Can't I Just Win the Lottery?

So, the countdown until I go back to work has begun. Its not in weeks anymore, but days. I didn't ever think that staying home would be something that I would love as much as I do. I told one of the school board members that if I win the lottery before now and Feb. 4th, that I wouldn't be returning to work this school year. But you actually have to BUY lottery tickets to win, right?


Anyway, here are some great pictures of Holly from the last month. She has grown so much and is doing something new and different almost every day it seems! Ten months old, can you believe it?! What a big girl she is.
Here is Holly hanging out in the kitchen. It was just a couple of weeks ago that she couldn't even reach the third drawer! She was so proud of herself here. Of course, the smile came when the camera wasn't actually on.
Since I broke the "no milk products before 1 year old" at Grandma & Grandpa's house when I gave her some coffee ice cream, I figured that macaroni and cheese wouldn't kill her. She loved it, of course! Is she Mama's girl, or what? She also had yogurt this afternoon and loved it almost as much as she loved the coffee ice cream!

As some of you know, I had to put Peanut to sleep shortly before leaving for Taiwan. Salem was very lonely while I was there, and again at Christmas when we were at my parents for two weeks. I knew he would have a difficult time when I went back to work. So, last week Holly & I went to the neighbor's and picked out a new kitten. Her name is Marie (she was pre-named and who wants to screw with coming up with a new name?) and she loves Holly! She lets Holly pull her ears and whiskers, yank on her tail and skin, and basically do whatever she wants. Make no mistake, Marie is Holly's kitty! She gives me a little nibble if I don't pet her enough or up to her standards. Salem is much happier having someone to boss around, too!

Here's the happy little girl showing off her two bottom teeth. One is pretty visible, but the other just came in, so its a little less noticeable. It is there, though.

I always wonder what's going on in her brain when she's looking at something so intently or trying to figure out how something works.

One last shot of Holly cruising around the family room. She's standing on her own quite a bit and for pretty long perioods of time. She's also walking all over while hanging on to the furniture, and crawling all over the house, even when Mama's not in eyesight.

She's such a joy and so fun to be with! I will be sad to go back to work because I just KNOW she will decide to walk on her own within the first week I'm there and I will miss it! That's ok in the long run, though; she's with me forever!!

A Merry Christmas it was!

Christmas is always better with kids around, and its best when its a baby like Holly! We had a great time at my parents and enjoyed being spoiled - well, mostly Holly, that is! Here are some pictures from the last month or so.

A visit to see Santa. Since I can't get my scanner to work with my new computer, you just get to see the unprofessional (free) picture, not the one that cost a fortune!

Hanging out at home and finally gave Mama a smile when she had the camera.

Grandma loves this picture! She bought this bear just so we could get a picture of the two of them in the sleigh. Holly's not spoiled or anything, right?

Opening a present on Christmas morning. She maybe got to two of them before she decided that a nap was more important and missed out on the fun of ALL the other toys she got!

Modeling the fur kitty hat that Aunt Darla and Uncle Troy got her. She doesn't appear to be too impressed, but it sure is cute on her. That's Grandma in the background, for all of you who don't know that already.

Chillin' out with Mama and watching a little Jeopardy on TV.

How great is this smile?! What a beautiful, happy little girl I have!

Walking around a little with the toy that Sean and his mom gave us. Usually, she just plays with all the stuff on it. I think it surprised her the day she figured out she could actually stand up and walk around with it, too!

Obviously, things are going great here. We are having such fun and Holly is learning new things every day. She recognizes several phrases, including "Where's Mama/Grandma/Grandpa?" "Where's the kitty/doggy?" "Come here" or "Come to Mama" "Stand up" and "Jump!" - her favorite, I think!

Holly is far more willing to part with a smile or a giggle for someone, which were difficult to get out of her earlier. Her personality is definitely showing more now, too. She is still such a happy, content baby that it constantly (and pleasantly) surprises me.

Holly is pulling up and standing just about anywhere and has been for a while. She has started standing for 3-5 seconds without holding on to anything, but only when she is either concentrating really hard on something and is very still, or when she is not paying a bit of attention and it just happens. Not steady on her feet yet, but getting there quickly! She loves to walk with help from Mama and would rather stand at the coffee table and DO nothing (other than look really proud of herself) than sit and play on the floor. She really wants to stand and play, but hasn't figured that out yet!

The girl can pack away the food, too! She may eat me out of house and home before I can even get her eating grown up food. She loves Cheerios, muffins, and Olive Garden breadsticks, along with lots and lots of baby food.

I have to go back to work 4 weeks from today and the closer it gets the more I wish I could just stay home! At least spring break and summer vacation are right around the corner. Ah, how our priorities change - for the better, of course! We are having a great time and I am loving every minute of every day with my little bear.