Still catching up

Still heading back in time.

Bluebell, PA

"Great" Aunt Ann showing Heidi a new toy

 Baltimore, MD

Laura and Heidi

Heidi's 1st birthday party

A friend pushing Heidi. He wanted to push, she wanted to ride

Heidi contemplating a cupcake. I love her expression

Another cute Heidi picture

Good friends, Bob and Lois with Heidi

Heidi opening presents. Skipper and Sophie thought this one was for them.

Easter. It's odd thinking that most years, her birthday will be separate from this holiday, unlike the year she was born.

Heidi

All about Heidi

Heidi with a new friend. Collective "awwww" would be fitting. They are a under 2 weeks apart in age, and have lots of the same mannerisms. They are both trying to clap in the first picture. In the second picture no, they are not holding hands but trying to hold onto the same toy.

Heidi having story time with Grandpa.

Heidi's newest skill. Pulling to stand. Here I'm using a trick from work. I took the couch cushion off so that the couch was lower for Heidi to pull to her knees and then her feet. And since she was so proud of herself and wanted to continue practicing, I helped her get back down to the floor and she pulled up again. (and again, and again.) She wasn't interested in the toys, but the final destination of getting on her feet all by herself. She then tried to stand on her toes, as if she wanted to climb onto the couch. But this mama is not ready for a climbing baby.

Me and Heidi standing.

Heidi has loved the fridge for a long time now. Whenever we open the door, she makes a beeline toward the fridge. Today, for the first time she decided to pull to stand. At least for now she was more interested in standing than pulling everything off the shelves.

Heidi

Heidi has started this new game, where she smiles really big, and closes her eyes at the same time. It is almost as if her face is saying "I'm the cutest baby in the world, look at me." She played this game at dinner last night, so excuse the food face.

Heidi knowing she is cute.

House contract accepted

We are well on our way to be first-time home owners!

Our contract for a house in Liverpool, NY was accepted. We are approved for a mortgage, and the house passed the home inspection with little that needs to be done. woohoo.

The house, or soon-to-be our house, is a farmhouse colonial, 1900 square feet, with 2-stories. A 2 car attached garage, unfinished basement, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Situated on .25 acres, and is adjacent to a "green space" in the back. On a cul-de-sac, built in 1968. Definitely needs work, but within our price range :) And has a real wood burning fireplace.

Heidi and me during home inspection.

Hoping for a closing date of December 2nd, or sooner!

Lots of room for people to visit and stay (hint hint Texas friends).

Friendships will be missed.

We have made wonderful friends during these years in TX. I will never forget those friends who opened up their lives and hearts, and I learned to let them in. Friendships go through a natural progression as we grow and mature. Some friends are placed into our lives for a season. Others will be forever in our hearts, no matter the physical distance between.

One such couple, Lad and Joan, are my "adopted" Texas grandparents. And now with Heidi, they are her "adopted" great-grandparents. It works well in both directions. Heidi has more people to love on her, and pray for her, and show her Godly examples. And they receive lots of hugs and smiles in return. 

A huge unexpected benefit of not working right now, is that I can spend quality time with people during the day while Kelby is at his internship. Last week, I spent time with Lad and Joan. Joan attempted to teach Heidi "sooo big." And I taught Joan how to set up a blog, Journey With Joan. You will have to check it out!

And since I have learned that most posts can be boring without a picture, here is Skipper getting in on Heidi's photo shoot. How do the dogs always know when something soft and squishy is on the ground???? And speaking of Skipper, his latest medical update: first heart medication did not help his blood pressure, so now he is on a second medication. We go back next week for a check. Now, I have to shove 4 pills a day down his throat. Praying that this combination brings his blood pressure down to a safer level!

Skipper