Septoberfest and a Little Announcement

{14 1/2 months and going way too fast}

The babbling has become very conversational lately, and I often feel like I'm holding a conversation with you, though you're saying nothing coherent. Your repertoire of actual words has grown to include ball, baby, bo (you adorably call all dogs "bobo"s), up, mia, bumpa, go, and juice. There are probably more, but those are fairly consistent. We're working on please and thank you.  ;)

And since we're on the subject of talking, your most favorite expression of excitement right now is the gleeful squeal. Though I am quite certain anyone who is not related to you would call it overkill, you like to let loose a short, piercing shriek when greeting your friends, playing with Hannah, and pretty much any time you're excessively psyched. I think it's perfectly delightful that you and Jake exchange quick scream-greetings when I drop you off, but since it also sometimes incites the other kids to screech and shout, I doubt your teachers find it so cute...

You may be teaching them bad habits, but at least they're helping you drop others. Thanks to daycare, you have also begun relinquishing the paci (save extenuating circumstances—like sleeping at night). You don't even put up a fight anymore when I remove it and send you off to play.

Of course, one of your favorite things to do is eat. Yes, you're still particular about milk and will only drink it once a day in warm bottle form (seriously, I'm just gonna put all the bottles up one day and be like uh-oh where did they go? Mommy and daddy are such enablers), but when you're hungry, it's go-time. I love watching you eat noodles, since you somehow got that 'lady and the tramp' slurp down and they disappear faster than I can twist. Pizza and pasta are high on your list, but your favorite is still barbecue and green beans. My little Southern girl! We know you're done (or bored) when those food- or sauce-filled hands dart up and rub the yummy goodness in your hair. [*shaking head in defeat]. At least it makes for some interesting hairstyles.

We took you to the Dixie Classic Fair in early October, though daddy felt you were still a little young to enjoy everything. Not necessarily, we found, since you downed half the 32-oz lemonade we'd purchased for ourselves and 3/4 of my roasted corn. You absolutely loved the petting zoo, even if you tried to eat the "feed carrots" yourself and kept trying to kiss the goats (I know they kind of look like dogs, sweetie, but they're not). And aside from a 45-minute power nap, you hung like a champ. After your nap, we rode a couple rides and called it a day, but I'm glad we went. You even tried your first taste of cotton candy and funnel cake. Next year will really be a treat. If we don't give you a stomachache...

 "I think I'm gonna like the fair!"

 "It's a bit sunny. Dad, glasses STAT"

 (Maybe you'll like the rides better when you're old enough to go on them yourself.
And you're awake)

 (Feeding the goats. Right before you tried to kiss them)

 

"I'm sorry; what is THAT?"

 "Niiiice alpaca. Sooooft."

You've definitely become more.. sensitive? aware? adult? of late, and when you're hurt or sad it takes a bit longer to calm those nerves. It's clear this is part of growing up, though, since it's hard to understand those feelings at first. Just this morning, something fell on my foot and when I cried out in pain, you got scared and ran to me whimpering. It's really amazing the things you're starting to grasp. You seem to swat out randomly when frustrated, since you can't yet say what you need. Sadly, the dogs and a few brave friends at school receive the brunt of those beatings. We try to curb it by showing you "sweet" and "gentle," but it's a natural part of your development, too, and supposedly quite normal at this stage. Most recently, you've started building up tantrums in the middle of meals. When you've had enough and can shake your head no more, you wind up and lob food away like a major league pitcher. We try really hard not to laugh.

You have a unique fascination with shoes and the act of putting them on, and will often grab one of daddy's large dress shoes and haul it over for a fitting session. Funnily enough, you're also fairly obsessed with your reflection, and must think you look especially good in hats. Every time we place one upon your head, you hold it steady and slowly walk to the mirror to check out the hotness. It is so flipping cute.

You're still as active as ever, which was totally evident at your school Halloween party where all the other kids sat quietly with their snack as you climbed on the table and danced around your chair (let's not practice those two things together in the future though, k?). We spent the majority of the time chasing you round the room to ensure a minimal amount of destruction and flailing.

For some reason, you can't even ride your bounce & spin zebra like a docile child; preferring instead to climb upon its back and "trick-ride"- if you will - whilst standing. Your play has become more involved, too, and your mimicking more accurate. Mommy brought you a cheerleader puppet as a prize when daddy and I went to New York, and the first night we played with it, daddy was holding her up - pretending to talk to you in a lovely feminine voice. You studied him closely for a few minutes, then grabbed the doll by the back of the neck, held her up yourself and started yapping away in a totally different voice than your normal jabbering. I was amazed and quite proud, but it may or may not have been a little more maturity than I was ready for at 13 months.  :)

On Halloween, Meme Kay and Bumpa brought you a giant orange punching balloon and spent maybe two minutes showing you how to use it. Since then you've been picking it up, wrapping it around your fingers and pounding away merrily like it's second nature.



And for your viewing pleasure... a little dance:


You stun me daily with the things you learn, and what you just assimilate. Though you still think brushing you teeth means sucking the toothpaste from the bristles, we're working on modeling that more correctly. You'll get it eventually. And daddy says it's ok for now, cause they're just 'practice teeth.'  (hah. oh my goodness..)

And here are a few more Halloween pics just because you're so adorably precious:

 (Your actual Halloween Eve costume)

(First lollipop ever... that I know about. Could not remove it from your hand until it broke apart and fell on the pavement).

  (Ok, so this isn't quite the smiley happy photo you were probably expecting, but seriously - look at those two faces and tell me there's no resemblance!)

In case you didn't know, you are daddy's absolute pride and joy. I would say you're a daddy's girl, but it's more than an understatement. You have no idea how much daddy loves you. In fact, I think he's been waiting for you his whole life. The two of you romp and play, and you have the most special, sensational laugh that you reserve just for him. You were absolutely made for each other.

Speaking of which, you are going to meet someone else very special who was made for you in May(ish) of next year!

I have utmost faith that you'll be a wonderful big sister (amidst the squeezing and smacking that is sure to occur), but what I really want you to know is that you were a big part of the reason we decided to have another baby. True, we'd always talked about having kids close together because of the bond near siblings can share. But mostly, mommy and daddy adore you to pieces and consider you the most wonderful blessing we've ever received. Our enormous love for you somehow made our hearts grow bigger and brought us to the conclusion that another baby like you would bring double the joy! Amazingly, God saw fit to grant this wish quickly, and has entrusted us to grow and raise another one of His children. It truly overwhelms me to know His grace. And you are going to love having a little.

(See? You're already overjoyed ;)

Preg2 Update:
Mommy is happy she can still fit into a few pairs of pre-maternity jeans, but that will be short-lived. Baby b (you're a; this one's b) is starting to grow and taking me with it! My apologies if I've simply not had the gumption to update your blog lately, but growing a tiny human is somewhat exhausting. And perhaps the thought of keeping this up for two of you is a bit wearying in and of itself.. 

Amazingly, though I've definitely been tired and less-than-energetic, it's not as bad as last time when mommy took naps at least twice a week in the first trimester. This is either because my body is adapting and saying "hey, we've done it before; we can totally handle this," or because there just isn't nearly as much opportunity to be tired with a little Action Ansley scampering about this time around.  :)  Same thing with the smell sensitivity, since I'm positive that at this point last time I was doubling over with a whiff of meat or garlic. This time? Meat: good. Garlic: goood. What's not to like?

Day-to-Day A

{13 months - and a pinch}

August was a really busy month for us, what with the 4 birthdays in 1 1/2 weeks at the end of it. We celebrated your "first" with almost all of your aunts and uncles, and of course all the g-rents. It was a big turnout for such a little girl (I cannot explain to you how lucky you are little one), and though you were a bit timid at first, you warmed up quickly and walked around surveying the partygoers much of the time. I don't think you were too crazy about the cake on your hands (or maybe it was the 30 people watching you expectantly and blinding you with pictures ;) but you were a good sport and rubbed an adequate amount of chocolate frosting on your face for our amusement.

You also racked up on the presents, and since mommy still feels bad about not getting around to those thank-you notes in time, I hope everyone will forgive me and accept a blanket thank you SO MUCH for the heaps of adorable clothes, toys, bibs, frames and books they all brought. We are so grateful just to have those amazing people in our lives; gifts are above and beyond. [Basically, your friends and family rock].

Mommy had an insignificant number birthday (alright it was the big 3-0) at the end of August, for which daddy got us tickets to New York. It was the first time we'd left you for more than a day/night (wow can you believe we spent a year by your side? ;) and we were nervous as all get out. But the grandparents picked up our slack, had a blast keeping you occupied and helped you forget about mommy and daddy for a few days. We were busy in The City, but missed you terribly and kept our phones handy for quick photo-fixes of your cuteness. Somehow, we made it through. But boy were we happy to see you!!! Guess that separation anxiety works both ways...

--

My favorite thing about you now at just over one year is that you're all of a sudden incredibly eager to sit in my lap. I just find it so endearing that you actually make it a point to run over with toy or (wonder of wonders) book in hand, turn around and plop down for me to play with or read to you. The deliberateness is utterly charming. 

(laying in Bo's "lap")

Perhaps because of this lap-sitting impulse, your interest in books has skyrocketed (cue chorus of angels). You LOVE (and by love I mean are obsessed with) "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" We play it on a loop, with you turning the pages faster than I can repeat the rhythmic refrain.

Mia recently revealed to me that you have also been practicing your fake smile (or "Chandler smile," as I like to call it). Apparently, it's a give and take thing. Mia does the fake smile and you flash one in return. I've only seen it in her presence, but it's wonderfully silly. You're such a goofball.

You and daddy have also started a tradition of waking up early on Saturday (and thus, blessedly giving mommy an extra hour or two of sleep) to visit granny, grandpa and pa pa. The weather has been beautiful as of late, so your preferred method of transportation to these playdates is the green plastic car mommy found at consignment.

You basically just get to run around, eat and soak up the attention on these visits, so I know you must thoroughly enjoy it. But I think your grands enjoy it just as much.  :)

Sadly, we had a run-in with your first ear infection over Labor Day weekend. But to get past a year without one is doing pretty dern good, so mommy won't complain too much. The worst part was seeing you all pitiful and in pain and not being able to help. Not surprisingly, you loved the bubble-gum-flavored amoxicillin.

Let's see, what else is going on in your world? You are:
 

• Downing food like a champ, though you still refuse milk that is not optimally heated. This is a problem. 

• Breaking my heart with the separation anxiety. When I take you to school and you literally scream as I tear myself away, I have to force-plaster the "reassuring smile" on my face. It does not help. 

• Enamored with your daddy. Apparently tickle-fights and chasing are your weaknesses.

• Becoming a philanthropist. Clearly you must think the dogs are starving and have no food to eat that does not come from the floor, because you've taken to tossing pieces overboard during mealtimes (both when we are and are not looking). The dogs love you. 

(Wait... have you been bribing Bo this whole time??!?!!)

• Not a fan of eating out. I realize this is probably because it necessitates you being strapped to a chair and not running around like an escaped monkey, but dude. It doesn't matter what toy, cup, utensil or person we try to bribe you with: you will tolerate only a set amount of time in the chair and no more. Apologies to any innocent patrons who've witnessed "the breaking point." It's not pretty.

• Conversely, loving the outdoors and anywhere you can explore without bounds. Since we don't yet have two baby gates, this includes the stairs and has required a hasty lesson in proper descent and stair dismount. 

• Well on your way to a full set of teeth. 4 on top, 4 on bottom, and molars starting to come in. I do wish they'd hurry up and get here already and stop hurting your poor little mouth, but you're so sweet and don't complain about the pain.

• Very interested in daddy's hair. Though you've become more tolerant of accessories in your own curly tresses, it's the banker coif you most enjoy petting and rubbing against your face these days (a la soft doggy fur?). Not sure why, since it's most certainly gelled in place and can't really have the silken touch you're so fond of, but oh well. It's cute. Plus, when daddy bends down to let you pat his head, you lean against him and then move your face from side to side for some Eskimo kisses. Precious. 

• Miss independent. You seize the toothbrush from my clutch when brushing your teeth, force me to relinquish the spoon mid-scoop and insist on carrying everything yourself (including the wondrously overstuffed "round dog," who is almost your height and four times as wide). I love it.

• Happy, smiley, full of life, and pretty much the perfect one year old!! You are so beautiful and such a blessing, it's almost hard to believe you're mine. It's like sometimes I can see God's light shining through you and beaming right out at me, and I'm amazed my heart doesn't just burst from the sheer magnitude of my love for you.

You were even such a trooper at your one-year photo shoot that you managed to smile through the pain of an earache and teething and let Lindsey capture some pretty shots. What a good girl you are.  :)

Step it Up

(Ansley in her patriotic best; courtesy of "cousin" Brooklyn!)

So the other morning mommy was stunned awake with a sudden splash of cold water on my face and neck. I shot up at the speed of light (so fast are my ninja-like reflexes), ready to repay the culprit with a few choice adult words. Though I wouldn't have put it past daddy to pull that prank just for laughs, deep down I knew better. I turned slowly around to meet your grinning mug, and the animosity vanished more quickly than the amount of time it had taken to erupt. I swear that smile is like sunshine. I can't even be mad at you when you dump half a bottle of water on my head! Might as well call the SuperNanny now...

Of course, daddy was not beyond reproach, but all he could offer was "I didn't know the cap was gone!" amidst raucous laughter. I'm not sure I totally buy that..

(I mean isn't that just the best little belly laugh?!)

Your current favorite game is dropping stuff and getting us to pick it up. If we don't, you lean over and try to retrieve it yourself (whilst endangering your life). This is only fun for one of the parties involved.

You also love to practice baby gymnastics with daddy. You're especially great at the back flip over his knees to the floor maneuver. You like to do it until you're too dizzy to get back up. Mommy doesn't usually let it get to that point. (I know, I'm such a buzzkill).

Interestingly, daddy has begun training you like a dog. When you get too close to a hazardous item or situation, he yells "AH-AH-AH" loudly in warning. Yesterday, when he wouldn't allow you to examine his tool bag, you turned around, stared angrily into his eyes, and yelled back. When he repeated (AH-AH), so did you. It went on like this, tit for tat, for several more rounds. Mommy felt like she was in the middle of a jungle monkey standoff. Amazingly, you never touched the tools. But you were not happy about it..

You've begun imitating certain other things we do, too. When daddy picks you up, gives you a hug and pats your back, you pat him right back. (The cuteness meter on that one is off the charts). 

Also of note, you have discovered your nose, and for some reason find it necessary to stick your finger up there as often as possible. This recently resulted in the picking of your very first boogie, which daddy called mommy over to see and then expeditiously wiped on her arm. Blegh!

Bo is still your dog of choice, and you've started calling him by name. In fact, you've started calling lots of things "Bo-Bo"s (or just "Bo"). I did notice they were trying to teach you "ball" at school, so it may be a combination of that and your love for Mr. Bojangles.

You enjoy feeding yourself, too, and have started refusing to return the spoon if you get ahold of it. Since you try to swipe it the entire time, it's pretty much impossible to feed you anyhow. You can imagine the amount of food that does not land in your mouth. I'm sure you prefer finger-foods, but dangit the pureed stuff is so much easier! If I manage to get anything in from said spoon, you regurgitate it postehaste and catch it, then examine the texture on your fingers. Disgusting. We are seriously going to have to work on those table manners young lady..

You've taken to compulsive waving as well, and will whip out this little floppy-wristed salutation on cue (when we say "hi" or "bye"). Strangers find it adorable, which just encourages you further.  :)  I'm pretty sure the hi wave and a few hand/footprint art projects are what we have to show for the obscene amount of money we pay to your daycare. Glad to see it's paying off. Just kidding I know it's worth it. They actually seem pretty buttoned up there, and have you drinking from a sippy cup, signing for "hungry" and "more," and dragging your own sleep mat to the floor when you're tired. We've yet to replicate any of those at home. (You've trained us well, young Anslikin).

Oh yeah, and when Granny picked you up from daycare last week, they told her
"She walked 5 steps today!"
Um, excuse me? I thought they weren't supposed to tell us that so that we think we're the first ones to see you walking!! I mean you've been standing expertly and practicing the wobble-step wobble-step fall with great persistence, but we've yet to see more than a few strides. Let's step it up at home, precious. (Kidding, kidding). Actually, it is most adorable to watch you walk around [barely] holding onto daddy's hand. If it were up to him, you would never let go.

Exhibit A:



I know I shouldn't be too anxious; you'll be running away from me in no time.

Separationally-Challenged

Daddy is still resistant to your growth. I mean I'd like to keep you a baby as long as possible, but am aware that at some point, Peter Pan, everyone has to grow up. So I said to your (normally intelligent, fairly rational) father "I mean I'd like her to stay little too, but what what do you want to do, block her development?" His answer was a firm and immediate "yes." Okaaaaay...

Then as we prepared you for bed, he tells me "I love that I can just tap her on the bottom randomly and it's not weird because I'm her dad." He is so going to purposefully embarrass you when you get older. Can't wait for that.  ;)

Speaking of love taps, you (little miss bright eyes) have been contracting quite the attitude lately. Mia says it's because you're so intelligent that you're reading us and trying to figure out how to get what you want. I just think you get frustrated and don't know how else to communicate. But honestly, there are times when you freak the h out. The most notable example stems from your recent love-affair with Bo. Though he remains wary of your tiny presence, Bo has grown more tolerant as of late. He graciously allows you to pat, climb, pull and mouth him with as much zeal as your little body can possibly possess. You love to play the "mess with Bo until he lumbers off and then chase him to another location and repeat" game. I'm not sure Bo knows you're playing. If we at any point interrupt this bonding (by picking you up), you thrash and whine and twist about as though set on fire. I would think you were in pain if I didn't know better. Current tactics to disarm this bomb include distracting you with whatever toy or person is available, removing you from the room/situation, and bribing you with food. Just kidding about the last one. Taking you away seems to help, but it's tough. It's crazy to me that we're having to deal with this already. Aren't you supposed to stay a baby a little longer? I may be starting to see daddy's point of view on this whole not growing up thing...

Maybe with our own stubborn selves, we should have known you'd be strong-willed. But if this is your first challenge, bring it on. We will nip it in the bud, my little diva. A battle of wills. 'Cause you know what princess? We can out-stubborn you. 

I'm sorry to do it and you may hate me for it sometimes, but you can't always get what you want. If you cry sometimes, though, you might find you get what you need.... 

(I'm joking. We will always try to meet your needs. That's what parents are for.)

The other side of this strange, misshapen parenting coin is that you've also been experiencing bouts of separation anxiety. You have a few favorite people in the world and everyone else is just scenery. Scenery that does not hold the baby...

The preference tier is as follows:

1. Mia

2. Daddy / Bo

3. Miss Alecia and/or Miss Nevona

4. Mommy

5. Granny

etc. (you get the picture)

For one reason or another, Mia is the absolute apple of your eye. To you, no one is more glorious and deserving of your love than your Mia Sally. Well, daddy might run a close second; but if your beloved Mia is around, you only have eyes for her! We discovered this during our week at the beach when you would cry for Mia if mommy took you and reach upside-down-backwards in search of her embrace. 

And hey, where's the "I don't love one parent more than the other; I love them both equally" filter, kid? Aren't you supposed to be born with that? At times when daddy hands you off and I want nothing more than a hug or snuggle, you scream bloody murder (and a pathetic "dadada" on a loop) to return to your fave. I'm sure this makes daddy feel good, but I have to secretly squelch the tears because admitting it hurts my feelings is ludicrous. You don't mean anything by it, I know. But I want so badly for you to love me. I mean I'm sure you do, but I'm emotionally high-maintenance and need the reassurance. Blessedly, daddy and Mia understand and give mommy extra hugs for support. And daddy had a wonderful suggestion of greeting one another before we greet you. That way we can show you the correct hierarchy. It's mommy and daddy; then you. I think the theme here is "this is our world, and we're fitting you in."

And now (since I've mainly written about your noncompliance so far and am feeling a tad guilty because it's really such a small part of your world), I'd like to share some of the things I love about you at almost 10 months(!):

• When you pull up on something and then turn around and wobble a step or two towards me I get so excited (but then I realize that walking = toddler and you're not my little baby anymore, and it makes me less anxious... ). Daddy's probably thinking of any way possible to keep you from taking those steps, but I'm afraid it's imminent.

• You're eating everything (thank daddy for that) with your pinschers, which is basically the most adorable way I can think of to get your dietary allowance. We like to lay it out on the tray and let you go for the gold. Puffs and breadcrumbs turn up just about everywhere, but I'm sure some of it actually lands in your mouth...   The most recent of daddy's ill-conceived food tasting choices? Dorito cheese straight from the finger. Am I on television?

• If you happen to be sleeping and wake up to a face you love (see list above), you burst into that shining smile and start waving hello. That floppy little gesture just melts me to pieces.

• Evidently, you can now produce dog sounds. Miss Nevona shared with me today that you have the "ruff ruff ruff" down pat. You are becoming quite proficient in jibberish as well. I bet you and Bo have secret conversations..

• Often when we play, you create your own obstacle course just so it will require you to climb over us and back again. You particularly enjoy shimmying monkey-style up daddy's chest while he's sideways and rolling over to his back. Gymnast? Maybe. Daredevil? Clearly. I'll start practicing the fastest routes to the hospital.

• At daycare, you have a sleep mat (on account of the pulling up in your crib thing). Daddy and I find it impossible to buy that you actually fall asleep there and stay still, but your teachers insist. When daddy picked you up yesterday, they divulged that you were so ready to nap at 2:30, you voluntarily dragged yourself over and laid down on your mat without prompting. Aw!

• You're loving water (aside from the ocean waves, but they scare me too so we're not counting that). Daddy waded with you at Aunt Jennifer's 30th birthday Tie-Dye and pool party, which was your first time in a big girl pool. You do have precisely 9 bathing suits—several of which are bikinis that may or may not be wildly inappropriate for a baby—so I certainly hope you continue this water infatuation. I'll put some beach pictures up asap.  :)  

Click here to view these pictures larger

• You also have a preference for water from a plastic bottle (sadly, I am not kidding—but I think it's because you find it necessary to envelop the opening while drinking). If it's not in the bottle, a straw will do the trick. And despite daddy's major sippy-cup resistance, he is happy to teach you to use a real cup. Observe:

• You dance. Not that I'm shocked in any way, considering the 2 bachelorette parties, 2 weddings, numerous dance dance revolution battles and countless super baby dance parties of your "youth." And you love music. Granny contends that country is your fave. Traitor. You are my baby, right? I'm hoping to catch you on daddy's phone because corroboration exists only on the camcorder at this juncture. But it is too too cute. 

No, you're not in that video, but I'm just sayin'.. I won't be surprised if they contact you for the next one.

In other news, Aunt Jennifer and Uncle Jay recently welcomed your future crush, Graham Nance Weaver, just over a week early on June 9th. 

Isn't he great at his job? (sleeping)

He is as little, beautiful, and sweet as can be, and I have to apologize in advance that you will not be allowed to date him, as apparently this would be awkward for your father and Uncle Jay. (You can take it up with them). But I'm sure you'll be great friends and you can show him all sorts of good stuff like how to fling pacis and eat sand. Jake still has your heart for the time being anyway.*   ;)    

*I really am joking about these things. But it's only because I so want you to bond with your non-related cousins. I know you're all very popular in your own circles, but mommy and your aunts are kinda close. So if you wouldn't mind humoring us, playing with one another and at least trying to be pals, we'd greatly appreciate it. And I bet you'll have some great stories when you're older (you know, when you're all about to graduate from UNC).

My Funny, Hungry, Sleepy Baby

{9 months and gaining}

So yesterday at your 9 month checkup, the doctor said we could start giving you baby-sized pieces of our own food as long as you can hold and chew it without issue. When I mentioned this to daddy, he took it as a license to go crazy with the food-tasting, and tonight you tried green beans, your first french fry, and (!!) pork barbeque from Shane's Ribshack. Mommy was not happy with the fact that pork was your first meat, and promptly offered you a shred of my chicken. I fear we're creating a monster. But it's very cute to watch you grab the pieces with your thumb and forefinger and try to land them in your bird-mouth.

Dr. B said you were lookin good. 78th percentile in height; 15th in weight. They'd be concerned if you weren't so tall. Sounds like you take after your mommy.  :)  You're just starting the clingy stage and becoming wary of strangers, but you warmed up to the doc after a bit and even performed some of your tricks for him (the latest of which is flipping your paci sideways and gripping it with your two teeth). You also clapped and danced (I'm assuming the music was playing in your head), and stood on mommy's lap. 

You're presently not the most talkative of kids, but just the way you look at the world makes me think you're processing it all. And anytime you want to start actually calling me mama (instead of just throwing it out there sans meaning) is good with me. You give wonderful kisses—especially to daddy. You only bit me that one time... ;)

Your favorite snack for the moment is pretzels, which daddy has been giving to you for several weeks without my knowledge. You basically just suck all the salt from them and gnaw the bare stick. When I came home and caught this action going on one night, daddy said "she loves pretzels!" unapologetically. Yes, this was before we had clearance from the doctor to give you finger foods. But I guess no harm done if you don't get sick. Thank goodness you're a very tolerant baby, and can take pretty much anything we throw at you. Maybe I should thank God for that, too.

pretzel or teething tool? you decide

perhaps some lobster bisque for the lady??

yes, that is seriously what daddy is feeding you...

We're still doing the 'your bed most of the night; ours the rest' thing, but I'm moderately convinced it's only because daddy wakes from his temporary couchbed and grabs you on the way to ours (perchance sleepthinking you're restless even when you're not). Don't tell him I said that. I have to collect evidence first..

In the mornings, you stir around 6:30. And though we'd love just that half hour more, your waking process, again, is too cute for us to hate. First you tumble from side to side (mommy to daddy) and see if this gets our attention. You may still be half-sleeping, but it works. Then the paci dislodges and you turn onto your tummy and up to all fours. One of us generally attempts to coax you back to bed with a gentle check against the pillows at that point. But you are not to be discouraged and soon muster up to a stand, looming over one of our faces (employing the head for support). I'm not sure how you know, but the poking, prodding, pulling and smacking does it, and we are up to attend to your every beck and call once again. Periodically, mommy and daddy are more tired and therefore more resistant to your blows, and attempt to endure the abuse longer just to slightly extend the rest. 

Recently, you found that pulling daddy's armpit hair will shock him up swiftly. That was a fun morning.

Don't even get me started on the falling asleep process. It's more complicated by far, especially on days when your naps aren't regular, but always entails a paci and blankette (i.e. soft piece of fabric posing as a blanket, but smaller—often with a stuffed animal attachment). We call your favorite one Ellie, since it's essentially a flat pink elephant (no, not fat; flat. Seriously, these things sound absurd when you try to explain them). Anywho, you still perform the flailing exercise and rub your Ellie on your cheek to soothe you down. Daddy was watching you do this one day and wondered aloud "do you think she's still gonna have to do that when she, like, goes off to college? I mean her roommate will be lying there peacefully nodding off, and she'll start flapping a pillow about over her head trying to fall asleep." Then he demonstrated and I lost control. We get the biggest kick out of you, baby. It's probably not even funny to anyone else, but I love our inside jokes. You are terrifically hilarious.

The A Report

{7.5 months... ish}


currently, you are: 

• getting teeth!! i finally noticed the little white specks peeking through your gums on March 20th, your 7 month birthday, and when i went to check them out with my finger they were razor-sharp. hm perhaps that's why they call it "cutting".. we have a steady supply of orajel swabs and teething tabs on hand for the pain, which sometimes wakes you up at night. daddy figured out a trick to make the swabs work faster by blowing into the broken end. we also learned to rub it on your paci for maximum effectiveness, and i always put a drop of water on the tabs before giving them to you so they dissolve better. i suppose it's funny that these things are of utmost importance nowadays, but when you have a baby in pain you'll pretty much try anything.

(you can't see them, but i promise they're there!)

• going through bouts of speaking. a couple weeks ago it was "da-da." last week "mmma." and lately you've just starting emitting short (rather loud) shrieks and experimenting with consonants (i keep hearing "vuh" "fuh" and some strange clicking sounds that i think may mean something in another language). yesterday you were chattering on in the car and i was mimicking you in encouragement, and you literally hissed at me. i was a bit taken aback, and then found myself apologizing to you as if you meant something by it.. 

(you'd never hiss at daddy... ;)

i'm still claiming that your first word was God. even if it was by accident, you very clearly enunciated "gah-D." ;)

• omg to the tenth: CRAWLING. i have to admit that every day for at least 2 weeks i've thought you were literally on the verge and would crawl the following day. but you were holding out. clearly, you were capable. i know this because on several occasions, we would place a toy just out of your reach and you'd drop down on all fours, take a couple crawls (just close enough to fall down on your tummy and reach it), and then pick yourself right back up to a sitting position. but you didn't realize you'd already done it, so most of the time you still kept a "safety" leg underneath in order to return to your seat. i think the magic happened when we began encouraging this and clapping every time you'd go down and come back up. when i picked you up yesterday, they told me you'd crawled (and had announced it on the board outside the door). they also said that after doing so, you sat back, grinned and gave yourself a hand. 

• handling the sippycup like a seasoned vet (daddy is crushed that you're growing up so fast). but to be fair, you have been holding your own for some time now.. VK asked a couple months ago "did you know she holds her bottle by herself?" yup. this was at like 5 months. you do have a voracious appetite that probably motivated it early. clearly you get that from your daddy. ;) 

(chugging like a pro. right, dad?)

• enjoying banging items together and relishing in the sounds they produce. you have also discovered "the bounce," and do so while seated if you're super-excited (like when we come to pick you up from daycare and you can't quite remember that you know how to crawl now), and in your exersaucer. i especially enjoy this, because you look like you're having fun. and because i would totally get in one of those over-the-door bouncy-seat thingies if they made them big enough.

• still attached to the paci; though you don't seem to need it as often. olivia might disagree, however, since daddy shared with me a little incident that occurred the other day when you got to school and sat down next to her sans paci; noticed she had one in; and deftly plucked it from her mouth. whoops. evidently, it works both ways though because daddy went to help you out with some orajel the other night and you disengaged your own paci to expeditiously insert it into his mouth. also, you practice the "paci nunchucks" diligently, and won't hesitate to clock anyone who invades your personal space during practice sessions. 

• wiggling around in that crib like a clock. as in, i put you down facing 12, and when I check an hour later, it's 3. another hour and you've done a complete 180 and are pushing 6 on the opposite end. when you're trying to fall asleep you sometimes thrust back abruptly and half the time end up shoved into a corner banging your head against the bars. am seriously rethinking this "bumpers are bad" thing.

• having your first emotional fit. last night we introduced you to teething biscuits and may never be doing so again (jk). when daddy thought you were done and went to take one away, you balled up your fists, lowered your head and squinted ferociously. and the noise that exuded from your petite little frame was nothing short of sheer rage. it sounded like a rabid hamster. in short, you hulked-out. we would have been more sympathetic except that it was so funny daddy and i could not stop laughing. 

• trying to remember to call my mom by the correct grandma moniker. since the beginning of time (last august), it's been mimi sally [technically it started with the dogs even before then]. but after hearing a little boy repeatedly call his grandmother "mia," mimi was smitten and asked to be called this instead. forgive me if i use them interchangeably for a while and confuse the crap out of you.

(lovin on your mimi mia!)

• anxious to meet your "cousin" and future bff, Nora Kate! aunt marisa had teeny weeny cutie pie Nora on St. Patrick's Day, so as soon as she's old enough we'll make the introduction. though i may have to have a talk with you beforehand about proper paci etiquette..

(isn't she cute!?! it's ok if you're jealous of her hair... so are most men)

• so gosh darn beautiful. the saturday before easter, we had your "6 month" (oops! just a little late...) photo session with Lindsey. you were sadly not in the greatest of moods - hating the grass and outside in general, and keeping your stunning smile under wraps. but somehow she managed to get some great shots. i hope i'm not violating any copyrights by posting them here as long as i attribute them to Lindsey Turner Photography, but i think my absolute favorite picture of all time is the last one. :) 

i cannot even express how amazingly much i love you!!! i am so incredibly blessed to have you in my life and in my arms, little one.

and i have to say, i never saw it coming. i mean i knew i wanted to be a mom and i knew i'd like it, but i really had no idea. it is truly such a gift that i have God and daddy to thank for giving to me. i don't think i can ever thank them enough.