she stands

13 months. beginning to stand on her own.

*sorry it's small. Click the corners-symbol on the vid and it'll go larger

We are already seeing her approach to new things, and to learning.  She likes to practice new things - on her own - and while she enjoys applause, she practices whether we are watching or not.  This girl just wants to be PART of everything and is just plain curious for curiosity's sake.  So glad we caught a bit of her practice session before bed this week. :)

The ending makes this worthy of that old bloopers TV show from childhood! (is that still on?)

The Birthday

You saw the birthday video .... now for the photos!

(might as well blog it up.... at home right now with two sick girls who are - for the moment - fast asleep.)

 Dasha & Grandpa Jack: Thank you for the toddler crayons!  Now I can be just like big sister!

For some reason, she ADORES sister's swim goggles.  Whenever she sees them, she determinedly puts them on .... as a necklace.  I'm convinced she thinks it is beautiful.  Have to dress up for the party. :)

The Party

Thank you Toomeys: both girls love their DAWG swag & the Little People book

 Famous chocolate cupcakes... recipe from my dear friend Brooke back in Bham. Same one we used at Ainsley's first birthday 4 years ago.  I think Addie likes it. :)

That is ONE. HAPPY. GIRL.

A few days prior... on Wednesday (the real bday)... we had a little celebration just for us.  A couple of gifts, ice cream, and messy spaghetti! 

She loves the stacker toys.  This one is her new favorite.

sister love!

While watching her baby sister get a pile of new toys, and seeing all of the hubbub centered around someone other than herself was difficult for big sister -- she doted on baby during her bday week.  She just hugged and hugged her, and was thrilled right along beside her.  She says "I just can't believe she's not zero anymore!" Me either.

Big sister loves dolls -- and baby has been slowly but surely claiming them from big sis.  So, Ainsley wisely bought Addie her very own first real doll.  Addie love-love-loves this doll.  She snuggles her, kisses, her, "talks" with her, and giggles with her.  She won't let me buckle her in the carseat without first reaching for baby doll.  

jake photo bomb

This has to be one of the things that makes me really SEE baby as a bigger girl.  When she picks up a straw cup herself and goes for the swig with those big, serious eyes.  All business when it comes to water. 

The ice cream discovery:

Thank you Nana: I love my new big girl chair!

And a favorite of mom's.... spaghetti!!! 

Time to get messy, people.

Yes, those are loads of laundry in the background waiting to be put away. Always. Like I said - life here is messy, but we are embracing it.  Well, with a quiet wish for a little fairy to come help us out once in awhile. :) Oh right, her name is Maria and she comes this Thursday. Thank. God.

pancake treats for daycare birthday party:

hangin' out

We have reached another milestone.  9 months in... and 9 months out... of the belly.  Welcome to the next level, sweet Adelaide!  

headband girls

 Addie got her first fever at her 9 month bday.  What else to do but stay home, nurse, rest, and play dress up. 

get those toes!

time to babyproof! We have movement! (9 months)

snuggly bunny cakes

gimme a kiss!

getting ready for a swim! (And addie ALWAYS grabbing big sister)

naughty, naughty! - how'd you get all the way over HERE!?? (she WAS in the middle of that boppy pillow back there...)

sorbet, anyone? ahem... 2nd child, people, 2nd one. the rules change. :)

playdate

loves to take things out of bins

fort afternoon!

daddy clean up night!

These 2 are quite a PAIR

rainy day art

now it's on the window!

SHOW TIME!

"I'm On The Edge"

tissue paper is a BIG HIT

so. very. tired.

sisters in seersucker

sleep... and more sleep...