Won't you be my valentine?

With this little love bug around there is plenty of love to share! We shared our gifts early in the evening before Jacob had to dash to his EMT class and Kjera enjoyed wine/chocolate/movie with a friend. Kjera got spoiled with a new iphone and Jacob got honey whiskey and a King Street Ramblers CD. Augie was feeling the love from his Grammy and Papa Strom with two perfect gifts!

Who is sweeter than you?

HAPPY Valentines Day!

Checking out the gifts from Grammy and Papa!

These baby books are SO funny!

Will you by my valentine?

Spooning!

We are bravely allowing Augustus to try out using a spoon, and he's doing pretty well! If he gets a little help loading it up, he does pretty well finding it a good home. Here he's enjoying some broccoli/califlower/carrot medley. Rio also enjoys helps with the clean-up process, which can be extensive.

Yum! Yum!

Like this?

Actually, this is much easier!

Date Night

Ah, how times have changed! Now a romantic evening at the Strom-Henrie home consists of giving the crock pot a rest for the night (and giving Jacob lots of lunch leftovers), cuddling up on our new IKEA couch and staying up late enough to finish a whole movie. This gem was (finally!) Breaking Dawn, Part I. Thank you, Jacob!

Swing on by!

Yes, it is winter in Jackson Hole. That doesn't mean the little guys doesn't need some fresh air each day. Some days we take a walk down to the community garden, sometimes we stroll along the bike path, and sometimes we just play on the porch!

Keep pushing Daddy!

The smile that makes me want to quit my job.

(play the giggle track)

Stand Tall

Augustus is experimenting with balance and standing. Is this "step one" to walking? He is mastering the ability to use his booty and belly to balance along the couch. Here he's doing some dance moves and his "So big!" pose.

Ready or not!

"So big!"

Food Glorious Food!

We continue to enjoy our Bountiful Basket orders, but we may take this next week off to catch up on our stash! ASH got the book Eating the Rainbow from Grammy and Papa for his birthday, and I'd say he's doing a great job!

The fixings for the guacamole that finally pushed the baby's spice tolerance limit.
It went like this: bite, bite, whimper, bite, bite, whimper, suck down water, bite . . .

Snack time!

What's for dinner?

ONE Moment in Time

When we heard that our friend Erin was offering photo shoots as she begins her own photography business, we thought it would be a great opportunity to document our ONE year mark! Jacob and I were stumped by her question of "urban or nature locale?" We asked to go a little more urban considering that we'll have plently of natural photos in our quiver/Shutterfly. Yes, it was a chilly morning snooping around downtown Salt Lake, but these photos were well worth it! We had so much fun and are honored to be a part of her promising portfolio. Check it out!

Pilgrimage to SLC

We trekked down to Salt Lake City for the perfect storm of AWESOME. The Kuestners were going to be in town, we needed to "warm" the new Nuetzel home, we had yet to meet our friend Milo (he's new), Erin was offering photo shoots this month, AND we are overhauling our living room with IKEA goodies. Because all these factors came together for the same weekend, we rallied for the quick trip, which, as Jacob liked to point out, all took place in less time than I was in labor (the same weekend last year).

What's this green stuff?

Hanging with the gang!

Talking fire with baby Milo.

Beauty rest after the photo shoot.

Brunch bunch.

PLAYER!

Our precious baby toddler is busy exploring our home in lots of fun ways! He can now reach every part of the couch, so no cell phone or remote is safe. We use only travel coffee mugs--even in the house. The litter box is the most fascinating toy in the joint. And, we've never had more fun!

Using his scooter from Santa as a walker.

Heading up the stairs.

What's new, Rio?

LOVE the new hammer toy from Maeve!

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

One of the many benefits of having a one-year-old, is that he has NO idea what the whole birthday thing is about. When Jacob had to dash off to his EMT class before we opened gifts on the big day, it was no big deal. In fact, we waited until Saturday to BEGIN opening presents. Honestly, there are still three wrapped at the house. This was fun though because we got to skype in Grammy, Papa, Uncle Tomtom, Auntie Tata and "the nugget" (not to mention Sneaky, Babs, Bucky and Lola!).

Let the games begin!

Moments before he crawled in the box.

You can have your cake . . .

In my ongoing efforts to be the best mother I can be (which some days isn't so hot), I am being pretty conservative on the types of foods Augie is eating. He hasn't had much in the form of dairy or carbs, but he really loves so many kinds of other foods. Needless to say, I was a little stumped when I thought about what to serve for the classic "1st birthday cake" photos. I decided to go with a banana oat whole wheat cupcake with cream cheese frosting. Let's just say, I heard no complaints from the birthday boy!

Look WHOOO's one!

Starts by licking all the frosting off.

Taking time to savor every mouthful!

Want some?

SO BIG!!!

12 months

Wow. My mind has trouble processing the fact that Jacob and I are parents of a one-year-old! We still like to snuggle him up and remind him of how he is our precious baby boy, meanwhile, the clothes we put him in that morning are already too small. At his 12 month doctor's appointment today, the nurse called him "long and lean." We could come up with LOTS of adjectives to describe ASH. What would you say?

"Not sure I want to sit still ever again."

"Except maybe in my Big Boy Chair."

Happy Birthday Augie!

We celebrated Augustus' first birthday on his real day, January 31st! His friends joined him for a 5-7 party time complete with cupcakes, snacks and a pinata. Several of his buddies chowed down on elk chili and the parents enjoyed a glass of wine or tasty Wind River beer. Our small home was definitely filled with love, laughter and mischief. Thanks to all of Augie's friends who made the day so special!

Just some light snacks!

Birthday Boy (shirt #1)

Some friends enjoying Grandma Sharon's squash.

Birthday wish! (shirt #2)

Pull-string pinata!

Scrambling for the "healthy" pinata fillings!

Speaking of "healthy"!

How much loot does a 1-year-old need?

Daddy Daycare

Jacob has fully embraced the Daddy Daycare routine and is even beginning to branch out to the other daddys we know for playdates (just don't ask what happened with Boone!). Augustus has a great routine involving stories, swimming, visiting Mami at work, eating lots of delcious food, napping and drinking from a sippy cup.

Like father, like son.

Henrie boys.