Third Time is the Charm

Good job - fabulous and genuine smile. The arms straight down your sides creates a slimming profile. Work with me here. Let's try opening those peepers.

Excellent! The eyes look great, very intense. Nice job. Oh...looks like a little friend has come out to play, how bout popping that little tyke back in the ol' blabbing machine.

To die for...

Milestone after Milestone

This little gal is seriously full steam ahead. She's been crawling for a while and pulling up on things. Now she's pulling up in her crib, standing without holding onto anything for 30 seconds or so and welcomed her 1st two teeth the other day! We're just trying to keep up...

As Promised, Sweet Caroline

Look at this sweet face. This is Baby Caroline, my newest neice. She is quite possibly the best baby there could possibly be. Jackie was a great baby and I think most would agree, but Caroline is the most laid back, chill baby I've ever been around. My dad named her "The Big Sleep." She literally slept for the first 2 months of her life, and now that she is awake, she smiles right back at you on command. So gratifying! We love her dearly and Jackie just might spend more time with Caroline than her dad. They are in the same cradle room at school!! I think that is the coolest thing and we'll be able tell them that for the rest of their lives.

Of course, I needed to get a picture of the classmates together. Unfortunately, Jackie is on to me. She's learned that the red light on the camera means a flash is coming. Crap!!

Almost, but not quite - we've still got a squinty.

What happened here?! Now her mouth is predicting flashes.

Close but no cigar. Caroline looks a bit frightened by Jackie. My lord! Now her whole face is having spasms!

I give up...

Hard at Play

Just the Two of Us

Colin is in the middle of his busy time of year, so he's been on mini trips here and there this entire month. Jackie and I are getting quite a bit of Mom/daughter time. We love it, but we're ready for Dad to be home!!

Ricardo's birthday

This goofy event actually happened a few weeks ago, but I thought the pictures were too fun not to post. Here's Grandpa Dowdell expressing his unique and always present sense of humor. Laughter was ever-present in my home growing up and I hope Jackie feels that way too.

The goofball injection process has begun.

It's almost here...

Get ready for the most wonderful time of the year. St. Patty's!!! Jackie looks frightened, but really she's just bursting with anticipation.

A New Cousin's In Town!

Look at this!! In my family, this is the newest set of parents. There is my sis-n-law, in labor, using no form of pain killers, looking fantastic. She is amazing! They welcomed my nephew into the world just hours after this picture was taken.

Molly is not a fan of needles. The IV was the only part of labor that I heard her complain about.

Here is my little brother, John, about to be a Dad! He looks fatherly doesn't he? You should see him hold his son. He definitely has a sparkle in his eye. Don't hurt me, I don't have pictures of the baby. John wasn't a big fan of flashing lights in his sons first few hours. I know, it's cruel to do a post like this and not have a picture of the baby.

Coming soon! Pictures of our darling neice Caroline (3 months) and nephew Jason (3 days).

Oh Geez, My Knees

Our girl is full speed ahead these days. She doesn't stay in the same spot for very long anymore. We have a few indicators that Jackie is scoping out the world that is the floor. #1. See the nice white tights she's wearing? Her knees have a lovely shade of dirt after a few minutes of cruising.

Colin is still keeping the dog under the Kathleen radar. My newest canine complaint and indicator #2 ... Hair!! See these cute pudgy hands? If we've gone 1 day without a vacuum or broom, she's picking up Ella hair in each hand and it's all over her cute tights. Thus, Colin's newest job is giving Ella a brush through every day. She' s a sweet dog really - but the hair!!

Indicator #3 - Spills. I'm trying really hard not to hover/overprotect/freak out. Jackie is going to fall and have bumps and bruises. She's taken a few spills and shed a few tears, but none last very long or keep her from being on the move.

Indicator #4 - Longer naps!!

Jackie's First Table

Jackie loves to pull up on this play table and many other things. It's amazing to watch her each day figure out and control her little body more and more. It seemed like as soon as she learned to crawl around, everything else is becoming more enticing. She has a thirst for discovering the world around her.

Check out this body control. I call her my little "yoga baby." A little "downward dog" here, a little "exhaulted warrior" over there. We'll see what kind of athlete she is. That would tickle her mom and her grandpa Dowdell. Colin would be perfectly satisfied with political debates at the dinner table. I guess we'll just wait and see what she likes - it could be a surprise to us all. :-)

If You're in the Mood for a Chuckle

Something about this photo makes me laugh every time I see it!! I love the little belly showing, the double chin, the little shine on those chubby cheeks. I think most of all, I love how Jackie shows such delight in her eyes. We're feeling so very lucky to be a big part of this cool little person's life. (I think the swinging monkey thinks she pretty nifty too.)

The Manning Hiking Adventures - Casualties Included...

The Manning clan took a 5 mile hike on Saturday. Destination - Turkey Mountain. It was a beautiful day to try out our new baby carrier. I think Jackie felt like an adult, being at eye level with Mom and Dad.

Ella enjoyed the outdoors. We let her off leash for a couple of miles and she was great - stayed close by and didn't run off, or fall down the mountain...

We were a tad worried about Jackie's comfort - but I think she was just fine...

About 15 minutes into the hike, Colin noticed his 11 year old hiking boots talking to him.

Poor Colin, he lost his sole.

From Messy Queen to Squeaky Clean

Here's Jackie delightfully snacking on squater nut bosh and crackers. She's decided this is the only way she'll take in food. No spoons for Jackie!! As you can see, this process creates a big mess...

This is my new favorite picture. There is just something so cute about this little bum (and all of the rolls under it. :-) Let's not forget to observe her new ability to pull up on furniture!

Look at that sweet face!!!

She loves her bath toys!

Jackie is already studying hard. She makes her Daddy proud!

It looks like she got Daddy's hair line. DOH!

We are on the move! We have shifted into 1st gear. Crawling forward and stating to pull up! Go Jackie.!

She will be cooking in no time. BTW Dad was napping when this pic took place. ;-)

Can you believe that she was ever this small!?!?! Crazy!!!