It Walks!

This is the best video we could get of Evie walking. She's walked farther and better, but those with kids will know the second you try to replicate those results on video they clam up worse than....well, something that clams up really bad. Anyway, enjoy!

Evie's Birthday Party

Kiley made these cupcakes from scratch. She even created three different flavors: chocolate, vanilla, and raspberry. Who knew she could do this? Certainly not Daddy, who never gets homemade cupcakes....

This sweet little girl is Lucy, the daughter of Kevin and Shekira (one of Kiley's co-workers). She is about 8 months old and weighs over 20 pounds. Recently, Evie went to the doctor and was weighed in at 18 pounds. We have such a petite little girl...

Luke Little looking not so little and a topless Evie. I hope this isn't the start of a trend!

We had all our local friends over to help celebrate Evie's birthday. There were many kids there, a lot of food, and plenty of drinks (more for the parents than the kids). Evie enjoyed all the extra attention and was very tired by the end of the day.

Thanks to everyone who attended and for all the cool toys, books, and clothes. She's been spoiled beyond belief.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EVIE!

I know it sounds cliche, but, wow, has time flown! It is hard to believe that Evie is now one year old. In her first year she's seen space shuttles, zoos, and several beaches. She's boated across Tampa Bay, driven up to Atlanta (three times) and moved into a new home (We Mallards tend to do all the big things at once, it seems). And of course, she's been spoiled and loved on by everyone around her.

We couldn't have made it without our wonderful family and friends!

Happy Birthday to our sweet Evie Grace!

Namesake

On Friday, July 17, Blake's mother, aunt and grandmother came for a quick visit. This was the first time Connie and Nan met Evie (who shares Nan's first name, Evelyn). We had drinks at our house, then headed to Ruby Tuesday for dinner. Though very quick, we enjoyed seeing everyone.

Four generations (r to l): Nanny Evelyn (Blake's grandmother), Dorene (Nan's daughter/Blake's mother), Blake and Evelyn (in middle).

All the girls (l to r): Dorene, Aunt Connie (Dorene's sister), Nan and Evie (in middle).

Dinner at Ruby Tuesday

Nan and me

Beach Day

On July 11, our good friends Brian and Debbie invited us to come down to their beach house in St. Teresa for the day. We had a blast and felt very relaxed after our day by the sea! Thanks, Brian and Deb!

Evie: This is the life!

"Uncle" Brian and Miss Evie

Ready to go swimming with Daddy.

Evie's first swim in the Gulf!

What a perfect day!

Evie's First Fourth

Independence Day was extra special this year as it was Evie's first. We celebrated by having some good friends over for dinner (Maranda thank you for the awesome pork barbeque!). Then we walked down to our community's Central Park for a fireworks display that was (surprisingly) very good. All in all, a very happy Fourth of July!


Evie all dressed up for her first Fourth of July!

Evie to Daddy: Just take the picture already!

Ready to go see my first fireworks display!

Getting ready to hoof it to Central Park (l to r): Michael Kinsey, Lauren Kinsey, Brayden Foskey, Blake and Jonathan Foskey (not pictured but also along for the event, Maranda Foskey, Brittney Edgeworth, Kiley and Evie.)

11 Months

Evie turned 11 months on June 30. My how the time is flying! The latest development is that she has sprouted 4 teeth. The first (bottom right) appeared June 14. The second (bottom left) about two weeks later. She cut the top two on the same day, Thursday, July 2nd. Other accomplishments include waving hi (often with both hands, something her Mallard Grandpa taught her), saying Mama and Dada to the appropriate party, drinking whole milk and standing on her own for 2 or 3 seconds at a time.

As we head into the last month of her first year, it is simply unbelievable how much she has grown and changed. Babies and children are truly a miracle from God, and I feel blessed to be able to watch her grow.