Tongue

Have you ever spent the whole morning sticking your tongue out in response to your child doing it and because it makes her laugh? It's a very odd experience.

#8

In all the walking excitement, I forgot to mention that last week tooth #8 began to come in. Soon the top and the bottom will be even...even better for bitting mommy that is!

New Stroller

Back in October, after we saw Rinn's godparents (Hi!), we went to REI. We had tons of fun. It was one of those rare shopping trips where you walk in and say "Hi, I'm from CA and I need winter stuff. Hook me up!" Well, they sure did hook us up with jackets, gloves, long underwear, and many other wonderful things that we have been using the past month, but the best thing is my new stroller. It is awesome.

The Bob Revolution is versatile and yet fits in our trunk (or a suitcase for that matter!). It changes from a jogger to a stroller (the front wheel rotating 360 degrees) with a flip of a switch. There is plently of storage room and Rinn loves it! With the addition of the Soft Fuzzy (actual name), it makes a snuggly environment for Rinn while I'm hiking the mountains (not actually done yet, but soon). I totally recommend it for anyone looking for a jogger that is versatile and not as extreme as the Chariot, which I also love. You can check the Revoltion out here.

While we were snowed in...

...Rinn took her first steps!!!

Yup, last Saturday night was the great event and we have many witnesses! Both Mr. Speckperson and myself as well as Godmama and daughter, Elisa! It was an exciting event anyways, but having so many people that we cared about there to share it with us was wonderful! Everyone was cheering and even Elisa knew what to be excited about and look for even though she is only 2 years old! I think having watched a 2 year old run around for 3 days helped a lot in motivating Rinn to try to walk so early.

I can't believe that I will have a toddler soon! Yikes!!

Oh the weather outside is frightful!

Well, not frightful today - it's bright and sunny out today. That is not how it has been all week though. Last Wednesday, Rinn's Godmama and her daughter came to visit and see a friend be ordained to the Deaconate. Thursday we waited for the snow all day, but it did not start until that night. It was worth the wait! Snow poured from the sky. It was beautiful, breath-taking, and lovely. It snowed all night and most of the next morning. It seemed to be about a foot and a half. Absolutely gorgeous! This was apparently the heaviest snowfall/blizzard in 10 years! (maybe even more!) I am so happy that Rinn's first snow was so memorable! We had so much fun in the snow with great friends.

The view out the front window

Our backyard

Our neighbor's trampoline!


Our trashcans

Some views of the countryside

A cornfield

Sicky Update

Rinn had a fever for 3-4 days and on the last day (Monday) she started breaking out in a rash. We took her to the doctor and she has Roseola. Basically it's a virus that starts with a fever for about 3 days then the fever stops and a rash appears. The rash lasts for about 3 more days. The nice thing about Roseola is that by the time you figure out what you are sick with then it is practically over.

Rinn is better now except for a very runny nose. I am glad to have my happy little girl back! It's amazing how everything stopped when she was sick. Not much got done at all - it's like I was sick. I feel just as tired as if I was recovering myself. I never thought about how much my childhood sicknesses affected the whole family. I am not looking forward to the next illness, but I am happy that she's better now.

Sicky :(

Well, Rinn's sick today. She has a runny nose and a slight fever. We've been very lucky because this is first time that Rinn has been really sick...ever! Thank you God! But being sick isn't fun and little miss thinks she can still run and play. It's not been a fun day for her.

It's been an interesting experience for me to discover what having a sick kid is like. Did you know that when someone doesn't wipe their nose and they want to be held that the goo goes EVERYWHERE!?! I felt germy all day. EW! This made me crave a shower and wipe her nose every two minutes. Poor Rinn.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wow, it's been a month since I've posted last. Sheesh - sorry everyone.

To catch up:

• On Monday, Rinn started standing by herself. Just a few seconds at a time, but still! I can't believe that soon I will not have a baby, but a toddler! I can't decide whether I'm happy about that or not.
• Mr. Speckperson got a job and is loving it. If you want to know more, I'm sure he'll be glad to let you know.
• We're up at Rinn's godparent's for Thanksgiving and having a blast! It's good to see them and Rinn is loving all the kids to play with.
  

Other than that, there isn't much happening.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!!