Ayla's New Bling Bling!

We finally did it! I've been wanting to get Ayla's ears pierced for a couple of months, but I was quite nervous. I was 4 years old when I got mine, but I personally feel it would be better to do it young enough when it can't be remembered. I really wanted to get her these really cute flower ones, but Milton didn't want her to have too much bling. So, I said that he could pick them out only if he held her while they pierced her ears. I'm really glad he did! She wasn't happy come the time to do the second ear, but the moment they were through and I picked her up she was just fine.

Girls Night Out!

I have the best adopted family ever! Maxine took us girls (me, Laura and Brittany) to dinner at Fazolis, to the Nutcracker and then out for some Starbucks. While we were downtown we stopped to admire some of the Christmas lights.

I had the best time and a much needed break! Hanging out with the Gagon girls is always full of fun and laughter, which is always directed at Maxine.

I was a bit nervous leaving Ayla for so long since she has been refusing a bottle since she was two months old, but I figured Daddy would be able to handle it. I came home to find out that Ayla had taken the bottle like she had been doing it forever and was out like a light until 7 this morning!

Thanks again Maxine, I love you!

Ayla Meets Santa & His Reindeer

We took Ayla yesterday to meet Santa. The line was quite long, but luckily there were a lot of kids and decorated Christmas trees to keep her entertained. I think that Ayla could really care less about Santa Claus!

However, she really liked his reindeer. I was just hoping that they were friendly and wouldn't gore me with their antlers.

Ayla is learning new things every day and continues to amaze me with how much she has learned in just a mere 4 months! Yesterday was the first time that she was able to grab her chupone (pacifier) and put it back into her mouth. It took a few tries...

but she did succeed!

Ayla's Early Christmas Present

Ayla and I woke up from our naps today to find a new present under the tree! Papa had went to Costco and picked up a Bounce-About (a toy that I was really wanting to get Ayla for Christmas). Of course, we were a bit to excited to wait until Christmas day so we decided to go ahead and let her have any early present since she is in need of something new to entertain herself with when I am busy.

She wants everything to be in her mouth these days!

She has become quite the talker.

Our 3 Year Anniversary

Today is our 3 year Anniversary! Three years ago I walked down the aisle with my Dad (I actually think I may have ran a bit) and two years ago we made our marriage eternal through the sealing power at the LDS Manti Temple.

We really didn't do much today other than lay around and watch movies since there is too much snow for Milton to work and we didn't care to do anything after the very busy weekend we had. However, we did manage to get out for dinner while Tia Vanina watched Ayla.

Life has truly been an adventure and I am so glad that I have Milton to share it with! He has been such a great friend, husband and father. Ayla is truly blessed with a Papa that is very involved with everything from changing her diaper to singing her songs.

My best friend and eternal companion! I love you!

Our Christmas Tree Angel

Tonight we finished putting up the Christmas tree

Ayla of course was a big help by adding a lot of drool strings

We just had one problem...we don't have a Christmas tree topper. So, we decided what could be any better than our own little angel.

She was a perfect fit! We honestly have way too much fun with her and I think she feels more like a toy at times than an actual baby.

Ayla is Thankful For...

Ayla is thankful for her Abuelita... She gave Ayla a lot of books!

Her Tio Elton...now I see where she gets some of her weird looks.

Her Papa...who loves her very much.

Her mommy...I can't even imagine how our lives were before she came!

Her Thanksgiving Dinner...

She started eating rice cereal this past week and enjoys it more and more!

Ayla is thankful that she got to help "make" Thanksgiving dinner

Her Abuelita again...

And her Abuelo who did a wonderful job reading Super Abuelo to her!

Ayla is thankful for all her friends and family!

Our Favorite Pasttime and Ayla's First Taste of Food

My absolute favorite pasttime with Ayla is taking naps! She is the best cuddler ever!

Tonight Ayla was trying to get everything into her mouth so I thought I would let her have a taste of lime. We thought for sure we would get a bitter face, but instead she LOVED it and cried every time I would take it away.

We Survived

Ever since Ayla was born I haven't attempted taking both dogs on a walk at the same time. Mainly because I already have my hands full, but also because I didn't know how I could manage it all. Well, today I decided it was time to give it a try. I tied Kusko to my waist since he is honestly the best dog to walk and doesn't pull at all (sometimes I truly forget he is even there). Bahlu on the other hand does pretty good, but can get a bit excited if he sees other dogs.

Here we are about ready to get our stroll on.

Bahlu is sporting his drool towel that I conveniently hang on his collar for easy access.

Lista?

I must report that we did survive without a single incident. Both dogs walked perfectly and Ayla didn't make a sound.

Pics Taken by the Pros...

When Ayla was 2 weeks old we went to Colleen Riggs to get some pictures.

This one is my absolute favorite!

On September 13, 2009 Ayla & Bennett's Baby Blessing Day, Jammie Hansen (a long time friend) took pictures of Ayla as well as the rest of the family.

Great Grandpa & Grandma Garff with Xander, Ayla, Bennett and Abram

Great Grandma Anderson

The whole family!

My beautiful little sis, McKelle

Grandpa & Grandma with their grandkids

The first 3 months...

The first week with Ayla was quite an adjustment. There is nothing that can truly get you ready for a baby other than just having one. I was very lucky to have my mom and Milton's parents here to take care of me and give me advice.



Justin, Celeste and Xander came to visit the night that we came home from the hospital.

I'm pretty sure this was the foot that was constantly in my ribs during most of the pregnancy.

Ayla instantly became a "toy" for Vanina, Gerson and Elton.

Ayla didn't appreciate the bath that Abuelita gave her.

Kisses from mommy.

Ayla's adopted Grandma, Maxine.

My very good friends and adopted sisters with our kids.

Austin, Brittany, Kaden, Me, Ayla, Laura and Mikey.

3 weeks old and gave me her first smile.

When we went to Utah in September Abuelo took very good care of Ayla.

Cousin Bennett was born August 19th. This was the first time all the cousins met.

Abram, Kathryn, Bennett, Ayla and Me

Ayla meets her Grandpa Anderson.

Milton's really good friend Chito and his wife Melanie.

Ayla's baby blessing dress was made out of my wedding dress.

Great Great Aunt Beth.

Ayla was suffering from a bout of colic the night of her blessing. She was passed from person to person in the family to try and console her.

Luckily, the colic only lasted until she was about 2 months old.

Ayla's first true blow out. Yep, that's poop all up her back and was at least a 1/2 inch thick.

At least she felt much better afterwards.

This picture was taken when we were taking her home from the hospital...

...and this one when she was two months old. Honestly, she has changed so much I'm not sure if she really looks like the same baby.

Ayla borrowed her Halloween outfit from cousin Xander.

Our little Adam's Family baby.

This is what Ayla thinks of movie night.

Ayla at 3 1/2 months old. We've decided it's almost easier just to put gel in her hair and let it do it's thing.

And the mohawk hairstyle...

Just got back from going on a walk.