What's Going on Here?!

Belen was painting again the other night. Maybe it is just me, because I watch way too much CSI, but doesn't this look more like a crime scene than an innocent night of painting! Obviously I am not afraid of her making a mess.

Love,

Dawn

Getting Bigger Every Day

So here's the hard truth... Belen is growing up. An obvious truth, I know, but one that is kind of a hard pill to swallow! hahahaha

Looking so mature in her first-ever school picture.

Playing like a little kid in her room.

Chillin' like a villain.

Belen has become a master of the playground. Look, no help!

Love,

Dawn

Happy Fall!

Since the temperature has finally dropped below 85 degrees, it is officially fall in Louisiana! And, as all of you know, I love the fall! October is the absolute best!

Luckily, we have had fall break from school this Monday - Wednesday. I have been having such a great time at home hanging out with my little love. We have been enjoying each other, the beautiful weather, and new experiences.

Belen painted a pumpkin to celebrate! (Thanks for the pumpkin Mrs. Lauren!)

I made pumpkin smelling play dough! Find the recipe at POV's website.

Gavin and Belen playing with the pumpkin play dough.

Play dough is so much fun!

Love,

Dawn

Walking Away

We were finally able to catch Belen on film walking. She hasn't taken off yet, like I expected her to, but she is getting more confident. 17 steps in a row is her current max.

Yesterday Gavin and I were sending her between the two of us, and we kept backing up every time. She is getting good! hahahahaha

Here are some videos. (Don't watch the second one if you get motion sick! We are amature filmographers after all!)

What a big girl!

Love,

Dawn

Artist by Nature

Since she turned 1, we have been introducing Belen to art. Of course she loves this new way to investigate the world. She wants to see the beautiful colors and shapes .... as well as taste and feel them! hahahahaha

Finger painting at home.

A gallery of Belen's work, some from school, some done at home.

I know I am a proud parent, but is it just me (and Gavin), or does this picture look like a 3/4 frontal view of a face?!?! Of course it is a more impressionistic portrait, but amazing none the less! hahahahaha I think we have a budding Picaso on our hands.

This video is a perfect representation of how she wants to see, taste and feel to explore her world through art! hahaha

Love,

Dawn

Perfecting Play

The amount of changes in a baby between birth and their first year is staggering, as any parent knows. This time last year Belen was just eating, sleeping, crying and pooping. Now she is a full fledged little child who plays like there is no tomorrow! She even started walking last week, although we haven't been able to capture it on film just yet. Just take a look at all of the fun she has been having.

Practicing walking on our driveway.

Rocking at Bell's house.

Ready for a driver's license for her Cosy Coop.

Playing where she isn't supposed to be playing.

Playing Peek-A-Boo with Mommy!

Tricking Mommy is so much fun!

Playing in the box for her birthday present from Aunt Julie.

(She does like the tent that came in the box too! hahaha)

Riding on a carousel with Mommy!

I will be posting more pictures again soon.

Love,

Dawn

Happy Birthday Belen!

Our Little Girl turned 1 on September 9, 2010. To celebrate we had a picnic birthday party at Shady Oaks Park in downtown Houma. It was a little warm (which explains why my baby is not wearing clothes in her birthday pictures. How embarrassing!) but the party was lots of fun.

We were all too busy having fun to take pictures, but Colt helped out by taking pictures of her first bites of cake (over 60 pictures!!! Thanks Colt!) These are the funniest pictures anyway!

Belen's first bite of cake.

She's not too sure what to make of it.

In this pic, it looks like she doesn't like the cake too much, but feels obligated to keep eating it since we went through so much trouble to make it. (It is a magnifying glass looking at ants, in case you couldn't tell. Get it? Ants at a picnic? Maybe the concept is a little too abstract for a 1 year old's birthday! hahahaha)

This was the point where she quit eating, and started smearing the cake on herself!

The aftermath.

The birthday party went well, but Gavin and I are just ecstatic that our little girl has made it to 1 year old. She is such a blessing in our lives that we thank God for every second of every day! Thank you to all of you who joined us in celebrating and thanking God for her as well.

Love,

Dawn