Little Brother

We found out yesterday that mommy's having a boy! I'm still a little shocked because I thought I'd get a sister, but at least this way I won't have to share my baby doll with him. Plus, daddy will have someone to play catch with while I paint my nails (parents-it's so hard to keep them entertained). We're not sure what to name him yet. Cousin June's vote was for Steven, and for some reason the name Rambo has been mentioned, but for now I'll call him "Toot." From my experience with boys so far, it seems that's "toots" are one thing they all have in common.

I can't promise any pictures, but I'll try to get daddy to scan the ones of baby Toot.

Skills & Competencies

I've really been showing off lately so Mommy thought I should keep you posted on all my new skills. I can say several words, including mama, daddy, papa, doggie, horse (favorite animal), bath, ball, uh-oh, hello, this, juice, shoes, eyes, duck and Mississippi (no, not really, but wouldn't it me cool if I could).

I love pointing to farm animals in my books and I love seeing them on Papa's farm even more. I can point to body parts like eyes, nose (my favorite), mouth, ears and belly. I love puzzles and carrying my Minnie Mouse doll around. I also love reading my Winnie the Pooh books and pointing to Pooh, Piglet and Rabbit. I'm a natural-born dancer and have to shake my thang every time I hear a good beat.

Mommy and I are having a battle of wills lately with things like pulling stuff out of kitchen cabinets. When I don't get my way I tend to grunt at Mommy, just to let her know I'm not pleased.

I'm definitely a daddy's girl lately and I don't hardly let him study anymore. Since I hang out with mommy all day, I like for Daddy read and play with me when he gets home.

I'm not sure what to think about this new baby, but hopefully it'll be as fun as my young friend Eli, who I just love to snuggle with. (Eli stays with us on Monday and Wednesdays while his mommy goes to work. He's only three months old but he thinks I'm pretty cool).

My latest skill is telling Mommy when I need a new diaper, which seems to be very frequent these days. I also love Sesame Street (I hardly ever miss an episode) and my favorite character is Elmo, of course.

Baby Bro/Sis

On Thursday we went to the doctor's office and I got to see my baby bro/sis for the first time! And it was a much bigger baby than we expected. Mommy expected to see a little bean on the screen and instead we saw the baby's head and body! Apparently he/she is 13 weeks old, rather than eight, as we all thought. So instead of he/she getting here by April 24, it'll be March 28! I'm excited because that's just one month sooner that I can snuggle the little munchin, and mommy's excited that she's already through her first trimester!

Pictures coming soon...

Cutlery here I come!

During lunch today I totally impressed Mom and Dad by eating my guacamole with a fork! They were amazed that I could actually get it to my mouth without spilling on my outfit and getting messy. So after lunch Mommy took me to Wal-Mart to pick out my very own fork and spoon, which I got to use tonight with mashed potatoes and gravy. I wasn't quite as adept with potatoes but there's a big difference in guacamole and potatoes. I'm lick the table for more guacamole!

The princess has a throne...

Yea! My new chair came in the mail yesterday and I LOVE it! I can finally perfect the art of relaxation.

Milestones in May

Guess what I can do now!? I can WALK! Yep, on Sunday while we were at the Lake, I decided to strike out on my own across the living room floor (with some encouragement from Grammy). I only made it a few steps but I'm getting better at it every day, and soon I'll be under Mommy's feet all the time!

I also said two new word: "daddy" and "doggie." I started saying "duckie" today too but it sounds a lot like "doggie." What's the difference anyway? They both like to play in the water.

Plus, Grammy and Papa got me a play castle to climb up and slide down, and I'm getting really good at both. Pictures to come on that one...in the meantime, I hope you enjoy these gems...

Me & Lily playing dress up at the Lake.

Silly Lily! You don't wear them like that!

I'm gonna grow up to have a green thumb!

Helping Mommy deadhead the flowers...

1st Birthday Highlights

Every girl needs a tutu on her birthday (thanks Grammy!)

















The Birthdays Girls





























Cake anyone?

Here Colton, you taste.

Mommy and Daddy threw me the best birthday party on Saturday, May 16 (which is mommy's birthday and Grammy & Papa's anniversary, but they let it be my day this year). We were going to have it at a park but decided against partying in the chilly rain, so we had it at our house. I loved my cake that mommy made, it was so good! I liked it so much that I had to share it with my cousins and smear it all over my highchair. My presents were great too! I got a Little People farm and dollhouse, and books and all kinds of toys, but I think my favorite is my baby stroller. Me and baby have been all over the place since Saturday!

All in all, this was a great first birthday. I can't wait to do it again next year!