Nine Months

Monroe is nine months old, and she is everywhere.  She is pulling herself up on everything and standing for periods of time by herself.  She is becoming more independent, playing with her toys and 'talking' to her babies and stuffed animals.  She also likes feeding herself, although I'm not ready for the mess this brings.   

Standing in the bath

Monroe loves her tongue

All bundled up

 

Nine months old

Monroe makes this scrunchy face all the time.  I love it!

New Toys

Zach and I splurged buying gifts for each other this Christmas.  He got me a new camera.

It is a Cannon Powershot SX40 HS.  I love the pictures that it takes.  I am planning to take a photography class next month, so I can learn how to use it effectively.  

I got Zach a snowblower.

He hasn't really gotten to use it because it has been gorgeous.  I do not like snow, and I would never wish for it.  However, this year it better snow a lot, so that this gift is worth the money.

Runcie Christmas

Christmas with the Runcies didn't start until December 30th.  It was nice to spread out Christmas because the holidays seemed to last longer, and no one was rushed to get to another celebration.

Monroe was everywhere, as always.  She has now started standing on her own for short periods of time.

Auntie Julie bought Monroe some bath toys, so she had to open them early and then take a bath.

Bath time has never been so fun!

She enjoyed opening gifts...

but the box was the best part.

New Year's Eve

Great Grandma got her her first dolly.  She loves it!

Another family picture

I guess our new goal is to see how goofy our pictures can be.

New Year's Day

Opening her stocking at Great Grandma and Grandpa's

The young pups

Monroe and Dedrick playing with their new toys

Grandma and Grandpa with their grandchildren and great grandchildren

Happy New Year!

We had a wonderful weekend with Zach's immediate and extended family.  It was a great way to finish 2011 and begin 2012.

First tooth

Monroe has her first tooth.  It popped through on December 18th.  We didn't even know it was coming, which was a blessing.  I hadn't blogged about it because I was trying to get a picture.  I finally got one yesterday.  She is working on a second tooth right now.

Burkle Christmas

Monroe and Kaiya eating cars.

Kaiya and Jensen with Grandpa                                               Karter and his cars

Opening Presents

Monroe loved the beads

Jensen's new hat

Kaiya loved her new baby

Jess and Karter looking at his new book.

The boys are trying to figure out how to get their gift cards out of the box mazes.

Opening presents was chaotic this year.  The kids were everywhere, and they wanted to play with their new toys.  I think next year we should open the adult presents after the kids go to bed.

The Aftermath

Grandma and Grandpa bought the kids matching pajamas.  This is our attempt at a picture.

Kaiya and Monroe

Megan made each of the kids a pillow bed.  They loved jumping, rolling, and wrestling on them.  Monroe even got in on the action.

It was so fun to watch the little ones play and interact with each other, but I think the adults had even more fun.  Once the kids were in bed, the party started.  We were brought to tears laughing many times.   I always look forward to time with my family, and this time was one of the best.  Thanks everyone! 

Merry Christmas from the Burkle kids.

Christmas Eve

First family Christmas

Ready for church

 Monroe and Dedrick

Changing into my pjs

I love these pictures!  Grandma was getting her to laugh so hard.

New cousins on the way

Monroe is going to have two new cousins.  Kaiya's dad and mom (my brother and sister-in-law) are expecting their second baby in February.  They don't know what they are having, so we can't wait to see  if it's a boy or girl.  It will be fun to watch Kaiya go from the baby to the big sister.
The other cousin will be the first on Zach's side of the family.  Dustin and Julie are expecting their first child in June.  We are so excited for them to experience parenthood.
The future is going to be fun watching all of these cousins grow up together.