Look who's standing!

Up she goes! So long everything that used to be on the coffee table. It is all fair game now, so we had to remove everything. Except for the TV remote, which has become her new favorite toy.

This is Mati's and Mo's favorite spot. They love to look out the window together and watch all the rabbits hopping by.

Oh, and Mati is also crawling legitimately now. She did the army crawl for a really long time, but now that belly is off the floor. I think it was a matter of days between her figuring out how to really crawl and how to pull herself up. I am so proud of my little girl! Although, now comes the real childproofing. :)

Steelville!

The Zeller family and mine have been close friends since we moved down the street from them when I was 2. They have a long standing tradition of visiting Steelville, MO for rodeos and camping trips. Along the way, my family started attending, as well. Now, once a year, their family and mine get together and stay in a cabin called Bahama Breeze out in the country. It is a weekend of campfires, swimming in the creek, beer, grilling LOTS of food, family and memories. This year, Blake and I got to take Mati along for the first time. She was a huge hit, being the first and only grandchild.

Here she is getting ready for a nap with Aunt Therese.

We took her down to the creek to dip her little toes in the cool water. It was really hot and the water was really cold... not great conditions for a 9 month old, but she did a fantastic job. We had to put her in a giant floating swim suit because the creek has a bit of a current, and was too high for her to stand in. The poor girl looked like a ninja turtle, but at least she was safe.

And, of course, Blake is teaching her early to be a daredevil.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

Even though Mati was not born in St. Louis, she is a Cards fan by birth. This May, she went to her very first game. Look how much fun she had...

There were lots of friends to keep her busy at the game. She actually was awake for some of it.

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!