Halloween 2011

This year, Branna decided to be a gnome sitting on a toadstool.  We got the idea from the Family Fun magazine and Disney's Gnomeo and Juliet.  

Our first opportunity for Branna to wear her costume was at the Fall Festival.  (Atlie was supposed to be a gnome, too, but she wouldn't keep her hat and beard on!)

However, Atlie had tons of fun just walking around and playing her favorite game: the bean bag toss.

Even with her huge toadstool hindering some of her movement, Branna made sure to participate in all the activities, including the train ride.

Branna made a baseball player pumpkin for the "Pumpkin Decorating" contest.  Her pumpkin one the prize for the "Most Bubble-icious".

We didn't get to stay for the Fall Festival's Trunk-or-Treat, so Branna was overly excited to go trick-or-treating in our neighborhood.  She had a great time making the rounds with her good neighbor friend.

Happy 1st Birthday, Atlie!

It's hard to believe that a year has gone by!  I can't believe that you're no longer my docile babe in arms, but now my active toddler.  I think back to your arrival quite often, as it was one of the best days of my life.
When we arrived at the birthing center and got situated in our room, Daddy turned on the local classical radio station to for relaxation and to give me something else to focus on.  After you were born and the morning's events had settled down, Daddy stepped out to get some breakfast for us.  It was our first quiet moments together and it's one of my sweetest memories of you birthday.  As I was holding you in my arms, only an hours old, watching you sleep, Tchaikovsky's "The Sleeping Beauty" started playing on the radio.  I couldn't imagine a more fitting song!  You are such a special part of my life and I am so blessed that God chose me to be your mother!

This month has been a fun one!  You are not just walking, but running as well, especially when you have swiped one of Branna's toys and are trying to make a break for it!

You are saying so many things, too.  It's still mostly talk that only Mom, Dad, and Branna understand, but you definitely know what you are saying.  In addition to your "What's that/this?" you also say, "Baby", "Touch", "Shoes", "Hot" "Thanks", "Uh-oh" and "Fish".  We've continued with your signing and have added "hurt", "hot", "please", and "play".  You also put two signs together for the first time: "More, please."