Shots from the yard

"Little Bee"

From the time we found out we were pregnant with Abbie, we have called her the "little bee." Well, I guess I should say that I (RA) call her that more than Scott, but he has his moments. You can even see this in the age counter at the top of the blog. She IS my little bee--SO cute, but sometimes a bit of a stinger. It's probably the red hair or the inevitably inherited Italian temper.

Speaking of inherited Italian things, when we were in Richmond a few weeks ago, Scott's mom had posted a history of the "Apicella" name. It is basically one of those things printed on a certificate that tells you what it means and where it came from.

LO AND BEHOLD, the Apicella name means "Litte Bee."

Weird. Who knew?

Crazy Hair!

Professional Pictures

Snow Day

We had snow about a week ago. I think everyone who reads this knows already. We stayed in our jammies all day and built a cool tunnel with blankets and chairs.
Here are some highlights from our snow days.

Christmas in Richmond

We spent 5 days in Richmond with Scott's family and my sister's family over the Christmas holiday. It was so nice to just sit and relax and not think about anything except our family.

This is from Christmas morning BEFORE presents were opened. Abbie was just glad to have found the remote.


Abbie helping Scott open his present from her. It's a book about Daddy's hugs.
Christmas evening we visited my sister's house where Abbie received the hit present of the day: a shopping cart that sings and has several objects for losing. You can see on her face how much she loves it. It has helped Abbie practice walking, as she still isn't doing it by herself. Argh.

A couple nights after Christmas, we went to Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens to look at their annual Christmas lights. They have a room with a bunch of trains in it and Abbie LOVED it.
The end of a long day. . .

Christmas at our house

Getting A Christmas Tree!

The Abster!!!

Abbie is growing so fast! I'm more excited now for those who haven't seen her recently than when she was first born. Her personality is coming out more and more and she is starting to become a little girl. Life is wonderful with her and she is a blessing. Here are a few random pictures of her, giving you a glimpse of who she is today.

Waitin' for Gramakat

Happy Halloween!

Although Abbie is still not walking, or eating candy for that matter, we decided it would be fun to dress her up and take pictures anyway. I wouldn't want her to grow up and realize that she missed out on her first real Halloween.

That could be at least two sessions in therapy.
So, we're saving her money.
We're just looking out for her future.

She's not so sure about this. Is it weird that Scott is laughing? ?GET ME OUT OF HERE!!!
Finally, a place of security. . .

Does my hand taste as good as candy?
Wait! Is someone coming? How embarassing!!!
Thank goodness it's over! I'm getting away while I can!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ABBIE!

So, it was one year ago today that our sweet Abbie was born. It has been the most amazing and wonderful experience of our lives. Parents always say that and I didn't get it until we had her. She is a daily joy and we praise the Lord for her everyday. We never realized how deeply we could love someone until she entered our lives.

So, since she's been alive for 12 months, these are the 12 things we love about her.

1. There are times when we are holding her that she will turn our face to hers, gaze up at us, and lean in for a kiss.

2. She will put her head on our shoulder and just rest there. (This is new. Since the day she was born, she has held her head completely stiff.)

3. Her toothy grin.

4. When we get her up in the morning, she acts like it's the most exciting part of her day.

5. When she goes to bed, she will talk to herself in the bed and say "da, da, da" and "ma, ma, ma," like she's thinking about us before she goes to sleep.

6. We love how much books will entertain her. She prefers them to any toy.

7. Any kind of music makes her smile. Especially when she can play it herself.

8. Her infectious laugh, which she blesses us with all the time.

9. Her dimples.

10. Her beautiful red hair, and the personality that goes with it.

11. She imitates any noise we make and laughs about it.

12. She is ours and truly makes our lives worthwhile.

Happy Birthday, sweet one.

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