The Bear Is On The Move!

Watch out world!  Last night, L'ie Bear joined the mobile world and began crawling.  Of course, she did not get too far and it is clear that she was not quite sure what is happening yet, but you better believe I am putting down February 28, 2012 as the date she "First started crawling" in her baby book.

For the past few weeks, L'ie has been teasing us.  She was quite comfortable on her hands and knees and often times looked as if she were going to start moving forward.  But, it never quite happened.  She would either push herself backwards or she would straighten out a leg for balance and then sit back down.

As a first time parent, my biggest fear was that she would begin crawling while Chad and I were away on vacation earlier this month, but obviously she understood how important it was that I get to see her move for the first time because she waited!

Suddenly, a few days ago, L'ie began to move her hands further out in front of her and we realized it was just a matter of time before the knees followed.  And yesterday, while Chad was napping, those knees began keeping up with the hands.  I couldn't believe it, and I think I might have scared her a bit with my cheering and clapping.  As soon as Chad was awake, she moved a short distance again!  And this time she did not seem to mind when we cheered and clapped!

Shockingly, I was so caught up and thrilled with this new milestone, that I completely forgot to take photos or videotape any of those first uncertain crawls.  But, we quickly remedied that problem.  I hope you enjoy watching the Bear crawl as much as I have

(Note: this video was taken earlier this evening and the Bear already seems a little more confident in her crawling skills)

L'ie Bear turns 11 Months Old!!

It seems like I just finished writing up a 10 month blog post for L'ie Bear, and here I am writing an 11 month post!  Time really is moving too fast, but we did manage to have some fun and new experiences this month.

At the end of January, Chad, Li'e Bear and I decided to take advantage of the fact that we live close to DC and we headed in for a walk around the National Mall.  Things were going smoothly.  There was no traffic on the way in and we found the perfect parking spot a block away from the Capital building.  But then we realized that the wind had really picked up, and of course, we forgot to bring a blanket or coat for L'ie.  So our planned walk around the mall quickly turned into a walk through the Botanical Gardens.  It was nice and warm in there, the flowers were beautiful and all three of us still managed to have a great time!

But the highlight of that day was when L'ie Bear rode in her new big girl car seat!  Chad installed it that morning and we crossed our fingers that she would like the change.  I even made sure to keep LuLu, a yellow duck on her infant car seat, within reach, but she had no interest in toys.  All she wanted to do was stare out the window, which is something she really couldn't do before!  She still seems to be a bit tall for the seat and has had a hard time finding a comfortable position to sleep, but all in all, she seem to enjoy the change.

A few days later, the Bear experienced something new when she helped her dad brew another batch of beer.  In honor of her upcoming birthday, Chad decided it was time to start working on getting some beer ready for her party.  So, he chose a Dunkelweizen and plans to name it "Bear's Paw Brew"!  There are many steps and it takes most of an afternoon to make, but L'ie was more than happy to help.  She certainly handled that spoon like a pro!

Finally, last weekend we took the Bear up to Pennsylvania to visit her Fisher/Medlin family.  We spent the day at Chad's Aunt Kathy and Uncle Brad's house.  While we were there, L'ie got to see her Great Granny, quite a few 1st cousins, and even two of her 2nd cousins, Macy & Roxy!

It was really fun visiting with so many family members, and I especially loved watching the Bear interact with her little cousins. Macy is a few years older, and doted on L'ie.  Roxy is two months younger, and is almost walking, so it was great to see L'ie watching her move!  Hopefully she took good notes!

After a delicious dinner and another MGM photo session, we packed everything back up to head home.  It is amazing how much stuff you need to take an 11 month old out for the day.  But before we left, Chad, L'ie Bear, Chad's Grandmother, and Chad's Uncle Brad got together and posed for a photo.  What a wonderful moment!  

4 Generations of Fishers!

With one month to go before we celebrate L'ie Bear's first birthday, I cannot help looking back at the past eleven months and it is a little overwhelming to think about all of things that have happened.  Chad and I have been very fortunate to be able to introduce the Bear to so many of our family and friends and also to go through so many experiences with her in our arms.  Part of me is sad to see this first year quickly come to an end, but the other part says "Bring on year #2!"   

Will You Be My Valentine?

 Today has definitely been the best Valentine's Day ever!  After enjoying a rare chance to wake L'ie Bear up, Chad surprised her with a new V-day shirt.  It was perfect for the day, and I was especially impressed that he went to a Toys R Us, all by himself, to pick it out.

Since I had to work, L'ie was scheduled to go to daycare.  She spent 4 hours playing with other kids and really seemed to enjoy herself.  We are certainly blessed to have found such a great daycare provider, who allows us to bring her on an as-needed basis.

Once my morning in court was over, I picked L'ie up.  I still had to get some valentine's goodies for Chad, so the Bear and I jumped in the car, turned up the radio, and ran some errands.  After that, we headed home for a much needed nap.  

Chad surprised us again by coming home early, so we decided to exchange gifts before dinner.  L'ie Bear got a new stacking toy and Chad even gave her a rose.  I think it is so sweet that her first Valentine's Day flower came from her dad, and I hope this is a tradition that continues as she gets older!  

One rose for mommy and one rose for L'ie

Once we finished opening gifts, we headed out to our favorite Mexican restaurant, the Hacienda El Paso Mexican Grill, for dinner.  Chad and I chose the restaurant because they were having a live mariachi singer and L'ie loves their refried beans!  The singer was VERY loud, but it turned out to be perfect, because the Bear was able to make as much noise as she wanted without disturbing any other tables.  Plus, she really enjoyed watching and listening to the singer.  Perhaps we do have a budding musician in our future!  We finished the dinner with an ice cream sundae and sopapillas, and we even gave L'ie her first small taste of ice cream.  She is a big fan.  (Note: Boy will her birthday be a fun event)

The Bear at dinner!

Understandably, L'ie Bear was exhausted by the end of the day and is now fast asleep in her bed.   And after spending the day/evening with my two loves, I am certain that I could not have asked for a better Valentine's Day!   Nearly 8 years ago, everything changed for the better when I agreed to spend my future with the love of my life.  And nearly 1 year ago, we welcomed L'ie Bear into the world, I suddenly had another love in my life and once again everything changed for the better.  Many things will change over the years, but the one thing that will remain constant is the love I feel for my sweet little family!  Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Photo taken right after Chad proposed on May 12, 2004

Photo taken during a family outing on January 29, 2012.