Rylee's 1st Christmas

Santa put a little camcorder in my stocking this year. Too bad he didn't leave a note to open that first (like before everything else was unwrapped) - I liked the surprise anyway :)

Hopefully my videography skills will improve with practice but here's a little Christmas montoge of Rylee opening and trying to eat some gifts. Since it was Christmas, we let her.

Rylee's 1st Christmas from tricia allsop on Vimeo.

Road Trip

We drove up to Wisconsin to spend Chrismas with Michael's family. Crazy? most definately. I was pretty nervous about the trip. More so than flying solo with Rylee last August, I dare say I was even more nervous than giving birth. Really? let me explain:
1. when the pain starts to kick in I have no "happy"-dural option
2. there isn't a professional that can "take-over" if need be.
3. if she screams the entire drive there is nothing I can do but let her scream. (no picking her up without adding an hour+ to the arrival time) and I'm stuck in a contained space with a screaming baby.
4. she's mobile and more independent every day
5. I was worried she'd hate being in her car seat from that moment on

Well, I'm pleased to announce she was a dream boat. We drove through the night (both ways) taking turns driving so she'd sleep. She was a bit better driving there than back, but was the best traveler out of the three of us.

I did spend a good chunk of the drive in the back seat- partially to pass around snacks/toys/books, partially to get more comfortable rest. Sadly we didn't use 80% of the toys or snacks I packed. Live and learn I guess.

Have I told you how much I love this mirror? best invention ever. And the sun in the eye trick just facilitates eye closing for naps. awesome.

Thankfully the roads were clear and I've turned into a big fan of audio books and the SA library. We all slept in this morning trying to recover from a fun vacation week. More on the trip and Rylee's 1st Christmas to follow.

lights

As many times as we've been to the river walk, we've never been in December to see the Christmas lights ON. So naturally, that was my goal this year. The lights were pretty and you can't beat walking around looking at Christmas lights in a jacket . . . . a jacket I tell you!!! (Have I mentioned I love San Antonio?)

We tried to hit up el marcado . . . . you know 'little Mexico' but we didn't have much time to peruse before they closed . . . . I wasn't really looking for a sombrerro or a poncho anyway. (they DID however have what might have been the cutest animal hats I've ever seen . . . . hard to explain and we were too cheap to buy one, so sorry). We walked down and around the riverwalk, grabbed a quick bite to eat and came home. My favorite part was probably the girl scouts riding in a river taxi singing Christmas carols. I loved it.

teething

I'm not sure which is more painful: having a tooth cut through her gums, or me trying to take a picture of said tooth. You may just have to take my word for it- One of her bottom teeth popped through (actually two weeks ago - its a pretty slow process) and she's workin on the other bottom one now too (at least I think so). Don't worry, I kissed those big crocodile tears right up . . . . . . as for the slobber, I wiped that on Michael. And yes, I've become a "flicker" if not for the biting, for the pinching.

Ho Ho Ho!!

It was 12 noon on Saturday. The ward Christmas party was in 6 hours and Santa hadn't RSVP'd.

tragedy struck. (dun dun dun)

That was until the activites commitee chair thought to call her son's seminary teacher to ask a huge favor. That favor being to put on a plush velvet suit (remember its about 80-ish degrees . . . some of us decided Santa puts on black flip flops when he comes to Texas) let about 140 "primary" age children sit on his lap, tell him what they would like for Christmas, and hand out candy-canes. Of course he obliged, and by the look of the line, was a hit. He said it was a little awkward at first (really is a strange thing we do) but quickly found his niche. Several elves commented he was a very sweet Santa asking each child their name, if they'd been good and what they would like for Christmas- even if he couldn't hear their answers. (stinkin' north pole hair and soft voices). There were a few kids that were scared but plenty that were awfully excited. Dreams do come true, even in the cultural hall.

I've never loved Santa more. I sure hope I've been good.

Thanksgiving

We had a fabulous Thanksgiving with friends.

Food + friends + games + impromptu sleepover - teething baby + shopping x much to be grateful for = perfection

Happy First Thanksgiving Rylee. She ate almost as much as I did. . . . . almost.

Christmas Pudding

Ok, so its more like Christmas and Pudding. . . .
I told Michael last weekend if we didn't put the decorations (tree) up 'today'I wasn't doing it at all. I USED to be one of "those" that thought Thanksgiving got the shaft. I waited until the day after to listen to music or even think about putting up decorations. not any more. I've been trying to not make a big fuss about it (outside my own home) as I know others feel the way as I used to . . . . . but I've found I enjoy the season and the decorations and th books and Thanksgiving so much more if I put it all together (and out) before. Instead of torturing myself by not listening to what I want to listen to then to face the giant to do list that comes with the three weeks prior to Christmas, I like to get a little bit of a head start. I am waiting until Friday to put Rylee in her "My first Christmas" outfits, if that makes you feel better.

And last night Michael gave Rylee chocolate pudding.

She must not be my kid cuz she was begging for more.

Lost Maples

Lost Maples is a state natural area not too far from our house. I've heard great things about this place. Apparently it is THE place to see leaves change. Rumor has it, it rivals a New England fall. (I've never been to new england, but I'm pretty sure this was nothing like that). I kept checking the website and we decided to take a little road trip the weekend of 'peak color'.

I'll be honest - the color wasn't anything incredibly fantastic. Yes, there was some, and the drive was beautiful (how have we lived here for nearly three years and never driven through hill country?. . . . . made me feel closer to "home" ie Texas isn't entirely flat afterall) but the park itself was kindof a let down.

We hiked, took pictures, went into a little nearby town to do some shopping and out to dinner.

Seems like a simple, basic enough weekend adventure right? not so.

On our way out we hadn't gotten but 15 miles down the road and Michael noticed smoke coming from the car engine. great. We pulled over so he could take a look and try to figure out the problem. The car was overheating like it was nobody's business and to top it off we had an extremely tired screaming baby in the backseat. (We were planning on her napping on the drive hmmm)

We hadn't been parked but 2 minutes when we were approched by a cowboy. You know the type: pickup truck, 10 gallon hat, boots, chewing tabbacco, the whole shebang. He even breaks horses for a living and grew up on a farm where he learned all sorts of car/tractor related fixes by demand.

anyway, he just happened to be the nicest cowboy ever. He took us back to his place, ran Michael to and from the auto-parts store a half a dozen times and helped/showed him how to replace the thermostat and radiator as well as a few other little things- all while begging me to go inside his house every 10 minutes. He saved us. quite literally. He called his wife to come home from running errands so I'd go inside. Where she told me her life story and that he can't pass someone on the side of the road and not stop. A few hours later, they sent us on our way- telling us that if we have any other problems to come back, "you know where to find us". Nicest man ever. We'll just say certain steryo-types were confirmed and others shattered. :)

We made it to the state park, as I proceeded to get our backpack with stuff for the hike together I realize the sippy cup of water I had for Rylee was empty, and the bag and camera that was inside the bag was DRENCHED. I was livid. Since the camera was soaked we took it apart to try to let it dry out and couldn't use it. I'm happy that camera phones exist, but I was so upset! After we got home we put the camera in rice and it totally worked! 80% of the moisture was out the first night and there was a stubborn water drop but after a week you can't even tell it took a bath. genious!

We just kept laughing (trying to) at how strange our day was as we were deciding where to go to dinner. Then the hostess asked us if we wouldn't mind sharing a table with the random couple waiting for a table behind us. Why not make a strange day stranger? So we ate dinner with a random retired couple who adopted Rylee as their granddaughter for the evening. fine by me. You do what you gotta do when you live 1400 miles away from a blood relative :)

Thankfully, for the time being, life is back to 'normal'

Feels like Christmas!

not because of the weather, not because of the decor, and not even because I'm planning who will receive what, but because of what I received in the mail today.
(is it strange that I am posting again about what I receive in the mail? has my life really come to this?? If so, I don't care cuz this is amazing!)

So, remember how way back in August I joined a fabric swap? Where you buy two yards of fabric (from Spoonflower) cut it up into 5" squares and mail them along with a prepaid envelope to the gal in charge who would then serperate all the fabric and mail them back to where you end up with 112 different pieces. Remember I Spy books? Its like that, but with FABRIC!!

Well, after 3 months I received my fabric today!!! I'm giddy! (I told you it's like Christmas!) Here's the haul:

For the most part I am pleased. 1. It is a great way to get alot of different pieces for less money ie, if I was to do this on my own, most fabric stores have a 1/8 yard minimum, which is only 4.5 inches wide, and I would be left with the rest of the 38" strip not knowing what to do with it so, even though the fabrics were a little pricy, I still came out paying way less overall. 2. I get fabrics that I would never choose for myself, and love. (at least for this project) 3. I look at fabric with a completely different perspective

The downsides:

Others chose most of the fabrics (I only chose two) While there were rules, some weren't followed that great. I have a couple of the same print w different colors and several with the same "thing" ie owls, birds, sewing machines, clouds. while cute in their own way, not sure I really want them all in the same project together. And I have ALOT with white background. which is sorta blah.

Anyway, if you can't tell, I'm really excited about this project. And my brain is a whirlwind of ideas right now. . . . . what specifically should these fabrics become? I'm currently deciding between separating by color as seen here (which I probably don't have enough variety to pull off):

Or, this dissapearing 9 patch pattern like here:There's lots of other fabulous ideas here. I just don't quite know what to do. Any suggestions? Anybody done this before? I'm not sure how quickly I'll get to constructing (other actual Christmas related projects will take priority) but I can hardly wait!

Maybe this little cutie will learn to sew sooner than we thought

She couldn't wait to get her hands on the fabric either! Momma's sewing rule #1 don't eat the fabric.

I'll get you my pretty

my mini witch:

We celebrated Halloween by going to SeaWorld, and a carnival, followed by pumpkin carving and handing out/eating candy.

witch in training:



I seem to be posting a lot of videos lately- enjoy our sweetie!

Poc and Nana

A few months back, Michael's parents won a little mini vacation/seminar trip. They were to be flown out for the weekend to listen to a product presentation in hopes of receiving new customers. This trip was to none other than Gruene (pronounced green) Texas. Luck have it, this little city happens to be about an hour from where we live.

This meant their "free time" was spent with a granddaughter. They made sure we didn't forget her, and came bearing gifts:
exibit A:
the pictures don't quite do the hat justice. it's adorable, funny, and so cute at the same time. The fact that you have to be part magician to squeeze it on her fat head makes me want to cry.

Nana:

Poc:

We took advantage of the opportunity to get a picture of the three of us together.

We only had a total of 30 hours together (a new visitor record) but it was wonderful. Most of the time we just lounged around the house, did a little shopping, eating , talking, and they played with Rylee while I worked (curse you October). Thanks for squeezin us in! We Love ya!

busted!

um, can I help you?

na, that's what tippy toes are for.
Sorry Darling, I will pay attention to you come Nov 1st

recently

We are now a one and a half car family. Since Michael was approved for a work vehicle (only to be used while 'on the clock') We decided that 98% percent of the drive time we would have outside of work situations would be together and so we decided to sell the Civic. It was a little bitter sweet, but mostly sweet to say good-bye to this darling:

Like everything else related to growing up, I put off moving Rylee to the regular tub for as long as possible. Surprisingly the biggest reason for putting this off was my back. If you don't know what I mean, you haven't bathed many children - or you know something I don't. Anyway, it was time and we moved her to the real tub for bath time. As expected she enjoys splashing around and mostly sucking on her bath toys. This one- the lights draw you in and then you get sprayed in the face. its pretty funny.
We've been enjoying the fabulous fall weather during my "breaks" from work. I've learned the best way to get a girl to crawl on hands and knees is to plop her face down on the "grass" and walk away. I love the shade from the trees and Rylee loves to eat leaves. I should say leaf because its the same one over and over. Good source of fiber, right? Try to tell me that wrist roll isn't to die for!!
Our HOA had a little fall festival and we went to another little pumpkin patch. Both would have been more fun if we had older kids, but I couldn't resist getting my skelton's picture taken with a bunch of pumpkins around.
She thinks she is so clever. She's getting pretty good at pulling herself up, then afterwards gives me the "look what I just did" look and doesn't know what to do next. Its like she's afraid to fall and kinda freaks out.
I've been singing what few Halloween songs I remember to her, namely "I'm a Mean Old Witch" You know the last part "you better watch out cuz I might scare you. . . . . . . BOO!!" ? Rylee laughs every time. (she also enjoys my witch cackle) I then proceed to "scare" her and suddenly its been twenty minutes. haha! I could listen to that laugh all day- oh wait, I do.

"Flying" and Ranting

Playin with Dad.

We're training her to be a roller-coaster junkie to the best of our ability. I need a tilt-a-whirl buddy!

One of my(her) favorite things lately- when I talk (on the phone or to Michael etc) while holding her she'll lean all the way forward to be able to see my face or grab at my hair until I look at her and then she flashes me a BIG ol grin, where I in turn laugh, and she grins even bigger.

Cuddling (something I prayed she would also love). I secretly love rocking her to sleep. I don't do it everynight (lets be honest, I probably wouldn't love it when she's 10) but when she's having a really hard time falling asleep, I take that as a que we need quiet time in the rocking chair. Nothing like watching her drift into a peaceful slumber.

Its pretty funny to see her eating new foods.

She loves stuffed animals!

When I'm making dinner she is at my ankles tugging on the hem of my clothes, depending on the day I love or hate this, which is directly proportionate to the volume of her voice at the time.

not so favorite? she is into everything. Her dangers of choice are: garbage bags (subsequently dirty diapers), computer cords, door stops, xbox controllers, and getting stuck under the couch.

Throwing her bink out of her crib. (because she then proceeds to scream for it).

short naps.

Its pretty amazing how one little thing changes your entire world.

Alfalfa

Dear Darla,

You make me vomit. You're the SCUM between my toes.

Love, Alf Alfa. See the resemblance?
Thats what happens when you have two tiny cowlicks and short, fine hair.
One more nick-name to add to the bunches :)
{I'm just glad the giant bald spot is filled in.}