Barbeques & Parades

We had a fantastic Memorial Day weekend with Stella. We watched the Ski to Sea parade just down the street from our house, barbequed with friends and with family and spent a whole lot of time playing in the garden. The weather was glorious, and Stella seemed to enjoy hangin' out in her summer duds.

Stella loved hanging with her buddy Scarlet during the parade. Both girls wowed the crowds with their sun bonnets.

Touching the world.

Stella is enamored by her gorgeous Aunt Mandy.

Grandpa Harte and Stella examine a bottle of Stella Artois.

Stella actually enjoyed her first Memorial Day weekend - in utero, of course - with our dear friends Yiannis (pictured) and Kyriakos (taking the picture) when they visited from Greece. It's amazing to think that just one year ago we were eagerly awaiting the wee Scout's arrival!

204 Months + 9 1/2 Months

Stella helped our dear friend Abby celebrate her seventeenth birthday on Sunday. Happy Birthday, Aboo! We love you to bits, and Stella Scout thinks you're rad.

And Stella would like to send out a special first birthday wish to her buddy Ava Jane in Berkeley. We love you!

A Cow Says Moo

We spent a lovely day at Hovander Park in Ferndale today with Stella's buddy, Isaac, and his folks, Kris and Lena. It was absolutely glorious weather, and the babes had a blast hanging out on the picnic blanket under the shade and looking at all the barnyard animals. (Not only is Stella mastering the skill of standing all by herself, she's perfecting the art of nose picking. Yum.)

Happy Mama's Day!

Well Intentioned Sap Warning: I can't tell you how fortunate I feel to be Stella Scout's Mama. While there are certainly challenges that come with parenting such an engaged little sprite, I honestly feel as though I've won the lottery every night when I go to sleep. Thank you, Stella. You're helping me become the person I've wanted to be for so many years. You enrich my life endlessly. I love you!

Stella celebrated Mother's Day in Seattle. We visited with family, went to the zoo and played on the swings with cousins Eva Maria and Olivia. Stella Scout sends out a special Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing mamas out there, especially Grandma Carol and Grandma Jannie.

Swings rock.

Stella is completely mesmerized and amused by Poppy's mustache.

Here Stella explains to Papa why the gorillas at the zoo are so fascinating. (Honestly, Stella seemed more interested in the human critters than all the animals. We understand.)

Oh Happy Day

It's simply impossible to be grumpy when you're greeted by this smiling face after nap time.

Is it just me or does Stella look like Austin Powers here? Yeah, baby!

Reachin' Out

Stella is on the verge of walking. She basically walks around the kitchen (and the house), using the cabinets, chairs and walls as support. While she's still pretty wobbly , it's wonderful to see her reach out and take a few steps on her own. She's an independent Scout, for sure.

Happy Nine Months!

At nine months, Stella is pure joy. Okay, she's pretty squirrelly during diaper changes. But she's loving life these days, and we feel so unbelievably lucky to be able to love her and watch her grow. Happy nine months, Stella Scout!