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!!!