September 22-29

Bryan often makes Olivia "pay" to do things.  For example, before he reads her a book, she has to give him a kiss and/or hug.  Olivia is on to his system now, though, so whenever she wants something, she kisses his cheek and says, "a kiss, okay?" and then runs off to get a book or a toy or music or a movie...

Gretchen reaches for specific things.  She knows what she wants, and she knows that she has to wave her arms in that general direction until she connects.  Her favorite things to grab are my cereal bowl and her ball.  She also enjoys trying to catch my hair.

Tuesday night Bryan grilled and, as is his habit, left the grill outside to cool off while we ate dinner.  A little later I heard a noise outside.  Thinking it was the neighbor's cat (or the other neighbor's dog), I went to investigate.  It was an opossum.  Sitting on the grill.  Guess we'll be cleaning that off before we use it again.  Bryan thought the possum was cute and talks about how maybe we should keep it for a pet.  I say it can be a pet that always lives outside and finds its own food.  :)

Olivia can now go up and down stairs standing up.  She does require a wall for balance, but lacking that will wait patiently until a hand is offered.  She only crawls up and down stairs when absolutely necessary.

Pictures and Videos:
Videos (password: BarhorstBrewed):
Gretchen Plays
Gretchen's Fabulous Rolling Skills

The family campout picture.  I'm very easy to spot, because I apparently missed the "everyone wear blue" memo:

The girls, showing off their Browns love and serious game-faces.  Their daddy is so proud:

Steph found this idea and I implemented it.  Presenting Olivia's Art Box:

Our porch visitor:

Gretchen playing on the bed while Olivia napped (that's the safest time):

I found a tutorial for a blanket that stays in the carseat (it has holes for the straps) and folds over the baby.  It looked pretty easy and useful, so I made one for Gretchen: