Some more firsts...

Just a quick update from Arizona---

Rylie is doing great. I (Sara) am back at work and Rylie is now in daycare. After some initial adjustments, she is continuing to amaze us with her adaptability. She seems really happy to be around other children again and is starting to talk up a storm. Last week when Adam came home from work, she crawled over to him and said "Dada." And today when I was putting her in her carseat, she touched my chest and said "Mama." We're not really sure how much she is associating yet, but we like to believe that she is.

We had a fun week starting out with a trip to the train park. Rylie got to go on her first carousel ride with her Cousin Micah and Cousin Jordyn. She loved it!

Rylie also had her first professional pictures taken. We don't have any legal means of posting them on here since we didn't buy the CD, but we will tell you that she LOVED the camera!

Later in the week, Rylie had her first friend come to visit for the weekend. Rylie's friend, Jordyn, came with her Mommy and Daddy to visit. Rylie and Jordyn had lots of fun playing together. We went to the Zoo and had lots of fun dinners out. Here are Rylie and Jordyn at the zoo. They even got to taste Mommy and Daddy's ICEEs- I know, not very healthy, but they only had a few little tastes! No shocker, both girls loved it!

Aside from the ICEE, Rylie has been devouring table food. She's been pretty picky when it comes to baby food, so we're hoping the addition of table food resolves our eating issues. So far, she basically eats any table food I have put in front of her- including: cut up fruit, cheese, crackers, steamed vegetables, and of course, Rylie's new favorites- Avocado and Cheese Quesadillas. After all, she is an Arizona girl now!

That's all from AZ. Hope you are all well....

Three weeks home...

It's hard to believe it has only been three weeks since we've been home. Rylie has settled in and completely taken over our house. It's hard to even remember what life was like before Rylie, it seems as if she has always been here.

Rylie loves the park, music, and the grocery store!

Here are some pictures from the past few days.

Rylie basically refuses to nap in her crib anymore. This was supposed to be naptime before our big outing...

No nap, but we still headed off to the Carefree Fine Art and Wine Festival with "Aunt" Deborah and "Uncle" Jack. Good wine, live music, beautiful weather, and a little fudge. Rylie definitely enjoyed herself.A few trips to the park.And Rylie loves her puffs! Endless entertainment....

Until next time....

Life in Phoenix

Just a quick update on life in Phoenix.

Rylie is doing amazingly well. She is now sleeping through the night again-- which is very exciting, though she seems less interested in naps these days. We've been enjoying the sunshine and spending lots of time going on walks and to the park, and getting Rylie into a routine.

Here are a few picture from the past week.

As you can see, we've made a lot of progress in the bathtime department!

This was a good thing for Rylie's big day last Sunday- she officially became Jewish with a dip in the mikvah. Considering how much she has hated her baths, we were pretty skeptical about how much she would like it. We were very pleasantly surprised- she loved it. Everyone was paying attention to her and she was naked- which are two of her favorite things!

The spectators....

Rylie's first Shabbat at home

with her own candlesticks, kiddush cup, and tzedakah box!

Rylie also enjoyed her first Redskins playoff game (and last for this season!)

This is what Rylie looks like after enjoying one of her teething biscuits. She's also become pretty into feeding herself the cheerio like puffs.

Rylie loves her leap frog learning table!

That's all from Phoenix.

Love to everyone...

Settling in...

Here are some pictures from the past few days. Rylie continues to amaze us with how well she is adapting to her new life. She is extremely curious about everything and seems intrigued by some of what we consider the most simple things, but are all new to her- like the garage door opener, remote controls, electric toothbrushes, and the washing machine. She has been out to eat a few times and even taken a trip to the Phoenix Science Center. Enjoy...

Airport pictures---

Rylie's homecoming... (it filled almost the entire waiting area of Terminal 2 at Sky Harbor Airport.)

Cousin Jordyn was so excited to meet "Baby Rylie." Pictures of our arrival in Phoenix (yes- I was crying.)
Seeing Daddy again!

And meeting Nana!

And meeting Auntie Bethany and Cousin Micah! Rylie meets G.G.!Even "Aunt" Deborah and "Uncle" Jack came to the airport to meet Rylie!Rylie already loves her two cousins!

Rylie with Jordyn and Micah at the Science Center--

Rylie's first trip for Mexican food... New Year's Eve at El Encanto (with spinach enchiladas, but they are officially off the menu as of today...)Dining with Micah--
Rylie modeling one of her outfits that Mommy purchased on an "Adam-free" Sunday in Astana.New Year's Day at the park. And no snowsuit made for a very happy Rylie--

That's all from Phoenix.
Love to everyone---