Random Rachel Shots - August and September

Rachel's angelic, obedient, "I'll never cause trouble" pose

When Rachel heard how poorly one of Daddy's fantasy football teams was doing, she instinctively tried to push the "reset" button for him.

Special thanks to Ray Neufeldt for a special delivery of GORP a few weeks ago. (For those unfamiliar with the acronym, "GORP" stands for "good ol' raisins and peanuts," which is a must-have for football-watching Sundays.)

"Check my pants - really!"

Rachel with one of her favorite fellow Packer fans - her Uncle Philip



Rachel's self-made "crash" helmet



Playing in the yard with the magic ball vortex



"OK - so when I'm 21, I can fill this bottle with a special drink. Got it."



Rachel enjoying Grandpa H.'s company on one of her last days as an only child

Rachel on her first birthday

Possible reasons why Rachel was smiling so brightly on her first birthday:
1) Still an only child


2) A new house with an even bigger room for her to call her own


3) Fun presents from relatives near and far


4) The sweet smell of birthday cake

5) The even sweeter taste of birthday cake
6) See #'s 4 and 5

From the July archives

For those unaware, Paul is a big fan of even-numbered days, and today just happens to be 10/10/10. What better day to FINALLY get caught up with picture uploading than a day that is literally a "perfect 10?"

From the archives - not long before our camera went on the disabled list, actually - here are some fun shots of Rachel enjoying one of her last baths as a downtown resident and helping with our packing process:

"Look Mom - one arm!"

There are times when Rachel looks a whole lot like her Daddy.
This just happens to be one of those times.

"Try folding the laundry now!"

"Sure, I'll pack this box for you..."

".....SUCKERS!"

A Camera-less Update

Unfortunately, Mommy and Daddy's camera hasn't been feeling well lately, so today's LONG overdue update will be of the text-only variety.

The three of us are enjoying our new house. So much more space for me to explore. I especially love going into the backyard and playing on my slide and swing. If I even see my swing from an inside window, I just have to get out there!

And speaking of getting places, I'm now getting places on my own two feet. It's been fun for Mommy and Daddy to watch me walk - fear not, pictures of me on two feet will eventually be forthcoming - and I really enjoy my new perspective on the world. I'm sure it won't be long before I'm running...but Mommy and Daddy certainly aren't in any hurry for those days to come!

In addition to walking, I'm also having fun with talking. My favorite words are "up," "down," "ball," "eyes," "book," "baby," "block, "duck," and "sock." Of course, I talk at almost ever chance I get - Mommy and Daddy just aren't able to understand all of my complex language quite yet. They'll get there...someday.

Oh, and I just celebrated my first birthday. I had a nice dinner and cake with Mommy and Daddy, but I got LOTS of fun gifts from all sorts of nice people. I can't wait for more birthdays....and more birthday cake!

And now that my first birthday has come and gone, Mommy and Daddy are getting ready to celebrate another "birth" day pretty soon - for my new sister or brother. My baby sister or brother is supposed to born around September 26th, but I suppose it could be any day now. So much excitement to think about!

I wish I could share more pictures with you, but I know Mommy and Daddy are still at the mercy of "the Geek Squad" when it comes to the camera getting fixed. Just know that we're all doing well...I'm taking very good care of them!


Love,


Rachel

More Random Fun

These days, every day is an adventure for an energetic 11-month-old like me. Inside, outside, I love it all!

I'm ever-so-close to walking...but in the meantime, I enjoy doing the splits while counting my fingers. It's never too early to start learning how to multi-task, you know.

Daddy adores this picture...he has good taste.

I just saved a bunch of money on my car insurance!

July 4th weekend in Waupaca

A week before Mommy and Daddy pulled off their big moving trick, the three of us were able to sneak up to Waupaca for a few days around the 4th of July. And not only did we get to see Grandma and Grandpa Handrich, we also got to spend time with Uncle Eric, Aunt Jen, and my super fun cousins Jack and Audrey. What more can a girl ask for?

Red, white, and blue - we know what color threads to wear!

I LOVE the water!

Yes, it is legal to be this cute.

Bonding with my Aunt Jen (while sucking every last drop of a watermelon slice, of course)

Mommy and Jack trying to read the break of the green...Tom Thumb mini-golf has some tricky holes from what I've heard. Hopefully I'll be old enough someday to find out for myself.

Playing catch-up

Mommy and Daddy have been seriously negligent with their website updating duties lately...I heard them use some excuse about moving. I don't know what all the fuss is about - I loved playing with the mountains of boxes, and I'm having a great time in my new house!

Just call me "boxy lady"...

"I can really get used to this house - it's even got a concrete walkway to the front door. Perfect for banging and skinning my knees...I hope Mommy and Daddy didn't forget to buy Band-Aids."

"And of course, a picture of my favorite movers and me."