I Can Do It!!

This week has been one of those weeks where Mommy and Daddy spend most of their time watching me in complete amazement. I showed them how I can crawl up the stairs, I proved that I can stand very still while they marked my height on the wall, and I even showed them how well I "obey." If Mommy or Daddy puts their hand out, I know they want what I have in my hand.... or my mouth so; I kindly hand it over and then I start clapping because I know I've done well.

It's been very hot and humid in Illinois lately so, we've been spending lots of time in my pool... sometimes Mommy doesn't even make me wear my suit!!
This stuffed bear named "William" was Mommy's when she was little and now it's been passed down to me. I guess I was curious what his mittens taste like!!
Let me help you get that note right, Daddy.

See how nicely I stood while Daddy marked my height?
Are you sure that's right???Mommy's double-checking Dad's work....

Look at how good I am at crawling up the steps!! I almost made it all the way to the top!! Still need a little help getting down though...
I'm now sporting three teeth instead of just my two bottom ones!!! Last night I woke up once crying because my gummies were bugging me. A couple teething tablets later I was fast asleep. This morning Mommy looked and sure enough, there was my top left tooth!!

I'm still pushing my lion all over the house. This last weekend I preferred shuffling beside it though instead of walking behind it. I even gave my lamb a couple rides!! I took a couple (baby) steps this past weekend and that really made Daddy's ears perk up. Now he wants me to "practice" walking. Sorry Daddy, but I don't even know what "practice" means!!

Quick Visit From Grandpa Keith

This past week we were blessed with a short visit from Grandpa Keith. When I say short, I mean he arrived around suppertime on Thursday night and he was already gone by the time I woke up on Friday morning!! It was so good to see him and visit with him. I didn't even want to eat my chicken alfredo, I just wanted to wave at Grandpa from across the table. I showed him how good I'm getting at walking and he was pretty impressed. He doesn't think there will be much use for lion in a couple weeks.
These pictures are from the night before Grandpa arrived. Daddy is reading me my favorite book!
Can you see all the clouds out the window??!! We had a big storm roll through here but, not even the loud thunder woke me.Very excited that Grandpa is coming!!! I even helped Mom clean before he got here!!
Sure thing, Mom. I'll get the vacuuming done right away!

We forgot to take a picture of me and Grandpa but, anyone who knows him, knows that this is his signature....fresh fruit. He left behind 5 watermelons and 7 bags plump full of grapefruit!! That is my citrus farming- produce trading Grandpa!!

We were so happy he was able to stop and stay and we look forward to seeing him again real soon!!

Spoiling Mommy

So since we came home from our North Dakota trip I've been sleeping like never before. Before, I was sleeping from about 7:30pm-7:30am. Neither Mom nor Dad were complaining because they knew they had it pretty good. Well, now I'm going to bed at 8pm and waking up between 8:30-9:30am! Last week Mommy took this picture of me at 9:45am! She had to wake me up for the day!! While Mommy and Daddy know that in just a couple short months their nights of sleeping are over-- they sure do appreciate me spoiling them like this!

The Big One!!!

As you all know, I just recently celebrated my 1st birthday. I have been extremely "busy" lately growing, walking behind my lion(pretty soon I'm not going to need him to hold onto), trying new foods, swimming in my pool, and learning new words. Just yesterday I tried whole milk for the first time!! I thought it tasted alright--maybe I'll enjoy it more after a couple days. Still nursing 2 times a day but, my days of nursing are numbered, Mom says.

I had my one year checkup yesterday and the doctor was very impressed with how much I've grown since she saw me at 9 months. I now weigh a whopping 20lbs. 1oz. with puts me in the 34th percentile(3 months ago I was in the 12th). I am 29 inches long with puts me in the 48th percentile for my height(3 months ago I was in the 30th).

Yesterday after supper, Daddy and I were racing in the basement... he was crawling and I was walking/running behind my lion. We both laughed until we had tears in our eyes. Mommy was working on some crafts but, she stopped and came to watch us when she heard the roaring laughter. I definitely beat Daddy in the race. Before bed I gave Daddy many kisseys which he said "completely melted his heart." Normally, I'll give Mommy lots of kisseys but, Daddy's beard is pokey so he gets very few. Here are some photos we took this week.

Sooo big birthday girl!!

My birthday breakfast was exactly what I eat for breakfast most mornings: a blueberry eggo and applesauce. Next year I might just request some eggs benedict!!Yay- I love celebrating!! Mommy having that camera in my face is another story though!!:)Lunchtime!! I'm so quick around the house that Mom's having trouble getting pictures of me....unless I'm strapped in my highchair with nowhere to go!! My very own cake!After my afternoon nap, we all went to the city pool. I love swimming and crawling around in the kids area! Next time I promise we'll remember the camera!No time to pose Mom-- I need to hurry and eat my snack so we can get to the pool!! Sure seems like a ate a lot on my big day huh....Let's go!! No time to waste!!Look out!!This lion is helping me learn to walk/run- I'm just about ready to take off on my own though.Yes, most waking minutes are now spent with this lion!! Mom and Dad don't mind helping me turn him around when I get to a wall. If they don't notice me waiting--I kindly ram the lion into the wall a few times until they come to help. I guess I'm communicating more too!!:)I know not to play Daddy's guitar when he's home but, I still sneak in there when Mom's busy making lunch.Here's Daddy and I racing in the basement!! I have never laughed so hard in all my one year of life!!This lion was a Christmas gift from Grandma and Grandpa Scholand- I absolutely love it!!

Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes, cards and gifts; it means so much that you were thinking of me!! I am truly blessed.

More From Our Trip

We took so many pictures when we were in North Dakota and many are too cute to not post. So here's a couple more pictures from our trip. Just a couple weeks ago, I didn't like ice cream at all. Now, Grandma was scared I was going to get a brain freeze because I was eating it so fast!
I was so happy to see Aunt Stella!!
Aunt Stella even examined my gums! She said she can feel my top teeth coming through!
Here I am in my trailer for the first time. Onward Daddy!!!
And we're off!!!Grandpa Mike knows how much I love music so, he played the harmonica for me and, he even let me try!!! Can you hear that music???!!!

We had a good time and always wish we could spend more time in ND. We are thankful for the memories we made and most importantly- that God travels with us and keeps us safe!