Attack of the weed!

With Stephie's assistance, Grandpa Don and Daddy made huge progress in the attack of the front yard weed this morning. We are planning on reseeding the front lawn next weekend to meet our September 15th grass seed deadline.

We also had a lovely walk at the Morton Arboretum this afternoon. Please note Mommy, Daddy, and Stephie's excellent sun protection. This fall weather is the best!

Another busy weekend day!

Stephie had a great day today hanging out with Grandpa Don and Daddy watching the news...

Practicing rolling over with Grandma Michele...

Doing baby sit-ups...wheeee!...

And giving people the stink eye!

(We also did manage to squeeze in three separate 1 1/2 hour naps as well...yay!)

Conant Cougars

Stephie had a busy morning today when we went to go visit Grandpa Allen at his old stomping ground, Conant High School. We had a good time visiting with people in the English department, AV office, and cafeteria. Everyone commented on how "healthy" Stephie looks!

Stephie and Julia's busy Thursday

First was a walk in the stroller...

Then watching Brie torture Stephie's stuffed white dog...

And finally some time hanging out getting the giggles!

Holy drooling, Batman!

When I got home from work today, I changed Stephie into a clean outfit and put her into the bouncy chair while I was cleaning up. I came to get her out a few minutes later and she was already SOAKED with drool! Good thing Stephie has a lot of clothes! Also, a cute picture of Julai and Stephie that Liz took yesterday...

Sweet sleepy Stephie

When Stephie gets tired, she is turning more and more to her thumb as of late. This is very good news for us as we are now much less dependent on the "soft green plastic, so fantastic" binkie!

Two Bumbos are better than one

We bought a second Bumbo chair today for Julia, but Brie decided to take it over instead!

Stephie finds her feet!

We knew it was coming soon based on the amount of time that Stephie spends playing with her hands, but she has officially found her feet over the past few days, first just during her diaper changes, and now all the time! Though she hasn't yet put them in her mouth (we think she might be impeded by the large belly standing in the way), that may be coming soon as well. How cute!

College reunion

We had a big party at our house this weekend for the U of IL ladies and their families! We had a great time hanging out with Val, Kyle, Hilary, Jenny, Jim, Myles, and Brie. We walked up to the street art festival in downtown Glen Ellyn and then made pizza at home for dinner. A good time was had by all!

Bucket swing part 2

Stephie found an even better alternative to the bucket swings at Lake Ellyn (which, no matter what the time of day, always seem to have a line): the swing set at Grandma Julie and Grandpa John's new house! No lines, one bucket swing, all the time!

Stephie meets Connor!

Stephie, Grandma Julie, and Mommy traveled to Kenosha, WI today to meet the newest addition to the Ryan family: the adorable Connor Laughlin! We had a great time visiting with Melissa, Sarah, and Connor.

Baby Mozart?

Stephie helped Mommy practice the piano today. Da-da-da-DUM! Also, check out Stephie's super blonde hair in these pictures! It is really starting to grow in.

Very busy 5-month olds

Julia: "How's that swing working out for you over there, Stephie?"

Stephie: "Good...hey look, your mom's taking our picture! Wanna switch chairs?"

Julia: "OK, you take the Bumbo, I'll take the floor! Coo..."

Uhhh...Mom? I think my pj's are too small...

Mommy tried to squeeze Stephie into a 9-12 month set of pj's tonight; unfortunately, they turned Stephie's little arms into sausages. Guess we'll be retiring this pair a little bit early....

First full day with Liz and Julia

Stephie had a great first day today with Liz and Julia while Mommy went back to work full-time. Julia and Stephie practiced coordinating chewing on their hands and read books with Liz.