A Sunny Sunday...

Yesterday we were able to hit the outlets for a shop-a-thon! As Christian looked through store after store to spend some of his birthday money, Alina and I found a few cute outfits that we just couldn't pass up. To add to the day, we met up with a few friends and their daughters.

Today we put Alina in a new outfit and couldn't resist a few photos by the trees in front of the condo! (We're a little obsessed with taking pictures now that we have a Super-Camera!) She has quite the personality and just barely learned how to say the "mmmmma" sound (Does that mean "mama" is her official first word? I think so!).

Today was a big day also because Alina made it through the sacrament without being too "distracting." Right after the sacrament was passed, however, she decided to show off her screaming skills - she's gifted, what can I say? Regardless, apparently she wasn't as reverent as can be and we took a tour of the halls until she fell asleep. Baby steps...

Christian took Alina during Relief Society so that I could focus on teaching the lesson. I love Elder Ballard's talk!

After church, the three of us grabbed a blanket and Christian and I read as Alina entertained herself by attempting to sit up on her own. It appears this is the next hurdle she will jump! Alina loves being outdoors and, if she knew we were heading to Florida in a couple of weeks, she would be incredibly excited. She loves Grandma and Grandpa's "Little House on the Lake!"

Alina has also started to grab both of her feet and kick rather ferociously... it's rather comical! She is changing so fast - it's hard to believe that she'll be five months old this TUESDAY! Overall, she is still an incredibly happy child and, obviously, absolutely and undeniably beautiful! We count our blessing every day... she's our Little "Principessa"

Working with the Provo "Pro-Bow"

Friday night Christian had the chance of a lifetime - to go watch the Jazz take on the Lakers. While he was nervously pacing and suffering the agony of a true nail-biter, I was with my friend Amanda making Alina some new headbands... her head just keeps getting bigger - hmmm.

Needless to say, Amanda is incredibly skilled in this area, as well as any other you can think of! She is even an entrepreneur - Look for "Itsy Bitsy Bling"! Fortunately, Amanda is also VERY patient and she taught me the ins and outs of headband-making... until 11:00 that night! Oops!

Admittedly these were my first attempts. Nevertheless, I am incredibly pleased with the results - and Alina doesn't know the difference!

Our First Ramblings...

With the end of my work career approaching, I decided the time had come to start our family blog. Regardless of the miles separating us from many of those we love, we hope that this will make the distance a little shorter and help keep all up to date with our triumphs... no matter how small.

As my days of formally teaching draw to a close, the beginning of Christian's testing approaches. He is currently a full-time studier (of manuals for his Series 7 Exam) as well as a stay-at-home daddy. Somehow between feedings, diaper changes, and naps he manages to squeeze in some study time - hopefully he will be ready come June for his first exam.

Our incredible four-month-old, Alina, never ceases to amaze us. She continually learns new skills and currently spends hours of the day excitedly rolling across rooms, happily firing spit at her parents, and determinedly attempting to sit and or stand. Undeniably, she is the greatest blessing we have!

Stay tuned for future ramblings... after all, this is just the first of many!