouldn't have worn white to a wedding..."Playing with dad at the wedding!

The 2nd picture in our camera WITHOUT Courtney.

4 Generations Hanging out with mom and dad on the flight home. Playing peek-a-boo airplane style. Ready for another flight! Crawling down the hall at grandma's house.

Standing like a big girl!

8 months old!

2008-11-11T17:37:00.000-08:00

Courtney is growing so fast! She has been a lot of fun to watch grow, too lately with so many new changes! In the past month she has really taken off with eating many new veggies and starting to move around (crawling backwards, rocking on all fours, pulling up on mommy and daddy). I tried to post a video of the cuteness, but it's not going so well...maybe later. Or, you can come visit us and see for yourself!

I love this move - instead of being on hands on knees, she will push up on hands and feet - the little butt in the air is precious!

These pictures are from election night at Matt and Amber Mills. These are Courtney's friends from church in their electionwear. Courtney sported patriotic while Trey wore a "future president" shirt. Marin's won my fave with "Barack, paper, scissors".

Trey is showing his muscles to impress the girls.

Future voters!

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-03T17:45:00.001-08:00

A quick outdoor Halloween photo shoot. What an awesome day!Our beautiful butterfly!

Courtney's first house she ever trick-or-treated at was Brian and Lyda's. She picked a pixie stick and gum.

Our first trick or treater! Ashley and Lyda stopped by for a photo shoot - the girls were thrilled.

"I love this day - this is way better than carrots!"

Grandma and grandpa McClain stopped by to give Courtney some Halloween hugs.

"I am so excited to be at this Halloween party!"

Playing with friends!

Courtney sporting her dependence proudly!

I thought this was the cutest fall picture I have ever seen! Soon after she ate the leaf.

MU Homecoming

2008-10-26T19:16:00.000-07:00

This weekend we went to MU homecoming to see Megan! We went on Friday to walk through Greektown and see her sorority house. We tailgated (well, kind of picnicked because there was a lack of spots around Columbia for the thousands that wanted to be in a parking lot:) and then went to the game. Courtney stayed warm and cozy in her new snowsuit. Too bad it wasn't black and gold - but cute anyway! It was Courtney's first time in a hotel and in cold weather, but we think she did great! What a good little tiger fan!

Courtney and Patrick playing around in Greek Town.

Megan's beautiful sorority house!
Not sure what these are called, but they are made out of tiny pieces of paper glued to the board! Megan's backdrop was for "the Incredibles" since the overall theme was Truman (the tiger) goes to Hollywood.

Courtney staying warm!

The MU band at the parade.

Sisters at the parade!

Megan's Delta Gamma float - Batman. Tailgating!

The girls with their cups -Courtney loved hers!

The girls!

Touchdown!

Hanging out with dad!

The game was during one of Courtney's naps and I wasn't sure if she would fall asleep at the very loud game or not. It was an hour and a half after her normal time to go to sleep, but she did it!

Our family at the game!

7 months old!

2008-10-12T14:57:00.000-07:00

Courtney celebrated big time for her 7 month birthday - at the Rennaissance Festival! We went with Brian, Lyda, Ashley and my sister Deanna and Patrick. She also sported her MU shirt for the game that night and tried her first vegetable - sweet potatoes. Courtney has never liked anything the first time she tried it (or the second, third or fourth...) but she gobbled this up! Yeah!

Courtney and Patrick have the same look on their face - probably confusion at all the people and their Rennaisance outfits!
We were glad there was a petting zoo! We had to get pictures of the llamas for Laura! She loves them!
I love vegetables!

Smiles...even though MU lost:(

Playing outside on a beautiful fall Sunday!

Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-07T18:05:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, we went to the pumpkin patch in Liberty with Brian, Lyda and Ashley. The girls were so good as we fed goats, went through a tiny corn maze, rode on a wagon and trekked all over a field to find some pumpkins! Our family at the patch!I have found it is almost impossible to get two distracted babies to look at the same camera (or even my camera) at the same time. Once Ashley got bored with the pumpkin stem, Courtney got interested in the grass. Riding in the wagon on the way to the field!
"I'll have what he's having."
We'd never sell you cute kids!
Hanging out with our dads!Amidst the pumpkins...most of which were rotten, but it made the hunt all that more...special.

We found some great pumpkins, Charlie Brown.Courtney holding our first find!
Dan with all 3 of our pumpkins - one we actually got to pull off of a vine.

After the pumpkin patch, Courtney and I went to Stewartsville. We went to the Osborn fall carnival. We were in a pumpkin walk (like a cake walk) and, of course, I won a pumpkin!
At the MU watch party where MU killed Nebraska. So the next time someone asks you when the last time MU won at Nebraska...say 2008.

Retreat and Rice Cereal!

2008-09-29T17:23:00.000-07:00

This weekend we had a great weekend at our church's fall retreat at Camp Doniphan. We played games, took walks in the woods, looked at the pretty lake and Courtney got tons of attention! We started her on rice cereal about a week and a half ago and finally on Friday she started opening her mouth for it and liking it! We were so proud of her! Before she would only squeeze her lips shut and grunt. Tonight she was so happy she was cooing and babbling and blowing raspberries, which only made the cereal go everywhere, but it was so cute! Playing with all her church friends.

Some pretty pictures by the lake!

Here is how Courtney enjoyed her first few days of rice cereal.

And here she is liking it and helping mom with the spoon!

We are transitioning Courtney out of the swaddle and she can now roll over with that hand out! This is how she took her first "free arm" nap...I thought it would be scary when she slept on her tummy, but it was too cute!

Courtney is 6 months!

2008-09-16T17:05:00.000-07:00

Our baby girl turned 6 months of September 11. Yesterday at the doctor, she weighed 15 lbs, 4 oz and finally reached 2 feet tall (plus 1/2 inch:). She is sitting up pretty well, rolls from back to tummy to get things she wants and is overall a darn cute girl! Below are some of her 6 months pictures we had taken last weekend and a few from her 6 month birthday I took.

Please note: we decided to wear Chiefs wear before last weekend's game.

Just keep that in mind.

Ashley: "I can't watch."

Courtney: "I know, it will be alright."

Labor Day and other random events...

2008-09-03T15:18:00.000-07:00

With school starting and Dan and I back to work, we've slacked a little with our posts! Also, all of our time at home is now so precious with Courtney! She is doing good at the babysitter's, but also very smily and happy to see us when we pick her up! For Labor Day, Dan and I took Courtney to Burr Oak woods for a picnic and to walk on the trails. We also went to a picnic on Sunday with Grandma and Grandpa Hicks and the Allen family. Grandma Jody came over on Saturday for a Labor day barbeque (and I guess to play with Courtney, too). Amidst all the family we also tried to fit in a little landscaping. Dan loves to dig up sod, especially on a holiday weekend, so I decided it would be great to also wrap that into our 3 day break.

A stroll in the woods.
Picnicking at Burr Oak woods.

shhh...not now Uncle James.
This is Courtney's great, great, great, super awesome Uncle Al (yes that is 3 greats)!

Courtney was a HUGE help with the landscaping.We made two triangle planters in the back corners of our yard.

It doesn't look like much, but it took a long time!!Courtney had to earmuff it when this beast crawled out of the mulch - yikes!

It was a good 6 inches long!

A few weekends ago we went to Stewartsville for the fall festival. We didn't want to haul the bathtub so we used this tote...which I think Courtney liked better according to her "I'm just chillin' " pose.
At the parade!
Having fun with mom in our white hoodies!

Courtney is really starting to sit up well now. We sit the boppy around her "just in case"
but she doesn't fall back against it too often! Meghan and Kaitlynn came to visit yesterday! They haven't played together in a long time!

Of the 20+ pictures I took that night, this is the only one where they are both facing the camera at the same time!

5 months old!

2008-08-10T15:25:00.000-07:00

Courtney is 5 months old tomorrow! I would say time has flown, but it hasn't. It has gone at a nice slow pace, which is great since I got to spend (almost) every minute of it with her. We get to spend her 5 month birthday with tons of girl time together before I make the dreaded step of going back to work on Tuesday. We have also had a full week of "us" time with dad at work, so that has really helped, too! She has had some trial days at the babysitter and liked it, takes full formula bottles and likes it and will be a happy little girl by midafternoon when I see her again and I will learn to like it! Spending some time with mom!
Here is Courtney practicing sitting up. She has got a good "tripod" sit going,

but it will still be a little while before she can really be on her own!

I finally got our pool cards and went to our subdivision pool.
She loved to watch the other kids splash!

Lots of Visitors

2008-08-10T14:34:00.000-07:00

Courtney has has seen almost every relative and friend she knows over the past week! Her aunt Deanna, uncle Patrick and Jared stopped by last weekend, Grandma Jody and Grandpa Terry came by a few times and brought some friends from California. Grandma Frances came on Thursday to babysit and Grandma and Grandpa Hicks and uncle James came this weekend to visit. We went to see Great-Grandma Dot at her new house in Liberty, we played with Lyda and Ashley and Lindsey came by for some girl time! Wow, girl you had a lot of love!

Now everyone can be involved with mealtimes!
Playing at Dot's new house!

Our smily girl! Courtney and Ashley were almost having a conversation with cooing, yelling and babbling back and forth! A girl after my own heart...I also love to eat remotes!

Zoo Trip

2008-07-26T18:17:00.000-07:00

In the heat of July, we decided it would be a great time to head to the zoo. We picked a day that was the coolest of the week (not quite 90 degrees) but we had a great time anyway! We weren't sure if Courtney would really be able to take notice of the animals or even know she was at a zoo, but she really paid attention to the animals and loved strolling around in the "woods".

Courtney was so scared of the lion she was biting her nails...then she realized the glass was there! Whew!

Intently watching the birds and a tired old chimp (we think he was lonely...).

Video of Courtney watching the elephants.

Courtney watching some monkeys eat lunch.

This is how we felt after walking miles around the zoo.

And in other news...here is some cute stuff from Miss Courtney also from this week.

This is a great video of Courtney laughing. We finally had the video camera right there to capture those cute giggles! We finally put together her high chair (although she has no need for it). It will probably just be another fun place to sit and play while mom and dad eat dinner.

Yikes! A ghost!

Reunion

2008-07-21T20:20:00.001-07:00

Last week we took our first "vacation" to Stewartsville to Camp Farwesta for reunion. It took Courtney a few days to adjust to constantly being outside and surrounded by lots of people, but she did a great job! We had to learn to be a little flexible with her schedule - which isn't easy for me - but we are pretty sure she had a great time and wants to go back next year. Our entire family was able to be there for most of the week, too! Hanging out by the cabin.

Playing with Jared (yes, we felt it necessary to take the giant exersaucer with us).
I love the outdoors, mom!
Enjoying the fishing derby with Laura!

This is how I made it through those hot nightly church services!

We call Courtney "goose"... which I think came from silly goose. So, when we saw real geese at camp, she really wanted her picture taken with them!

If dad would only scoot a little closer and if I could only reach that cake and if I only knew how to use a fork...

This was Courtney's first time in a big pool and she really liked it! We went every day for 10-15 minutes (there was zero shade), but she was a crazy kicker the whole time! I love those shades!We met new friends like Will (Carrie Wood's nephew - small world) and Mike Hale!
Swimming makes me tired!

Courtney's visitors

2008-07-20T13:55:00.000-07:00

This weekend, Dan's family from Colorado, California and Indiana came to visit and meet Courtney for the first time! Courtney made her first trip to GoJo's on the Plaza.

She was wide-eyed the whole time with all the fire, noise and new faces!
4 Generations!
Courtney and Uncle Dave!All the relatives!

Great Grandma Whitby finally meeting Courtney!

4th on the farm!

2008-07-07T16:46:00.001-07:00

We had a great 4th of July at my parent's house in Stewartsville. We had a very "All American" time with a barbeque all day, snow cones, fireworks, a bonfire, s'mores, playing outside, and eating lots of red, white and blue food. We organized a family picture since all the family would be together (and so Courtney could be in her first familly photo, too)!
Courtney with all her cousins!
playing outside!
Meet the cows!Courtney sporting her stars and stripes!My sister and I with our festive display of red, white and blue food and decor! S'more packets and root beer!Almost too cute to eat - my new 4th of July creation!

Jared and Justin enjoying snowcones.

Courtney loves the porch swing.
Can't I just have one hot dog? It's a holiday!
Grandma would let me have a hotdog...

Laughing at silly aunt Deanna!
A sunset picture of Dan and Justin around the fire (that looks like a firework)! There were several synchronized sparkler dances throughout the night!

Also - one year ago today (7-7-07) Dan and I found out we were pregnant! My how things have changed in just one short year!