Curious baby dixie :) we love yoU!

8 months

Dixie's little personality is showing through more and more each day. She has a very determined little spirit. She is mobile now, she started crawling right at 8 months and is doing a modified crawl using the right side of her body to push and the left side to balance. She crawls over things, under things and often gets stuck behind the elliptical machine. She loves the many many cords we have, and always finds new treasures in the carpet which go directly to her mouth. I keep a pretty close eye on her and have rescued her from the many pennies, material scraps, leafs and other debris that she finds. We've been pretty diligent about vacuuming every day now (a chore that we used to only do once a week), because if it is there, Dixie will find it and eat it. I wonder what she has eaten that I haven't caught?

Here are a few things my girl is up to these days:

Dixie is scared of the vaccume cleaner. Its really the cutest thing ever- whenever i am vacuuming she gets very wide eyed and makes a little whimpering sound until i rescue her.

Dixie Loves Dogs! Especially the small ones that she is at eye level with. Whenever we are at the park and there is a dog near by shes gets really excited, flaps her arms and then giggles when we go to pet it. However she doesn't have the "gentle petting" concept down yet and prefers to just grab little tufts of their fur. Poor little doggies. She especially loves it when they lick her face- it always sends her into a fit of giggles. note that i try not to let them lick her face, but dogs are unpredictable and i don't always see the lick coming. I should probably be more careful on this front.

Dixie Loves the baby bjorn that her daddy carries her in. I used to take her for short walks it it, but now that shes 20lbs shes just too heavy. But her dear daddy loves her so, so he does it anyways. When dixie sees sean pick up the bjorn shes gets super excited and flaps her arms about. She knows that it means a walk outside. She prefers the bjorn over the stroller any day of the week, i think bc she can see and feel everything.

Dixie Loves to eat. Whenever i am eating in front of her she gets really anxious and basically demands that i share with her. These days I usually give her a taste of whatever it is I'm eating. Just a small one... shes pretty much eating everything anyways! Its really fun to watch her "chew" little pieces of bread or oatmeal. There is a whole lot of tongue action moving the food around her mouth, and she kind of resembles a cow chewing grass. It makes me giggle.

Dixie loves to drink from her sippy cup and her mama's water bottles. Again, she demands a sip whenever i have one.

Dixie is a social butterfly. When strangers walk by she follows them until they make eye contact with her, and then she gives them her biggest gummiest smile possible often followed up by a little babble. I think it makes her a little confused when they dont look at her. Maybe a little sad too...

Dixie knows that the crib bumper is really meant to obstruct her view of her mummy and daddy when they open the nursery door to check on her. Yesterday when i went in to sneak a peak, there she was, hand on the bumper holding it down with her head perched up, waiting for one of us to come in! She caught us! so cute!

Dixie is an early bird. She wakes up at the butt crack of dawn, bright eyed and eager to play. This is not good news at 5:30am. I think i should suck it up and just take her out for a jog... but im just too tired. Plus she is still waking up at least once at night to eat, so i have yet to have a full nights sleep since pre pregnancy days. I'm sure if i listened to the sleep training books i've read and followed their counsel she'd probably stop this in a week. But i just cant bear to hear her cry. Yup, i've been caught in her trap.

ok, thats all for now. We love our sweet dixie mae :)

Don't mess with Dixie's Ice Cream

Dixie and her cousin Trevor posing in front of the BYU Bookstore decked out in their new BYU hats. Dixie just loves to stick out her tongue when posing for pictures. Not quite sure who she inherited that from.

6 months:

Latest Pixs of Miss Dixie
(Courtesy of Liz Baker)

Three Poses Dixie has been practicing as of late:

1. I have teeth now and like to show them off in hopes of getting yummy solid foods (like the tasty treats daddy always seems to be munching on as he walks through Costco)

2. Don't worry mommy, if you let me breastfeed I promise not to bite you. See, I don't even have any teeth!

3. Dixie's austere pose: She likes to let us know that even though she is a baby, she needs to be taken seriously.

BABBLING DIXIE

Dixie just started babbling out of the blue. Of course, she loves to babble at her favorite hangout (at the base of mommy and daddy's eliptical machine). As the video will do far more justice to baby Dixie's cuteness than our words, enjoy this latest episode.

Social Butterfly

Dixie is really discovering her body these days. Today for example she engaged in the following-

with her mouth wide open for several minutes at a time she did repetitive tounge thrusting to feel her new little bottom teeth! she totally knows they are there and is trying to figure out what they are! so cute!

while sean bottle fed her she had one arm in the air and examined her little hand. She opened it, closed it, twisted it around to see all angles, and then repeated over and over again

While I fed her she used her free hand to grab at her little foot in an attempt to bring it up to her mouth.. im not sure she thought this through as it would have meant giving up the nipple to get the tooties in.

In addition to exploring her little body, shes become quite the social butterfly. Sean brings her into my work at lunch whenever I work (3 days/week for now), and he waits for me in the lobby. Whenever anyone passes them by she gets all excited shaking her hands and feet and giving out big smiles. Seriously everyone stops too oogle her! She'll even let basically anyone hold her and she no longer gets upset (which she did at 5 months- not fun!). Its so nice that she is being so agreeable these day!

Next up- a 5 day trip to the homeland to visit the sisters, brother and parental units, yippeee!

happy summer!

7 month picture update: July 2010


Here's where Dixie ended up after not watching her for 10 seconds. She rolled clear across the room underneath the elliptical! my baby mechanic :)

Uncle Angel feeding dixie. Dixie LOVEs her time with uncle angle and aunt sandra, and she keeps asking for another cousin.

Dixie in the bumbo chair! She loves sitting here and watching her mamma in the kitchen! Her favorite game is "throw everything on the floor and watch mom pick it up, then do it again"! She also loves to drink from cups. She usually ends up soaking herself in the process.


Sweet Potatoes, yummy! So far she eats rice, oatmeal, carrots, sweet potatoes, prunes, pears & bananas. She loves the spoon and grabs its from me at every possible opportunity. Then she sticks the spoon in her mouth and sometimes gags on it. But im always watching. Its so cute watching her learn to control objects!

Dixie's office. She is kept very busy playing with all the attachments. She loves the flower and usually finds a way to pull it out and chew on it with her 2 new bottom teeth. (sorry, no picture of the teeth, she is very protective of them and doesnt like to show them off. Shes probably afraid i'll take them away!).

We Love you baby Girl!

7 Month Update & other misc babble

Dixie is now 7 months old! OMG time has passed so quickley. Actually, since the 3 month mark time has passed quickly! 0-3 months felt like an absolute eternity due to the lack of sleep. Dixie is still not a good sleeper, but we're doing much better than before.

She just cut 2 bottom teeth this week while we were in Utah. SO Cute. Her cheeks are bright red and shes teething like crazy. After buying 3 useless teething toys from Target that Dixie wouldnt touch, my older and much wiser sister Betina suggested a big cold carrot, and she LOVEs them! They are long enough for her to hold, and they are hard and cold, perfect!

Sean's parents and cousin live there, which means we had babysitters! We went on THREE solo dates on our little vacay!!! First was my cousin's wedding- she was stunning, big congrats to wendy & Hari! The next night we went to Utah for July 4th Sadium of fire show. Carrie Underwood performed and she was absoltuely amazing. Besides having an amazing voice, she's also super skinny and hot. Sean says if I want to look like that I can only eat nuts and berries :) And finally a movie night out to see Eclipse- so good! I love edward even more... and jacob's pretty hot too. Sean was a good sport for the 2nd year in a row as my date to the twilight saga movies.

Dixie did absolutely fabulous on both plane rides! She always flirts with the other passengers with her big smile and sparkly eyes- no one can resist her charms. Plus I have the magic weapons that i always break out on the plane. (Incognito of course).Traveling with Dixie is always an adventure. I'm from a big road trip family though, so I'm bound and determined to make a good little traveler out of her. We're going to Canada in a couple of weeks which will include a 3 hr plane ride followed up by a 3hr car ride. I'm not worried at all about the plane ride, but I am nervous about the car trip. She really hates being trapped in the car seat. Poor girl.

Dixie got a major rash all over her little body while in Utah. She was blotchy, dry and red. Dr. Dad was absent, so instead i bothered him everyday with multiple phone calls to update him on her status. What do people do without Dr. Dad's? Seriously dad, thanks for always taking my phone calls. I think I've called you like 20 times since Dixie was born her minor issues, and you always give great advice that works, thanks! This time it was an allergic reation to the new formula we gave her. Fixed by stopping the formula, and using hydrocortizon cream. Shes now a happy, rash free baby again.

Im going to add some pictures shortly.

XOXO
Eve

Personality...

Dixie's personality is really coming out these days. She GROWLS at me all day long when shes bored. Seriously GROWLS. I need to get this on video so I can show it to her when shes older. And just so ya know...i really dont appreciate being growled at all day long. The only time the growling stops is when shes either eating, bathing, or doing anything outside. Im thinking about just renting a campsite for the summer, i think shed be a lot happier living outside!

DIXIE MAE: WATER BALLERINA

Just a couple of photos of lil' Dixie as she cools herself in the refreshing waters of the apartment pool and the bathtub. We just started using our pool this week, when Dixie turned 6 months old. Plus the weather has been extra hot this week, so its perfect timing! She is very timid when she first gets in, but then after about 5 min she starts splashing, giggling and loves every second of it. Our little baby girl.. growing up so Fast!

Do you like her swimsuit?? Its from Target- only $6.99, and I thought it was super cute!

This is dixie.. getting ready for her nightly dinner of solid foods! So far her diet includes rice (which constipates her, so i quit that), oatmeal, carrots, sweet potatoes, bananas, and regular potatoes. Im not sure what to try this week... im thinking peas, but if shes anything like her mama, she will hate them!

Me and Miss Dixie soaking up the sun. No worries though, she has lots of SPF 70 on!

And this is miss dixie splish splashing in the tubby. She loves the bathtub SO much! Also, like her mummy!

So yes, our baby is now 6 months old. Shes 16.1lbs and 26 inches tall. Shes so much fun to play with all day, and shes a champ in the jogging stroller. Which reminds me, if you're in the market for a jogger... get the BOB Revolution. Seriously the best investment you'll ever make. It rides incredibly smoothly, it is light as a feather, turns easily, has great shocks.... its the bomb!

XOXO
Eve & seany sean

5 months

I just got to spend several fun filled days with my sister Betina in washington! Sean was working several days in a row, and i knew i needed to get out of dodge so I didnt go crazy solo! (Im not very good on my own for long periods of time, just ask my BFF iris )

Anyhoo, my sister is an uber taleted photographer, and takes many many awesome pictures of my dixie for me. Its a good thing too, because i absolutely suck at taking pictures. I have this awesome camera, and i have absolutely know clue how to use it to its fullest potential.

So, heres a sneak peak at just a few of the shots Betina took of my sweet baby dixie. And just in case you're interested, she just started her own photography business, and she is super affordable. Rather than paying per print, she gives you a whole disk of 15-25 high resolution shots with print release for a set price. Seriously, best deal ever, especially after you take a look at how good she is! So if you're interested and living in either Utah or Spokane heres her website - witsendphotography.blogspot.com . Please note that her website is still being worked on.. but you'll get the jist of it.

The bum shot was my idea..... i just think dixie has the cutest little tush ever!

And on another note- I took Dixie out on the trampoline and she LOVEd every second of it. Down worry.. they were baby bounces... no head jerking movements and I didnt even pee :)

Dixie Mae admires her cuteness in the mirror. She was enamored by this spectacle for over ten minutes. That is two hours in adult time!

Just a few pictures from our Utah trip last week taken by our friend. These first two were taken up near Sundance. Although the snow provided great scenery, it ruined the hike we had planned.

This last picture is just a cute little shot of Dixie playing with her hands.

ulgh, besides a delicious lunch out with liz (which was awesome)... its totally been one of those days! Its rainy outside, so i cant take dixie for a walk, and shes going stir crazy. Shes been naughty all day, sean is working, and i am thus left to deal with her crabbiness alone. Nothing will soothe her little soul, not even my boobies. I am so ready for today to be over!

ok, i admit it. I broke down and reconnected my cable. I just cant live without 16 and pregnant. its seriously the best show on tv. those poor young girls all knocked up. i totally feel for them.

ps- my nike group got in!! yippeee!!!

We Moved!

WE're now in a 2 bedroom/2bath on the main floor at our same complex. Its only been a couple of days, but it is fantastic!! I cant even fathom hauling dixie up 3 flights of stairs ever ever again! This is the life man! Our complex has really nice gardening and a nice outdoor pool, so its going to be so nice playing in this summer with dixie. Now to buy some water wings so we can swim together-oh so exciting.

SO yes, we have more room. I can breath again, and im not constantly tripping over things. I even cooked dinner last night vs. cheap take out food, becuase i have the space! I feel like freakin betty crocker. Life is good.

XOXO
Eve

Primo infant bath seat-

heres the link to the bath seat i got for dixie. It is the BEST invention for bathing ever. Super simple, yet genius.

enjoy-

http://www.primobaby.com/bathing_01.htm

WELCOME LITTLE ADA ROSE WERNER

Dixie is really excited to be joined by her little cousin Ada who entered the world a few days ago. Additionally, she found out that she will have a little boy cousin who we are expecting to join us near the end of the summer, compliments of Terry and Michelle.

Proud Papa Rob holding his little girl. It is hard to believe that only four months ago, Dixie was this small.

Just another Manic Monday

This is Dixie's most common positon lately- stuck on her tummy because she's rolled over and cant roll back. Hopefully she'll learn how to roll from tummy to back soon- shes one frustrated little lady! Eden- can you please come over and teach her how to roll the other way?

Dixie's second favorite activity next to walks outside is Bathtime! I recently purchased this PERFECT bath seat. So much better than the external kiddie tubs that just make a mess of water on your counter and take a long time to fill up and put away, i know, i have one of these as well. This little goodie was $10 on craigslist- best ten bucks i've spent on dixie yet! It just sits inside the regular tub- no prep or clean up necessary, and it perfectly positions dixie so shes in a relaxing position and can kick to her hearts delight.

The next 2 pics are of the new slipcovers i made for my glider and
ottoman. They took freakin forever to sew, especially since i didnt have
a pattern, and since i only get to sew after Dixie is asleep. Please Note
that my first sewing class EVER was Jan 2010, so im a novice sewer, and there are many areas of improvement to be made. However, I did learn how to sew piping and
zippers with this project, and I learned the importance of percise
measurements. The footstool slipcover is a very loose fit ( my first try), whereas
the back cushion is nice and tailored (my last one). Dont you just LOVE the fabric?? It's from Amy Butler's latest spring line up. I wanted to make kitchen curtains out of it, but Sean said it was too "Gay". I dont care... i LOVE it!

This is me and Dixie- doing what we do every day, three times a day- walking outside in the baby bjorn. Did I mention that the Baby Bjorn is the only way this child will travel? The stoller is no longer good enough- shes needs to be front and center of all the action. It was pouring rain outside the last 2 days and shes going insane inside. So i just suited up for the weather and out we went. THanks auntie nunu for the fabulous baby uggs- we've made good use of them in the rainy weather! (if i knew how, i would have cropped me and my double chins out of this picture. Dixie is so much cuter)

Oh, and we also had dixie's 4 month appointment last week. She is now 14.1lbs (60%), 25inches long (78%)--- I wonder if shes going to be tall?

DIXIE MAE DISPLAYS HER ATHLETIC PROWESS

My baby girl is growing up oh so fast! Here she is showing off her latest trick- rolling over! She's just shy of 4 months, so i think shes right on track with her development. Its really funny bc she can only roll from back to belly, but not from belly to back (yet), so she gets frustrated when shes stuck on her tummy, and yelps for help. I love this sweet girl!

Dixie's first Easter!

Easter 2010 was such a blast! We travelled via plane (aka time machine) up to my sister B's house. She lives in a tiny washington town that feels like America 50 years ago. It is quite refreshing visiting there, enjoying the simple things and enjoying nature. We got to play and play with our cute neices and nephew- they are all just soooo adorable, and they were so cute playing with baby Dixie, smothering her with kisses and love- she enjoyed every second of it. I also got to cut lots of hair, do arts and crafts with Eden, and chat with my sisters N & B! My brother even came up as a surpise, and it was SO NICE to see him again FINALLY. I havent seen him since Poo's wedding, 2 years ago!!! ( Brother- please come to SF this summer to visit. We can mountain bike, hike, and go to tons of movies- pretty please :) Oh, and did i mention that my sister betina is the best cook ever! Everything she makes is from scratch and it is oh so delicious (and healthy too!). My papa made the drive up from SL- thanks for coming daddy dear! And a big thanks to Betina for hosting, making delicious food, and taking cute pics of my baby!