A Few More Firsts

These are long overdue pictures, but I love them so much I couldnt help but show you.

Daddy took Mati out for her first adventure in the snow...

(Feb 2010)

Making snow angels. I think she likes it.

(Feb 2010)

First time eating solids...

(Feb 2010)

Mmm... applesauce (with a little sugar & cinnamon to spruce things up).

(Feb 2010)

Is she enjoying it? We couldnt really tell. By the look on her face, probably not, but she kept going back for more. My little girl is growing up!

(Feb 2010)

Sitting up! She started sitting up on her own sometime in March (I think). In the beginning, I had to put her up and she would stay there until she fell over.

(March 2010)

She was a little late in the game learning to hold a bottle on her own, but in her defense she didnt have to for the first 7 months. I still have to lay her down and prop her on a pillow for it to work, but she loves doing it by herself. Sometimes when I try to feed her a bottle she takes it away from me and does it herself. She's an independent little thing! I guess that is a good thing, but sometimes I still want her to rely on me. :(

(April 2010)

I'm mobile! You can call it crawling if you want, but it is really more like a shimmy or an army crawl. Either way, she can get were she wants to go now. She learned to sit up on her own around this time, too. Before, if she fell over, she wouldnt be able to get back up and would start crying. But now she is a champ! Sitting, falling, sitting up again, moving across the living room floor to get a toy... such a big girl!

(May 2010)

Stay Classy, Mati

That rat tail just gives you a taste of how long Mati's hair would actually be if she hadnt rubbed it bald in the back. Pretty amazing for an 8 month old! To cut or not to cut? Thats the question. Some people say "it will grow in." I seriously doubt it, considering those 10 strands have about 5 inches on the rest of her head of hair. I say, lets not cut it. Maybe it will keep her grounded, remind her of her heritage. :) She is so spoiled by family and friends (first grandchild on both sides), and I am constantly letting her know that she is the most beautiful child I have ever seen. So, we will keep it around for at least a little while longer.

Never Too Young for Prom

Doesn't Uncle Chase look handsome? It helps hurt that he has two beautiful ladies at his side. For Chase's junior prom, Brooke asked us if we could bring Mati along beforehand so they could get some pictures with her. (Brooke is absolutely in love with Mati!) She even coordinated their outfits. Although, it is nothing new for Brooke to be buying clothes for Mati. I think about half of Mati's wardrobe came from her.

Mati did very well, but this is the only one we got of her looking at the camera...

Because she was so intrigued by Brooke's corsage. I hope it held up through prom night after Mati got her slobber and fingers all over it.

Welcome Back!

Does a blog get deleted after so many months without being used? If so, this one was getting dangerously close. Sooo sorry to all of you who have been waiting patiently for more pictures and stories in the life and times of Mati Lynn. To catch you up to speed, Momma went back to work (full-time) in January, when Mati was about 4 months old. I stuck it out for a little over 3 months, but it seemed like a lifetime! Mati has grown up so much in that short amount of time, and I dont want to miss any more of it. Now for the next stage of life... full-time mommyhood! I have been blessed with a husband that is making it not only possible every day when he goes to work, but also fully supports and encourages it (Thanks, my love!).

Here is a recent pic of the beautiful little miss.

The weather has been beautiful here in Charleston lately. We grilled and had dinner outside the other night. Mati didnt seem too interested in burgers, so we laid out a blanket and let her play. The grass was the highlight of her evening.

Notice the blanket that Mati is playing on? That was a very special gift from Monica Zeller. Two of the blocks in that quilt were put together by yours truly, soooo many years ago. My best friend Therese and I decided to pick up the art of quilting when we were maybe 10 years old. I dont think either of us actually completed one, but her mom (Monica) kept the pieces all these years and turned it into a full quilt for Mati. What a treasure! Thanks Monica! I cannot wait to tell Mati about it when she is a little older.

WELCOME BACK!

Florida

Oh, what a glorious trip it was. Beautiful warm weather, friends, good food, the beach, the pool. The list goes on. This was Mati's first official summer vacation and she loved every minute of it.

Mati spent lots of time with her cousin and bff, Brooke.

She got to see her Aunt Rachel.

Went to her first ball game.

Sank her toes into the sandy beach.

Swam for the first time.

First attempt at a nap on the beach...

Actual nap on the beach.

Watched the sunset with Mommy & Daddy.

And, of course, we cant leave out the gator siting. Bessy was with us all week, and Blake could not get enough of her. Dont worry, though, Mati was 100% safe. We were in a second story condo with a completely screened in porch. She really took no interest in the gator, unlike her father. On multiple occasions, I found Blake more than a little too close to Bessy trying to take pictures. What can I say, I married an adventurous man. Hopefully Mati doesnt pick up too much of the trait!

Who Says Jammies Are For Kids?

"Skis or Snowboard"? Blake asked me which Mati would prefer on her first ski trip. Unfortunately, 4 months is a little too young to hit the slopes. I say skis, though... as soon as she starts walking. Skiing is one of our favorite things to do, so Mati will to have to pick it up fast. Thanks to Aunt Jaimie & Michelle (for babysitting), Blake and I were able to ski together on this trip. Might be the last time for a couple years, until Mati is old enough to head out with us.

We have been going on this ski trip to Galena for 5 years now. It is always a blast, and we have made some really great friends along the way. We were so happy that Mati was welcomed into the group with open arms this year. So much so that we all dressed up to make her and Brooke feel more a part of the group. Thanks to our friend Scott for the jammies!

Where Are You Christmas?

I feel you Christmas

I know I've found you

You never fade away

The joy of Christmas

Stays here in silence

Fills each and every heart with love

It is hard to believe Mati's first Christmas is already over. We had so much fun sharing the season with her! And it is only going to get better as she gets older. We love our little girl so much and were happy to show off how big she is getting to family and friends that dont get to see her very often. Daddy had over a week off of work, so we spent it all in St. Louis with family. Thanks to Tim & Krissi and Gramy and Grandpa Steinbraker for putting up with us!

Mati received more presents than we knew what to do with...

I think she maybe made it through one of her gifts before falling asleep.

It is exhausting work, opening all those presents and being so cute.

Mati received toys and books and clothes and so much more. Thanks to everybody for being so generous and making this a Christmas to remember! The gifts were wonderful, but what we will treasure the most is the time that we got to spend with our family.