The Nature of Naps

You know how sometimes you lay down to take a quick nap and when you wake up you just feel like you shouldn't have done it? You're grumpy that you have to get up, that you can't just sleep all day, and everything seems just as bad as (if not worse than) when you laid down. And then other times, you wake up and you feel AMAZING. Like the world is your oyster and you can't wait to get going and accomplish great things.

Apparently this nap dichotomy is established early in life. Sometimes Abby wakes up from her nap and she's just plain grumpy. She cries, and whines, and rubs her eyes and just generally appears to be unhappy with the world. And other times, she wakes up so darn happy that you just can't believe that she's ever been unhappy in her life. The other day Alex was lucky enough to witness the latter type of nap and, fortunately for the rest of us, he snapped a few photos.

Hair

See? She's got some.

The Giving Game

Abby's new favorite game is what I call "The Giving Game." She finds something and then gives it to you by extending her hand in your general direction and smiling. When you take it she gets very excited (i.e. grins really big and wiggles her arms and legs). Then you give it back and she gives it to you again. It can go on and on and on and on and ... you get the idea. It's very adorable--see for yourself. The funny thing is, sometimes she wants to play, but doesn't have anything handy to give to you. So she just extends her hand without anything in it. Apparently it's just as fun to play with air.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqFgBU8HUu8

Happy Thanksgiving!

On a Roll

I debated whether I should wait to post this other video to make it seem like I do other things besides think about Abby. Finally I decided none of you would judge me for spending too much time editing together videos of the cutest girl in the world and too little time doing my research. Right?



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbMgI6bk0t0

Buddies

In case you didn't believe me.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLSSleCao4w

Drinking

The Good Ol' Days

After a recent conversation with Olivia I have been thinking a lot about the Good Ol' Days. Back when I lived in Utah and my roommate was my best friend and sister. Not that I'm complaining about my current roommates mind you, but it was nice to be close enough to Olivia to go on an adventure with her whenever we pleased. And it was nice that our adventures usually led to panoramic vistas. Someday, if I'm lucky, I'll be able to have the best of both worlds--Alex & Abby AND Olivia & Mountains.

Watch Out!

Rambo is the most patient kitty in the world. I have always been amazed by his tolerance for dogs. It appears this tolerance extends to babies as well. Abby loves molesting Rambo. She lays on him. She grabs his tail. She takes handfuls of fur and drags him across the floor. And Rambo seems to enjoy it all. What a crazy kitty.

Can I Have Your Glasses?

Please?

Learning to Play the Trumpet

Cheese Eating Machine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZmIlSgoyQ0

I Forgot!

I forgot to post pictures from our recent (beginning of October) visit back to Minnesota! It was a short weekend trip (only three days) but lots of fun. On Saturday we attended a friend's wedding. Everyone got dressed up, including Abby.



The next day we went to the harness track to have an all you can eat brunch where Abby got to hang out with her other great grandma.



And Mel saved up his brush pile so we could have a bonfire--my favorite pasttime besides eating at the Mettler house.



And of course we spent plenty of time just relaxing.


I can't wait to go back for Christmas!

For Grandma

Grandma Messinger sent Abby this shirt so I thought I'd post a picture of her modeling it.

Unhappy Face

In case you're wondering why the frown, it's because mommy noticed that Abby had switched from eating leaves to eating dirt clods and, upon said realization, tried to take them away from her.

Studious Faces

Smiley Faces

Halloween Baby

I know, you've all been dying to see Abby's Halloween costume. Well here she is: Little Miss Fire-Breathing Dragon.

The Sippy Cup

Abby has learned to drink out of a sippy cup. I think it is safe to say that she enjoys the experience.

Fall Woods

We went for a walk at Bird Hills a week ago. It was beautiful. I love this picture.

She's Walking!

She's still unsteady, but I think it won't be long before she's running around after the dogs and cats. P.S. After this video was taken, she went in the living room and was walking in circles for a half hour!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeWfNHU0Chg

Abby Gone Wild

Abby's Favorite Pasttime

If Abby had her way, this is what she'd do alllllll daaaaaay loooooong.

Grandma and the Babies

What's that you say?

I'm the cutest baby ever?

Twins

Guess who dressed Abby?

Abby's Ruby Slippers

As many of you know, Abby likes to walk everywhere. She can't do it on her own yet, but all she needs is a couple of fingers and she's off. In fact, last night she tried to run after Alex down the hall! The problem is, when it's cold or if it has rained recently, she can't walk outside barefoot or in her socks. And she LOVES being outside. I discovered this pair of shoes in a box of hand-me-downs from a friend. They fit perfectly and now she can walk around outside no matter the weather!