3 Generations......and Santa, too!

It was an ALL girl Saturday! Skyler, Laney and I drove to St. Petersburg to spend the whole day with Glammey. After Sky received countless kisses from her Grandparents, Papa gave her the cutest red antlers for some Christmas fun. She got a kick out of them and just looked absolutely adorable! Papa played with Laney while the 3 of us enjoyed a day of shopping. It was a fabulous sunny day. Plus Skyler got constant sugar from her Glammey!

Here's Skyler looking at herself in the mirror immediately after the antlers were placed upon her head. Just had to throw in the other 3 photos....too cute not to share.

Introducing Skyler & Santa........

During the middle of last week, Skyler accommodated me and my Kiwanis Club to The Florida Baptist Children's Home to help host a Holiday party for the children. We ate a wonderful breakfast, sang Christmas carols and enjoyed watching these boys and girls open all their gifts. Skyler even got to see Miss Helen, her football buddy! (Miss Helen works for the Baptist Home)

I have been apart of this amazing organization for over 4 years and it has always touched my heart as I learn more about their the tragic and heartbreaking circumstances, such as neglect and abandonment. How truly blessed our precious Skyler is because of all YOUR love that you give so unselfishly!

After the party, Skyler was introduced to Mr. Claus for the very first time. She, of course, loved his hugs and hearty laugh. I apologize for the background and for not taking these pictures at a different angle. Silly me was standing next to the Christmas tree. (Yes, I'm still a novice at all of this!)

Skyler wearing her new holiday outfit from Auntie Kevie & Uncle Larry.

Here she is (above) focusing on all the children and their toys!

And even Mrs. Claus enjoyed our little sweet angel.

For Iona.....

I apologize for the delay in updating all of the exciting news that has happened in Skyler's World! We sure had a busy and very eventful weekend. As you have probably guessed, Saturday's are occupied with lots of playtime.

Although Skyler can not stand on her own, she sure loves the assistance and glows once she's upright, feeling quite proud of herself, as you can tell in these next two pictures!

We traveled to Merritt Island to see Auntie Kevie, Uncle Larry, and Cousin Jodi & Jared on Sunday. We spent the day remembering and honoring Skyler's Grandmother, Iona. For it was exactly one year ago of her passing. (December 13th) Auntie Kevie cooked a delicious meal that happened to be one of Mom's favorites. We even drank Bloody Mary cocktails (another fave of Mom's) to celebrate her miraculous life. It really was a lovely day. How I wish Skyler just had that opportunity to meet her. Iona was such a wonderful, caring, and loving person and I was quite blessed to call her my Mother-in-Law! We certainly miss her......

During our visit, Skyler got to play with Cousin Jodi's dog, Dingo. She just adores dogs and Dingo was quite captivated with Skyler. I guess the dog finally had someone his own size to buddy around with! Here are some cute pictures of her newest pal.

Even Daddy & Jodi joined in on the fun!

After playing with Dingo, Skyler worked up an appetite, so Auntie Kevie fed Skyler one of her prized meals.......Oatmeal! She gobbled every spoonful and a bottle soon followed.

Skyler even got to see her cousin Nikki......well sorta. We skyped using the computer. Here's a pretty neat photo of Nikki on the computer screen and Skyler sitting on Auntie Kevie's lap.

After the computer fun, we relaxed with the family and enjoyed watching Skyler concentrate on the train that continuously went around the Christmas tree. She's never seen a train, so it was another first for our precious angel.

Play time with Uncle Larry & Cousin Jared.

It was such a special Sunday and we hated to say goodbye. I'm comforted knowing that we'll all be together in less than two weeks!

Now, I can not end the weekend wrap up without mentioning Friday Night Football. The State semi-finals were held on a cold, windy night at Bryant Stadium. Our Lakeland Dreadnaughts were shut out by Tampa Plant Panthers 20-0, ending their quest for a State 5A Championship Crown. Although it was a sad night, Skyler got to see her #1 football buddy, Miss Helen and at the end of the game, we all wished each other well and promised to return for the 2010-2011 season. By then, Skyler will be holding my hand as we climb up the stairs to our reserved seat. It really was an amazing football season and Skyler made so many new friends each Friday night.

All wrapped up in Miss Helen's embrace.

Our final picture to end the season. Yes, Skyler was a bit sad and yes, that's me with short hair.

Christmas Peek

December brings cold air, candy canes and Christmas joys as well as an air of magical sparkle. I've been having so much fun capturing the joy and surprise on Skyler's face when I introduce all the holiday frills. First the decorated tree! She was spellbound at the twinkling lights. Now Jolly 'Ol Saint Nicholas! She enjoyed his soft beard. In fact, she giggled during each tug and pull. It sure gave my hair a much needed rest. lol... Skyler has given Tom and I a reason to be extra grateful for our blessings.

Skyler received her first personalized ornament from our good friends, Skip & Maryl Richey, this past week. It was such a special memento and a true treasure for years to come.

Auntie Nicola and Uncle Bogie also kept Mr. Mike, aka our post man, busy. They sent a box full of wrapped gifts for our little sweetie and also another decorative holiday themed night light. I just love the night light collection. Way too cute! Another rather large gift awaited us at our local Toys 'R Us. Auntie Cheryl and Uncle Charles purchased Skyler's first playground set. It is a spectacular Gym Set that will provide her endless fun for many, many years. I'm hoping Tom will have as much fun putting it together. Heck, I can't wait to play in the sand box!

Christmas is going to be quite exciting this year. Most of Skyler's fan base will be spending the holiday with us. Glammey, Papa, Auntie Kevie, Uncle Larry, cousin Jodi & Jared, and a special visit from Auntie Cheryl and Uncle Charles from Tennessee! I can't wait......I just love my family so much!

Rocking horse ornament

Christmas Night Light

Picture of Skyler's playground set

Happy Hump Day!

Yes Folks, while we're all working, looks who's playing! Happy Hump Day from Skyler! She is wearing an adorable and quite fitting "So Sweet" outfit from cousin Nikki. Don't you just love the polka dot shorts? Between our friends and especially Auntie Nicola, Glammey & Auntie Kevie, Skyler's closet stays extremely full! I must admit, her selection is better than any department store. Quite lavish, too!

Skyler loves playing with her blocks! They are so soft and squeaky. I just have to make sure our dog, Laney, doesn't run off with one. It causes Tom and I to do a daily count, hoping for all 9..lol!

First Gesture

I must share 2 adorable developments that happened over the weekend. Our Skyler started lifting her arms while opening & closing her hands, asking to be picked up! This irresistible gesture was a first! So, with a huge smile and encouraging words asking her to come, she responded by extending her arms again. It was just so sweet and took me by surprise! By the time a baby reaches 7 months, these gesturing skills begin. Looks like we're slightly ahead of schedule.

For the past 3 months, Skyler has loved seeing herself in the mirror. Big smiles always appear. I had her on my lap while downloading pictures from my camera to specific folders. Once I started formatting them, she actually recognized herself on the monitor and broke out into a loud laughter, while clapping. Also, Skyler was definitely testing out new vocal patterns! We certainly had fun flipping through her pictures. She was so amused that I turned into a playful game. Way too cute! Here she is at work, looking at herself on the computer screen then turning to look at me. I snapped a great picture, at the most perfect time. Check out her expression.

Friday Blues?

Only blues here are these gorgeous eyes!

Mid Week Catch Up

I am still blessed to be able to take Skyler to work with me each day. She is much more active, but we still manage to get all our work done and have time to play. Skyler loves the computer keyboard and always wants to help me type, so I gave her the spare one and without hesitation, she quickly began pounding away. Perhaps after a few months, she'll be able to help out and type up proposals and contracts! haha....

We, or I should be honest and say I, survived the 6 month check up with Dr. Eanett. This past Monday, Tom and I took Skyler to see her pediatrician. After her physical examination, she had another round of immunizations, plus the H1N1 and the common flu shot. 5 total shots, plus one oral! She didn't start crying until the 3rd one. Once she was able to snuggle up in my arms, she stopped crying immediately and quickly started playing with the stickers given to her from the nurse. Once Daddy consoled me, we all walked out of the clinic with big smiles. Our baby girl is very healthy. She weighs 16 pounds (average) and is 26 1/2 inches long! (above average) Dr. Eanett applauded her personality and happiness. I still can't get over the fact that I've been a Mummy for half a year. My, how time flies! Anyway, once we got home, Skyler ate her dinner and napped in the comfort of her Daddy's lap. (see below)

Tuesdays are always Fundays, because Skyler gets to see her Papa and spend the entire day with Glammey. She loves her Glammey and just feasts on all the attention. Also, she certainly is not shy when she sees a camera!

Yeah, it's Tuesday!

Skyler's skills and the desire to use them are growing by leaps and bounds. Of course she is smiling, waving, babbling, and entertaining anyone in her orbit. She isn't ready to form words, but she happily practices making lots of sounds, imitating what she hears. She can bear weight on her legs when I hold her upright, as you saw in the Thanksgiving pictures. She just loves to clap and reach out for hugs. Here are some photos I took this morning. Happy Hump Day from the Happy Baby! Enjoy......

Singing, La-La-La-La.

Showing off her hugging & clapping skills

Big smiles!