Blythe, Phillip, and the Perfect Tutu

Blythe and I set out this afternoon to find the perfect tutu for our good friend, Hannah, who is turning 4 today. We first went to a run-of-the-mill store that had mediocre tutus - nothing good enough for Miss Hannah. I was unsure of were to search next when all of a sudden "Empire Dance" popped into my head. Now, my family has a history with Empire Dance as my step-sister, Brook, always visited the shop to get her dancing shoes whenever our family was in Spokane. Synonymous with Empire Dance is the owner, Phillip. Phillip speaks with the most wonderful accent that sounds like a mix between english and french. I made him up to be a ballet demi-god in my mind, and I rather think he still is. So, Blythe and I headed to Empire Dance and there, shining in the light, was the most perfect purple tutu. Who else was there, you ask? Phillip, of course. He took one look at dear Blythe and they were inseparable the whole time we were in the store. She took to him like he was her long, lost friend, and he carted her all over the store gathering things, talking to people, and just having the best time together. As we were getting ready to leave Phillip insisted we get some pictures so he could email them to me. The immediate kinship between Blythe and Phillip was nearly tangible and more than a little bit magical. When I got home the pictures were waiting for me. So, without further ado, here is Blythe with dear Phillip. It was a spectacular day!

Miss Red Raspberry

One of Matt's long-time patients was discharged today, and as a parting gift she brought him the most precious hand-made red raspberry hat for Blythe. It's just about the most adorable thing we've ever seen, and the cutest girl in the world wearing the cutest hat in the world makes for one adorable photo session.

Of course, the cats had to get in on the action too!

Just Ducky!

Blythe has outgrown her yellow foam bath mat, but is still too little to sit in the tub all by herself. Our friend Crissie told us about a tub-within-a-tub that her son just loves, and we decided to see what Blythe would think of it. Well, she absolutley loved it! She sat by herself like a big girl, and she could have played in that thing for hours. The duck even quacks when you squeeze it's beak! To borrow the saying from Ina Garten, "How bad can that be?"

Cozy Night at Home

After the whirlwind of the holidays, we are enjoying having some quiet, cozy nights at home. Last night Blythe played on her little mat and watched some TV with her Daddy.

She has her 6 month check up tomorrow, and we're excited to see how our girl is progressing. I am not, however, looking forward to another round of shots. Poor peanut. No pain, no gain as they say.

New Years at the Cabin

Being the intrepid travelers that we are, after returning from Oklahoma we headed to Montana to spend New Years at the cabin. Blythe was fortunate to meet her Great Grandpa Haggerty and Helen for the first time. She was delighted by the fire, hundreds of Christmas lights, and first sleigh ride on a real horse-drawn sleigh!

It seems that pregnancy brain has morphed into raising-baby brain because I forgot to dress Blythe in her first ever Christmas dress for Christmas dinner while in Norman. So, we decided New Years would be the perfect time for her to show off her gorgeous dress. She definitely knew she was pretty!

A new day dawns at the cabin.

This picture is extra special as four generations are present. Pictured are Great Grandpa Haggerty and Helen, Grammy Marilyn, Mom, and Baby B. Blythe is quite a lucky girl to have such loving families on both sides.

Lauging with delight at Grandpa Tracy!

This was our improvised high chair. It worked splendidly!

All bundled up for our real old-fashioned sleigh ride!

Happy New Year's everyone!

Christmas in Okie

Whew! What a busy time we have had this very merry Christmas season. Blythe experienced her first plane ride (what a great little traveler!), her first visit to OK soil, her first meeting with the G'G Parents, and her first Christmas morning. She was a busy little critter! Here are some pictures we snapped to document our little girl's big adventure!

Posing with Aunt Claudia.
This was snapped on our way back to Spokane in the airport. I think Blythe was so glad to have some "time to herself" that she laid on that blanket for 2 hours and didn't make a peep!

On the way down to Oklahoma. Just relaxing on the plane.

Reading a book with G'Grandmother Bonnie.

Mommy Susan, Grandpa Hal, and Uncle Dan.

Morning coffee with Grandpa Hal.