The day in pictures . . .
Waking up. The singing maybe was too much.
Strawberry muffins for birthday breakfast
Photo shoot before school
Going home from school
Visiting the neighbors who made her a happy birthday sign
Out for a birthday pizza dinner--turned around to watch everyone and wave
Eggplant, sausage, spinach pizza--yum!
Back home for cake. Her own little cake.
Happy birthday to you...
Your singing was superb!
GoodnightDear Mary Lawton,
I remember waiting and waiting and waiting for you to get here, talking to you in my belly, telling you that we were ready to meet you, and being so excited that you were joining the family.
Now 365 days with you have passed and I'm overwhelmed with joy and love. My heart feels full to bursting. I can't imagine life without you.
You are so spunky, funny, and sweet. You give the sweetest hugs and share the most heart-warming smiles. You are such a friendly girl, and I hope you always remember that a smile and a wave go a long way. You already make so many friends wherever you go.
Know how much you are loved. Find happiness in every day. Be true to yourself. Be kind to others.
Happy birthday.
What is your favorite toy? Anything that's not a toy, like boxes, bags, bowls, cups, spoons, remotes, phones, watches, shampoo bottles, socks, paper, etc.
What is your favorite food? That's tough, but probably cheese. I like it on a grilled sandwich, melted on toast, on pizza, and just plain. I've had lots of different kinds and like them all.
What is your favorite book? Time for Bed, My Big Cuddly Book of Animals, Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes, and Babies: God's Precious Gifts
Would you say you're a mama's girl or daddy's girl? Mama's girl
What are some things you like to do? Ride in the stroller, wave at people, take a bath, push the buttons on the microwave, push anything that looks like it might be a button, flip light switches, touch Coqui and Moe, try to catch Moe, crawl very fast to the refrigerator when it's open and pull things out, open drawers, and swing at the park
Who is your favorite teacher? Miss Sonia
What are some of your greatest skills? Crawling, pulling up, cruising, walking while holding on to a toy or person, clapping my hands, playing peek-a-boo, opening and closing things, following simple instructions from Mama and Daddy, pulling all the toilet paper off the roll, pointing at things I want, and moving my hands to "Itsy Bitsy Spider"
What has been your best day so far? Probably the day I got to swing at the park for the first time. Also, I really liked when we went to the beach and I got to crawl in the sand. That was fun. My first day was pretty good, too.
Mary Lawton's birthday bash was supposed to be Saturday. At 10 AM we decided to cancel, since we really weren't sure how bad the roads would be later. I was very disappointed--mainly because there was a pretty adorable, homemade, large birthday cake that would be wasted.
We decided to reschedule for next Saturday. We went for a long morning walk, watched the neighbors make a snowman, ate huge bowls of homemade and really delicious macaroni and cheese, which also was for the party, and (finally) laughed over having to cancel Mary Lawton's first birthday party due to snow. I never guessed that would happen.
A pinkeye/ear infection combo was going around daycare last week, and we thought she'd been spared...but we were wrong. The eye gunk appeared Saturday afternoon, and the middle-of-the-night ear infection screaming came Saturday night. So, it was good that we canceled the party. To celebrate Valentine's day, we exchanged cards, candy (to Sweet LJ), and running shorts (from Sweet LJ); went out for breakfast and dinner; and in-between we got in to see the doctor during their super-secret Sunday hours. Mary Lawton is on an antibiotic and already seems so much better.
We're looking forward to Tuesday and to another try on Saturday.
Dear Biffy and Granddaddy,
Thank you for my new car. I love it. I really enjoy using it as a push toy more than riding it. I can push it very fast. Can't wait to see you next month!
11 months, 4 days oldA second tooth finally poked through today at 11 months, 1 week old. It's the bottom-center-right one.
I just mailed the 1st birthday invitations. How can this be happening so soon?
Mary Lawton's 11th month was exciting--first Christmas, visits with family, our first nuclear family vacation, lots of exploring, lots of investigating. We have a busy girl.
reaching for the cat's tail
She's doing much better about not putting every tiny bit of something she finds on the floor in her mouth. Now she holds it up and will hand it to us very proudly. I'm sure she still sneaks a few bites, too.
She is funny and happy (most of the time). Probably the thing that makes her laugh the loudest is hearing Sweet LJ laugh. When he laughs, she cracks up. When she's excited she flaps her hands around, and when she's really excited she holds her hands up in the air, eyes and mouth wide open.
She's still a good eater. She loves to dine out--for the people watching, not necessarily the food. She waves to every person who enters the restaurant, everyone sitting around us, and to the server on each visit to our table.
munching on half a banana
She gives us hugs and kisses. She usually kisses us by touching her forehead to ours. She also kisses children in books by touching the book to her forehead. I love this.
Fun with plastic bags (under close supervision)
We are so crazy in love with you, Mary Lawton. Thank you for all the sunshine you bring to our days.
Our sweet girl woke us up around 6:30, and we proceeded directly to the den to see what Santa had left. I put her down to discover the treasures on her own. She was a little unsure at first what she was going after, but then...TOYS! She grabbed her new phone first.
February 6: 11 months, 3 weeks old
