pictures from Sears

a couple weeks ago Mommy took me to Sears to get my 18-month pictures taken. Here are three of the six poses that were taken:

some pictures of me....

It's been awhile since I posted a blog. It's because my Mommy and I have been so busy having adventures. I thought that I would post a few pictures of really fun times that we had in September.



Here I am on my first day of school. I love school and Mommy says one day I'll go all by myself to class! I'm wearing one of my favorite new outfits that we got on our vacation in Holland. Mommy and Daddy tried on so many clothes at that Gap outlet...I'm just glad that they found things that fit!



Here I am at the Sunflower Gardens at Ford Motor Company. I don't think there is an official name for the gardens of sunflowers that grow on the Ford property in Dearborn, but Mommy thought that a name might sound pretty. I had so much fun running through the hundreds and hundreds of flowers!



This was taken on our trip to Apple Charley's to pick apples. I had so much fun running through the trees and picking up apples off the ground. I enjoyed eating an apple and a fresh donut from the store!

My Baby & Me

tonight Mommy and I are going to our second My Baby & Me class at the Dearborn Early Learning Center. Last week we played, sang, danced, and made tissue paper apples. It's a preschool class that in two years I'll be able to go all by myself! I especially loved finding things in the room that were the color red. I found two red things! I am really good at colors - when I want to be!

leaving Mommy behind

today marked a big day in my life: Mommy left me in the church nursery and I didn't cry! Now I suppose I should tell everyone that Mommy has never left me in the church nursery before, so it's not like I have been crying every Sunday. However, this was the first time that someone babysat me that wasn't family! Mommy was so proud of me! I had so much fun with my friends Natalie and Lily, and I especially loved Miss Emily! She really is a FUN babysitter! Mommy got her name and number for future reference too.

Last week I went to my first My Baby & Me class and had a really good time with Mommy. We played, sang, danced, marched, and did this really cool craft with tissue paper, crayons, and glue sticks! I made the best red apple EVER! But it was such a great class and I can't wait to go again this week. I also started the Our Time Kindermusik class yesterday with Daddy. I still get to see Miss Mary and all my old friends from my Village class last year. However, the Our Time class has older kids in it - and I had a great time watching them dance, sing and play instruments. I am really looking forward to all the adventures this next week will bring!

school starts

This week I start two classes: My Baby & Me at the Dearborn Early Learning Center and Kindermusik Our Time.

My Baby & Me is a class that I'm taking with Mommy on Wednesday nights. Mommy says that it is a class with lots of fun things to do: playing with other children, singing, dancing, making crafts, and just having a great time learning. Mommy is looking forward to meeting new Mommies and kids, and just having fun.

This year I start Our Time classes at Kindermusik. They are classes for 18months - 3 years. That's right - I'm in the next level of classes :) More fun music experiences for me!

But I am just like big kids...I'm going back to school too!!!

last night in holland

While in Holland I enjoyed spending all three evenings at Ben & Jerry's. It was my first cup of ice cream, and I really loved it!














On Saturday we also went to Kollen Park. It was a GREAT park right by the water. I loved playing on all the slides, swings, and other stuff! I loved it so much, I didn't want to leave.

We came back on Saturday and Mommy's best friend, Dana, was in town. Dana has been living in England for the last 12 years with her husband, Phil. This was the first time I got to see Dana, and I really loved showing her my toys - especially "Little Man" from my legos.

We also had a great week. Tuesday we visited with Mommy's friend, Rachel, and her daughter, Natalie. Natalie and I loved pushing each other in the wagon. We are getting together next Tuesday too!

Mommy has been very busy this week getting all her music together for teaching this fall. I really enjoy listening to Mommy play and sing new songs.

I can't wait to blog next week about the Labor Day weekend. Daddy is home three days in a row!!

hisorical holland

We also went to historical sites in Holland: The Holland Museum, Cappon House, Settlers House, and Independence Park.














Here I am playing peek-a-boo with Mommy (and Mommy's camera) at Independence Park. I'm so silly!



This is me looking at the BIG fountain at the center of Independence Park. I loved watching the water, and saying "water". Water is one of my many new words!



This is Mommy and I outside of the Cappon House. Mr. Cappon was Holland's first Mayor. We had a tour through the house and through the Settlers House, which was a VERY small house down the street. Mommy thought it was really interesting that the Cappon house and Settlers house were the only two houses on the street for awhile. The lifestyles of the people would have been SO different. Don't we look pretty all dressed up? After a day of historical viewing, we went to dinner at Butch's Dry Dock. I had a great cheese pizza and Mommy and Daddy loved thier meals too.

windmill island

On Friday we went to Windmill Island. The windmill, called the Swan in English, was getting painted. Four years ago Mommy & Daddy helped start the windmill turning, but the painting kept the windmill from working. It was ok for me, because I had so much running around on the farm. Daddy and I ran all over the place, up and down hills, and around and around.

lake michigan

another place we visited (on the same day as Dutch Village) was Holland Metro Park and Lake Michigan. I built my first sandcastle (with Daddy's help), played in lots of sand, and had my first step in the cold, lake water. I wanted to swim out and get myself entirely wet (even thought it was really cold), but Mommy and Daddy told me I had to stay on the shore. I would have loved to play at the beach all day, but a storm came and we had to leave. When we left the beach we took a drive around Macatawa Bay and then we had a yummy dinner at the New Holland Brewery.

dutch village

One of the many places we visited while in Holland, was Dutch Village. It was a little tourist trap (Mommy called it that), that had a candle maker, wooden shoe factory, and other kid friendly exhibits.

Mommy loves these pictures of me! I had so much fun trying on the wooden shoes, but this BIG shoe was really fun!

vacation in holland

...we just got back from a wonderful trip to Holland, MI.

We were there for a few days and we saw so much: Dutch Village, Windmill Island, the Cappon House (and Settlers House), the Holland Museum, New Holland Brewery, and Lake Michigan!

I had so much fun, and Mommy & Daddy took lots of pictures. Once Mommy gets the pictures online, I'll have to post my great adventures!

celebration weekend

Tonight we are going to celebrate GG and Papa Roy's 60th Wedding Anniversary. That's a long time together! Before we go we are going to go shopping to the mall to get Mommy and Daddy a few things AND me another potty to have downstairs.

Tomorrow we are celebrating Papa Ray's 88th Birthday! I'm very lucky to have three Great-Grandparents still alive!

We are also going to be going on a vacation - to Holland, MI - on Wednesday this week. I am sure I'll have a lot of adventures so share! It'll be my first trip to the beach (first time being on a lake), and Mommy is just glad we are getting away for awhile.

new shoes and a dress for mommy

Today Mommy and I went with Gramma Brown to Laurel Park Mall in Livonia. It was my first visit there.

We went to Mommy's new favorite "mall" store - Von Maur. I got two new pair of shoes. One are from Stride Rite and the others are Robeez for the house.

Mommy was also able to get a really beautiful dress for a wedding she's going to in September. Mommy is singing and playing for the wedding and then Daddy and her are going to the reception.

It has been a very exhausting day for Mommy and me!

new swing and other stuff

Wow! It's been a week since I blogged!

A lot has been happening in my family. Monday Mommy taught piano lessons while Gramma Brown babysat. Tuesday Mommy and I took Mommy's car in to Belle Tire. After two hours of waiting, we went home. I had a 3-hour nap that afternoon. I was asleep when Gramma Brown came over to watch me while Mommy took the car back to Belle Tire. Wednesday we spent with Aunt Kelly and Emma, after we did a bunch of errands. Thursday we spent the day cleaning house and playing in the pool. Friday we had so much fun over at Rachel and Natalie's house. They are my new friends. Mommy has known Rachel a LONG time! I also cut my second eye tooth on Friday...it's still really bothering me! Ouch!!!

This weekend brought a new swing in my backyard! Uncle Joe and Daddy hung it last night. We got the swing from our friends the Crombez family. They knew how much I loved to swing in it at their house, so they let me have it to use here! Today we spent 3 hours at Mommy's work - Kindermusik. Mommy was organizing all the stuff around the classroom. Then we went to this great park and played for awhile. Later Gramma and Papa Martin are coming over for dinner. What a super-cool week!

using a potty

...today I pee peed on the potty for the first time! Mommy has noticed that I am aware of going potty in my diaper. I wake 99% of the time from nighttime or naptime with a dry diaper, I say "pee pee" and "poo poo" when I have gone, and I try to take (or take) my soiled diapers off. So she decided to start introducing the potty idea. She has my little potty right next to the big potty. When Mommy goes potty I pretend to go in my little potty. This morning she took my dry diaper off and I peed in the potty all by myself! Mommy will continue to try and have me go after waking up from nighttime or naptime. Then she plans on establishing times to encourage me to go. I'm really excited about using the potty!

say cheese!

...that's me...my cheesy mug! I've been teething for the last week...on not one, but two eye teeth. They REALLY hurt! As you can see, I already have 12 teeth in my little mouth, and Mommy says that there are 4 eye teeth that have to make their way through! Then, I hear, that there are 4 molars that come in when I'm 2. However, I have been told (by older kids) that the 2-year molars are nothing! This really makes Mommy happy...

hot, hot, hot!

...it has been so hot these last few days, that I am really hoping for a cool-off soon!

Mommy says that it should be cooler tomorrow, but until then it really is uncomfortable! I haven't slept well, and therefore, neither have Mommy and Daddy. Last night I was so hot, I woke at 1am and stayed up with Mommy down in the living room for 2 hours. We had a snack, and I drank a lot of water.

Mommy says that she finds these last few days (the heat that is) ironic. We got our gate installed on Friday, and it was done so I could play in the backyard without escaping down the driveway. However, with the heat, Mommy won't let me play outside...so it makes her laugh that the day we get the gate the weather has been brutal!

This past week has been quite busy. Mommy and I went to lunch with Papa Ray on Thursday, and I barely made it through lunch without falling asleep! Then Mommy and I went to the Henry Ford Museum with her friend, Roger, on Friday. Roger seemed to really like me - of course the verdict is still out on how I feel about him. Although Mommy says we'll visit with him again soon.

Then Monday my Grandma and Papa Brown returned from a trip to Alaska. They rode on a couple of planes, buses, trains, boats, and a cruise ship! Mommy and I visited with them for a little while yesterday. It seemed like it had been forever since I saw them!

Mommy is glad that this week is a relaxing one. She says things have been too crazy around here!

bangs

People kept asking Mommy if she recently cut my bangs. Mommy cut my bangs probably three months ago, when they were getting into my pretty, big, blue eyes. Anyway, my bangs were growing back and they were defintely crooked...so Mommy was embarrassed that so many people were suggesting she had cut them again. So...last night she gave me a new look..."modern bangs"!

tiger baseball

On Sunday I went to see my first baseball game - it was my first sporting event too!

Mommy, Daddy and Uncle Joe went with me. There were over 40,000 people at the game, and I was amazed at all the interesting things to look at. I also enjoyed the music - I danced a lot.

Mommy took pictures, and you can see I had a really good time!

tonsillitis

...on Friday morning at 4am I had the highest fever I've ever had - 104.3!

So even though I was cutting my fourth molar on Monday, by Wednesday night at 10pm I had a 102.4 fever. Mommy and Daddy decided not to take me to the pediatrician on Thursday, because my fever dropped to 100. Of course Mommy got puked on for the first time Thursday morning after I ate my breakfast. Of course I spit-up as a newborn, but this was my first real "puke". Mommy was thrilled that it was the last...for now at least. But at 4am on Friday morning, Mommy had to take a bath with me to lower my fever. It did lower it to 103.2, so no emergency room for me. But the doctor said I had tonsillitis...ugh. No medicine for that...but I am feeling better today. My temperature is hanging around 99.2 - 99.4, but Mommy and I did take our morning walk today. I slept the whole time! Nice hour nap for me.

Mommy is still teaching this afternoon and evening. Papa Brown is babysitting me, because Gramma isn't feeling well either. Anyway, hopefully I'll have a "normal" temperature soon.

weekend fun

Here I am playing with toys at Grandma and Papa Brown's house.

I had a very fun weekend...and I'm officially a BIG girl now. I am sleeping 9 -10 uninterrupted hours a night in my crib! At least I did this successfully two nights in a row! It has been a much harder transition for my Mommy and Daddy than for me. I even slept through the storms this morning!

I'm looking forward to more adventures this week!

me on the 4th of july

This is a picture my Grandpa Martin took of me at Grandma and Grandpa Martin's house on the 4th of July. I was eating one of my favorite foods - CORN ON THE COB!

Aren't I just the cutest!?

By the way - the dress is from my friends Miss Jessica, Miss Lily, and Mr. Mark.

happy independence day!

15-month stats

Yesterday I went to a new pediatrician, Dr. Turkish. She is Emma's doctor. She was really nice. She spent 45 minutes in the room with Mommy and I, and even gave me a cool Cookie Monster book! I got a shot - Mommy says it is the vaccine for chicken pox. I cried a little, but I'm really a "trouper," Mommy says.

So here is the scoop:

Weight: 20 lbs 9 ozs (10th percentile)
Height: 31 inches (75th percentile)
Head: 18 inches (50th percentile)

I'm doing well, and much ahead of milestones - so the Dr. was really pleased to see that. She also thought I looked a lot like Emma.

Since I got the chicken pox vaccine yesterday, I wasn't able to see my new cousin, Joshua. Mommy and Daddy got to hold him, while I played with Grandma and Grandpa Martin. I'm looking forward to the 4th of July - because we'll get to see Aunt Sarah, Uncle John, and baby Joshua! Yeah!

Joshua Thomas Lalik

I have a new cousin!

Aunt Sarah (Daddy's sister) and Uncle John had Joshua Thomas yesterday afternoon - June 26th!

He was 4 pounds, 13 ounces and 17 inches at birth - he's a little skinny guy, but healthy for being a premie! He's so cute!

15 months today!

Today I turn 15 months old! Mommy says that she can't believe I'm already 15 months! But it has been quite an adventure...

This has been a stressful week for Mommy, but we are hoping that next week will be better. Monday Mommy works; Tuesday I go see a new pediatrician: Dr. Turkish; Wednesday we are going to see a concert: Music in the Park, and possibly we'll see Miss Jessica and Miss Lily; Thursday we are going to Greenfield Village with Miss Rachel and Miss Natalie; and hopefully Friday we are going to hang with Papa Ray! Busy week...but much more enjoyable than this past one. Mommy definitely needs a break!

rainy day

Mommy and I at the Detroit Zoo - 6/13 (a Sunny day)

...Mommy doesn't really like rainy days...niether do I.

This has been a busy and stressful week for Mommy. Our refrigerator broke on us, then between Stanley Steemer and all the crazy stuff from Monday and Tuesday Mommy was really tired last night.

I was a good girl and slept through the night for Mommy - she really appreciated it! We were supposed to go to Plymouth's Music in the Park today, but the rain has prevented that from happening. So instead we are hanging out at home today. In some ways Mommy is glad...nothing to do is often a good thing!

happy father's day!

...today is the second Father's Day I've spent with my Daddy. It's such a special day for Daddies. They get to be reminded how much we love them...and we do!

I'm looking forward to this week. We have Mommy's lessons tomorrow, lunch with Shelly on Tuesday, a concert on Wednesday, and I'm sure other adventures on Thursday and Friday. I can't wait to share my new adventures with you!

mommy gets a myspace account

...lately Mommy has been sad that some old friends from high school and college have slipped through the cracks.

It's probably because she stays at home all day and has time to remember those that were once forgotten. Anyway, Uncle Joe convinced Mommy to join MySpace because a lot of old friends had "spaces" on there. So Mommy reluctantly did. Now she's really glad that she put the effort into joining. Already she's been in contact with quite a few people, and she's especially glad that two of them are her friends, Jahna and Steve. Mommy had a list of people that she cared about from high school - I hope I have more. Anyway, one of the people is my Uncle Joe, another is my Aunt Dana. Dana is coming back to live in the States again this August. Her and her husband, Phil, are going to live in Athens, OH so he can get his PhD. Mommy says this is a VERY important degree to get. Then there is Steve. Steve and Mommy did a lot of shows together back in the day (community theater and high school theater). He was on MySpace. Then there was Jahna. Jahna and Mommy were in choir together. There is one or two others, but that's for Mommy's Blog. Anyway, if you want to view Mommy's MySpace account:
Booglybabe

unlucky numbers

...apparently today is unlucky.

Mommy said that the numbers 666 are evil to some people. Movies, books, and popular culture have all jumped on the 06/06/06 band wagon. I guess now I have too...

I don't think today is unlucky...it's been pretty good for me...

happy birthday zoe's world!

...and another birthday!

This time it is one year since I started writing on Zoe's World! What an adventurous year I had!

Trips to the Zoo, Greenfield Village, other cities, and other states. Visits with friends and family, as well as meeting new friends. A whole year of firsts, and I got to share it with all of you!

Here's to another year of trips, visits, and exciting adventures!

here comes the sun

...another beautiful sunny day!

We had a really special weekend! Lots of sun, swimming, and visiting with friends and family.

Today Mommy and I are going for a morning walk, and then Gramma Brown is babysitting me while Mommy goes to her 1-week chiropractor appointment. Hopefully she'll be feeling fine. Mommy also has a few errands to run and phone calls to make. This is a short week, so Mommy is having a hard time getting everything done. Mommy also is having major allergy problems...she doesn't feel up to par. Poor Mommy!

Tomorrow we are supposed to visit with Aunt Kelly and Emma and Friday maybe Papa Ray will be going out with us for lunch! There is always an adventure!

rainy...sunny

...today it was a strange weather day. We had everything but snow!

Mommy and I went to lunch with her friend, Scott. Mommy hadn't seen him for 5 years - that's a long time! Afterwards he directed us to the Fountain Walk in Novi. It was our first time, and probably our last. The only thing that was cool was the fountain! There were a few stores, and places to eat...but mostly Mommy noticed "For Lease" signs on windows. Many storefronts looked like they had once been used. It was kind of a ghost-town!

This is a 3-day weekend. Daddy and Mommy are having the Wiley Family over on Monday. I am looking foward to seeing my friend, Nate, and his big sister, Reaghan!

aunt sarah

...today we go visit my Aunt Sarah. She is Daddy's sister and she is going to have a baby real soon. I'll have a new boy or girl cousin to play with!

I'm also going with Mommy to the chiropractor this morning...she is in need of help with her neck and back.

Then this afternoon, Uncle Joe is coming over to hang out with us. We are going to go on a walk and then have a spaghetti dinner. Mommy, Daddy and Uncle Joe are also going to watch LOST. Tonight is the Season Finale for LOST, and they are really excited about it.

I'm really enjoying the sunny weather. Last week was really rainy and cooler. Mommy seems to be in a better mood this week too!

big girl shoes

...today I got my first pair of BIG GIRL SHOES!

See the picture? Those are my new shoes! They are from the Ecco Store. Emma has been going there now for 2 years! She is an Ecco poster child. Mommy thinks she loves the rubber soles, but I think it is because the shoes are so comfortable. It took me awhile to get used to walking in them, but now I'm an old pro. I really love them. I even say "hello" to them...I know, silly.

I'm also getting a new tooth! The bottom right molar is starting to show itself. Mommy and Daddy found it last night after my bath. They had to use a flashlight to see inside!

I also got my very own cell phone! Gramma Brown got it for me because I was a very brave girl getting my new BIG GIRL SHOES! It is so much fun to hear the music, make the buttons work, and hear a recorded voice of my Mommy or Daddy! Mommy bought me magnets of the alphabet for our refrigerator. They are super big, but they are perfect for me! I'll be spelling words on my own before you know it!

It was really a great day!

first hair cut

...yesterday Mommy and Daddy gave me my first hair cut.

It was just a bang cut, since they were hanging in my eyes, but it was a hair cut. Mommy said that there were about 10 different lengths of bangs hanging down. Now there are about 3. The problem is the only ones left are the shorter ones. They do look a bit short, but I still gave myself a BIG smile when I saw them! I'm even cuter now :)

Happy Mother's Day!

...today is my 2nd Mother's Day...

Yesterday we went to Aunt Sarah's Baby Shower. Unfortunately Aunt Sarah had the stomach flu, and she had to be hospitalized. We know she was doing better at 3pm when the shower was over; however, we haven't heard if the hospital let her go...

On a happier note: We are going to Aunt Kelly's house today for Mother's Day. I love to play with Emma, and can't wait for the party to begin. Daddy helped me pick out a card for Mommy and he is helping her get the basement computer ready to transcribe music. Mommy wanted to have a day that is special and for Daddy to complete some projects around the house. He has started with the basement computer. He also washed the dishes after breakfast. Mommy wants to walk to Starbucks after my nap and lunch. Taking those 3-mile walks really put her in a good mood.

Here's to another adventurous week!

big weekend coming up

...more adventures this weekend!

Tomorrow, after Kindermusik, I am going to celebrate my Aunt Sarah's baby. She's having a Baby Shower at Gramma Martin's. I just hope I'm in a good mood for it.

Sunday is Mother's Day! This is the second Mother's Day I've spent with my Mommy. Last year I slept through all the pictures...but this year I bet I smile :)

I'll write more once the weekend is over...

lots of new adventures

...it has been over a week since I last updated everyone.

Last Tuesday was a very rainy day. Mommy and I met Miss Jessica and Lily at the Coffee Bean in Plymouth. Unfortunately it was dirtier inside than playing at the park! Poor Lily bumped her head, and Mommy and Miss Jessica have decided to skip the Bean for awhile.

Wednesday we went to lunch with Papa Ray! It was fun because after lunch Papa Ray went shoe shopping with Mommy and me. I ran up and down the aisles as Papa Ray chased me. Mommy found a pair of walking shoes. Now her feet don't hurt when she walks. When Daddy got home we all went to Toys R Us to get me a stroller. I never liked the one that was part of the "travel system", so Mommy hardly ever used it. Anyway, now I have a new umbrella stroller by Jeep. The wagon was really fun...but it made it really hard for Mommy to pull me more than a mile at a time.

Thursday and Friday Mommy and I walked to Starbucks using the stroller and shoes. It's about a 3.1 mile round trip, and Mommy really enjoyed walking with her new shoes! We could actually go a few different routes to Starbucks, but for now this is the most direct. I had fun playing outside while Mommy had a half-caf, soy, latte.

Saturday was the MS walk in Warren. We got to see our cousins Tim and Teri. Mommy wanted to walk the 3-mile route, but Team Martin decided to walk 2-miles so we could all stay together. Then we went to Freedom Park in Canton for Lily's 1st Birthday Party! It was really fun! Lily even shared her cake with me! I love Lily!

Sunday we did a bunch of outdoor activities around the house. Things are really starting to look good at my house.

This week is a much slower paced week. However, we have my Aunt Sarah's Baby Shower at Grandma Martin's on Saturday and Mother's Day is on Sunday. So Mommy is taking this week to clean and organize her house. We are still walking 3 miles a day, and there is always a new adventure to talk about.

3 mile walk...

Yesterday Mommy & I (and Uncle Joe) walked 3-miles around our neighborhood. It really takes a long time. I don't really like to be buckled in to my wagon after 2 miles anymore!

Today Mommy and I walked the 3-mile alone, but it was fun to see all the dogs and different birds and squirrels on the way. Mommy also taught piano lessons this morning and this afternoon/evening. We also went to the grocery store. So...it was a BUSY day!

Tomorrow we are seeing Miss Jessica and Lily! We always have SO MUCH FUN together. I'm sure we will again!

Happy Birthday Lily!

Friday, April 28th was my friend, Lily's, 1st Birthday!

I was able to spend time with her and her Mommy, Jessica, at Kellogg park in Plymouth on Friday. We had lots of fun playing with each other. We took part of our gift to her as well. Mommy and Daddy recorded a lullaby CD and we gave her the very first copy of it! And we also gave Lily a cute dress to wear this summer. The other part of the gift will come on the 6th of May, which is Lily's party!

Yesterday Daddy cleaned out the garage! I got my very first cut...I scrapped my pinky finger pretty bad! Of course I bit off my band-aid, so much for that! Grandma and Grandpa Martin also came over to visit last night. I love playing stacking boxes with Grandma!

Today Daddy and Mommy have more stuff to do around the house - pretty soon we'll have the prettiest house on the block!

Tomorrow is Mommy's working day and grocery shopping day too!

Wish us luck, as we do our first 3-mile walk today!

13 months and other things

My 1st Birthday

...Daddy went back to work last Thursday, but the adventures didn't stop!

Friday we saw Miss Jessica and Lily. Lily and I rode in my wagon and we ate, drank, and dropped things out of the wagon. It was fun to watch Mommy and Miss Jessica retrace their steps to find all of our droppings.

Saturday I helped Mommy and Daddy with their outdoor chores. This was after Kindermusik class and going to Lowes to buy the mulch and other needed items. I had so much fun climbing the stairs and making Mommy chase after me. It was SO fun!

Then on Sunday we went to Onsted to visit the Wiley family. Mommy was singing and playing for baby Naithan's baptism. Mommy is also now a God Mother. I didn't want Mommy to sing alone, so Daddy had to occupy my time by taking me on a tour of the church. I would have rather been singing with Mommy! I also had a blast watching Reaghan open her Birthday gifts - Reaghan is Naithan's older sister. She turned 6! She is old.

Yesterday I accompanied Mommy to teach the Crombez sisters and to grocery shop. I love having people smile at me - especially strangers. They are always surprised at how much I'm able to do. Lots of people think I'm younger than 13 months. Yup! I also turned 13 months on Sunday!

Today Mommy and I went to Kindermusik. I had to make-up for the classes I missed when I was sick.

Tomorrow we are going shopping with Gramma Brown. Thursday we are going shopping with Aunt Kelly and Emma. And Friday we are hanging out with Miss Jessica and Lily again. It will be Lily's 1st Birthday on Friday too! I can't wait to celebrate it with her.

toledo zoo and greenfield village

...in the last two days I've had two great adventures.

Yesterday Mommy & Daddy took me to the Toledo Zoo. It was my first trip to a zoo, and it was my first trip outside of Michigan. We saw lots of animals, but my favorite was the aquarium. We have fish, but none as colorful as the ones there.

That's me with Daddy on a turtle and me with Mommy by the fountain.

Today Mommy & I went with Aunt Kelly and Emma to Greenfield Village. I've been there many times before, but this time I had so much fun!

That's me with Emma in my new wagon. Gramma and Papa Brown gave me the wagon for my 1st Birthday. That's Emma and I eating lunch. Aren't we cute?

I'm looking forward to even more adventures tomorrow and Friday.

preparing for the MS walk

...today Mommy and I walked two miles around the neighborhood.

We are preparing to walk 3 miles in the Warren, MI MS Walk on May 6th. Mommy and Daddy are collecting money to help in the cause: CLICK HERE TO HELP

Pretty soon we'll have to walk 3 miles around the neighborhood. It was really a long walk today - it will be even more fun to see different houses, yards, and dogs.

walking and other stuff

...so it's been awhile since I was able to write.

Lots of things have happened in the past two weeks: I started walking more than a few steps; I had walking pneumonia and an ear infection; Mommy had a birthday (31); and I've tried lots of new foods!

Last Friday Mommy and Daddy watched as I walked across the livingroom floor, they were so excited! I still crawl, but I do enjoy walking from object to object - especially to the kitties, Mommy, and Daddy. Mommy thinks I'm just cautious, but that I totally could walk all over if I just had the confidence.

Yes, I had a pretty crazy illness. I was sick for two weeks! The first week was a fever and a cold. The cold went into my lungs and ears. So I ended up sicker the second week than the first! It was pretty crazy! I had to take medicine and the blue stuff was really yucky!

I also have started to wear spring clothes. I'm very lucky that my friends and family gave clothes to me for my Birthday!

New food is fun to eat. I especially enjoy meatballs and grilled cheese sandwiches.

Every day is a new adventure, and hopefully now that it is spring I'll have more exciting adventures to share with you!

the incredible edible egg

...this morning I tried my first egg...and loved it!

Daddy made me scrambled eggs, and I enjoyed putting the pieces into my mouth and saying, "yum, yum!"

Turning a year old opens up lots of yummy food. I've tried a bunch of new things in the last week like hummus, stuffing and eggs! I can't wait to try more interesting food!

let them eat cake!

Here are a couple cute pictures of me from my Birthday party last Saturday. I've been sick with a bad cold this week - the sickest I've ever been (the other two colds I had were nothing like this) - so Mommy hasn't been able to help me write to everyone. However, she wanted to share these cute pictures with you today.

Hopefully next week I'll be able to write more.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!

...yesterday I turned 1 year old!!!!

Mommy & Daddy cannot believe it, but it's true...it's been a whole year since I came into this world. Of course the adventures never stop.

Today I went to the Dr's for my 1 year check-up. I had blood taken and they gave me a TB test. I have to go back again at 15-months to get a wellness check-up again...but I looked great! I've mastered the benchmarks for my age, and the Dr was surprised to hear me use quite a few of my favorite words (like baby, mama, dada, booboo, etc). Apparently two or three words are common at my age - I can say over 10. Recently I have stood from a seated position without the help of others or furniture. I have been taking a few steps here and there too! Nothing substantial, but the steps keep coming.

Mommy thought it was interesting to see my weight and height - two things that haven't been "officially" measured in 4 months. The numbers are as follows:

Weight - 18 pounds 12 ounces
Height - 30 inches

Apparently that puts me in the 20th percentile for weight and the 75th percentile for height. This is probably why all my clothes are loose around the waist. The doctor says I can eat eggs now, and suggests that I eat everything besides nuts. So let the eating begin!!! My two favorite things to eat are strawberries and bananas - I especially love to rub them into my hair and clothing!

Well another year full of adventures ahead! Maybe I'll be enjoying some of those adventures with you!

happy st. patrick's day!

...today is my 1st St. Patrick's Day (that is outside of Mommy's tummy)!

Mommy said there is an interesting story to the legend of St. Patrick - in case you are interested - click here.

Today I am going with Mommy to lunch with Gramma and Papa Ray. Then Mommy wants to look at a pair of shoes (hopefully buy them). We are finishing our day with Uncle Joe - eating corned beef and cabbage with Guinness and homemade Shamrock Shakes!

What a fun day!

purple heart

...there is this organization called The Purple Heart. They pick up clothing and household stuff that you no longer want.

Over the weekend and earlier today, Mommy got stuff ready for the Purple Heart. Mommy & Daddy donate to a few charitable organizations, and Mommy looks at the Purple Heart as a reminder to clean her closets out (especially this time of year).

Tomorrow we are meeting Miss Lily and Miss Jessica for coffee at the Coffee Bean. We haven't seen them in quite some time! Mommy and I are both looking forward to seeing them. Wednesday Mommy and I are going to lunch with Miss Shelly. Mommy is singing and playing the piano in Miss Shelly's wedding in September. Mommy and Miss Shelly are going over music and just visiting, which is something Mommy really needs to do.

Mommy (and I) hope this is a much less stressful week. Mommy had so much going on last week that she didn't get to relax at all. Yesterday and today it was sunny and the weather was spring-like, so it really helped boost Mommy's mood.

a whole week

...a whole week has gone by and I haven't shared my adventures!

Last Friday my Uncle Joe came over to watch a movie with my parents. Saturday and Sunday I was at Gramma and Papa Brown's house. Daddy was painting their bedroom, so Mommy and I were on a little vacation. Monday Daddy had Jury Duty, but didn't get selected to be on a jury. So he got home early and spent a couple hours with me while Mommy taught lessons. Tuesday Grampa Martin came over to fix the electricity and Mommy and I deposited money into my bank account. Yesterday Gramma Brown came over so Mommy could continue painting in her bedroom. Gramma even stayed over for lunch and after so Mommy could get her hair cut. Today Mommy and I might go to the bank again to deposit some money for her...but one thing we know for sure is Gramma and Grampa Martin are stopping by to see me before they go to Hilton Head for a vacation. Grampa figures the next time they'll see me is on my Birthday!

Well...it's been a very busy week...hopefully I'll have more time to share my adventures this next week :)

my cats

...I love my cats, Mia, Misty and Milo.

Sometimes they let me play with them, and that's really fun! Misty was sick last week, she had a bladder infection. Mommy has to give her medicine twice a day - and Misty really doesn't like it. I like to get medicine, because it tastes sweet, so I really don't know why Misty gets upset. Oh well. I love all three of them!

8 teeth!

...and today Mommy found that I had cut my 8th tooth...finally!

Yesterday was my Papa's birthday. We celebrated with Papa, Gramma, GG, Papa Roy, Papa Ray, Aunt Kelly, Uncle Ed, and Emma.

Today I'm going to help Mommy clean the house...I enjoy making a mess, even though she wants to clean it up. It should really be fun!

my uncle joe

...my Uncle Joe came over to visit me yesterday.

He's not really my Uncle Joe, but Mommy and Daddy call him that. He has known my Mommy for 17 years! That's a really long time. I sure loved trying to feed him my yummy dinner!

My Gramma and Grampa Martin came to visit me today too! We had such a great time playing with all my toys.

I had so much fun with my visitors today!

my friend, Lily

...I got to play with my friend, Lily on Saturday.

We had so much fun as our Mommies and Daddies visited with one another. I can't wait to spend more time with her again.

papa ray

...today the week ended by hanging out with Papa Ray.

Papa Ray, Papa Ray, oh how I love my Papa Ray.

It ended up becoming a busy week, full of adventures. Monday was spent with Gramma Brown, as Mommy teaches every Monday. Tuesday was spent with Mommy - we played and I was able to say "eye" when touching my baby doll's eye. Wednesday we hung out with Miss Jessica and Miss Lily at the Coffee Bean. I even gave Miss Jessica a big hug and gave her a couple pats on the back - the new thing I do to comfort those that comfort me. Then yesterday Mommy taught the Crombez sisters, which are now my friends too! And today - we hung out with Papa Ray.

We are planning for a fun weekend. Miss Jessica and Miss Lily are coming over tomorrow with Lily's Daddy for dinner. Sunday we have no plans at all. Mommy says that Daddy is going to start redoing their bedroom. Mommy is having Daddy paint and install a new closet in their bedroom for her birthday. Daddy plans on starting with the closet this weekend.

Well - that's the scoop!

big girl

I'm getting SO BIG! New size for me! On Saturday Mommy realized that my shirts were showing a lot of arm and my pants were getting very short. So I am in 12-18 month clothes now. Even though they are a bit big - Daddy says it's better to have something a bit big than too small. So Mommy has to roll my pants up, but I definitely enjoy the bigger size (and the new clothes).

petting farm pictures

Here are some pictures from my trip to the Heritage Park Petting Farm last week.

another tooth

...yes, I have 7 teeth now...and another is trying to come in.

Last week was a very busy week. We had so much to do, Mommy and I. However, she is hoping that next week is a little less busy and a little more relaxing. This should be the case.

We spent today with Gramma. We had fun in Plymouth, and she even bought me my Birthday dress. Yesterday we spent time with Miss Jessica and Miss Lilly at the Coffee Bean - we just love it there! And we had a nice time visiting the petting farm and Miss Monica and Mr. Asher on Tuesday.

Like I said, wow, what a busy week we had.

playing through the day

...yes, that's me playing the piano!

I love to play the piano...sometimes I let Mommy help me play.

Today Mommy & I are meeting Miss Monica and Mr. Asher at the Petting Farm in Taylor. I have never seen animals like that before, so I'm excited to visit. We also haven't seen Miss Monica and Mr. Asher in a LONG time...so it will be great to visit with them too.

We ended up not getting together with Miss Jessica and Miss Lily on Friday. Mommy said that Miss Jessica had to help her Daddy with a move - but we will see them this Thursday. We also have a day trip with Gramma Brown planned for Friday. And Mommy gets a tooth filled tomorrow...so...it's a VERY busy week. Every day a new adventure!

Hopefully yours is just as busy...and just as fun!

6 is a great number

...I now have 6 teeth.

February 1st brought a new month and my 6th tooth. It is my 4th bottom one - and it really has been painful. However, last night I slept 9 hours straight...then another 2 after that! I really am getting better at that sleep thing too.

On Wednesday I went with my Gramma Brown to the Detroit Institute of Arts, or as Mommy calls it, the DIA. We saw the Claudel and Rodin exhibit. It was really exciting, as it was my first time at an art museum.

Today we are meeting Miss Jessica and Miss Lily at the Coffee Bean in Plymouth. Mommy and I really look forward to Friday afternoons.