Hiking

We took Merielle on a day long hike in Garland Park, here in Carmel Valley. It is close to the house, and very family friendly. We had signed up for a guided hike, but missed the group, we were able to meet up with them later and learned a ton about our local flora and fauna on the way down.






The backpack was lent to us. I highly recommend borrowing baby equipment as much as possible. It is great when people can form a circle and each has an item to lend. It reduces the amount you have to store and lets others enjoy your purchase. Just be prepared to replace it if you damage it:)

Merielle, the growing weed

Merielle has figure out all the cabinets and which ones she can fit into....



She was so pleased with her self for getting in and out all on her own.

We have been able to get her more in tune with nature...here with Auntie Mary on the lawn.

New Header

Isn't my new header fabulous? Thank you to my crafty friend Jen (you can check out two of her blogs to the right....

New Toy's

Since Merielle is standing on her own and furniture cruising, her grandma bought her a walker. From what I have read walkers are a little controversial...aka dangerous. Since we have dense carpet and she's under her daddy's watchful eye, we decided she could use this toy. She really likes it and seems to be taking it step by step (LOL).

The kid talks up a storm:

As a side note: She is being more vocal and expressive, but it's hard to know what she wants. I try to give a word to everything I do with her, so she can begin an association. Seems simple enough, and our communication is getting better. She is a professional at the command "up!"

playtime

Merielle is very active now, she's standing on her own and very curious. She'll be walking in no time.

Last week we had our 1st ER visit. Merielle had a croup attack and we had to take her in bacause it was hard for her to breathe. Plus, the poor thing got a double ear infection on top of it all. She's recovering and getting better...but it was sad to see her so sick.

Pops

Ryan's wonderful Grandpa, Pops, passed away January 5th. Merielle was very lucky to have known him and loved him. He saw her when she was just a few days old, and on New Years Day 2009. He will be missed....

Merielle's Baptism

We had Merielle Baptised on February 15th 2009 at Church in the Forest, Pebble Beach. I was so overwhelmed by the support and everyone who came to show Merielle love. Thank you all. She's a lucky kid to have you. A VERY special thanks to her god parents, Nancy Collopy and Michael Colburn (not pictured..yet!), for accepting such a responsibility in our daughter's life.

With Grandma and Grandpa.

Aunt Nancy. Merielle loved all the new games Nancy played with her. Cousin Chris, up in the nosebleeds, provided us with spectacular shots like these: