Little Helper

Now that Riley is awake longer during the days, and requires more of my attention, I am always finding things to do while she's around with me.  I used to do many chores and things while she was sleeping.  I don't have that luxury so much anymore - so I tend to do most while she's awake.  For instance, now she helps me fold the laundry!

After taking these pictures, Riley fell down with the laundry basket landing on top of her.  She cried.  I comforted her.  (This is a common occurrence in our household now that she's mobile.)  I figured she was bound to learn eventually that laundry isn't fun...so, she might as well learn it now, while young!  Haha.

Our bundle...of joy!

Yesterday, Riley and I went out walking.  This is a standard around here - we go often.  However, now the wardrobe is different.  Since it's that time of year for cold weather, we have to bundle up before going outside for our walks.  Riley looks so stinkin' cute when I get here all bundled.  And, she actually smiles when we get outside.  She loves it!

All dressed and ready to get out there...

Buckled in and bundled!

Riley smirking

Our precious bundle of joy!

Visit with Ian & Julie

We recently met our nephew, Jackson.  He's such an adorable baby boy!  Aaron and I had so much fun holding him and giving him lots of love!  What a sweetie he is.

I was able to have a visit with Julie last week in Maryland while she was staying with my parents.  It was a fun, indoor, day.  We were able to catch up and swap baby stories.  :)

Jackson sleeping on my shoulder

Auntie Abby and Jackson

Julie, me, Jackson and Riley

No luck getting Riley to look at the camera...

Mommy and Jackson

Riley being an active butterfly

Mr. Cutie

This was when Riley pulled Jackson's sock off

I love that Jackson fell asleep with his arm like this...haha!

Then, this past Sunday we got together again (with Ian and Aaron this time).  They stopped for breakfast while driving to their new home.  Yup, they just moved to New Hampshire.  Congratulations you guys!

Auntie Abby and Jackson

I just love him!

Auntie burping Jackson...

Cute outfit!

Ian and me

The little family - Julie, Ian and Jackson

(Once again, the camera man is not in any photos!)

Fun with a scarf

When Emillie and Hannah were over, they were playing with Riley and a scarf.  It was cute seeing them put it on her.  She looked all cozy warm!  I got a couple cute photos of Emillie and Riley together. 

Hannah decided to tie the scarf on Riley's jumper, and she got major static hair!

8 months

Riley is 8 months old!

Exhausted and Happy

Here are some photos taken of Riley the last week.  She's moving all over the place...and now, standing up while holding on to things.  She requires constant attention.  I'm feeling a bit exhausted as I get into the groove of this.  (Not to mention, she's fussy because of teething too...)  During naps, I have little time to get things done - and there are always the priority things, like prepping things for dinner, or laundry, or dishes.  I'm falling behind in some things - but I'll catch up.  When she goes down for bed, I have a million things on my mind and sometimes don't know where to begin!  Well, usually I begin with a much needed shower and my pj's.  :)  I'll get the hang of this eventually.  Even if I feel exhausted at night, I'm so happy to be home with Riley.  I have loved watching her do things, and play with her.  This month has been a big month for her!  Sitting up well, crawling, standing.  What's next?  Walking?!?

This toy is the first thing she used to get herself to standing.

"Let me out!"

Crawls into weird places, like in her walker...

Standing while holding on to our coffee table (which is now pushed to the side of the living room)



"Haha...I'm touching the tree, Mom!"



Staring, in awe, at the Christmas tree.

"I want, I want, I want!"

Gosh, I love her. 

I want to pull my hair out some days (today is one), but what I feel mostly, is joy.