Step Stools

This morning I told you that you couldn't wash your hands in the bathroom sink anymore without mommy there (because you will fill the sink and then flood the bathroom). We bought you a step stool that you loooove and your favorite thing to do right now is to climb up on it. I guess it gives you a new view of the world. Anyway, after I told you that you couldn't wash your hands anymore, you started crying. I then said that you could play with the stool, just not in the bathroom. You gave me a hug and said, "good girl!"

Today you have been saying, "ummm" alot. I think you hear me say it from time to time especially when you ask me what something is and I don't know how to describe it. But, it's funny when you are saying it because you don't have anything to add to it. You just say, "ummm...." and then stop.

Zippers

I guess I tell Sophie to "zip it!" when she's barking outdoors. This morning you had a hold of the zipper on my vest and you said, "zip it, Sophie." Same word, different meanings.

You amused everyone over Thanksgiving with your many and varied words/pronunciations. Like when we are having company you suddenly turn Italian and you say, "companini." When you want to jump on the trampoline you are also Italian with, "tramponini."

You adore Hannah more than possibly any other person in the world. When you grab her hand to hold it you inform every one around what you are doing by saying, "hands!" Look at me, I'm holding Hannah's hands.

Your sweetness with her makes my heart hurt. You are so incredibly vulnerable. You have no concept of being an annoyance to an older kid. I want to bottle that innocence up and make sure you are never hurt. Although I know you will be and I know that at times I will hurt you. I am so anxious to see you grow sometimes and so enchanted with your personality. I feel impatient wondering what you will become. What will our relationship be like when you are a teenager? In a few short years you won't need to call me to come get you out of bed. You won't need me to kiss your "owies." I am torn between impatience and wanting to bottle up the little person that you are. The person who gives me "stinker face" to be ornery and the person who tells me "back!" when you don't want me too close because you want to do it on your own.

I will love you little girl, no matter what you do or who you become; you are so important and so special and if you want to be a mommy when you grow up or a brain surgeon, I won't care. I will be just as proud. Even if you make mistakes along the way....and you will. I will love you and want to protect you.

Just Being a Toddler

You are such a funny little girl, Haven. You make me laugh all the time. You love slides and when you talk about them it is always a sentence: "slide...fun!" You are so brave. Much braver then the older kids at the park. You go down by yourself. Sometimes you have a scared look on your face but you always do it again.

Brave with slides, you are timid around other children. You will observe them until you feel comfortable. Usually you will pick out an adult or older person and attach yourself to them. Linda, the lady who runs the nursery at church, always comments on how you joined the big kids for the lesson before most other kids do. It's funny because she could get you to sit still and listen, but I can't get you to do the same for me.

Right now you are very interested in your stuffed animals. You will lose it if you are trying to go to bed and we are missing one. You love to lay them down for "night, night." You insist on 3 or more blankets being put on you for naps. You wake up with red cheeks because you are so toasty under there. You can say anything. My current favorite is when I say "ridiculous." You repeat it and with your little voice it sounds so cute, "diculous."

Bossy Boots

You've definitely got the two-year-old "No!" down. In response to every question that is your answer. Are you hungry? No. Do you want something to drink? No. Are you tired? No. Except that you'll eat what I'm offering, drink what I give you, and take a nap when I put you down.

You love Monika, our neighbor. And, get super excited when you hear her talk in her backyard. If she isn't there you say, "Mon-kak. Gone, gone."

My new favorite thing that you say is, "Hold it!" When you want me to pick you up. And, if you are slipping down on my hip because I'm holding you while doing housework, you tell me to "hold it!" again. In case I've forgotten what you want.

You are terrified of thunder and any other loud noises. You can hear a motorcycle from miles away and never fail to inform us of one if we aren't paying attention.

When you are tired you tell your daddy, "Down!" then you turn his head and say, "ear" grabbing his earlobe and holding it while you suck your fingers. Really, you'll use anyone's ear. You aren't picky. But, your preference is for your Daddy's.

October

You said your first "long" sentence to me today: "Sophie...[out]side...naughty!" Very good, little one. You're not kidding! You say so many words that I'm guessing you have a 50 to 100 word vocabulary. Your pediatrician said that was great--most kids your age have in the 5 to 7 word range.

You know the difference between a circle and a triangle. You can imitate thunder--which you've been doing all day long by saying "Boom!" and then roaring. You speak all the time, but only when you are really comfortable around people. Around a group of kids you are really shy. It takes you awhile to warm up. You just like to watch for awhile. Then, when you feel comfortable, you join in.

You love to dance and can swivel your hips like Elvis. You love rap and hip hop. And, dancing with your daddy. Usually you wake up talking. A few months ago you woke up singing. You haven't done that in awhile.

I'm trying to remember everything, but you seem to be growing and saying all the time now. I tell myself not to forget what you said or did today, but I do.

She's Definitely Her Father's Daughter

Your daddy is so proud. Today you had your first set of x-rays. After you took a fall and landed on your ear and your arm. It was quite a fall. I tried not to freak out. You didn't stop crying. I called your daddy. You fell hard enough that you could have broken your arm. Except that I've never broken anything so I didn't know what to look for. You were holding your arm to the side and not moving it.

He told me to call the doc, but I told him to come home because I couldn't imagine putting you in your car seat with a broken arm. And driving for 30 minutes with a baby in her car seat with a broken arm--well, that didn't sound like a good idea to me.

We headed to the doctor's, we were sent to get x-rays. You were fine until we had to manipulate your hand and elbow in order to get the picture right. It was as Alwyn suspected--you hadn't broken anything. But, he had to pop your elbow back in place. He twisted it, you screamed, we heard a loud pop, and you could move your arm again. It was as quick as that. You got lots of gummy bears afterwards, and I tried to convince Daddy that you needed ice-cream, but really, you were 100% better and acted like nothing had happened.

He called grandma to brag. You are definitely his baby, little girl. I somehow avoided catastrophe when I was a kid. And, here you are, making your x-ray debut at 18 months. Sometimes I wonder if you have any Keagy in you. I'm so, so glad you are alright.

Poor Baby

Because I find it amusing we call your lady part a "Biscuit." Right now you have a diaper rash. When I picked you up a minute ago you started fussing (you weren't wearing a diaper because I was hoping the dry air would help). You said,"Owie! Bis-kee." I started patting your back and said, "Oh," in my most sympathetic voice. And you began repeating, "Poor Baby, poor Baby, poor Baby." Because that's what I say when you are hurt. We had to call Daddy to tell him about that one.*

*Faerl, when you graduate with your degree I hope you will provide free psychiatric services to my daughter for two reasons:

1. you're my friend.

2. you introduced me to calling lady parts "biscuits" thus providing a future need for therapy for my daughter.

Naughtiness Squared

Little Girl. When you spy my phone you grab it, bring it to me, and say, "Baby." I have recordings of you on it and you love to watch them over and over. And Over. Again. You know one particular one so well that you will say the words on the video before you hear it. Genius.

Your daddy shows you videos of horses on YouTube. You sit on his lap with a very rapt look on your face. Completely entranced. Sometimes you squeal and scream Horsie! because you get so excited.

You love to put on shirts (or pants that you call shirts) over your head. You will try on clothes--mine or yours--for an hour. You are very focused on it. When we were in Colorado this past week, I laid out my clothes on the floor and went to take a shower. Apparently you walked into the livingroom where everyone else was with my panties on your head.

You say so many words now. Sometimes phrases. When you ask for chocolate milk or ice-cream you say please. Because it's worth it.

I have a particularly hard time disciplining you. For one thing, you ignore what ever method I've chosen. If I spank you, you don't react. I try time-outs, but you seem perfectly content sitting in the chair. I don't know what to do with you. Most of the time, however, it is all for naught because you will look at me waiting for me to laugh at your naughtiness and I never disappoint. I try not to laugh. But, dang it, you give me the most mischievous look and I start smiling. I try to turn around real quick so you won't see me, but you know. I'm going to pay for my amusement later, I'm pretty sure. I love you, my sweetness. Thank you for being you. I love it!

Mommy can't keep up with all the new things that you do. But, lately your very favorite thing to do is to climb on EVERYTHING! The couch, chairs, into your booster chair to eat. You haven't fallen yet. Yet.

I hurt my foot the other day and was putting a band aid on my ankle. You were incredibly curious about this so I told you I had an "owie." You wanted an owie too so you pointed to your thigh and said "owie." I put a little ointment on your thigh and a band aid of your own and you walked around like you'd broken your leg. When daddy came home you happened to be asleep he heard you wake and came in to get you. The very first thing you told him was that you had an "owie."

The next day the band aid had miraculously stayed on your leg and we went over to Faerl and Jarred's house. I told Fae to ask you about your leg and she did. You pointed to it and stuck out your bottom lip like it was all of a sudden causing you considerably pain. This is against your father's wishes, I might add. He hates that I am indulging invisible and non-existent owies. But, it is so funny to watch you fuss about it. Probably he is right. I'm sure I'll give it up soon when the amusement wears off.

Show Stopper

Haven, you were very popular this past week while we were all in North Carolina. You met a bunch of second cousins and third cousins and great aunts. You also picked up some new phrases. On the plane to NC you started saying, "Thank you!" because a lady next to us said it and you really liked her (she shared all of her food with you). You were incredibly friendly to everyone.

When I see you, I typically say, Hi Baby. You started saying that to me. I love it. It's so cute. Today you saw Sophie for the first time since we returned and you called her Soap-E. I think you missed our doggies. Although you certainly enjoyed your trip.

Melting

I don't know how you do it, Little Girl, but you melt my heart all the time. Just a moment ago I was rocking you for your nap. You were sucking on your bottle and looking up at me with your big brown eyes, rubbing my face with your little fingers like I do to you when you are tired. I whispered "I love you," to you. You pulled your bottle out and gave me two kisses--it wasn't even an attempt to avoid your nap because you didn't jump up and start chatting like you usually do. I thought I was going to cry you were so sweet.

Words, Words, Words

You are saying so many words right now! My favorite is "Grizzly." That's the name of Grandma's dog and it's so funny to hear you say. You will try to repeat anything we say, so I don't think I can list all your new words. Truck was your favorite today. It sounded like "cuck." You've also taken to scolding every dog that you see. Even if they are just laying there. You shake your finger at them and say, "no, no, no."

You love doing crazy hands. Laughing really hard. You still gurgle when you are happy. That's a relic from little baby days and I love it. You give kisses with a kissing sound now. And, you tend to go to more people without acting scared. Unless you are tired. Whoever rescues you from your crib when you wake up for the morning or after a nap is The One for a few hours. You love them the most. Unless it's Daddy and then you just love him the most period. You are just crazy about him. And, the feeling is mutual.

15 Months

Miss Thang. You had your 15 month check up today where we found out you finally weighed 20 pounds. Exactly. I stuffed you full of food this morning in an attempt to balance the scale in our favor so we can turn you around in your car-seat. I really think that it's all the whole milk you've been drinking. I must've been producing skim milk when you were breastfeeding because as soon as you were weaned you decided that cow's milk was OK and you started drinking it like it was going out of style. And, you managed to move to the 10th percentile in your weight as opposed to the 3rd. Good job. You don't have any fat on you, though. It's all muscle. I see baby gymnastics in your future.

Your latest thing as of today is to find cuts or scrapes on Daddy or me (the smaller ones are very interesting to you) and point to them and say, "OW!" You found a couple day old scrape on your arm that made you fuss. I doubt there was any lingering pain, but apparently it needed to be tended to. Daddy said maybe we were making too big a deal out your bumps now because you are being a little dramatic over old ones. But, I figure this will be like everything else--two weeks of intense focus replaced by something else more alluring.

I forgot to mention that last week when we were having the house re-stuccoed I had a dream about you swallowing tacks I woke up from the dream thankful because we don't have any tacks in the house except for two that I've pinned plants to the wall with. But, they were on top of the kitchen counter so I didn't think those could ever be a threat. However, with all the banging around that the guys were doing nailing paper and wire over the existing stucco, it must've knocked one of the tacks loose and it rolled to the floor. I never would have checked on it in a million years. The next morning after the dream you came running into the bedroom, and I could tell you had something in your mouth. Since we weren't outside I figured you picked something up off the floor to eat (I give you snacks all the time and you will walk around, usually dropping a few in the process) so I was going to just let you go without checking but I happened to see a glint of something shiny in there. I made you spit it out. It was a tack. Thank you, Holy Spirit for dreams. Very, very weird. It kind of freaked me out that I'd dreamed it the night before.

Words

Sweet, sweet Haven. I don't know when you got so big on me. Daddy weighed you last night and you've finally reached 19 pounds-ish. I hope this means we can put you in a toddler car seat. You are pretty fed-up with facing backwards.

You have a couple new words lately: OW! Which you use alot, "Hi," "Uh Oh" when you drop something. I think there are more, but I can't remember right now. You try to say a lot of things and sometime get close.

You just woke up from your nap, so I'm going to go get you and we're going to go eat lunch with your Uncle David and Aunt Christine who are visiting.

I love you, my baby. I always will.

Da!

You dig chocolate tart from the coffee shop. Alot. He gave you one bite and then every few seconds you shouted (seriously, shouted), DA! asking him for another. And another, and another. There was no way to ignore you.

Cacti

We have a few cactus (cacti?) around our house that your daddy was worried about you encountering. I wasn't quite sure how to convey that you could get hurt if you touched them. So, I gently put your finger on one of the thorns and said "OW!" very dramatically. I did it a couple more times and then tried to move all the ones in the backyard that were in pots to ensure that you didn't have an incident. It'd been awhile since that lesson. I didn't know that it had stuck until today when we went into a bike shop and there was a cactus in a pot. Daddy was holding you. You very loudly announced, "OW!" when you saw it and did the sign that you also use for hot. It was pretty funny.

No More Booby

Yep, that's right. I think we can safely say that you are officially weaned. I feel very conflicted about it, but it must have been time because you handled it much better than I expected. And, you've been so incredibly cuddly that I haven't felt like I gave much up yet. You had one break-down the second day when you were tired and Mama didn't give you any, but after that you were such a champ. You are almost 15 months. Mama has a very long bike ride coming up and a trip where I will be away from you for 2 days, so I thought it was time. You were always a snacker and lately it was only about the comfort, not the nutrition. I'm going to miss sharing that with you, my baby. I guess this is another growing-up stage.

You are such a funny little girl. You have so much personality. You are a little clingy when we are around new people and really prefer to watch people and interact with them from the safety of my arms. You love the water, the grass, dog food, and shoes (except in the car, then you scream until they come off). You like bubbles in your bath and last night you asked for them by picking up the bottle of bubbles. When I poured them in, you tried to get into the bath by yourself. Usually, you enjoy being chased down and put in the bath.

Your daddy came home from Denver last night while you were in there. You acted so coy with him. Instead of showing your excitement (which you were, I could see it in your eyes), you started pointing things out in the bathroom to him--he pushed me out of the way so he could get to you. Then, when you decided not to pay any attention to him, he gave me a kiss and said hi.

You love chasing the dogs around the house. And grabbing their hips. It makes you laugh. You love picking up clothes and walking around with them. And hangers. You "talk" all the time. I love listening to you.

Everywhere we go people comment on how beautiful you are, how well you walk for your age, and mommy tells everyone you are a genius. Of course you are. Haven, I don't care what you look like or what you become in life, I love you. You are so special, little one.

Stink Pot McKean

Cutie Pie Haven. You are a mess. We went to a bridal shower at Auntie Fae's house today. Besides touching everything in her house and taking away everything on Fae's plate while she was holding you and eating it yourself, you were quite amusing. And, a little naughty. You were told to stay out of her basil plant. We both said, "no, no, Haven, don't touch." You didn't like that one bit. You got real frustrated and looked up at Sarah Watts and said, "don't." Like she was the one trying to touch the plant, not you. Stink Pot. When I told your daddy he just laughed and laughed. You are so naughty. And smart. And cute. I love you.

Climbing, Corndogs, & Poop

Baby Haven you are so affectionate now. You will give kisses and hugs. And when I tell you that I love you, you seem to understand that it means something special because you will hug me back. You love, love, love working on bikes with Daddy. And, you are actually quite good at it. You don't just stick the allen wrench any old place, you actually find screws and turn it. You are fascinated with mechanical things.

You also enjoy climbing right now. On everything. You climb into chairs and stand up and bounce. Which makes me nervous. Daddy says that I am very permissive when it comes to your exploring. You like to drink the doggie water and get all muddy and gross. Yesterday you ate a dog turd. That was not me being permissive, I just didn't see you do it. I'd been quite fastidious about picking up dog poop so that you didn't step in it (or eat it as the case may be), however, I guess I was a day behind. You spit it right out. Thank goodness you didn't enjoy it. And, thank goodness Daddy was here to take care of it!

You love corn dogs. It is about the only food that you will wolf down and that you cry if it gets taken away from you. We went to the Grill last night and I ordered you the corn dogs because Daddy and I wanted to eat in peace. You ate 4 mini's! It was impressive.

You love to run and for someone to chase you. You have the cutest smile. Sometimes you smile when you are being naughty and it makes me laugh. Maybe you do have a tiny bit of Keagy in you after all.

When I lay you down in your crib for a nap, you lay on your back and stick your legs straight up in the air.

You love picking flowers (dandelions) and you will hold onto them no matter what else you are doing.

Oh, and you adore your Daddy. You wouldn't let him out of your sight when we came back from California. And, he didn't mind one bit.

Big Girl

As I was getting ready this morning, you climbed up on the couch by yourself and started "reading" a book. I was suspicious because you were quietly chattering away.

We are about to leave for California this afternoon and I am super nervous about taking you on the plane. You are so mobile now and so unwilling to sit that I hope I brought enough food to distract you.

This past weekend, hanging out with your Aunties, you said "horsie," "shoe," and "hello." Eileen could understand you better than I could.

I need to go wake you up so we can head out. I love you, my baby.

Cougar

I feel like I can't keep up with all of your antics anymore. You are more amusing by the day. You understand lots of words and can point out different animals in books. Right now we're working on sounds and the noises animals make. So far you have "cougar" down pat. You can't yet say cougar, but we have a carved cougar (jaguar) head from Africa that you love looking at. You make a claw (or, your version of a claw) and you growl.

Last night you were kissing all over baby Nathan and I told our friends you were a "cougar" and you growled out of the blue when you heard that word. It made me laugh.

You are climbing all over the place. Sometimes falling off, but it doesn't stop you. You love to climb into chairs and rock back and forth. Of course, not every chair is a rocking chair, but you don't quite understand that yet.

You love picking up clothes, on the bed or on the floor, and carrying them around. Red is your favorite color, and mommy has a particular red sports bra that you are fond of. You try to wear it around your arm.

You are pretty afraid of the blow-dryer but can't seem to look away from it. It's like a cobra that has you mesmerized.

For the past few days you've started pulling out all the stops when it comes to nap time. I tell you that it's "time for nappy time" and you stick your fingers in your mouth. Then, we go sit down in the rocking chair and you nurse for a moment and then you start doing everything and anything to distract me from putting you down. You suck on my chin, you grab my face with both hands and laugh, and generally act as cute as you know how. You get me to giggling so hard that I have the hardest time laying you in your crib. But, I know that if I give in once, you are smart enough now to realize that your maneuverings work. I'm OK with you doing it, though, because somehow you've seemed to hit on just the right mix of orneriness and sweetness. Like it is tailor made for me.

Tonight while we were taking a bath you decided that you were going to put your face in the water. Usually you never do this and get real upset if water gets in your eyes. So, you did it without any provocation. And, I told you what a good job you were doing after every dip. You had a huge smile and then we rubbed noses afterwards. I love you, Haven. You bring me so much joy at unexpected moments. Sometimes I want to bottle you at this age and keep you here.

Running, Pinching, & Biking

You've discovered walking backwards this week. You do it until you run into a wall. It looks a bit like moon-walking. You are too young to know what I'm talking about, but I'll show you when you're older.

You LOVE being outside. In fact, you have a farmer's tan on your arms. You scream when we bring you indoors. You enjoy eating flowers and dirt. Today I worked out in the garden and turned around to see you stuff your mouth with a handful of dirt and then try to spit it out.

For some reason you've decided that mommy needs to be pinched and bit frequently. Hard. I've told you numerous times to stop and you do when I say it but you do it again an hour later. You aren't doing it to Daddy. But, Daddy's not quite as squishy as mommy is.

I think we're going to have a problem getting you to 20 pounds so we can turn your car seat around. You run now. Climb up and down steps. You're unstoppable. If we are outside you get angry if one of us picks you up. Inside is a different story.

Today was rather remarkable in that we were sitting in the rocking chair in your room, you looked over at your shelf and saw a stuffed dog on it and you pointed and said, "dog." You say "da" and I'm "dada" and you repeat words (for instance, yesterday daddy said you repeated "bam" after he said it), but you said this without either of the real dogs in the room. I was very proud of you. You understand alot. Grandpa told you to go get your shoes the other day and you did.

I can't wait to hear some of the funny things I know you have to say.

You love bending at the waist and putting your forehead on the ground. Unfortunately, it doesn't always turn out so great. You did it outside on the rocky dirt and fell forward scratching your face. It's fun to watch you because you are always doing new things. You love helping daddy work on his bikes. You spin the wheels and tighten up screws just like he does. I can see the shine of pride in his eyes when you do.

One Year Checkup

You had your one year check up today. Unfortunately, it involved 3 shots in your thighs. The good news is that you weigh almost 18 pounds. The un-bad news is (un-bad, because maybe you'll never have to struggle with your weight) is that you are in the 3rd percentile for your weight; but the 75th percentile for your height. So, you're tall for a girl. And very, very thin. Which explains why I put a 0-3 month outfit on you the other day and it fit you like a glove.

Your pediatrician also said that you were beautiful. He said he sees alot of kids so he isn't just talking. Beauty is only skin deep, but it still makes me proud. I'm your mama--practically everything you do makes me happy. He also commented on how smart you are. And, that made me even more proud. I think you are just you. And, whatever that is is perfect.

Right after all this beautiful, proud talk, you stripped off your diaper and walked around the room naked. It made us all laugh (grandma was there too). Alwyn wanted to know what we were teaching you at home, and I told him you learned that from your daddy. Naked and unashamed. Right? Right.

You tried to eat the ants off the floor too (apparently they were having a small ant infestation at the doc's office). After trying to divert you a few times I just let you have it. I told Alwyn that you eat dirt so an ant or two isn't going to hurt anything. He laughed that I was so easy going about your diet. I guess most parents don't allow their children to eat dirt--which is unfortunate because you really seem to enjoy it.

March 2010

Sometimes I look at you and can't believe how big you've grown. Well, you are still small. Nothing fits your waist and you wear a size 2 diaper, but compared to how little you were when you were born, you seem so big to me now. You can walk like a champ, practically run if you need to. You jabber all the time. When you are angry you sound Japanese.

You have a deep and abiding love for corn dogs. I guess it can't be "abiding" since you've only had one once (much to your father's displeasure). You screamed when I took it away from you.

You love, love, love climbing into boxes. The look of accomplishment on your face when you've made it successfully into a box is funny. Sometimes you have a little trouble getting out though with those short little legs.

Today we finally made it outdoors for awhile. The weather was warm enough. We went next door to feed the chickens and collect the eggs. You are still not sure about those chickens. You do enjoy eating the food I bring them, though. We walked all around Monika and Steve's yard. Eating rocks and sticks (you did that, not me); I consider taking them away from you, but how bad could it be really? Mommy can be very permissive sometimes. But, I want you to learn and get dirty and have fun. Boy, did you get dirty. We played in the sandbox and I took your shoes off so you could feel the sand under your feet. Then you went to get a handful of dirty snow to eat (again, you're too young to teach to eat the clean snow and how bad could a little dirt be?). After that we went to check out the pond. I thought it would be too cold for you to be all that interested in, but no. You put your hands in, then both feet and then I rolled your pants up so you could get in to the knees. I had to drag you out. You were not going to come out willingly. You are so interested in the world right now. It seems a shame not to let you learn all that you can.

Tonight I kicked you and daddy out of the house so I could get the kitchen mopped and cleaned. Apparently you two played in the grass. He taught you how to sit on your bottom and then lay down in it on your back. Which you did over and over. You'd just flop back. Which was great if it was nice, cushy grass, but not so great if you were in the dirt. Daddy had to move real fast so he could put his hand under your head in case you came down to swiftly. You love repetition.

The top picture I took tonight. I was in the bedroom and could hear you jabbering non-stop. I got up and went into the living room and spotted you and your daddy laying side by side on the floor. You were chatting him up.

Taste

One of the things that you do involves squatting down and tasting the ground wherever you are. Carpet, tile, wood floor, umm, dirt. You did this outside and the ground was muddy. That look on your face is not from being shocked about the mud, though. I think the water in the bucket was really cold and you were expressing your disapproval. Those are soap suds on your mouth. You had to try those too.

Word to Yo Mamma

You say a few words now. The same ones, "dad," sometimes "momma," "doggies," you get real excited when you see a kitty, but I think your favorite word is "hot!" Your grandma Majaunta made a hand gesture one time when she was here and told you something was hot and you do that gesture EVERY SINGLE TIME the word "hot" is mentioned. In fact, you know that our coffee is hot and as soon as we pour a cup you do the hand gesture, say, "ha (that's baby for "hot"), and usually you blow. You blow up, into your nose. Not the most effective blowing I've ever seen, but certainly the most amusing. As well, when we were at Nana's a week ago and you spotted her electric fire, you blew on it.

I'm also trying to teach you sign language. Mainly we've been working on saying "please" instead of your normal response which is to scream and jerk around. I've been pestering you with saying it. I don't know how much you understand, but it almost seems to me that you throw a fit and will do anything to avoid signing "please." That's OK. Mommy will keep bugging you. Just ask your daddy. You did sign it today. Finally! You did it once and then didn't do it again. I was so proud of you. You got a big hug and you smiled because you knew you made me happy, but then you refused to repeat it.

You love the outdoors, and will usually cry if I bring you in. Last night we went outdoors for just a little while before the sun went down. Daddy was washing off his mountain bike. You took the brush from him and tried to clean the dirt. It was pretty dirty, that dirt. You love to stir and to dip things. You like to clap and dance.

And, most importantly...for about 6 nights now, you have slept from 7:30 at night to about 7 in the morning. Bliss, I tell you, my baby. For mama it is bliss.

Unstoppable

You are so funny. You've taken to turning in circles and stomping your feet when you dance. While clapping your hands. Which is so stinkin' cute.

You like to get books, sit on my lap, and read them yourself. You jabber, flip pages, and then go get another book. You will allow me to read about a page myself (as long as it is only a sentence long), and then you take over. I'm afraid you may get bored easily like your momma.

I made a half-hearted attempt at weaning you a couple of weeks back. Half-hearted because we've been working on getting you to sleep all night (which, by the way, you are finally doing!!), and so I didn't want to add anything more stressful to the equation. I still enjoy breast-feeding you and you still enjoy it as well. You get a big smile on your face when you know it is time. I'm also reluctant to give it up because that means you are really and truly growing up. I know you're growing up...I see how tall and fast you've become. But, I'm not ready for you to grow completely out of babyhood yet.

You are momma's love. You give me hugs and sometimes kisses that just make me melt. I thought I wanted a boy before I was pregnant with you, but as soon as we knew we were having a little girl, I was happy. And, you've made me increasingly happy ever since. You are feminine and girly and fearless all at the same time. I'm so glad you're mine.

Goin' & Blowin'

I guess I blew on your food once and ever since then if we say that something is hot you blow. If Daddy is holding you by the stove (even if there is nothing cooking on it), you hold your hand out, fingers together, palm flat to test the heat and then you blow in the general direction of the burners. Our coffee cups provide a certain allure because you can see the steam. You love to hold your hand out (in the way mentioned above) to feel the steam and test the heat.

One of your favorite foods was (I say was because we have now discovered that you have an allergy to it) peanut butter and milk. I put peanut butter on a spoon, you sit on my lap, and you take a bite of peanut butter and a drink of milk (from mommy--not a cup). It's a little messy but pretty funny. Unfortunately, your peanut butter eating days are over because the other night I gave you a spoonful and you broke out in hives. I kept the monitor on all night just in case you decided to stop breathing. Daddy told me that you would have stopped breathing quickly after the first bite, but I was still anxious about it. You're such a champ. You never knew you had a rash or that mommy was biting her nails listening to you breathe.

Let's see, you are also a champion fit thrower. You have definite opinions about what you want to do and what you want everyone else to be doing. Mommy doesn't like fits so she is trying to give you a stern talking to. Thus far, you listen with eyes wide and then proceed to throw the fit that mommy so rudely interrupted. Mainly it is to get out of: your high chair, the shopping cart, anything that is tying you down where you can't discover.

You love pushing the shopping cart at the grocery store. You are so strong. With your skinny little arms and short little legs, you get behind the giant cart and push. You sure do attract a crowd because it is so cute, everyone loves to watch. And you are fast. I let you push while I shop, but yesterday you pushed so fast I didn't have a chance to grab anything. And, I had to reign you in before you left me in your dust.

One Year Old!!!

We celebrated your birthday yesterday. I made you a chocolate cupcake which you weren't all that interested in eating. Much to your daddy's relief because he didn't want you ingesting tons of sugar. You were really much more fascinated by the candle on top of the cake. You got a few presents, but by far your favorite was the bag and box that the gifts came in.

You spent most of the day playing in the bird seed at grandma's house with your Aunt Hannah. We can't keep you inside now. You've discovered the wonderful world of dirt and rocks and there is nothing to hold you back.

Wrestle Mania

Mommy & Daddy were wrestling on the bed this evening, and I screamed. You were on the bed with us and I guess you thought I was hurt because you started crying (you'll learn when you are older that when mommy and daddy wrestle, mommy gives daddy the smack down). You crawled over to me, laid down on my chest, and wrapped your arms around me. When you were convinced I was OK, you gave me the first unprovoked kiss of your life. It was even a real kiss without biting and with your mouth closed. Ahh, that's a good end to the day. A kiss from my girl. And your daddy was even a little jealous. Because you are absolutely, unequivocally a daddy's girl. He's just fine with that.

Walking & Talking

You are doing so many new things that it's hard to keep up. A few of them are: you hug and kiss. Sometimes when you hug, you pat us on the back. I guess because we do that. When you kiss (which you don't do quite as frequently) it usually involves sticking your tongue on our lips. You are getting to be a super fast walker as well. Yesterday at Walmart, you didn't want to be in the basket or even to be held. You wanted to walk. Which was fine, except that you wouldn't walk in the direction that I needed you to. You had your own agenda.

Daddy roared at you one evening and so for the past two evenings you've been walking around "roaring" which is really just screaming at the top of your lungs. It's impossible to watch t.v. or talk on the phone while you are practicing, but it's funny.

You are less than two weeks away from your first birthday. You still shake your head no, and now you shake your head yes. You call me and daddy and the dogs "da." Sometimes I am "mama" but not very often. Alot of times I will say a word and you will repeat it to me, like "Hi", but you don't usually say it on your own. I think you are more interested in conquering the physical world than speaking.

You're Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone...Or Not

I left you overnight with your grandma and grandpa for the very first time. And, do you know what? You didn't even know I was gone. As soon as you saw me this morning, you looked up from grandma's arms and said, "Dada?" You little stinker. You were supposed to miss me! At least a little bit. I'm pleased that you did well. It would have been hard to leave you if you'd been bawling. But, I thought maybe when you saw me you'd be happy. And, you were...unfortunately, you were just happy because you were hoping I brought Daddy with me.

Pointing, Pillows, & The Wave

You are really something else, Little Miss. Tonight was the first time you've ever manipulated your mommy and daddy. Daddy told you that you couldn't touch the buttons on the t.v. and so you started to cry like he was breaking your heart and then you bee lined it over to mommy for comfort. Daddy said you are a girl, and therefore, already know how to work the system. After you had a good fuss in my arms, I set you down and you walked over to the t.v. (about 6 or 7 feet away) letting your intentions be known the whole time by pointing your finger at the buttons on the television. You may have been pitting mommy and daddy against each other and manipulating that way, but as far as deviousness goes--you've got a thing or two to learn.

You've also started to have a thing for throw pillows. You pick one off the couch or off the bed and walk around the house with it in the evening when you are tired. You hold it in front of you with both hands and then when you get tired, you lay it down on the floor, and then you lay down on it sucking your two fingers and holding one ear (ala your grandpa Allen).

You wave hello and goodbye all the time now as well. Your wave is very circular. In fact it looks like you are doing wrist rotations. It's so cute. I can't wait until we get our new camera because our old one broke and I don't have any new pictures of you to post.

Pinch an Inch

So, your newest skill is pinching. I think I preferred the dancing. You really enjoy pinching Mama's stomach. And since your fingernails are always sharp--even when I've just trimmed them, it hurts! You do it over and over, and I tell you "no" but I think you like the way it feels. Sometimes you pinch me when you are frustrated because I won't let you do something. But, mostly I think it's just a new (painful) discovery. You don't pinch Daddy. But, then again, Daddy wouldn't mind so that probably takes some of the fun out of it.

User

You've been preferring your daddy over me for awhile now, but I think it's getting even more pronounced. Sometimes you cry if I take you away from him. I'll admit that I don't like it a bit, and I'm not ashamed to use my (excuse me, your) boobs to win you back. Grammy uses necklaces and jewelry to lure you in.

I think that you view daddy as a peer. He's always playing with you and making you laugh. I get to put you in bed, which isn't your cup of tea and change your clothes (another thing you hate). Mommy is also more strict than Daddy (which no-one ever would have suspected before you were born). However, when you are tired there is only one person that will do. Thank goodness that is still me. I deeply suspect it is because I possess something that is soothing to you, but I'm willing to be used. Because I love you so.

No Fear

Well, little girl. You are always doing new things. A few weeks ago I realized that I can't keep up anymore. You are walking all over the house, and you look just like Frankenstein when you walk. You chase the dogs, you hug Trudy (Sophie won't let you that close or you'd hug her too).

One of my favorite things that you do (I guess everything you do is my favorite) is put food on your toes. In your car seat I always hand you something to eat to keep you happy--you DO NOT LIKE sitting still. Anyways, you like to put your feet straight up in the air and then stick food on your big toe. I don't know why. I should mention that is always after you have ripped your socks off. Socks frustrate you. And, we may as well just forget about shoes. When I put shoes on your little feet you scream until you've taken them off. That's my hippy baby. We don't need shoes, do we?

We went over to some people's house last night and they had two huge dogs. The other baby there was terrified of them, but you didn't show the least hesitation. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. You really don't show fear very often at all unless someone is trying to hold you. Then you cling to me or to your daddy and lay your head down on our shoulder like you are shy. You aren't shy. You're just a stinker. A cute little stinker.

Dippin'

We went out to eat this past weekend and you happened to watch Daddy dipping his fries into some ketchup. Ever since you have been a dipping fanatic. You dip your cheerios into your yogurt, your bread into Daddy's bread. Doesn't matter what it is, you are dippin' it.

Dental Hygiene

I bought you a toothbrush a few weeks ago because you love helping us brush our teeth. As long as we brush yours too. So, you have your own toothbrush that you stick in your mouth. Then you help mommy brush her teeth with it every night in the bathtub. Rarely do you actually make contact with mommy's teeth, but you certainly try, and it makes you smile. Today I was in the bathtub and you were walking around the bathroom with your toothbrush and Trudy Lou happened to be laying there. So, you very sweetly attempted to brush hers. Thank goodness she didn't comply.

Growing Up

All of a sudden you aren't a baby anymore. Overnight it seems like you've gone from wanting to be held all the time to only wanting to be held when you are tired. Now you are too curious to be confined in someone's arms. This morning daddy taught you how to put batteries in the remote control. You are pretty good at walking all the way across the room. I don't know what happened.

You've also discovered the joys of hitting and pinching. But, you only do it to me. Even when I scold you you don't seem to mind. You get real frustrated and decide that mommy needs to fix something. Only thing is...mommy doesn't know what to fix.

My favorite time with you is in the bathtub. It's the only time lately that you are a mommy's girl. You have taken to your daddy very well. We always take a bath together at night. And even though you don't want to sit on my lap anymore, you do want to play with me. I showed you how to blow bubbles in the water and so you bend down and stick your lips in the water and make a noise. Most of the time you aren't blowing bubbles, but you look so pleased with yourself and I praise you so much that you'd think you were the first person to discover bubbles. It is so cute.

You have 4 teeth now. And about 4 coming in. You no longer look like a baby.

Tales From the Couch

You like to sit up on the couch. You look so pleased, like you are so big. But, you know what? You also know how to get down from the couch. Chris (excuse me, Daddy) told me that you could get off the couch, but I don't think I was really listening. Except that you proved it to me today twice. It's pretty impressive. I mean, it's a couple foot drop for you, but you aren't afraid. I'm scared that if I blink my eyes too many times you are going to be 16 years old. Slow down already!

Chompers & Sleeping

You have 4 teeth now. One on the top and 3 on the bottom. The one on the top is new as is the one on the bottom, and I can't wait to see how you look when they are fully in. Or what kind of damage you can do to mommy's skin. You love to bite my lips and my chin.

You are 10 1/2 months old now. I can't believe it. It's gone by really fast at times. The times it doesn't seem to fly by are when you aren't sleeping well. Such as right now. You've never been a great sleeper. Last night you were off the hook, though! I tried putting you down at 7:30 but you were a wriggling machine. I let you cry for a bit, but I could tell you weren't going to sleep and took you out of your room to let you play. Boy, did you play. You talked and crawled and banged two balls on the t.v. while daddy and I were trying to watch it.

This is how you know you're parents were old when they had you---they are amused by the loud noise and instead of reprimanding you because they want to watch the program, they just laugh. Or maybe we're just tired. Anyway, at 9 I decided you really needed sleep since you are still getting over a cold. I had to let you cry again, but you finally went down. You had me up about 3 times after that, though. You just weren't interested in sleeping last night.

I hope you will forgive me when you are older for letting you cry sometimes. Or better yet, I hope that you don't remember. I never want to let you cry, and I can withstand about a week of getting up numerous times during the night. But, after a week, I'm a zombie and it dawns on me that I need some good sleep. Just know that I love you and would always go into you every time you needed me...if only you weren't doing it so often. Oh, my sweet, baby. I'm so glad you're mine.

Walking!

You are walking. You've been taking unassisted steps and last week you walked all the way across the living room by yourself. Yesterday you did it again. For some reason you excel when you have two things in your hands. I guess you are distracted by it. You shake whatever is in your hands and you start walking.

Sweetness

I think the sweetest thing you've ever done you did today. We were in your room picking up books from the floor, and you heard the door squeak and open which means that Daddy has come home. You said "dada" in an excited, high pitch and made a bee-line for the front door. It was so adorable. Precious. It made me smile, so I can only imagine how your Biggest Fan felt.

How I Love You

Darling, Haven. You are taking a nap right now, and I was thinking about how much I adore you. I never knew you could love someone so much. I love your daddy. When I think about him, he makes me smile. And, I feel the same about you but different. There is no one in the whole world like you, little girl. I am so blessed that God gave you to me. So blessed.

Here are some of the things that I love about you: the way you crinkle up your nose when you are being naughty. You look so wicked I just love it. The way you decide you don't want to eat something and throw it on the floor. If it gets stuck in your hand you keep shaking it until it comes off. The way you will pull up on my legs to get me to hold you and then you will do circles around me, bumping your head on the kitchen cabinet knobs, until you are so ticked off that I have to pick you up. The way you lay belly down on the floor and sweep your hands back and forth like you are swimming. The way you look at Trudy Lou and Sophie and smile. They always make you smile. Except for yesterday when you were feeding one of them squash and they bit your finger. That did not make you smile. My absolute favorite thing is how you dance. Your grandpa said it best--you look like the beat has taken you over and you can't quite stop it. I could go on and on. You are only 10 months old...your personality is just developing. I can already tell that you are going to be ornery. That's good--my favorite quality in a person.

Names & Pains

You've started calling us "dada" and "mamaman." Not all the time, but enough that I think you've finally got it. Today was the first day that you actually pulled up my shirt to get to the goods, so to speak. Usually you just aim in the general direction and then you start this fake cry. And last night you tried out your new top tooth on mommy. We were in the bathtub and you like to blow raspberries on my belly. You did that and then you bit down on the skin above my belly button. And left a little puncture wound. I told you "no" and you just looked at me with big brown eyes. I knew your daddy would think it was funny so I told him when he came home from his pottery class. It pleased him. It hurt like the dickens too. I love you so much. You make me laugh.

Mad Skills

In addition to your new-found skill of taking steps, you have started to dance. It is my absolute favorite of all the things you have learned. You just shake the top of your body and jut your head in and out. It is so adorable.

Your Aunt Hannah picked you out a yellow giraffe at Wal-mart that plays music when you press buttons. You love this toy. Because you have no problem pressing the buttons. However, and much to my dismay, you like to press down one button and so the song gets stuck over and over again like a CD that is skipping. You love it. You dance in your car seat until Mommy finally has enough and moves your finger off of the button so we can hear a whole song.

You've also begun to play peek-a-boo and you will hide and pop up anywhere you think is a good spot. Over and over again. And another of your new-found skills is to wave. You do it like Miss America. Your wrist is very floppy like you aren't quite sure if you want to wave or not.