Little Spot of Haven (and Little Viv)

Life is Good

2012-01-08T15:18:00.000-08:00

With two girls. Haven is closing in on her 3rd birthday. And, I just.can't.believe.it! I almost don't want to. Haven, you are the funniest kid around, girl. Lately, you've taken to calling all of your dolls in dresses, hallarinas. This is apparently supposed to mean, ballerina, but I like your pronunciation much, much better. While in Texas I asked you how old I was. You told me I was big. I asked you how old Daddy was. You said, "he's three like me." Very telling, I think.

You don't like it when other people hold your Viv. Grandparent's holding her are okay. Not as good as mommy or daddy, but they pass muster. People at church--not so much. Today at church a friend was holding your sister and you walked up to her and tried to pull her away. She's yours. I wonder if she knows that? You really are a fantastic older sis. Sometimes you love on her a bit too much--like climbing on top of her and hugging her. Or playing with her ear long after she has tired of it. But, mostly, she tolerates all your big sister affections and you are a great help to me.

As for Viv. Girl, I think all that breastmilk is going straight to your cheeks! People still don't know who you look like. You don't favor Haven. But, you know--I just love you. You are an incredibly happy baby. You don't nap very well, but you sleep very well at night. And, for that, I just want to hug and hug you. You are such a smiley baby. Your little grin in infectious. I find myself just wanting to look at you and hold you and talk to you all the time. There is something about you that I find hard to pull away. A friend of Gammy's told her that you were going to be a joy to us. And, truly, little one. You are.

Growing Viv

2011-12-09T15:07:00.000-08:00

Little tubby Viv. How I adore your cheeks! You are so adorable my sweet girl. Last week we had your two month checkup. You were 9 weeks and you weighed in at 12.05 pounds. Impressive! However, your height was apparently more impressive as you are in the 90th percentile for that and the 75th for weight. Good job! I love your rolls and can't believe that you are straining in all your 3 month clothing.

As for your sis: today we were talking about middle names and I asked Haven if she knew what her middle name was. She said "honey buns."

Yesterday she plugged her ears up with her fingers (this is a new thing she's learned) and said, "daddy, where are you? Are you in the kitchen?" As though she couldn't see--with her ears plugged up. Hilarious!

I am one blessed mama to have you girls. Viv, you slept 8 hours straight last night. Do you have any idea how happy that makes your mama? Let me just tell you that I would keep having babies if they were all good sleepers like you!

Havenisms

2011-11-29T13:31:00.000-08:00

Little girl. You are a riot. You make me laugh all the time. Like when you told everyone at Thanksgiving that you were going to climb mountains when you were a big guy.

Or, when you told Poppy (while we were at Nana's house) that you'd rather have a beer when he gave you water.

Or, when you asked if we would be bonking Phoebe's head together with Vivienne's. Because we have two little tiny babies and that's what we do when we have two of something.

Girl, you are just so funny. You had everyone laughing during Thanksgiving with all of your sayings. I am so thankful for you!

Two Months Today

2011-11-29T13:25:00.000-08:00

Sweet, darling Viv. You are such a joy to this family. You usually wake up in a good mood and are ready to smile and "talk." You are much more vocal than Haven was at this age which leads me to believe that you may be our talker. Haven is shy at first.

I weighed you last week, Vivienne, and you were 11.5 pounds! I cannot believe how big you've grown. You sleep like a champ (at night). Napping is sometimes a bit of a struggle, but as long as you sleep like you have been that's OK.

We just celebrated Thanksgiving and quite a few people met you for the first time. And, of course, their first comment is always about all your black hair. Inevitably, they reach out to touch it. Which, is amusing because you don't like having your hair touched. But, gosh, it's hard to resist.

You really are a blessing to our family, my little girl. I can't begin to express how much I love you. You make our family complete. And, your daddy is head over heels in love with you too.

Makin' Mommy Laugh (a Vivienne Story)

2011-11-17T17:11:00.000-08:00

probably when she shouldn't be:

This morning as we were getting ready for friends to come over, I walked out of the room and left you, my Viv, on the bed with Haven. I wasn't two steps from the room when you started crying. Vivienne, I haven't heard a cry of pain from you--ever. But, this was unmistakable. I ran into the bedroom, fully expecting to see Haven with a finger in your eye or something.

You were screaming because you had managed to get a hold of a big hunk of your own hair. And, you were pulling it. And, it hurt really bad. You kept crying in pain and I tried to unlock your vice-like grip from your head. I was laughing because it was so silly. It took me a moment to get you untangled and I had to soothe you (and Haven, because she could tell it was a cry of pain and she was worried for you). You just kept pulling and crying. You silly baby.

buddha belly

2011-11-10T11:03:00.000-08:00

She's 6 weeks today and smiling all the time (except when she wants to scream)...

What a Helper

2011-11-03T06:29:00.000-07:00

Haven has recently discovered how best to help when Viv is fussing--she sticks her finger down Viv's throat and lets her suck on it. I hear a lot of choking and gagging, but other than those minor annoyances, Viv seems to love it.

Pics

2011-11-01T17:02:00.001-07:00

Mobsters

2011-09-26T15:09:00.000-07:00

We went to the aquarium with Heidi and Isaac the other week. Apparently the lobster, or as you call it, "the mobster," made quite an impression on you. You immediately told me that the mobster wasn't good. And, that he would sting me and then poke my finger off. But, I'm not allowed to fuss, apparently. I told you that you liked to eat lobsters. You very emphatically told me that you did not. That mobsters weren't good and that you liked food.

Oh, Really?

2011-08-29T16:12:00.001-07:00

So, the other day you were eating your lunch and mommy and daddy were talking when you calmly told us, "I don't care about nuffin'." I have no idea where you picked this up. It's not something I say. When I repeated it to you to make sure I'd heard you right and ended with "nothing" you patiently corrected my pronunciation by saying "nuffin." This cracked me up. Mainly because you have no idea what you are saying. But, you seem to make major pronouncements while you are eating.

Gammy came over the other day and we were talking about your best-friend, our neighbor Monkila. I was prompting you to tell Gammy how you'd been to Monkila's house and what you'd done over there. You said, because this is your new thing to say about whoever we are talking about: "Monkila's my favorite." Gammy said, "hey, what about Gammy?!" And, you replied in a rather off-hand way, "you're okay." Sort of like, in a pinch you'll do, Gammy. You, my dear, are a little toot.

There's More...

2011-08-23T14:50:00.001-07:00

Seriously, child--I could report on the funny things you say almost daily. Here's a recent run-down.

You were playing with your wooden/paper dolls and putting different clothes on them. I was on the bed minding my own business when I heard you say, "here's her boobie stopper." That was interesting. I watched as you placed it on the doll's chest. Bobbie stopper is a good word for bra, I think.

Shortly after we took a trip to Dillards. Where you begged to go on the escalator. I always let you go on the escalator at least once (because I remember loving that as a kid too). I told you that you could but you had to mind while mommy glanced at the shoes. After glancing we went up and then back down. On our way back through the shoe dept. there were three female employees standing around talking. As we walked past them you informed me, within their hearing, that you were "a little bit naughty." They all started laughing. I told you that I agreed, you are a little bit naughty, although I'm not sure what you had done to announce it.

A few weeks ago I was putting you to bed and you decided you wanted to breastfeed. You've been weaned for over a year now, but you are around a lot of babies and it still intrigues you from time to time. You told me that boobie milk makes you fly--that may be the best thing you've ever said, according to your daddy. Except for yesterday when you started calling him "Daddy Lover Christopher." Your daddy always calls you his lover and you finally reciprocated.

You are precious, child.

Could You Be Any Cuter?

2011-08-18T07:27:00.000-07:00

Sweet Potato Pie, my little Character. Everyday you amuse me by something you do or say. I could spend a bunch of time on here writing about all the funny things you come up with. But, of course, I have to do laundry and eat. I love you, little girl.

Yesterday we took Sophie to the vet. And, this was very interesting to you. Until they checked her ears (which were infected and the reason for taking her) and Sophie started squealing like a pig. Which she always does at the vet, but you didn't know that and you started bawling and crying for "your Sophie." You thought they were hurting her. You have such a gentle spirit for wounded people and animals. I love seeing that side of you. Even if I did find it slightly amusing to have 4 people, a bawling toddler, and a squealing dog in a very, very small room.

On the way home there was a Sonic and I asked if you would like a cherry-lime. You dig those (probably because I dug them the whole time I was pregnant with you--and I typically don't care for them). You said yes. So, we were in the drive through at Sonic getting cherry-limes and out of the blue (you were excited about getting that drink) you told me, "mommy, I'm not mad at you!" I said, "OK, baby, but why would you be mad at me?" We hadn't had any incidences--as in, me disciplining you, so I wasn't sure where you were coming from. You said, with a very frustrated voice, "I'm not mad at you, mommy." OK. Got it. Then you told me that your tummy needed a cherry lime in it. I told you that I ordered it and we were waiting for it. Then you told me again, for about the 10th time in a few minutes, that you wanted a cherry-lime. I finally got exasperated and told you that it was coming and to stop asking. You said, "OK, mommy. Thanks for talking to me." Little adult.

We also went to the library yesterday and on our walk to the car it was thundering outside. Now, you've been known to be slightly afraid of thunder. We were holding hands and you pulled yourself close to me and said, "it's okay, Mommy. It's okay, Mommy. It's okay." You were comforting me in the event that the thunder was frightening me. You are so precious.

Oh, Lord!

2011-08-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

You were on a roll last night, little girl. First of all I was talking to you about spitting and how you are only allowed to spit outside in the grass and in the bathtub. In the midst of this very serious conversation you walked off. I grabbed your arm and pulled you back over and said sternly, "Haven, look at me. I'm not done talking to you." Very mysteriously you suddenly developed an owie on your elbow (deflection?). You were telling me about it, in much detail, and after a few moments my mind kind of wandered off. You grabbed my face and said, "look at me, I'm not done talking to you!" And, that, my dear, is how good discipline is thrown out the window--because your daddy and I couldn't help but laugh.

A few minutes later you were running around the house without a diaper on (pretty much standard routine around here at night). You spit again and your daddy spanked you. Since you didn't have any padding back there it probably hurt (slightly) more than usual. You grabbed your bottom and said, "oh, my butt! Oh my butt!" And, then, "Oh, Lord. Oh Lord. Oh Lord." Come to think of it, that's what your very pregnant Mama says when something hurts lately. I don't know what we are going to do with you. You really are a fantastic little girl. You have your moments, but most of the time people compliment me on how good you are. It isn't my parenting, I'm sure. It's just your nature. You are typically a very calm and easy going kid. Your Mama was blessed the day you were born.

My Stinker Face

2011-07-28T07:41:00.000-07:00

Little Miss Personality: your very favorite thing to do right now is try on clothes (especially baby clothes that don't fit you, but would fit a small infant). I tell you over and over that they are too small, but you are convinced that you can make them work.

Lately, I've been letting you pick out your own outfits. Nearly every day. Sometimes, more often than not, I'm rather amazed at the things you put together. Typically, you do a great job. My very favorite, though, is when you paired your multi-colored sandals with the wool socks Monika made you for Christmas. I told Daddy you were practicing to be a future Sandian.

When you don't want to do something that someone has asked you to do you tell them that you are too little. Which is strange because most of the time you are trying to convince me that you are big enough and old enough.

Yesterday we went over to Heidi's house so you could play with her little boy Isaac. Last time you played with him you were a little scared/surprised that he was so rambunctious. Your daddy wrestles with you every night, but I guess he isn't quite so rough as Isaac. Although Isaac is just being a typical boy you came running to me every 5 minutes or so to tell me that he'd touched you or scratched you...I told you that he was a boy and if you wanted to play with him you had to be tough. That was last time, this time I was getting you out of the car and reminding you how you and Isaac needed to share toys (this is a real point of contention between you two). You told me you would and then you said, "she won't scratch you?" She means he--we'll work on pronouns later. I assured you that he wouldn't. And you said, "I'll be real tough!" It was so cute. You are so cute.

This morning I asked you if you would go shopping with me for baby sister and help me pick out things that she needs. I asked you if you knew of anything that she needed and you promptly informed me that she would need batteries. I guess everything needs a battery now and then.

I love you, my Grace. We only have two months left with you as an only child. Sometimes I am so nervous that you are going to think you aren't as important as you have been. But, I assure you, my love, that you are. I am so excited that you will have a baby sister to share life with. Your nana is just now on a cruise in the Virgin Islands with her sister and as I was praying for her to have a wonderful vacation I found myself hoping that you and Baby Sister someday get to share experiences like that together.

Antics

2011-06-04T08:17:00.000-07:00

Some funny things you've said lately:

While looking in Daddy's mouth with a flashlight, you spotted his uvula and exclaimed, "there's daddy's wienie!" He was not amused. I, however, was so amused that I laughed too long and you told me stop.

It was Daddy's birthday yesterday and when you were informed of it you very excitedly informed him that he was two, just like you.

I was in the bathtub and you were in the living room being way too quiet. I asked you what you were doing and you informed me very non-chalantly that you were making messes. You weren't lying. There was a huge powdery mess from a bath-salt you had dissembled on the couch.

I asked you if you were ready for a nap. You said, "no, another day."

Another bathtub adventure: we were in the tub and daddy walked in. You said, "Daddy, I want a beer." Very matter-of-factly.

You have been making messes that are truly astounding at times. Like this one when you put sunblock (diaper cream) on your baby. You told her you didn't want her to have a sun-burn and that is when I ran into your room because I knew it couldn't be good.

And, there was this the other day, when I learned about your preference in men. You saw this picture of John the Baptist and told me he was cute. When I asked if you thought he was cute (because I was sure I must've heard you wrong), you said, "yeah, his shirt is cute." Interesting.

You were sitting on my lap eating cereal and kept grabbing the bowl. I told you to put it down before it spilled. You did, but then after some thought picked it back up. I said, Haven, are you minding. You said, "No, no way. I'm a big girl!" Apparently you were under the impression that big girls didn't have to mind.

While walking Jackie (Nana's dog) on a leash, "this is wonderful!"

Joy Squared

2011-05-13T19:35:00.000-07:00

(This is you "smiling" in your new big girl bed)

My sweet little girl. We found out that you are going to have a little sister today. Before we went to the hospital to have the ultrasound, I tried to explain to you that we would be looking at the baby in mommy's tummy. I couldn't see your face since grandma was blocking my view, but based on the commotion you made about turning the lights back on in the room I would say you were completely unimpressed with viewing baby sister. That is not to say that you won't be fascinated when your little sis makes her appearance. You are very into babies.

Little girl, I love you. You are so darling to me. I was expecting a little brother for you. I don't know why, I just thought this little one would be a boy. But, based on how much I love you and how much fun you are, I can't imagine that I will be anything but thrilled when my next little girl makes her appearance. I just want you to know, though, my Haven, that you are so special to me. The whole reason for having another baby is not to replace the one we have, but because you are so great it would be a shame not to repeat the process. Your parents love you and I hope we do a good job of continuing to make you feel like you hung the moon. Even when a new, very special one comes along. We'll think she hung the moon too. We'll think you hung it together.

You are the very best thing that's ever happened to us. Your daddy and I both agree. We want more of the same (but different) this next time around because you give us so much joy.

Yes, You Are

2011-04-30T08:16:00.001-07:00

You were jumping on the bed last night when Daddy asked you if you were ready for bedtime and a story. You said, "no, I'm wild." Yes, yes, you are child.

Then, while we were in the bathtub Daddy walked in and you said, "daddy, I want beers." A little while later I asked you if you were ready to get out and daddy would put your pjs on and read you a story. Lately, though, only mommy will do for story time. You said, "no, mommy read story." Daddy asked why mommy needed to read the story and I'm not sure where this came from, but you informed him that mommy had lots of beers and that's why I read the stories. Mommy's pregnant, my darling. She doesn't get lots of beers. Although last night I sure felt like I needed one.

Tough

2011-04-28T06:16:00.000-07:00

This morning we were laying in bed together and you uncovered me. I asked you to put the blankets back on me because I was cold. And, you said, "you're okay. You're tough." I love you Haven Grace. You make me laugh.

Your daddy also taught you to say, "a bunch of junk." If you see piles of anything lying around then it is all of a sudden a bunch of junk.

Havenisms

2011-04-12T09:10:00.000-07:00

Wrinkles=Sprinkles

Airplane=Hairplane

Oatmeal=Oatmilk

Muffins=Mushrooms

Elevators=Alligators

What you've learned from your Mama:

Mama: "Haven, let's take your shoes off and get in the bath"

Haven: "I too tired."

Translation: I want to take a bath, but I don't want to do whatever mundane or boring thing you have in mind for me to do and would much prefer that you do it instead.

Yesterday, after taking a 15 minute nap.

Mama: "Haven that wasn't much of a nap, aren't you tired?"

Haven: "I feel better now."

You've been sleeping in your "big girl bed" for about two weeks now. We just have the toddler rail on. And, you've been doing amazingly. You seem like such a little grown-up lately. Apparently at mother's day out today you were telling all the ladies how you were tired and ready to go home to your big girl bed.

As told to Daddy today: "Mommy doesn't have whiskers, she has boobies."

Cardigans & Cacti

2011-04-01T12:35:00.001-07:00

The most traumatic/exciting thing that has apparently ever happened to you is when we went on a walk with Auntie Fae and you stepped on a cactus. It got stuck in your shoe. I held you while Auntie Fae pulled it out with a stick. Okay, to be honest, I had to hold you because I was laughing too hard to do anything else. At first you were amused by stepping on it and then you freaked out and tried to shake it off. And, I'm sorry, baby, but I got so tickled I was useless. That was about 3 or 4 weeks ago. But, you tell everyone, in a very up-beat, jovial manner that you stepped on a cactus. You won't forget it and you won't let anyone else either.

You have a particular cardigan that you love--your grandma gave it to you for your birthday. I told you once that it was wrinkled so I was going to throw it in the dryer. You are convinced that this cardigan is not wrinkled, but has "sprinkles." I guess they do sound alike.

Happiness

2011-03-14T07:58:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure where you picked this up, but lately if daddy or I give you something that you are asking for you'll say, "I happy now." Sometimes you even say it when you are laying down and comfy. It cracks me up every time.

Workin'

2011-02-19T07:44:00.000-08:00

I asked you if you would like to go play at Monika's house the other day. She offered to watch you, as she always does. You considered it for a moment. Said, "Toys?" I guess you were thinking of all the possibilities. Then you said, "Kitties? Workie?" I assured you that Monika's cats would be at home and not at work today. I'm not sure what they do for a living, but I'm pretty sure they don't get paid, My Haven.

Just Letting You Know

2011-02-17T13:07:00.001-08:00

The past couple of nights at dinner you have looked up at daddy and I from your supper and told us, quite matter of factly, "I fussin." You had been eating contentedly (or so I thought). I'll say, "are you fussing, Haven?" And, you'll say, "yeah," very nonchalant. I'll ask you what that sounds like and you will proceed to fuss. And, then it's over. You got it all out and you move on.

The Latest

2011-02-15T14:51:00.000-08:00

Let's see, your newest doings:

1. Instead of "hold it!" now when you want to be picked up you say, "hold you tight."

2. I love asking you what you are doing. A few minutes ago you said, "I playin', though."

3. You say your name as Hamen.

4. You are more affectionate.

5. You are about 3 hand fulls sometimes. You have got your mind made up about where, when, who, how long, you name it. And, you are hard to dissuade. You are stubborn like your mama.

6. You kiss your own muscles.

7. You snort like a pig when I put pig tails in your hair.

8. You sing to yourself. Most of it doesn't make any sense.

9. You love to be read to. Besides your roller suitcase that Nana gave you, books are your favorite toy.

10. You are actually getting better about going into the nursery at church and at MOPs. You don't cry anymore and when I ask you if you want to play you say yes and are ready to go.

Apples

2011-02-03T08:35:00.000-08:00

I don't always know what goes on at the house when I'm at the gym in the evenings. For instance, when I got home last night from spin class you were in the bathtub. There was a half eaten apple floating in there with you.

You got out of the bathtub, walked over to the trashcan and said, "glass. Pick it up!" Over and over again. I wrapped you in a towel and walked in to the kitchen to ask Daddy if something had broken. Apparently he gave you water in a "big girl cup" and you did well with it until you decided it should be thrown into the tub. Where it didn't survive the journey.

The apple? It took a bath with you. Then, when Daddy was putting you down for the night you came to give me a kiss goodnight. I was in the tub. You saw the apple. You asked for the apple. I obviously wasn't appreciating the Apple Essence enough.

Daddy told me after you were put into your crib that he attempted to take the apple from you. But you turned over on your stomach and tucked it underneath you and said, "Baby's, Baby's, Baby's." He left the monitor in the bathroom so that I could make sure you didn't choke. I don't know who made up that saying about taking candy away from a baby...

Circus Tricks

2011-01-27T06:36:00.000-08:00

We were taking a bath the other night. You decided that you were going to twirl while standing up in the bathtub. Before I could get the words, "Sit down!" out of my mouth, you slipped and fell and knocked your noggin on the tub. It wasn't a bad fall, it was more of a slip, but you started crying and I grabbed you and put you in my lap. You told me you hit your "noggin" and then, while still crying you said, "flippy-do." Because that's what you call a flip.

What Did you Say?

2011-01-25T12:46:00.000-08:00

Giving Daddy a wet willy

This morning we were leaving the house. The dogs were on the couch and you said, "Bye-bye, chickens!" I call the dogs chickens all the time, but you never have. I love your little voice.

And, in more amusing, yet serious matters...you wanted to read Peter Pan this morning. We got to the part where it introduces the children. I said, "there's Wendy." Maybe you heard me wrong because on the next page you pointed to Pan's crotch and said, "there's wienie." Whaaaat? Wendy, Haven, Wendy. Although, in your defense, Peter Pan does wear some pretty tight pants.

Favorites

2011-01-13T14:52:00.001-08:00

Your favorite snack? Fru-nack (fruitsnacks) and "Fishies, Gold." Not Gold Fish.

Your favorite babysitter? Monkala (Monika our neighbor).

My favorite thing that you say? When you are whining I ask you what you are doing and you say, "fussin."

My proudest moment recently: we were in TJ Maxx and Grammy was holding you and trying to get around a lady in the aisle and you said, "excuse me."

Every baby's name? Ella. Before that it was Greyson. Your cousin's names.

Favorite clothing item? The tights we got from Hannah. We call them Hannah tights and you inform everyone of what they are. And shoes. You adore your shoes. All of them.

Favorite hairstyle? Piggies.

My other favorite thing you say? You tell me I'm a big girl sometimes. I can only hope that you mean maturity wise and not size-wise. But, I raised you better than that. Mommy is very, very thin.

Step Stools

2010-12-20T09:32:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-29T12:28:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-22T14:25:00.000-08:00

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

2010-10-21T13:43:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-03T19:03:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-14T19:09:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-01T14:35:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-31T09:16:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-08-17T09:33:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-03T07:36:00.001-07:00

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

2010-06-29T11:53:00.001-07:00

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

2010-06-22T13:55:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-11T18:53:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-09T09:25:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-05-31T12:45:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-28T19:33:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-28T06:08:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-23T18:40:00.001-07:00

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

2010-05-08T06:27:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-27T08:41:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-13T19:33:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-08T19:45:00.001-07:00

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

2010-03-31T15:24:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-30T19:33:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-25T07:47:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-22T14:20:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-18T13:14:00.000-07:00

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'

2010-03-09T06:50:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2010-03-07T07:49:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-02T18:50:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-24T07:05:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-21T15:25:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-18T19:11:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-17T08:08:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-13T18:32:00.001-08:00

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

2010-02-08T13:30:00.000-08:00

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'

2010-02-05T08:26:00.001-08:00

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

2010-02-04T12:07:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-31T08:51:00.001-08:00

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

2010-01-26T12:04:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-22T10:01:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-01-19T08:28:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-13T18:32:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-13T12:50:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-11T12:23:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-07T07:40:00.000-08:00

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.

Two Steppin'

2009-12-23T18:24:00.000-08:00

You took two unassisted steps today. You are getting to be such a big girl. The only thing is, you will only take a step when you are preoccupied with something else. Then you get kind of freaked out that you are walking without help and you drop to your hands and knees to crawl. I try to call to you so that you'll walk to me, and you do come, but you know that you can crawl there faster.

You went and saw your doc yesterday for your 9 month check up and he said that 9 months is early for a girl to walk. He also informed me that you are still in the 5th percentile for your weight. Over the 50th for your length. I don't know where you are putting all that food, because you eat like a horse. You weighed all of 16 pounds.

You also got a flu shot and you didn't even cry. I was so proud of you. Not that I blame you for crying. But, you just watched the nurse administer it, then you scrunched up your eyes like you were considering letting out a wail and changed your mind. Brave girl. I love you.

Baby Einstein

2009-12-17T09:13:00.000-08:00

My little genius. I'm pretty sure every mom thinks their baby is a future genius. Only in this case, it's true.

We stayed with your Grandma Connie last weekend and she showed you "Patty Cake." I don't know if it's Pat-A-Cake or Patty Cake, but you learned it Patty Cake. We were only there for a day and you learned it straight away. So, now when you are eating you love to clap your hands together. And, if anyone says Patty Cake to you, you immediately start doing it. It's so stinkin' cute. I think pretty much everything you do is pretty darn cute (except for that whole not sleeping through the night thing).

Latest & Greatest

2009-12-14T07:30:00.001-08:00

Haven, your latest new thing is to bite my chin with your two little teeth. Usually it doesn't hurt, unless Daddy tells you to bite harder and then somehow you seem to understand what that means. After you bite my chin, you give me your finger to chomp on. And, then you laugh and crunch your nose up. I hope you always scrunch your nose up. It's a signature Haven face. You look so ornery when you do that. I love it.

2009-12-09T14:38:00.000-08:00

You were so cute today, Haven. I was watching a movie and you had just woken up and wanted to sit on my lap. It so happened that in the movie a woman was giving birth and the baby she'd had started crying. You heard that baby cry and didn't take your eyes off the screen. When they showed the baby you reached out a hand to it like you wanted to touch it. It was so cute. I got a picture of you staring at the movie, but I didn't have my camera on me when you were reaching out. Darn it. Look how intent you are watching that baby.

The Youngest Base Jumper...and Dad's First Gray Hair

2009-12-03T19:35:00.000-08:00

Oh, my little Haven. There is a good chance you significantly contributed to my first gray hair tonight. Today was an eventful day, as days go around here. From what your mother says, you refused to let her put you down for a nap today at all, couldn’t decide if you loved or hated the snow (most people are like that I guess), had your first snow ice cream (one of my favorites and apparently one of yours as well), and not ten minutes ago had your first unassisted base jump from your crib. That’s right, despite the fact that your mother and I lowered the crib to the deepest setting you found a way to hold the top rail, wedge your short little legs against the slats, and up and over you went. Mom and I had just finished talking about how you were trying to climb everything including; the couch, your mother, the tv cabinet, and the bath tub and that was just since I got home from work. I was amazed watching you. I am so in love with you and every moment I only fall for you more than the last. This is why I thought I was going to have a heart attack when I went into your room to rock you to sleep after Mom failed on the first go round just in time to see you come over the railing. I still don’t know how you did it but instead of coming head first which could have been catastrophic, you held onto the rail with all your might, came over the rail (enter dad) and swung down until your grip broke and down you came on your little skinny butt and back. I ran to scoop you up cussing the whole while (you will learn that is what daddy does when he is upset or scared in this case). I was almost in tears but in truth you didn’t really even cry all that much. You were scared and had a hard time catching your breath a few moments but your mother quickly had you against her chest and I don’t think you knew the difference. Twenty minutes later now and you are asleep and I am not sure I will for a week. Between your mother and I we have 61 years of life under our belt and 4 college degrees, you are nine months old can’t even speak yet (although you communicate well) and already a step ahead. I have a feeling this is not going to be my first gray hair moment. Love you little monkey. See you tomorrow. Dad.

Haven's Cuteness

2009-11-23T15:00:00.000-08:00

You are so beautiful, my baby. I love your smile...you wrinkle your nose and then blow out of it when you are happy to see someone. You love to pull off your socks and play with your toes. Alot of times while you are in your carseat, I'll look back and you have both feet in your hands and you are talking to them. I don't know what you are saying, but they must please you a great deal.

You are starting to play back with your daddy and me. When mommy is tickling you, you bit her cheek with those two sharp little teeth you've got. Yesterday your daddy chased you around on the floor on his hands and knees. You would crawl by him at warp speed making sure he saw you so he could chase you. You were screaming you had so much fun. I had a bit of trouble getting you to bed after that.

You also love to lick the bottom of my shoes. Especially the brown flats. I've tried numerous times to take them away, but you insist on treating them like lolly pops. I guess it's no worse than crawling around on the floor all day and sticking your fingers in your mouth afterwards. You're gonna have a great immune system.

I can't explain how much I love you, little girl. You are ornery and clingy and so cute right now.

Screamin'

2009-11-18T18:14:00.000-08:00

You were really tired tonight. When you are tired you don't do so well in your chair while I'm feeding you. At first you are OK, but then you get bored and want out. So, you started screaming. I told you, "no," very sternly. You gave me a look and then started fussing. Then you screamed again when I didn't let you out. Daddy came in from the other room and told you no. You kept screaming and we kept telling you no. After about the fifth time, you beat us to the punch. You let out another scream and then started shaking your head no. I don't know how we're ever going to discipline you...when you are being naughty, you make us laugh. Your uncle David used to make your grandma laugh and he would get out of spankings. It used to make me so mad. But, now I think I understand.

Sweet Sweet Haven

2009-11-18T07:48:00.000-08:00

This morning was the first morning that you actually cried when your daddy gave you to mommy. Usually I'm the preference over anyone, but today, you really wanted to play with daddy, and he had to get dressed for work. He gave you to me and you started bawling. I'm not sure I like being 2nd best, but I think you made his morning. Except when he had to leave. He kept delaying so he could hold you. I've never seen a man so in love with his baby girl. I think you are on the way to being a daddy's girl.

Let Me Entertain You

2009-11-17T07:00:00.000-08:00

You were such a hambone last night, my Haven. Lately you've been shaking your head "no." Sometimes it is when we say no, but sometimes we're not sure why you're doing it. Well, last night you were supposed to be in bed, but you were a little keyed up so I took you into the bedroom to mellow out on the bed with daddy and me. You sat up on the bed and shook your head no so enthusiastically that you fell over. Daddy and I laughed so hard. We couldn't help it. You noticed that you had amused us and sat up on the bed again, laughed, and fell over. And you kept doing it. It was the first time you purposefully entertained us. And, boy, did you. You made our night. We have the cutest little girl in the whole world. How we love you!