Kevin and Alison

Getting pushed in a stroller must be an experience you only appreciate when you're thinking back on it as an adult. I mean, trudging around the park for exercise is one thing, but add a stroller and a 15-16 pound baby to it and it's really a work-out. Does Chloe realize this? Probably not! Last Sunday was her first time in the stroller facing forward. She held onto the cup holder almost the entire time: But, by the end of the walk (Chloe's ride) this is what she looked like: This jacket that Chloe has on at the park and in these next to photos belonged to me when I was little. It has a little hood and when we put the hood on Chloe, she looks so cute it's hard not to laugh :) in this first one, she's very serious.... but then she lightened up a little:

Kevin was Mr. Handyman over last weekend and completed two projects. First, he boxed in and dug up a section of our yard that we're using for a vegetable garden. We planted seeds last night for some of the plants and will plant some seeds directly into the ground (after danger of frost is gone, of course). We are looking forward to fresh vegetables this summer! Second, my wonderful husband made a counter-top space for the kitchen. It holds the microwave, as you can see... and that frees up this counter space: This makes me so happy! We don't have too much counter space anyway, and our microwave was taking up so much room. It's so nice to have the extra area! :)

Chloe Grace is learning more and more each day. She sleeps from 8pm to 8am and eats four times a day ~ she's tried peas, sweet potatoes, bananas (not a favorite!), peaches, prunes, and blueberries. She likes to sit and play with a basket of toys; favorites include her 'purse', the stack of rings, the bug loop, and her remote. She also likes to stand in her walker and is learning how to stand while holding onto something. She doesn't quite understand that when she lets go, she's going to fall over! Books are another favorite ~ Chloe doesn't like it when story-time is over. Current favorite books are: Hungry Caterpillar, How Much I Love You, and Tails (of course). She gives her dad big smiles when he comes home and still loves his guitar playing. Chloe likes when we sing to her and she thinks that high-fives are really funny. She seems to be enjoying the outdoors - during our walks at the park she sits happily in the stroller watching the world go by. These ...

a robin! I think the first day of Spring is officially March 20th, but I'm loving this spring-like weather we've been having recently! Chloe and I have gone on walks at the park twice in the last week. Both times, we've seen something a bit....unique. On our first walk, this 'car' was sitting in a lot we walked by: On the second walk we saw this man. Actually, I've seen him at the park before. Last Fall I saw him for the first time and didn't get a chance to snap his picture. This time, I was ready with my camera, but not brave enough to click the button until after he passed me. That's right, it's a guy on a unicycle, walking two dogs!! Just for comparison purposes, here is Chloe back in October: and here she is on Tuesday: Next up...Chloe at 7 months

Chloe got to meet a new friend this weekend ~ Eliana and her parents came for a short visit. Here is the cutie pie wearing an adorable headband: After we visited over dinner, the moms thought we could try to take some pictures of the girls....Here's a short look at how successful that was, with Chloe's 'voice' as the picture captions: Um, Mom? I think this baby is losing her pacifier....That can't be good. What is this baby doing? She doesn't look too happy. Hello Eliana....it will be okay...don't worry.... Are we done now? You think that four adults standing directly in front of them saying their names would have been enough to get them to look straight ahead....Not one time is Chloe looking at the camera! Group pictures with the dads didn't go much better. We had a great visit with Eliana and her parents. Hope to see you again soon!

We were so happy to have Mimi and Poppop come and stay with us for the weekend. We enjoyed their visit, and so did Chloe! Every grandparent knows that the way to win over grandchildren is through gifts (just kidding! but it worked! :)). Here is Chloe opening a present when Mimi and Poppop first arrived: and it was a....baby doll! Right now, Chloe likes to chew on her headband :) Maybe someday she'll actually play with her :) Chloe and Poppop had discussions about important things while she was waiting for her dinner.... and of course, while Mimi and Pop are visiting we play lots of cards. Even Chloe got in on the action: Chloe started doing this while 'talking' with Mimi during some play time on Saturday. Every time Mimi looked over, Chloe would lean over and tilt her head to the side.... Poppop read Chloe's favorite book to her before bedtime.... After church on Sunday we were treated to lunch at the Olive Garden (thank you!!!) and then we had to say goodbye. ...

Just had to post these two...Aunt Laura got this shirt for Chloe before she was even born! Check out the belly :) Next up, a post about our weekend visitors! :)