Krysten's New Tricks

Krysten has been developing at a rapid pace over the last few months, so I though I would post a summary of all the new things she can do.

Earlier in the summer Krysten discovered her feet. Now, almost every time she is lying on her back she immediately grabs her feet (and yes, she can get those little toes in her mouth). I think it is just about one of the most cute things to watch.

Krysten rolled over for the first time in early July. Since then she has become a champ at it. Melissa was finally able to capture this feat on video (it takes a few seconds, but she does actually do it) ...

... and here is a picutre of her in mid-roll sometime in late August.

Dave found a game that Krysten really seems to enjoy. It's hard to explain, so you'll have to watch for yourself.

One of Krysten's favorite activities is playing in her jumparoo. She loves to just jump, jump, jump any time she is in it. She loves it so much that Grandma & Grandpa got one for their house too.

Towards the end of August, we decided it was finally time for Krysten to begin eating in her high chair. So, Dave went to work putting it together and Krysten enjoyed her first of many meals on her new throne.

Dave thought it would be a good idea to let her try to feed herself ... it's a bit soon for that though.

Once Krysten was accustomed to her high chair, we started her on veggies for dinner. Her first one was peas (figured we would start with the ickier ones) ... here is her initial reaction.

Last weekend was the annual Fall Festival at my nursing home. Krysten came of course, and took her try at the duck pond and the lollipop tree.





Today we took Krysten on her first trip to the neighborhood park. She seemed to really enjoy her time on the baby swing ...




... but did quite know what to make of the slide.




Dave discovered that Krysten's balance is good enough that he can put her on his shoulders. She even grabs on to his hair with both hands for support.





Krysten is doing really well with sitting up on her own. Unfortunatley I don't seem to have a picture of her doing that yet ... we'll save it for next time!

Are You Ready for Some Football?

Last Sunday marked the start of the '08-'09 football season, and the Ulmer's and the Engfer's were all a twitter.

We began this inagural football Sunday for our daugther with the Philadelphia Eagles game at Noon. Daddy and daughter donned their matching jerseys (thanks Uncle John & Aunt Sarah!) and enjoyed the game.

Krysten tried to partake in the chicken wings and Guiness, but her arms a still a bit to short (thankfully).

And we're working on teaching her the official signal for touchdown.

Later we headed over to Brian and Liz's house for the Chicago Bears game, and Dave was a good sport and let Krysten have a wardrobe change (thanks Aunt Mary!)

Krysten caught the beginning of the game with Uncle Brad and Uncle Brian.

And, of course, got some quality time in with Grandpa too.

The season is off to a great start as both teams ended the day with a win ... Go Eagles! Go Bears!

On a totally different note all together, yesterday was Melissa's last day watching Krysten as she starts her classes at North Central on Monday. Krysten is going to miss Melissa a lot as they spent a lot of fun times together this summer. Krysten gave Melissa a back-to-school care package full of goodies to thank her for all of her help.

Good luck on your sophmore year Melissa!

Busy Little Girl

Krysten has been a very busy girl the last few weeks. First she had her 6-month check-up with the Pediatrician on August 26th, to which we were told she is just perfect (of course, we already knew that). Her new stats are 17 pounds 14 ounces (90th percentile) and 26 inches long (50th percentile). She received 4 more vaccinations this time, which she took like a champ and also got the green light to start eating fruits and vegetables (we'll get more into that on a separate post). Here was Krysten having some fun with Dave before seeing the doctor.

Then last weekend was jam packed with activity. On Saturday we drove to Lafayette, IN with my family to celebrate my Aunt Dar's 60th birthday. Krysten finally was able to meet her cousing Betsy ...

... and also cousin Sarah ...

... and of course, posed with for a picture with the birthday girl!

Aunt Dar didn't waste any time trying out the gift she received from her family ... a shiny new bike!

The following Monday was Labor Day and we decided it would be fun to take Krysten to her first hometown parade where Grandpa bought Krysten her first balloon.

A bit later Krysten expressed her displeasure that it was taking so long for the parade to start.

Later in the day she spent some time hanging out with Uncle Brian, Aunt Liz, and Uncle Brad and Nana & Papa's BBQ.

Today brought yet another event ... the annual Roge-Traubach Family Reunion. This is a reunion for my Dad's side of the family, more specifically my Grandma Lily's side. Auntie Evie, my Grandma's sister, was very happy to meet Krysten and told us how excited she is about her first great-grandchild who is expected in December.


Uncle Dave was there and brought his newly resotred hot rod (a Chevelle or a Camaro I think). Here is my Dad with his brother and sister.


Krysten gave Uncle Dave an intent stare at first, but then decided that she likes him.

And already our little girl is showing some incredible fashion sense as she models Aunt Mary's Coach sunglasses.