A Visit from Blaire

We were happy that Blaire stopped by after her Gymboree class today – especially when Lyla pointed at her and said, “Baarre!”. We’ve been working on her name in her pictures, and it looks like it worked.

The girls had a good time playing together, after prolonged naps, that is. Of course, it was also very nice to spend some time with Aunt Jen as well.

Here are pics of our sweet girls:

Pumpkin Patch Take Two

Today we decided to try the pumpkin patch again with Blaire and Isabella (and Jennifer and Rebecca, of course). This time we visited a patch in Shelbyville – Gallrein Farms. It was a little less crazy than Huber’s, and everyone had a good time. Lyla practiced her walking skills, had a few falls, but all in all, it was a fun afternoon.

Here, it looks like the girls are in jail together. We certainly hope not, although they appear to be having a great time. :)

Some hay pics. All of the girls had their own agendas. I think Blaire was interested in getting a little shut eye here.

Spotting the tractor coming back from the pumpkin patch:

Lyla’s pumpkin patch experience was dominated by her hatred of the sun in her eyes and this half eaten banana from lunch. I had to pry it from her hands - she was not happy about it either.

Huber Farm = Freezing!

We went to Huber’s in hopes of creating a Hottman Family pumpkin picking tradition. All the girls were there – Lyla, Isabella and Blaire. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate. We’ll try again next year, thanks to Jennifer’s dedication at getting the whole thing together.

We all showed up at the winery and started sampling wine, which was great fun. However, the cold and rain kept us there and we never got on the wagon ride as planned to pick our pumpkins. Instead, Lance bought one at a stand just outside the winery, and we headed home without our pumpkin patch pics.

We made the most of it, though. :)

And, of course, there was lots of walking involved. In fact, this proved to be quite a historic day for Lyla. When we got home and were getting ready for bed, she decided to walk, back and forth, on her own, between Lance and I. It was a culmination of everything she’s been working on over the last few week, and we sat there awestruck. We got a great video of it, which unfortunately, I don’t know how to load here (John??), but it was an absolutely amazing moment to be a parent. She was just as happy as we were, squealing with delight at what she had just accomplished, over and over and over again.

My favorite part of being Lyla’s mom is the inspiration I feel at how much she embraces life. She is so happy to be alive…makes you appreciate the little things, like being able to move your hands around.

Rain or shine, it was an awesome day.

My favorite:

Lyla's New Friends

Lyla was excited to meet two new friends last week....she may have been a little too excited, actually. We're learning that she thinks everyone should be able to play, smile, and do a raspberry or two, no matter how small they are.

First, she met her new cousin, Blaire Grace. She is evidently very anxious to begin their friendship and can't understand why her new friend is so sleepy:

For more pictures of Lyla's first meeting with Blaire (and a firsthand account of what she was thinking during these photos), check out Blaire's blog.

And, next, she met her new friend Liam. She's been waiting for Liam for many months. She insisted on hanging out with him on New Year's Eve, even when he was still in his Mom's belly:


















After checking Liam out, she was ready to start playing. Unfortunately, Liam still needs a little time to adjust to the world and isn't quite ready for a playdate with Lyla Quinn. The meeting ultimately resulted in a crying jag from Liam, and he had to be comforted by his Mom.

We are all very excited about Lyla's new buddies. It won't be long until 5 months of difference in age will be nothing at all!

Lyla's Laugh

Today brought an unexpected gift - the beautiful tinkle of Lyla's laugh. We were cuddling, and I kissed her cheeks and then I kissed her little neck and there it was...the sweet sound of her laugh.

I am amazed at how quickly she's changing, and each day brings something new and wonderful. Today is one of my favorites...I know I'll spend the rest of her first year trying to devise ways to elicit the sweetest sound I've ever heard.

By the way, word is that Jennifer is in labor today with Lyla's new cousin. We're all very excited!

Lyla's First Easter

Lyla's first Easter was a very special weekend for us because we are getting really excited about returning to Louisville.

We went to church with Nan and Grandpa Don, and Lyla got to wear her Easter dress and first pair of new shoes. We all thought she was a vision. :) Lyla spent most of Easter morning in the church nursery, and she was sleeping by the time we came back to get her. She woke up, though, so everyone at church was happy to get to meet her, especially David Emery, the minister who married us almost four years ago.

When we got home, we had a great afternoon with family. Nan and her sisters made an Easter cake for Lyla and Marmie brought her an Easter basket filled with lots of fun stuff including two new outfits! It was good to see everyone, especially a pregnant Jennifer who is three days past her due date with Lyla's next new cousin. We're all very excited!























Happy Easter!