Baby Zar - Catching Up

So, I have good intentions that don't always (usually don't) materialize in the fantastic things the could be.  I am sad that I don't keep up with my kids more - writing monthly updates about them, writing letters to them, writing down every milestone they reach.  If I am honest, I am doing good to keep them fed and clothed and breathing most days. And I don't buy into the whole 'the universe revolved around my kid' thing anyway. But...I realize that I have fantastic kids and should share more about them.

The night before Baby Zar was born - a bike ride and mexican food worked wonders for kicking labor into gear!

JUNE - She is here! After much waiting and longing and praying - this precious girl joined our family.  It was love at first sight and we feel so honored to be her momma and daddy.  Born very quickly in the car, Baby Zar surprised us with her beauty and grace.

Brand new...I couldn't stop kissing those cheeks!

                                 

Snuggles with Big Brother...he was smitten

She slept a lot. I stared a lot

 JULY - 1 Month - Baby Zar took her first big road trip, saw her first parade, met lots of family and friends and just blessed us in general.

Enjoying the early morning light...the girl had such sweet expressions when she was a wee one

Baby Zar and Ma (my Grandma). She couldn't get enough of Baby Zar and it was so special to see them together

AUGUST - 2 Months  We enjoyed traveling, and exploring and the beauty of summer.  We spent a lot of time with family and loved watching our kids change and grow.  Baby Zar continued to mellow out and we continued to fall in love with her more and more.

Relaxing under the big tree in our backyard...on my baby blanket

Cutie patootie

SEPTEMBER - 3 Months  Baby Zar became more alert and fun.  She took her first trip out west to Wyoming to my parents' house. She started 'talking' more and became so fun!

Such a pretty little thing

She (just like her big bro) loves her Uncle Tate!

Enjoying a fall evening

OCTOBER - 4 months - Baby Zar and big brother became good friends.  We had family photos taken and said goodbye to family and friends.

Buddies

The file on this is funny...but you get the idea. Baby Zar was so skinny still...A.P. said last night that she reminds him of an alien in this photo! :)

NOVEMBER - 5 months - Baby Zar took her first international plane trip (out of the womb) and did great.  She visited Dubai, moved to this crazy country, and started to develop more and more of a personality

Loving the mall after being cooped up in the plane for so long

Passed out in Dubai after all that travel. This store suits her... 

I still can't look at this photo without cracking up. These two are hilarious!

DECEMBER - 6 Months - Baby Zar celebrated her first Christmas, Started eating more food, met new friends and became a fashion icon.

Modeling one of her swimsuits in preparation for vacation

Enjoying being clean after a bath

JANUARY - 7 Months - Baby Zar went crazy over the walker that A.P. brought home and loved being mobile.  She tried new foods, learned to sleep better and discovered how much fun her brother was.

The girl loves hats!

The lady who worked in our house in Maz...Baby Zar was crazy about her

Baby Zar spent many chilly winter mornings looking like this...it makes me smile.

FEBRUARY - 8 Months
Baby Zar spent her 8th month of life in Thailand...poor thing.  Actually she wasn't such a fan of having her schedule thrown off, but was a good sport as we enjoyed the beauty of that place. She explored new places and new food. She wooed everyone at the meetings we attended and Thai's swooned over her blue eyes and beautiful smile.

Experiencing the ocean for the first time.  She was a BIG fan! A few minutes after this, she fell asleep in my arms while I was waist deep in the water. 

Baby Zar quickly followed Little t's lead and loved wearing only a diaper on the warm days in Thailand

Enjoying a break in the stroller while we visited the circus

MARCH - 9 Months
Baby Zar exploded in the development department this month...much more vocal (saying Dadda and Te-ta for the men in her life, saying night night, and general babble) moving everywhere, waving to everyone, social as all get out

Wearing a pretty bow to celebrate Daddy's birthday

She scooted over to say hello - my fave jammies of her

Chilling in her diaper and all smiles for Daddy who walked through the door

Sweet baby on her 9 mo birthday

APRIL - 10 Months! Man this girl is busy! Trying to decide whether it is worth it to crawl - she has taken a few inches forward on her hands and knees.  She would much rather stand and loves to let go of whatever she is hanging onto.  She is so friendly and happy. Waves hello when we turn a computer on (because of talking on Skype) asks to be put down for naps (says nigh nigh and lays her head on her shoulder), loves 'wrestling' with her brother and is getting into movies. She says Ta Ta Ta as she points to everything, loves to wear hats, eat naan, play pica boo, and put on necklaces. She is such a sweet ray of sunshine and we are so thankful for her!

She put her necklace on herself

Tickles from Daddy - I was trying to capture her (8!!!) teeth in a photo, but have still not been successful

10 Months old today! We love you sweet girl!