Grandma & Papa Visiting

My parents came out for their Spring visit and got to spend some quality time with Kate (and us too)  :)  Kate did her thing by entertaining them around the clock, and they gladly indulged our little performer.  Although they didn't need much convincing... she's a pretty easy sell.  

Snuggling with Papa

Playing games on Grandma's Kindle

Can I have somma dat?

YUM!!

Not sure who loved this Teapot (an adorable gift from Grandma Shaida) more - Papa or Kate

Somebody swiped Papa's hat

Kate's 1st Birthday!

We had a birthday party for Kate and invited some friends and family over.  It was such a fun and special time... celebrating our baby girl with other people who love her too!  We are so blessed with amazing family and awesome friends.  

I did a sunshine theme for the party and had so much fun with it  :)  

  

                                                                            Party Favors                                  Pictures of Kate for each month of the year

Time for cake!  It was Kate's first time eating cake, so I wasn't sure what she'd think about it.  She LOVED it... and consumed more buttercream frosting that I care to remember!

Mommy helping blow out the candle

Mmmmm

Gotta get that frosting off the fingers... can't let any go to waste!

She devoured it... well, until Mommy finally took it away  :) 

It was SUCH a wonderful day!  Kate is so well loved... 

11 Months Old

Almost a year old!  Kate has so much personality now... I just love seeing that develop in her.  She really is a happy baby, and has a smile for everyone.  Quite the social butterfly, this girl.  :)  

At 11 Months Old, Kate: 

• is walking with her push-walker toy
• crawls up stairs and backs herself down, without fear (mommy gets scared enough for the both of us)
• thinks "So Big" is a tickle game. We say "Soooo Big!" and she puts her arms up but then waits for us to tickle her before she'll put them back down
• is getting more picky about foods.  She still likes her favorites, but isn't as willing to eat anything we give her now
• says Mama a lot and is just starting to learn Dada
• has a total of 7 teeth now and the 8th is working its way in
• is wearing 9-12 month clothes and size 3 diapers

Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter!  

Love, The Shaida's



(Here's a few pics of Kate's first egg hunt)  :)

Phoenix Trip

John's family was going to Phoenix for a Spring Break trip and invited us along!  It was beautiful and warm in Arizona... and then we came home to a blizzard in Colorado.  Ick.  

We had such a great trip though!  Kate did so well - even when she was exhausted from all the entertainment she provided everyone :)  

Wondering how to get that window open

The Shaida Fam!

Playing croquet - which meant attempting to hit balls through wickets with this little obstacle crawling around

The hotel also had a outdoor chess set, which Kate decided to give a whirl

Ready for the pool!

She LOVED the water!  Just look at her face :)