Playing a Little Catch-Up

I've been bad about not posting this past month, so here are a few pictures to get your fill of Lib! This has been such a fun age so far.  Libby makes us laugh daily.  She is becoming a "big" girl more and more everyday.  Her personality is so sweet.  Lately we have been playing a lot of peek-a-boo.  She'll cover her eyes with her hands and we have to say, "I wonder where Libby went?  or  Where is Libby?"  Then she'll move her hands and flash us a giant smile.  She'll also duck down behind the coffee table and then pop up to show us where she is.  Sometimes shel'll put her head down and think she is hiding.

She still loves reading.  When she is playing on the floor she'll make her way over to the books, flip it open, and start pointing to the pictures.  Sometimes she'll even babble and "read" the words. She's even started to bring books to me when she wants me to read them to her!

She refuses to keep bows, headbands, hats, etc, on her head.  Sometimes I can sneak one in, but eventually she'll find it and pull it out.  She loves her baby.  She'll give her kisses, hugs, give her drinks, feed her, and even put glasses on her from the Mr. Potato head kit.  

She's doing a lot of signs lately and is even starting to say words.  She can say:  juice, teeth, cheese, please, pooff (food), poo, toes, shoes, bird, and a cow says, "Boooooo!"  She can do the sign for fish, more, please, food, all done, banana, blanket, again, bird, juice, and dog.  She is doing a great job of communicating.  When she gets frustrated she'll bust out many signs at one time to try and let us know what it is she wants!

She has also been into a lot of stuff lately.  Stuff she shouldn't be into like rolls of toilet paper, diaper wipes, containers, mom's wallet, cupboards, drawers, etc.  She is a very busy little girl! She loves to eat just about anything, anytime.  Thankfully, she is not a picky eater and has no known food allergies!  Hooray!  Sometimes the food doesn't always make it into her mouth but rather into her hair or onto her face and onto the floor.

Little Miss Thing keeps us busy, but we wouldn't have it any other way.  

Auntie Amy and Auntie Kelly come to Austin

Last weekend two of my sisters were able to come and spend a few days with us!  I LOVED having them here!  The time always flies by, but we were sure to spend time talking, eating, shopping, sipping some vino, and having some laughs (one to the point we were all in tears!).  We even got a few workouts in to try and work off all the food we ate.  Why is it when family is around food seems to always be at the center?!  I love my sisters more than anything.  Libby is so lucky to have such wonderful aunties in her life.

Aren't they beautiful?!

Patio lunch with the sistas 

Surfing at Whole Foods for dinner and apps

Happy hour on our patio

It was a feat transferring the pizza from the counter to the stone!

It turned out beautifully and tasted even better!  Hats off to Chef Amy.

A nice walk through Zilker on a beautiful Spring day

Libby deciding what to order at Chuy's 

I think she finally decided.  

Sisters on Town Lake

Saying goodbye to her aunties. :-(

Swim Class

Libby and I are taking an eight session Mommy and Me swim class at the Y.  We've gone to three sessions so far, and I must say I am a bit disappointed in the class.  Maybe my expectations were set a little high.  It's not very structured and the instructor is a bit spacey,  but I am noticing Libby is getting more comfortable in the water each time we go.  This was the first time in a pool for Libby and she did wonderfully!  Our goal is have her be more comfortable laying on her back in the water. She is not a fan of this move, but we'll get there.  When this class is over we might head over to Elmer Swim School for structure and training.  I have heard nothing but good things about that place!  For now we'll just have some fun playing in the water!  On a side note, Libby yawns every time we are in the pool.  It is so cute, and she takes great naps after swim class!  Kelly was here for this class, so she was the photographer and able to capture another one of Lib's firsts!  Thanks Kell!

New Digs in Austin

About a month ago we bought this beauty!

We have lived here for almost three weeks.  We have been busy unpacking, organizing, and working on miscellaneous projects.  Our lease wasn't up until the end of June, but we decided to begin the house hunt early because we didn't know how long it was going to take.  Well, it didn't take long!  We only looked at a few houses before we saw this one and put in an offer.  A little crazy, yes, but we love this house and there is lots of room to grow into it.  The house was actually built in 1996 but the inside has been completely renovated due to a kitchen fire almost a year ago.  Everything from the insulation in is brand new!  It was completely move in ready, just what we wanted!  I am so excited to begin decorating!  I have so many ideas thanks to Pinterest!!  Raul's not as thrilled about the "projects" as I am!  As soon as we walked through the house for the first time we knew we wanted to buy it.  Moving can be such a pain, but we are so glad we took the plunge and did it.  We had to break our lease, but they were able to rent it out in only a few short weeks!  So, now we own two houses, but the house in Utah is being rented out and will hopefully continue to be.  We told Libby this was her birthday present.  She loves the house too.  There is plenty of room for her to scoot around and play.  Here are a few more shots of the inside of the house.  

Family room with previous owner's furniture

Kitchen and breakfast nook

Backyard

Loft/Lib's playroom

Master bath

Libby's 1st Birthday Party

Last weekend we went to Albuquerque to celebrate Libby's one year birthday and to watch Raul's brother's team play in the NM High School Basketball tournament.  His team, including our nephew Daniel, won the state championship!  Go Tulie!  The night before the game we rented out a small room at a restaurant to have a low key party for Lib.  All of Libby's grandparents were there as well as some of her aunts, uncles, cousins, and great-aunts and uncles.  Kell and I put together a banner showcasing a picture from each month until Libby turned one year.  It turned out pretty cute if I do say so myself!  The cake turned out cute too (didn't make that though)!  I still can't believe our LuLu turned one year.  The past year literally flew by and I'm afraid it's only going to continue.  What I know for sure is the importance of enjoying each and every day with our Libby.  She is the best thing to happen to us.  She lights up any room she enters and can make anyone smile with just a little look.  I love her more than words can say!  Here are a few pics from the party.

Picture banner

Lib's cake

Opening some prizes

Singing to the birthday girl in her tiara

Daddy and Haddi cutting the cake

She loved the icing!

More cake!

Lib and her cousins Haddi & Dylan

Happy Birthday Libby!

Happy 1st birthday Libby Grace!  Mommy and Daddy love you more than you will ever know.  We cannot imagine our lives without you.  Hope you have a beautiful day!!

Uncle Joe & Aunt Lolo Come to Austin

Last weekend my brother and sister-in-law came to Austin for a visit!  The weather was beautiful during the entire trip, which was nice for them, coming from 37 degrees and snowing!  They arrived on Thursday afternoon, the same day we closed on our house (more on that later).  Raul and I went to sign papers and they watched Libby for us.  It worked out great!  The next day Raul had to work, but the rest of us enjoyed the 80 degree weather and had a patio lunch at Santa Rita, then walked around Zilker  Park and Town Lake.  It was a full day for Lib, and she crashed in the stroller - hard.

On Saturday we stayed home and relaxed in our "comfies" while Raul smoked a brisket on the smoker.  That night the adults went out for dinner.  We were going to go to Moonshine but the wait was an hour and a half to two hours.  We didn't really have that much time because my friend was staying with Libby while she slept, and we had to get back.  So, we went to Serranos.  It was so fun to be out on the town.  After dinner we went and paid Stevie Ray Vaughan (the statue) a visit on the water and checked out the Austin skyline at night.  Before we left Laurel was reading to Libby before bed and it was so cute, so I ran to get the camera and ruined the moment!  

"Oh, mom, go away!"

Isn't this a cool pic?  (Courtesy of Laurel)

This picture makes me lol!! (Courtesy of Laurel)

Sunday was another adventurous day.  We started by eating a delicious breakfast at Magnolia cafe, and then walked over to Zilker for the 84th annual Kite Festival.  Another perfect day of sun and just the right amount of wind for the kites.  Libby was more interested in her friends, who we met up with, than the kites.  The brisket was eaten Sunday night and was very yummy!

Already using a phone!

Keeping herself busy until the food came!

On Monday we headed downtown and checked out the 2nd street district and ate at Lambert's.  There are tons of restuarants in Austin!  I love when we have company because we always discover something new in this city.  Had an awesome time with Uncle Bud and Auntie Lolo!  We love you guys!