Here's the Diehl

Look at how high off her belly this kid is getting? Time to start thinking about child proofing, I think.

Grandma bought a cute bootie and hat set for Julia way back last year at this time. I dug it out because preseason games are on and Brian is already up-to-date on what's going on with the team (what new fan sign will surpass 'horny for zorny' this year?) It's only size 0-3 months, but I thought since Julia has my little pinhead that the hat would surely still fit. It looks plenty large. And it is...except in circumference. It still is kinda cute though. Good thing she has her own pink Redskins jersey. I'm sure we'll see that in just a few weeks.

More and more sounds are coming from the mouth of this baby. The high-pitched squeaks are really cute.....for about 5 seconds. Sometimes she does that all day. Wanna babysit?

My dear friend Donna came to visit me. I haven't seen her since her oldest son (she has three!) was born. That was almost 5 years ago! She is the bravest woman I know, taking all three of her sons on a roadtrip from her home in Vermont around to 19 states. And she somehow made time to come to Virginia to visit Julia and I for a bit. This is Donna with her youngest son, Liam. And a photo of me with both Julia and Liam. Liam kept trying to put his arm around Julia. He's a ladies man already. I have to point out that he is also one month younger than Julia. Yes, younger. May 19 he was born. And, yes, he is as big as he looks....he makes Jules look like a wee tot.

Why didn't anyone tell me my hair looked so terrible? I finally made the time and went in for a super treat: a haircut, highlights, and a blow dry. Needless to say, I feel like a new person...and not the stay at home mom I've been feeling like. If only I could find the miracle cure for my exhaustion. It's hard work being a super mom! Before After

One of the best things about going back to work has been the ability for me to work from home twice a week. It does have its own set of challenges, but it's turning out really well. And Julia has been so great thus far, sitting with me while I work. She likes to offer feedback to some of my designs sometimes too.

We're just getting the hang out going out to dinner. There is a really small window of opportunity--usually about an hour--where we can eat dinner in a restaurant. The key is to find a place that is loud and with colorful interiors. Jaleo turned out really great. Julia likes to wear her best dresses. This dress happened to be one I wore as a baby. And notice what a big girl Ms. Julia is sitting up in the chair all by herself.

I've been experimenting with the new camera I bought Brian when we had Julia. It's a little Canon that has some manual features. Now you'd think that I'd remember how to shoot photographs from all my work in college. But digital is a little different. I'm having fun with it it though, and it's way less expensive than shooting film...and you can see what effects the images instantly on screen. I still prefer film for black and white (I think the photos are richer) but for working with my little model here, it's not too bad. Julia is definitely liking the camera these days, too. I've been playing with aperture. And flash. I think I like the photos that don't use the flash better. Natural light (like the ones above) are just so much softer than the camera flash (below)

Hands must taste really good. Julia sucks on her right hand so hard it now has a big callous and the skin is broken. She doesn't like the pacifier (I don't blame her) so we're trying to get her to suck other fingers or hand parts so her right hand will heal. She can only keep on her mickey mouse band aid for so long, you know.

Julia is working hard on her letter B's. I wish I could have recorded the sound.

We love to read together. Knuffle Bunny is one of our favorite stories.

Can you believe this baby is four months? I'm totally copying my good friend Jamie (Bridget's blog) and starting to take her photo each month with a little label to keep track. Enjoy!

Julia is laughing. She still gets the hiccups when she gets going. But it's the most beautiful sound in the world. This video does not do it justice.

Because Julia has been bouncing in our laps so much lately, we went ahead and bought her the next big toy. Big meaning it will take up precious floor space in our small home. But, she likes it so it doesn't matter. It's a stationary entertainer that she can spin around in, stand up on, and bounce. Once her legs reach the ground that is. She's still a little small for it...but likes it nonetheless. The extra bonus is that this was easy to put together.

This is the most bittersweet of posts. I went back to work this week. That is another reason why I haven't posted in a while. It felt good to get up and shower and get dressed in something besides a tshirt and shorts. But it was really hard to leave my baby. My office has been super supportive and given me the flexibility to work in the office 3 days and week and be home 2 days. So far, so good. Julia is adjusting well with her nanny. Well, better than I am adjusting. I've never been so excited to come home! But, I think things will work out. I hope to be a better mom and find a way to balance work and family. But I anticipate the next few weeks being a little rough. We're doing great though. Even if I haven't quite figured out how to make dinner and put away all the dishes the nights I am working. That will come though....I hope.

But then I get stuck. I'll just put my head down til someone flips me over.

I think Anna and Julia might some day be the best of friends. It's nice to have a girl cousin to play with. When Anna was visiting, she so wanted to help take care of Julia. She helped change her diapers, pick out her clothes, read her stories, push the stroller, and hold her. I sure do hope these two will share lots of times together as they grow up. Someone's got to show Julia the ropes.

Uncle Dave, Aunt Paula, Alex and Anna came to visit for the weekend. It was so great to have them finally meet Julia. And as a bonus, Mike, Karen, Sam and Thomas arrived from Seattle a day early. Needless to say, Grandma's house was packed full. We had a great time introducing Julia to all her relatives. Some of them might be a little crazy (nice hat Uncle Mike) but we're family and we always have fun together. We can't wait til we can do it again.

An accountant! Look at the cool colors on the dry erase board! And Daddy's office sure is cool. We snuck in a visit to Brian's office and said hello.

In case you are wondering if Bella takes naps during the day, she does.

We had brunch with our friends Jamie, Marc and Bridget at Evening Star Cafe. Bridget is almost exactly one year older than Julia. It's incredible to see where "we will be" one year from now. Marc was adamant about us enjoying the peace and quiet while we have it because once the walking starts....it's all over! There were lots of raves about the french toast (it's the best next to my dad's). I kept telling Julia she can try it next year....if we are willing to share it with her!

We have been busy. Since August started, we have been running around trying to wrap up some home projects before my dreaded start as a working mom. We finally got the first level of our house in shape (which included disconnecting our internet and phone for 2 weeks). So, now that we're back on line we can catch up with what's been going on.