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.