Saturday, April 11, 2015

11 Months New

You are 11 months.  That's crazy.  This last month has been crazy.  I have a feeling I'm going to be saying that for the rest of my life.  You are non-stop and fun and a maniac and sweet and cuddly and wild and awesome.  We do a lot of laughing these days, because you keep us in stitches.

This month you had a very special day with Daddy.  Your Daddy's family is the craziest family about St. Patrick's Day...and get this- they aren't Irish.  But lucky for you, you get a touch of Irish from your mama.  Your Daddy got your all dolled up and marched with you in the parade downtown.  I had to miss it all, because America still doesn't recognize St. Patrick's Day as a national holiday from school.  I mean, come on, right?!

Also, it's turkey season.  You will learn throughout your life, that turkey season is like Christmas to the men  in your family.  Seriously.  Be thankful that I made you hold your grand entrance until 7 days after the season closed last year.  Otherwise, your father, grandfather, uncles, and cousin would cease to ever acknowledge your birthday for the rest of your life. You are welcome.  Anyway, to the women in your family- turkey season means Ladies' Night and going to supper.  We definitely take advantage of some girl time giggles.

Spring break is my most favorite week of the year.  It is better than any birthday, holiday, or any week in the summer.  There's something about it, and this week the weather has been beautiful.  You and I have tried to soak up every drop of the week together.  We've gone to birthday parties and played with cousins.
 On a complete side note- I discovered that you are a huge fan of Lowes, but not as interested in Target.  That's okay, though.  It's something we will work on in due time.  Lowes is great, but Target is not optional.

We played a lot this week, and you have so enjoyed playing with all of your toys- including your walker from Aunt WaWa.
 We've played dress up and cuddled during afternoon naps.
 We have had dance parties and crawled all in the grass.
 Thank you, Lord, for no grass allergies.  Amen.

The absolute best part of our spring break was Daddy hanging your swing.  It's safe to say you LOVE it.  You thanked Daddy with steady giggles and cartoon-like smiles while you swung back and forth.

Your first Easter was a busy one packed with church, the Hibernian, dinner with family, and naps in between.  You were such a doll and a constant reminder of all that I have to be thankful for.



You continue to love your afternoon adventures with She-She.  I'm pretty (as in absolutely) certain that's where you are picking up some of your crazy.

These days, we have a date every afternoon over a few handfuls of Cheerios.  You are a big fan, and I look forward to it every day.

You are growing up fast.  This past week you also learned to drink water from your sippy cup all on your own, and now you think you are big stuff.  Maybe you'll stop crawling around carrying it in the grip of your teeth like a puppy.  I hope not, because you're cute doing it.

Your new word is "No no no no," of which you say to anything you know your not supposed to touch.  The dog bed.  You have an obsession.  It's gross and needs to stop.

Baths are still one of our favorite parts of the day.  You are probably too old to still be in this 0-6 months baby bath tub, but it keeps you in one spot and protects your head from having to be stitched up before age one.  The days of this tub are definitely numbered.  I'll miss your sweet face looking up at me from it.  You absolutely with all of your being hate everything about leaving the bath, lying on the changing table, being strapped in to a diaper, and having lavender lotion slathered all over you.  I can't figure it out.  Personally, I'd love that.  But whatever.

Like your Daddy, you are a reckless sleeper and move all over your crib.  I sneak in your room every night before I go to bed to "check on you," but really I just need one more sniff of your sweet baby smell on your head.

This time last year I was feeling big and undoubtedly nervous about becoming your mom.  I had no idea it would my best adventure.
This face!

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Hey, Doll

Oh, I wish he could have seen you.  I wish he could have held you and told you dirty limericks in French while you looked at him with your big blue eyes.  You would have been his "faaaaavorite granddaughter."  He would have absolutely adored you.  You have to know that.

I think about him throughout every day, and I try to hear his wisdom in the way I raise you- full of love.  Even still- I miss his laugh, his smile, and his "Hey, doll."  What a man.  

Happy birthday, Papa Clyde.