Elizabeth's birthday

On the Friday after Thanksgiving, we celebrated Isabel's big sister's 2nd birthday (November 28). As you probably know, Elizabeth Scott Allen is up in heaven. To make sure she knew we were thinking of her, we sent up some birthday notes to heaven on pretty pink balloons. We were with my parents for Thanksgiving, so John Gray and Reading got to send a note too. Here are a couple pictures of the notes and balloons in the air. We also took some time to look at some pictures of Elizabeth and read a fun story about her great but short life.

teeth, clapping and rolling

Isabel has recently hit a few milestones. She has been rolling around for a couple months, but she is much more dextrous. She pushes herself up to a sitting position and scoots backward; rolls to the right and left, and tries to move forward by scooting. She hasn't quite gotten the hang of that direction.

As for the slobbering since the beginning of October, there are two little teeth starting to peek out. I'm hoping these things will pop all the way through very soon - since she's having some tough nights. You know what that translates to... tough nights for us!

Isabel is also clapping. We are so proud that she is already dancing around and clapping her hands. Her favorite is to watch Blues Clues and Yo Gabba Gabba and clap along with those songs. It is great! I think she gets her rhythm from me.

I'll update more later!

New - GREAT - pics of Izzy

http://www.tuesdaysfrog.com/pickpic/gallery/login.php

password: merritt

You can thank Joanna Bolick (Tuesday's Frog) for these shots. Anybody in Asheville or Greenville need to check her out. She captures the personality of her subjects - most of all Isabel! Her blog is listed in our favorites.

Yes We Did!

I have to take a moment and write about the most historic day in our lives, and in possibly Isabel's life as well. We are proud that Barack Obama is our president-elect. Everyone knows I'm an Obama Mama - and proud of it!

I am most glad for Isabel that she has a president that will strengthen the public schools that she will attend and supports equal pay for women. Now whether or not these policies will be seen through to fruition, only time will tell. But its nice to know that there is a leader that wants to get us there.

Hooray for us!

Halloween and Election

I have to take a moment to share our big week. Halloween was amazing. Isabel was a little Isabee, I was a beehive and Jeff was the beekeeper. (Really, Jeff threw on some carhardts and boots. He is all about doing the same costume next year.)

Isabel is the typical party baby

• She did a tour of my office
• Helped give out candy at the Meyer Center (for children with disabilities)
• She went to a Halloween Party at her friend Emily Jane's house
• She did a tour of Jeff's office
• Went to nursery and took a nap
• Went to a Halloween party at her friend Cate's house (and trick or treating)

Needless to say - she had a big day!

The next day was no exception. We had our favorite photographer Joanna come over for some 9 month shots of Isabel. The shoot went well, though Izzy is quite the mover and shaker. It was hard to get her to stay still. She also wasn't too keen on the costume changes. But, let's be honest, when you poop yourself, you kind of have to change... (I'll put the pictures link on the next post.)

On Sunday, we volunteer at church to take care of the 2s and 3s. Isabel had it easy. She just played in the nursery - oh, and we found out that she is now an official pacie stealer. It doesn't even matter if she has one in her mouth! That's my girl!