The Zoo, first steps and messy dinners....

Isabelle, Mommy and I took a trip to the Como Zoo and Conservatory today. It was pretty fun. Isabelle stared at most of the animals, especially the giraffe. She did really well in stroller and just likes to watch the action around her. When we got home she took her first "official" steps. While she isnt walking all the way she will now string 3 or 4 steps together before plopping on her bum. I dont think it will be too long before she is up and running, literally. She seems to be pretty tired of baby food, today she was feeding herself mini ravioli's, it was messy!

standing up...

Isabelle is growing up so fast. She isnt walking yet but loves to stand up by herself, see below. This was a surprisingly difficult photo to get by myself so I like it allot. I am pretty sure that in the next couple weeks she is going to take off running around the house. She still loves to babble and hasnt added any words, I hear some "dadas" but I am not sure she knows what she is saying yet. Isabelle has really taken well to the stroller, we can take long walks with hardly peep. I hope the weather keeps up so we can keep it up!

9 month check up

Isabelle had her 9 month check up today (only a couple weeks late). She is still a big little girl. She is 30 inches long and weighs 23 pounds. She is in the 98th percentile for height and 96th for weight. She is starting to eat allot more people food, but we only have 2 months and to get her off of the bottle so she needs to get a little more used to the spoon. Isabelle is really enjoying the weather, she loves taking walks with us (see below). She still loves her movies and the other day she tried to play along with the TV...

Back from the beach!

Mommy and Daddy are back. After spending 5 peaceful days in Mexico, Gina and I are excited to be back with our baby girl. Gina only had a couple of emotional moments, but it was hard being away from Isabelle. Isabelle had a great time with Grandma, Uncle and Cousins while we were gone, she even got to spend part of a night alone with Grandpa Al. Isabelle was really excited to see Gina and I when she woke up this morning, I have to say it was the best feeling yet as a parent. To see the excitement in her eyes was really amazing!

visiting with family

This weekend Isabelle got to hang out with all of her aunts and uncles, both of her cousins, both grandpas and one grandma. The other Grandma will get 5 days with her next week, so I am sure they will get enough of eachother! Isabelle is now nine months old and is getting to look and act so much like a little person. She has her own facial expressions and unfortunately, attitudes! She is getting really brave about trying to stand up on her own, and her forhead has paid the price. She has been a much happier baby since her tube surgery and we all hope that her happiness continues. Gina and I are heading to Mexico this week, we are excited to relax and thaw out, but being away from Isabelle will be hard...