Happy Birthday, Castor!

Castor turned one on Saturday and the Schoors had a party at their house to celebrate. While we were there Bianca had lots of fun. She played in the pool of balls with Riley, pulled around a bouquet of balloons, had an adorable pink balloon flower made for her, and received a big hug from Francesca. She was having such a good time that she wouldn't really look at the camera while we were taking pictures - too many distractions!

Riley is getting so big and SO cute!

Francesca loves to give Bianca hugs... it is really sweet!

Paper cups - yummy?

Happy Birthday, CJ!

Children's Discovery Museum

With temperatures still relatively high out here, Tina and I decided to take Bianca and CJ to the LIED Children's Discovery Museum. The kids had a lot of fun exploring in the desert oasis exhibit. They were also entertained watching some of the other exhibits that they were too little to participate in just yet like making ice cream, creating large bubbles, etc. It was definitely a nice break from the heat and something the kids should enjoy for years to come!

9 Month Update: Bianca now weighs 17.4 lbs (25% percentile) and is 28 inches long (55% percentile).

Behind door #2 is... a turtle!

Looking at the bats and birds hanging from the mobile above.

Our baby is getting sooo big!

Hi, Castor!

California Girl

Well, you had to figure that it wouldn't be long until we were back to CA again with so many of our friends and family members out there. Bianca had a fantastic time helping her Grandmom Zarin in the garden... actually "help" may not be the best word to describe what she did to some of the roses but, she had a great time and no one seemed to mind. She loved the cool weather and the ocean air! We were also really fortunate to spend time with my dear friend, Becky, who lives out in Virginia. She was in town with her boyfriend visiting some of his friends/family and we were able to coordinate our trips. This was the first time Bianca was able to meet her "Aunt" Becky and she loved her as much as we all do. In addition, Mark and I were able to go out together and leave the little munchkin with her grandparents over the course of the weekend, which is always such a blessing for the two of us. None of us can wait to head back out again!

Bianca in Action

Just a couple cute videos of our little munchkin in action... Enjoy!

Mimi + Auntie P = Great Fun for Bianca

We were very lucky to have both Mimi and Aunt Parissa come to visit us recently. Bianca had so much fun playing with both of them and I was so grateful for the extra help with the baby. Parissa took Bianca in the pool, which she loves, and Mimi made Bianca laugh just by looking at her in a way only grandmothers can.
As far as updates on Bianca go, she is now talking A LOT. Mostly da-da-da or ba-ba-ba, ya-ya-ya, ma-ma (you get the point). She is also getting pretty good at balancing herself. I stood her up at My Gym the other day and let go just to see what would happen. To my surprise, she just continued to stand there. So, she seems to be growing and developing well in our eyes but, we will get the official stamp of approval at her 9 month check-up in September.

These little giggles are the best!

8-Month-Old Cutie Pie!

Our little cutie pie turned 8 months old last week! I keep telling Mark that before we know it, we are going to be celebrating her first birthday. Time sure does fly when there is a baby in the house! Bianca is pretty much up to the usual - crawling, pulling herself up on everything, screaming, babbling, trying to eat the dog's food...
Parissa came to visit us last week for a couple of days. Bianca was sooo excited to see her again! We took Auntie P with us to My Gym and then out for some yummy Mexican food. We took lots of pictures at My Gym but, most turned out blurry because Bianca was on the move. Fortunately, Parissa is coming back to see us this week before heading back to Charleston.
Enjoy the pictures!

Bianca and "Auntie P".

Bianca concentrating during the hanging exercise.

This is Bianca's favorite toy at My Gym - the blue fitness ball. She finds it no matter where it is and bee-lines for it. I need to get her one for home!

Getting tickled by Daddy!

Showing off her bloomers...

Happy baby!

Cheerios

Bianca has been working on her pincer grasp recently with these tiny cheerios. Some of her favorite foods right now are papaya, bananas, and YoBaby yogurt (she really goes crazy for that!).