9 Months Old

Today our Isabella turned 9 months. It totally freaks Eric and I out how fast she is growing. It seems every day she is doing something new, and grows an inch. She crawls everywhere and anywhere, which is bittersweet. I have put in plug sockets in all our sockets, however the little stinker has figured out how to get them out! Her new favorite thing is to crawl from the living room to the front door window. This is the window that the dogs look out of when we leave the house or come home. It is so cute, she crawls to it and looks out. She uses the ledge to pull herself up and likes to stand. We know it's only a matter of time before our Bella is walking.

Speaking of getting older, I have finally chose which college 529 plan we want, and had the paperwork sent to us. As fast as this year has gone, we know that before we know it, Isabella will be going to college. So, we want to make sure she never has to worry about paying for it, Mommy and Daddy will take care of it. Lord knows we are definitely encouraging her to go to college!

I love you Isabella, may you continue to grow, become more independent, and laugh every day. You bring so much joy to so many people who love you. Your wrinkled nose grin make your dad and I laugh everyday, you are and always will be the best thing to happen to us. Happy 9 month Butters !!

Valentine's Surprise

So I am a week late, but I just wanted to brag about my wonderful husband :) Because Bella's baptism was on Valentine's day, Eric planned something for Sunday instead. Like always, I had NO idea what we were doing, or where we were going. I only knew what time I had to be ready and that's it. I was ready by 4 and just waiting when I notice Eric looking out the window and pacing around. He told me I could look out the window and I see a nice Town car in our driveway with a driver. He told me that we were supposed to have a limo, but they sent us a Towncar instead. Eric was upset, but I was just wanting to know what the heck was going on :)
Then, someone knocks on the door and there was Jen and Kev. Jen of course had no idea what was going on either. The fancy car ended up taking us to Donovan's steak house (yummmo) and it was fabulous. I have not had steak since before being pregnant, but I figured I had to since we were at a steakhouse. It was "phenomenal" as Eric kept saying all through his meal. Overall, it was a great night and I love my hubby, he is so awesome! I can't say it enough... Eric is the best hubby and daddy to Bella.

US AT DINNER

Bella's Baptism

Isabella's baptism was awesome. The service was different than what we were used to. We usually go to the contemporary service rather than the traditional, as we are not big fans of the organ. Other than that, the service was very nice and the actual baptism was perfect. It brought tears to my eyes to baptize her and actually make her relationship w/ God official.
We had a nice turn out at the church as well as our home afterwards. Although, I was a little disappointed that none of my family besides my parents were there. However, everyone that Bella knows and loves was there. She is blessed with so many people who love her.
I will post pictures of her in her beautiful dress, along with baptism pictures as soon as I get them. I was unable to take photos in the church, however I have friends who did. As soon as I get those, I will post them.

As promised, here are some videos of Bella crawling, as well as one of her standing on her own playing.

WE HAVE A CRAWLER AMONGST US!

This morning while I was waiting for Isabella's sitter to pick her up, I was on the floor with her playing. She was really interested in my slipper, so I took it off and pushed it out of her reach. This is what we normally do to get her to crawl. She will get to it NO MATTER WHAT, but usually it's one crawling move, and the rest is rolling her way there. However, today was different! She crawled all the way there! ONe arm, one leg, one arm, and again one leg!! I was telling my friend Angel, that she does not normally do that. Right as she was doing it, the sitter arrived and I handed her over.
Then, when I got there to pick her up, she was on the floor playing. She saw a sippy cup in the distance and so Simone (her sitter) grabbed it and pushed it to the other side of the room. She full on crawled to it! Her and I were cheering and yelling YAY to her! Of course, she looked at us like we were absolutely insane. We did this multiple times and she continued to crawl. I am so proud of her. I thought for sure she would just go straight to walking because since she was 3 months old, she had such an interest in standing. However, here we are w/ our little crawler! I will post a video of her when I can. So, now Isabella and I are heading out the door to go to Target to get things to "Isabella proof" the house. ahhh what a bittersweet moment this is! :)

A nice sunday

Mom took us out for brunch at the Marriott, it's our new favorite spot for breakfast. Yum! Bella loves it to.She loves to ride around on the property and watch the ducks, and watch the waterfalls. Unfortunately, we couldn't stay out that long as it was rainy and cold. Here are some pics from today, our family breakfast.

Bella w/ her Nannie


Bundled up and ready to go



Going to watch the ducks



Eating breakfast




STANDING LIKE A BIG GIRL, ALL BY HERSELF. SHE PULLS HERSELF UP EVERY CHANCE SHE GETS! EVEN USES DADDY'S EARS TO PULL HERSELF UP

Eric's Birthday Surprise

So I told Eric that I made reservations at Bj's for dinner on Saturday for JUST him and I for his birthday. I arranged my mom to come over and be w/ Bella so that him and I could go out. However, I had really planned a surprise for him. I really had made reservations at Bj's, but it was for 12. Our closest friends were there before us waiting for us to get there. Eric was really surprised and was very happy!
We had a lovely dinner w/ our friends and had fun celebrating Eric and Chris' birthdays. Then, we walked over to Dave and Busters and had a blast. It was so nice to hang out w/ our friends and just have a good time. The boys played games and the girls chatted and drank, and also played some games. Jammie and I played basketball, and we officially suck :)
Eric was so grateful to our friends for coming, and so was I. Not only are we blessed w/ a beautiful daughter and family, we have some really awesome friends! Here are some pics from last night. Happy Birthday Eric, I love you!!

A group shot of The Tortora's , US, Jen& Kev



Me and the girls doing our Sex and the City walk :)


Eric playing basketball


THE BOYS


HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOO!