Visiting Miss Karen

After helping Auntie Nicole around the house, Mommy and I went to visit Mrs. Dory, also known as Miss Karen. Miss Karen had a bad fall recently, so her doctor said she was to get plenty of rest. Luckily for us, Miss Karen was feeling well enough for Grandma Bunny, Mommy and me to stop by.

Miss Karen has a real doggie named Annabelle. Annabelle was really sweet and even let me pet her a few times. (Sorry, no action shots.)

Miss Karen has two grandchildren a few years older than me, so she had lots of toys and dolls for me to play with. Here I am with Miss Karen and Grandma Bunny while I'm trying to decide which doll to play with.

Before it was time to go, Mommy wanted to get a picture of me with Miss Karen. As you can see, I was somewhat distracted. I wanted to go back to playing with the dolls.

We had a great time visiting Miss Karen and Annabelle. We wish Miss Karen a speedy recovery!

Helping "Auntie" Nicole around the House

Mommy and I are staying at "Auntie" Nicole and "Uncle" Stan's house this week. (Mommy and Auntie Nicole have been friends for what I'd call eons, even though Mommy says it's "just" 25 years.)

In order to help earn our keep, I thought I should help Auntie Nicole with some projects she was doing around the yard. Here I am picking lemons for some fresh lemonade.



Here Auntie Nicole and I are cleaning the glass door to the bedroom Mommy and I are staying in.




I better not get myself too worn out. Mommy and I have lots of people to visit today!

Grandma and Grandpa Stoller Gave Me a Puppy!!!!!

When Mommy and I arrived at a very busy Sky Harbor airport, Mommy had a lot of juggling to do. Somehow she carried my car seat, diaper bag, computer/camera bag and pushed me in my stroller and managed to collect our suitcase.
Luckily, Grandma Bunny and Grandpa Mitch were outside to meet us. And guess what they had for me! They gave me a great big puppy dog!!!! He's so soft and cuddly!!! Granted, he's not a "real" puppy. He's a big stuffed white puppy with a big red nose. As I mentioned, Mommy's hands were a little full, so she didn't get a picture of me with my new friend at the airport. I'm sure we'll get a good photo for a future entry.
Thanks, Grandma and Grandpa!

Flying in a BIG Plane

Today Mommy and I left Daddy all by his lonesome to go to some place called Phoenix, AZ. (Mommy and Daddy grew up in Phoenix and have relatives who still live there.) Mommy said Phoenix is too far away for Daddy to fly us there in the "Big Piper" (as N75078 is known in the Roslewski house). So Mommy and I flew in what she called a "737" on Southwest airlines. (I'm not sure why "non-stop" flights are so beneficial for traveling with someone my size, but she assured me this was a great benefit.)

Before we could get to the big plane, Mommy and I had to go through a security checkpoint. Well, I didn't like the thought of saying good-bye to Daddy at all. Everyone who was within 100 feet of the security checkpoint knew exactly what I thought of that.

Oklahoma City is a pretty friendly place. So one of the checkpoint agents suggested we get an "escort pass" for Daddy to come through to the gate with us. Both Mommy and I thought this was great! Daddy got to carry my car seat and me while Mommy hauled in my diaper bag, her computer/camera bag and my stroller.

Once I got to see all the big planes up close, I forgot all about crying any more. Here Daddy and I are in front of the plane Mommy and I flew in.

Although I only slept about 20 minutes of the flight, I was a pretty good girl for all the other passengers. I drew lots of lovely pictures with the crayons Mommy thoughtfully packed for me. We also read some great literature, such as "I Spy" and "Doggies."

I also learned a new trick. I can undo the lids on my sippy cups. I don't understand why Mommy wasn't so impressed when I showed this to her and dumped my drink on her lap not long after takeoff!

All in all, I think I'll get used to flying in big planes.

I'm looking forward to having a great week with all of my family and friends!

Bowling with Daddy!

Tonight Mommy's office had a going-away party for one of the people who is going to be deployed for 6 months. It was at the bowling alley. At first I was very excited by the playground outside, so I went out there with Mommy while Daddy bowled a little. Daddy stunk! He only bowled an 81, and came in last!

This is where I decided to help him out. He clearly needed it. So as usual, I asked him to pick me up and wouldn't take "no" for an answer! I liked all the balls and noise and didn't want him to put me down when he had to bowl. So he took me with him! Me in his left arm, the ball in his right. Before each shot I'd give the ball a big hug for good luck, and then he'd walk on down the lane with me and roll the ball at the pins. I'd laugh and yell "ball" and cheer when he hit the pins, and then we'd give each other high-5's. He seemed to be doing a lot better with my help, and guess what? He bowled a 152, and won this time! I like bowling with Daddy!

I know a lot of words!

I have really been learning to say a lot of words the last few weeks. Tonight, Mommy and Daddy actually tried to write down all the words I know. They only counted words that I say by myself, not ones I only say when repeating after them. It came to over 50! Everything from Mama and Dada to sock, chin, hot, cheese, duck, and lots more. I'm growing up so fast!

There are a lot more words that I know what they mean when Mommy or Daddy says them, but I can't say them quite yet (like if they ask me to point to my knee, I can, but I can't say "knee" yet.)

Backrubs for Daddy

Today I saw Mommy giving Daddy what looked like a back rub right after we fed the fish. (She was really scratching Daddy's back). Mommy and Daddy couldn’t figure out why all of a sudden, I took off running to their bedroom. I came back with a big jar of moisturizing cream that I got off Mommy's nightstand. Mommy helped me get the lid off and we rubbed a bunch onto Daddy’s dry back. He said I did a great job and mentioned how thoughtful I was!

Beans, beans, and more beans!

Today we all ate lunch out at my favorite Mexican restaurant. Daddy was going to meet us there, and was running a little late, so Mommy went ahead and ordered a “side” of beans for me. She usually just gives me some off her plate, but today I was pretty hungry. That “side” was a lot bigger than we thought it would be! It was a regular oval dinner plate full of beans! But I attacked it dutifully. Mommy would spoon some beans onto a little plate for me, I'd scarf them down, and ask for "more". She'd put some more on, and I'd quickly finish those and ask for more again! Long after Mommy and Daddy finished their lunches, I was still asking for “more” beans. In fact, I completely cleaned the plate, even getting the last three beans that were stuck to the spoon!

I don’t understand why Mommy and Daddy say they feel sorry for the ladies at Day Care tomorrow...

My jokes keep getting better!

Mommy and Daddy were giving me a bath this morning, and as usual, I was playing with some cups, pouring water into and out of them, from one to the other, and just having a fine time. Daddy said maybe I'd be a chemist when I grew up, since I looked like one, pouring the water back and forth. He went on to say how I could develop some new alterative fuel, make millions of dollars, and support him and Mommy when they were old and decrepit!


I stopped pouring for a moment, looked up and him, and in all seriousness, said:

"Why?"

I'm funny, huh?!

Do I have an Oklahoma accent or what?

Since I started saying my own name a few weeks ago, Mommy and Daddy have noticed something about the way I pronounce it. Something "local" about it - I have an Oklahoma accent! So Daddy recorded it - listen to me say "Pah-puh"! He was pointing at pictures of me when he asked me "who's that". The second time he was pointing to a picture of my naked bottom, and as you can hear I respond with "Butt-butt"!

Listen here!

One, two, three - FLOP!

I had such fun with Daddy today. We were in Mommy and Daddy's bedroom and I started climbing on the footboard, grabbing onto his fingers to steady myself. He'd say "1, 2, 3", at which time I'd crouch down, and fall backwards off the footboard onto the bed, on my back. It was great fun, and I did it over and over again! We must have done this for 20 minutes, giggling the whole time!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day! For some reason I'm not old enough to understand, Mommy and Daddy don't celebrate today. But that doesn't mean I can't get in on the fun! I got a nice card from Grandma and Grandpa Roslewski, and two Valentine bears from Mommy. It was fun!



Now, coincidentally, Daddy had ordered me my very own headset for the plane, and it came in just a couple of days ago, so he gave it to me today. It's pink and is sized smaller so it fits me. I can't wait to try it out!



I like this holiday!

Mommy's Back!!!!!!!!

Mommy came back today! Daddy picked me up early from day care so that we'd be there when she got home. We actually got home just a little before her. She called when she was just around the corner so we could go out and wait for her, so we did! I saw her car coming from down the block, and started running down our driveway and waving at her. I was so happy and excited I tried to get in the car with her while she was still pulling into the driveway. Daddy had to hold me back so Mommy could park. But when she got out I gave her really big hugs and kisses. I'm very happy she's back (no offense Daddy)! (Daddy's pretty glad she's back too.)

So far so good!

Daddy and I both miss Mommy very much. But we're happy to report that everything is going as well as it could. Daddy's doing a pretty good job - he even made pasta for dinner tonight, one of my favorites!


However, I couldn't quite wait until he got done with dinner before I ate - I was hungry! I saw some cereal on the counter, pointed, and said "cereal"! It's one of the words I've learned recently. I then saw a bowl on the counter, reached up, grabbed it and brought it to Daddy, saying "cereal" again. He got the hint! As he poured some cereal in the bowl, I went to the silverware drawer to get a spoon. I couldn't quite reach in the drawer, but I knew right where they were, so Daddy helped me. I grabbed the spoon, the bowl, walked over to the table, set the bowl and spoon down, and tried to get up into my chair. Of course, Daddy had to help with this too, but then I sat happily eating my Rice Krispies while he finished making dinner. It tided me over just fine! I'm getting to be such a big girl!

Bye-bye Mommy!

Mommy had to go down to Abilene, TX to attend a course at Dyess AFB this week. She had to leave today, so that means it'll be just Daddy and me until she gets home on Friday. I'm sure we'll have a fun time, but it sure was sad to see Mommy go. This is the first time she'll have been away from me overnight. Wish us luck!

Mommy packed yesterday while Daddy and I were out having fun, but not before I helped roll the big suitcase into the bedroom. I'm such a big help!

Before she left, I did get a chance to jump in the car and do a little driving myself!

Helping Mommy and Daddy wash the cars

After all the ice and sleet we had last week, our cars were pretty dirty. Since it was a very nice and warm day today, we decided to wash them. I helped and it was a fun time!

Went flying again with Daddy!

Today Daddy took me flying again! We went down to Paul's Valley, OK for their monthly fly-in lunch. I had a great time looking at all the airplanes! In fact, when we arrived, I didn't want to wait around for Daddy to finish locking up the plane, so I grabbed one of his friend's fingers and walked off to look at airplanes. Apparently I'm not too shy when I don't want to be! I got to see a lot of neat airplanes up close.





I look pretty intense, don't I?



After we got back to our home airport, we headed to one of the local lakes where we met Mommy and fed the ducks bread. I was trying my best to throw the bread out into the water, but it didn't go very far. I need to work on my throwing arm some! I love feeding the ducks. I giggle and squeal the whole time (and say the word "duck" a lot)!

Feeling much better, and Mommy stayed home!

Every day this week I've been getting better, and I'm very glad. I'm finally back to my normal, happy self!

Today was a great day, because Mommy stayed home from work today just to play with me! We had lots of fun - we danced, played with blocks, danced some more, had something to eat, and danced some more! We walked to the park, where I had a great time, and then I helped Mommy around the house a little. By then I was pretty tired, so we laid down in bed and I actually fell asleep on Mommy! It's been a long, long time since I've done that, since before I could walk. But I was pooped, Mommy was pooped, and so we just had a nice cozy nap. Mommy even fell asleep too! The whole day was just a really wonderful time for both Mommy and me, and I hope we can do it again sometime soon.

When Daddy got home, I was rested and in a great mood. For more dancing! I have really started to like dancing. I'll have to get a video clip soon. I grab Mommy and Daddy's fingers, pull them over to the radio, and they turn it on. This afternoon I even picked the CD to dance to - country music! Daddy helped me put the CD in, and then we started dancing. Mommy and Daddy sure dance silly, but I try to copy what they do, whether it's spinning around, or kicking their legs, or just walking funny. It's a lot of fun!

Then I think I was distracted by the fish. I love feeding the fish. Daddy and I have our little routine - I help him open the top of the aquarium, he pours some fish food into the lid of the container, and I turn it over into the tank. Then we stick our fingers in and see if the fish will nibble them. They usually do, which makes me giggle and say "fish"! Then I'll help Daddy close the top of the aquarium and we'll look at them though the front of the tank for a while. I really think they're funny, and will giggle the whole time. Daddy thinks it's pretty great too!

I did a pretty good job at dinner, but then after that I was really tired again after all this activity. So I went to bed without any fuss. I was such a good girl today, Mommy and Daddy really enjoyed it. And so did I!

Trying to put my own shirt on

I am really trying to be very independent recently. I try to do everything myself if I can!

Today I grabbed one of my shirts and tried to put it on. Never mind that I was already wearing a shirt (and overalls)! But as you can see, I was able to get it over my head and one arm through. Couldn't quite figure out the other arm yet, but I'll get it!

Daddy's glasses are fun!

You'll be glad to know that I'm feeling much better, even though I'm still a little tired and cranky, and don't have much of an appetite. But at least I'm playing a little and doing silly things. Like what, you ask? Like grabbing Daddy's glasses and putting them on, that's what! I can get them on all by myself, and Daddy just helps straighten them on my face a little.

Don't I look smart?

Happy Anniversary Mommy and Daddy?

Today I was still feeling pretty lousy, and Daddy stayed home with me. I wasn't quite as sleepy as with Mommy yesterday, but I still didn't want to do a whole lot, and had no real appetite. Pretty much all I wanted was for Daddy to hold me, which he does really well. And that's what he did almost all day! I did take a 15 minute nap on his shoulder, but that was it. I hope I get over this soon, it's really wearing me out.

Oh by the way, it's Mommy and Daddy's 4th anniversary today. Happy Anniversary! Sorry I wasn't feeling better so we could celebrate a little.

I feel horrible!

Last night I started feeling a little sick. My nose was running and I wasn't looking so great. I was running a fever too. Today I was even worse. Mommy took me to the doctor and they gave me some things to take. Mommy stayed home with me today and I pretty much just slept in her arms, off and on all day long. Being sick stinks!

Helping Daddy again and playing with Mommy

Yesterday we got LOTS of ice and snow, and the roads were really bad. And you know what that meant? That we all got to stay home today and play!

Mommy was having some problems with her Kitchenaid mixer. Daddy decided to take a look. I helped! And yes, we got it back together again (didn't fix the problem though).



Later I played with Mommy with my blocks. I've really started to like building with them. Mommy will put a couple of pieces together for a base, and then I'll just start stacking them up! I can get it pretty high!

Wanting to be with Daddy, putting my jacket on

Earlier today I was busy playing when I saw Daddy put on his jacket. I didn't know where he was going or what he was doing, but I immediately got up, ran to the other room to get my jacket, and started trying to put it on. Daddy thought this was absolutely adorable. I just wanted to be a part of whatever he was doing!

Turns out he was just going up in the attic for a minute, so of course I couldn't come with him. But he knew I was ready if he needed my help!

Balloons are fun!

At the party yesterday, all the kids got a little gift bag and in it were a couple of balloons. When we got home, Daddy blew them up for me and wow, did I have a great time!

Working on puzzles

Mommy and Daddy bought me some puzzles last night, and today I got to try them out. This first one I did pretty easily, although it did take some work getting the pieces lined up just right. But I would put all the pieces in, dump them out, and start over and over again!



Then I went on to a more advanced, 25 piece puzzle with a bunch of doggies on it. Daddy had to help me some with this one, and we did it together a couple of times. I'll get the hang of these puzzles in no time!

Invited to another birthday party!

I was invited to another birthday party today, this one a 2nd birthday for a little girl named, guess what? "Piper"! I didn't know it was such a popular name!

I went ahead and decorated a box that we could put the present in. I think I did a good job!



We had cupcakes!



Here I am with the other kids at the table. The blond to my right is the birthday girl, the other "Piper".



I was so excited, they had carpet! I had so much fun running around and not worrying about falling down. (And it's a good thing, because I spent a lot of time on the floor.)



I liked this wagon, but I don't think I fit anymore.



I had a great time and it was fun playing with the other kids. I can't wait until my next party!

Once again, Daddy's little helper

Daddy noticed that the legs on his chair at the table were a little loose. So I got to help him tighten them up! (You'll notice I brought my blue bear "Boo-boo" to help me.)

"Thank you" and opening doors

Just this morning I learned how to say "Thank you"! I'm getting really good at copying Mommy or Daddy when they say "Can Piper say...?" After a few weeks of trying, I finally came out with something resembling "Thank you". I've been saying "Please" ("PEAS") for some time, but now I can be even more polite!

Also this morning, I learned how to open doors with doorknobs. Since I'm pretty tall for my age, up until now I've been able to just barely reach the doorknobs, but finally I've got a good grip on them. I was in the closet with Daddy and of course had pushed the door closed because that's what I like to do. Then I reached up, grabbed the doorknob, gave it a little twist and pull, and open the door came! I thought this was pretty great and did it many more times. Then Daddy had to go ahead and confuse me by showing me that to get it open from the other side, you had to PUSH! I got the hang of this pretty quickly too, and spent the next 10 minutes going in and out the door of the closet. It was fun!

Falling asleep at the table again

It's been a long time since I've fallen asleep at the table. I used to do it all the time when I was in my high chair, but now that I'm in a booster seat, it's not quite as comfortable. Today, however, I was REALLY tired and didn't let that stop me, as you can see! I had Daddy edit the video down, but you get the idea!

Using a big girl cup, Daddy's shoes, and feeding the fish

I've been practicing using a big girl cup (as opposed to my sippy cups), and I'm getting pretty good!



Daddy left his shoes lying around, so I thought they looked like fun!



I like to help Daddy feed the fish. Then I like to dangle my fingers in the water. Sometimes the fish come up and give me a little nibble. But I stick my fingers right back in again!

"Finger driving"

I have started doing something which Mommy and Daddy both think is pretty funny. If I want their help with something, I will reach up, grab one of their thumbs, and move it to what I want help with. Sometimes I will even do this while I am being held - I'll "drive" Daddy over to the fish tank, for example, which means I want to help feed the fish. By doing this I can get a lot done, and Mommy and Daddy are happy to help! By now I've pretty much replaced me pointing at something with grabbing their thumbs and having them point at it.

Home and Garden Expo

Today we went to the Ok City Home and Garden Expo at the state fair park. I didn't think this was going to be all that exciting, but boy was I wrong!

The first building we went into was filled with the "outdoor landscaping" exhibits. This meant they had lots of wood decks, gravel pathways, and best of all, ponds and waterfalls! I headed right for them and had a lot of fun watching the waterfalls and trying to dip my hands in the water. I may have splashed some on myself by accident!

There was also a vendor of playground equipment there, and they had a great setup of some slides and other fun stuff. I got to go down the slide a lot!

The Humane Society was there with some very friendly doggies and kitties. I got to pet them and I was very gentle. I even got some good doggie licks on my hand! Daddy was having a great time watching Mommy and me having a great time.

One of the cutest things, though, was when we saw the kids' furniture vendor. They had a great type of bunk bed with a little desk and work area attached. I was very good and didn't crawl onto the bottom bed until Mommy gave me the okay. But once I did, I loved it! I was having such a great time I didn't want to get off and Daddy had to be a big meanie and pick me up.

Of course, throughout the day I was either being carried by Daddy, walking around myself, or riding in the stroller. In the stroller I'd usually be nibbling on something like cheerios or crackers. Mommy noticed I was leaving quite the trail behind me and started calling me "Gretel"!

Everything was great for the first couple of hours, but then I'll admit I started getting a little tired and cranky. Maybe it was all the people, I just don't know, but I wanted to be outside and kept making my way to the doors. Of course, Daddy would follow me, pick me up and bring me back inside. Eventually I fell asleep quite soundly in my stroller!

Mommy and Daddy didn't know they should have brought their camera today. Who would have thought there'd be so much to take pictures of?

I made another funny - this time about Mommy!

Now I know I've been picking fun at Daddy for quite some time now, saying he's got a "big buddha belly". And Mommy has thought this was all great fun! Well, today we were looking at pictures of Mommy when I was still in her belly. Mommy was commenting to Daddy about how she was such a big cow. Now, what do I say when I hear the word "cow"? MOOO, of course! So I let out a big "MOOO", pointed at the picture, and Daddy just about died laughing. Got you Mommy! Fair is fair!

Helping Mommy and Daddy with Groceries

I like to be a big help to Mommy and Daddy. Today Mommy went grocery shopping and then, as usual, Daddy helped unload them. This time Daddy let me help too! You can see he gave me the heavy stuff as he does the light work.

I also am learning to help around the house in other ways. I like getting Mommy or Daddy their shoes, and will even put them back if they ask me to. For Daddy especially, I like to help pick out the shoes I want him to wear, and then bring them over to him. Sometimes this means I want him to wear running shoes to work or dress shoes to go to the park, but if he gives me a little hint I'll get it right every time!

I'm also getting good at picking things up and putting them away, as long as Mommy or Daddy asks me to. I can even put them away in another room sometimes! Daddy asked me to go put something on their bed while we were in the family room, and I did!

I'm trying to practice cleaning things up, too. Such as if I spill some milk, Mommy can hand me a paper towel and I'll do my best to wipe it up. I'm even starting to wipe my own hands off and even my nose if it needs it!

I'm turning into such a helpful big girl!

Flying with Daddy today!

Today was an absolutely wonderful day. Daddy's friend Steve had called and asked if he wanted to meet up with him and "several" friends who were flying in to McAlester to have lunch. Well, Daddy convinced Mommy that I'm old enough to go flying with Daddy on my own, and maybe she would enjoy some time to herself? Apparently Daddy's pretty smooth, because Mommy agreed! So it was a day of "Daddy-Daughter" fun!


On the way to the airport we got to see a helicopter land. Daddy pulled over to the side of the road so I could watch it. And I sure did, pointing at it the whole time too! It was pretty neat. Am I daddy's girl or what?


We got to the hangar and I helped Daddy preflight the plane. You can see here I'm checking the security of the propeller.





I caught Daddy taking pictures, so I had to come over and make a silly face for the camera.






Daddy put my car seat in the airplane, but once he started to put me in, I quickly scrambled and got in the seat I really wanted to sit in - the pilot's seat, of course!






I really didn't want to get out, and boy did I fuss when Daddy put me in the car seat. One of the these days I'll be up front!

During the whole taxi to the runway I was waving and pointing at the other airplanes. And on takeoff I stared out the window at the ground falling away. It was so fun!






I was a really good girl for the flight there, just playing and kicking the seat in front of me of course. After about 30 minutes I got tired so I pulled the blanket over my legs and took a nap for the remaining 15 minutes. I was pretty out of it! I slept right through the descent and landing, the taxi, parking, and even Daddy getting out! See me here? I am still quite asleep, and judging by Daddy's friends standing outside, we must be on the ground already.





A lot of people ended up coming. Word of mouth travels fast! "Several people" became a total of 19! As they arrived, I was very excited by all the airplanes pulling up, and waved and shouted at all of them.

We went to a nearby restaurant, and I was such a little angel. I was nice to everyone, was quiet and ate some spaghetti (getting it all over me of course), and made some silly faces at the others. I did eventually get tired of sitting still while they talked, so Daddy took me out of the high chair so I could get some wiggles out before the trip back. Well "get some wiggles out" I did, taking off down the hallway and making Daddy chase after me, giggling the whole way. Fortunately, this restaurant was set up a little differently, where every group was in a private room, so I didn't bother anyone in my hallway exploration. But I sure had fun running away from Daddy! He always seems to catch me, though... And then I giggle some more and run away again!


All this excitement wore me out pretty well, so on the flight back I fell asleep after just 10 minutes and slept the whole way back. This time I did wake up in time to watch Daddy's landing.

I was such a good girl for Daddy and he was really proud of me. He says it was just an absolutely perfect "daddy-daughter" day and he hopes we can do it again very soon. Mommy got to take a nice long bath and have a nice quiet house all to herself, so I think we will be doing this again!

Putting my own moisturizer on

This winter my skin has been very dry, especially my face. Mommy has tried putting some moisturizer on, but I fuss and squirm when she tries to. So today Mommy decided she'd let me try. Did I do a good job?

Had I mentioned the chocolate cake?

I think yesterday I mentioned that we have lots of chocolate cake at home. That's because Mommy and Daddy and I went to Sam's Club and they have some good cakes.


Here I know I'm about to get some cake. Do I look happy, or what? Too bad Mommy and Daddy didn't get a picture of me licking my lips when I saw the cake coming out!







I'm definitely Mommy's little girl when it comes to desserts!

Birthday party!

Today I went to a birthday party for a 1-year old son of one of Mommy's coworkers. First I had to get all dressed up. I even left the hat on long enough for pictures!









Lots of other kids were there and we had a great time making lots of noise. They had a little "ball pit" which I enjoyed playing in with some of the other kids. But one time while I was busy playing, I looked up at Daddy and couldn't believe what I saw! The birthday boy Alex had come over and was giving him some hugs. I quickly made my displeasure known. I'm quite the jealous girl, you know!






Of course, it being a birthday party, they had lots of cake. Alex just mashed his hands in it (fortunately he had his own cake), but us older kids are much more refined and dignified. Here you can see me daintily using a fork on some white cake (we've got plenty of chocolate cake at home).






The party was a lot of fun, and really wore me out. When we got home, we had an early dinner and I fell asleep right in my booster seat! Remember I used to do this all the time in my high chair, but that was nice and comfortable and I could recline in it. But this is the first time I've fallen asleep sitting perfectly upright in my booster seat!





Daddy and Mommy quickly moved me over to my mat to take a nap. Busy day!

Working on my words

I've been getting a lot better with some of my words, and have been learning new ones almost every day it seems! I'm finally getting the pronunciation of "shoe" down, too. For the longest time I kept calling them my "do's", but now I can say the "SH" sound!

Happy New Year!

And so ends my first full year! It's been quite a year, too. Look at all I've done and learned!

Celebrated my first Christmas (remember, Mommy and Daddy were both sick for Dec 25th so we delayed it until January)
Got my second tooth (and many more)
Had my first meat - turkey!
Learned to roll over
Learned to hold my own bottle
Pulled myself up to standing
Found my nostrils with my fingers!
Learned to crawl
Learned to sit up by myself
Outgrew my first car seat
Learned to clap
Learned to use a sippy cup, and later a real cup (still working on that)
Played at the park for the first time!
Learned to feed myself, crackers at first
Said "Dada" and "Mama" and then many more words
Told my first joke ("Who's got a big buddha belly" - "Dada!")
Played the piano
Had my first surgery, for my ear infections
Had my first taste of ice cream (and I loved it, just like Mommy!)
Stood up all by myself, without support!
Learned to WALK!
Had my first birthday
Learned to wave bye-bye
Got my first kiss from a boy!
Played with Legos
Was Daddy's little helper in the yard, garage, and all over!
Learned that airplanes are fun to wave and yell at
Flew my first kite
Picked pumpkins and had my second Halloween
Got promoted from the high chair to a booster seat
Drew lots with crayons
Learned the concept behind "pouting"
Helped decorate the Christmas tree and had my second Christmas
And best of all, I got to see lots of friends and family!

Quite a year, wasn't it? I'm sure 2009 will be even better!

First trip to the dentist :(

Today Mommy took me to my first dental appointment. Daddy said it was going to be fun. He lied! Okay, it went alright at first. The people were nice and it was very kid-friendly. Once they took me into the exam room, I was fascinated by the way the chair tilted up and down and raised and lowered. Mommy says I'm just Daddy's little engineer! They laid me down on the chair and at first things weren't too bad. They even had a TV in the ceiling!



But then it started going downhill as soon as the dental hygeinist started cleaning my teeth. Now, Daddy usually brushes my teeth at home, and I've only just started not fussing too much with him. But this was a stranger so I fussed a little more.



After the brushing came the flossing - this I did not like at all, and after the second tooth, quickly bit down and wouldn't let them floss anymore. That was enough for me! Mommy and Daddy are going to try it later. Good luck!

Then the dentist came in and took a look at my teeth. I didn't like this very much either, and kept biting down on the mirror. But he did say my teeth looked pretty good! I have the 4 canines coming in now. They've been "coming in" for over a month now, but the dentist said sometimes they do take a few months, so I'm right on schedule. I will get 4 more molars, but then that's it for baby teeth!



We're just about done! Look at how happy I am! But I guess it's good I got it done with.

See, I'm not so big!

I climbed in and fit just fine in my bucket during some "water play" today!

Day after Christmas

I woke up this morning to find that we were still at Grandma and Grandpa's house, so I was happy to see them again. We had more fun today, and Mommy and Daddy even got to go out and see a movie by themselves! They were very excited.

In the morning, I played a little Tic-Tac-Toe with Daddy. That is, until I figured out the O's were just the right size for me to wear as rings, then I just HAD to have them all on my fingers!

Grandpa and I got to play with the piggy bank some more. I tell you, I really hope Mommy and Daddy like this toy, because I think it's going to get a lot of use!

Christmas part 2!

After we were done with the Christmas presents at our house, we had a little lunch and then drove over several rivers and through some wooded areas to get to Grandma's house. I slept for part of the 2-hour drive, but only about 45 minutes or so. But it was enough for me to rest up and have plenty of energy for Grandma and Grandpa.

We had a great time (we always do!) and played a lot. I think Mommy and Daddy always appreciate a little bit of a break, and Grandma and Grandpa don't mind either!

They got me a book with colors that I immediately took to reading.



I gave them a photo ornament of myself, and Grandma let me help hang it on their tree!



Then I got to unwrap this toy piggy bank. I love it! It sings and counts when you put the coins in or touch the pig's nose. It will make for hours and hours of noise, so Mommy and Daddy, I hope you like it too! You'll see that Shadow is keeping a close watch over me. Good dog!



We stayed overnight, and I had so much fun I wore myself out and slept soundly.