Daddy's Birthday Dinner

We had a good time celebrating Daddy's birthday with Great-Gommie, Great-Grandpa, Grandma Mary, and Great-Uncle Michael. That high chair was lots of fun for me because I could slide down in it. I can't do that at home. Daddy kept his leg below my feet so I couldn't slide all the way out like I did at Boppa's birthday dinner! Too bad my chair at home has a piece that won't let me slide, or I'd escape everytime they tried to put me in there. Sometimes it's hard to sit still when you're my age.

Thanks to Great-Gommie & Grandma Mary (and the waiter who took our picture) for this photo.

We Interrupt This Blog For a Serious Note From Mom

Yesterday, our friend, Marsha's friends lost one of their one-year-old twins. Though few of us can understand their anguish, and fewer can find reason why this sort of thing happens, it serves as a reminder that life is so precious. We all have bad days, but when you think about it, are they really that bad? At the end of the day, we get to kiss our children and loved ones goodnight, and look ahead to a better day tomorrow. Maybe tomorrow starts with a little girl waking up at 5:00 am thinking it's a great time to play, or a little boy acting up in public, or kids fighting simply because they're siblings. In light of yesterday's events, these possibilities seem to be a pretty good deal. So tomorrow, play peek-a-boo when you'd rather be sleeping, give him an extra hug, tell them you love them. Take the time smile at their antics, laugh with them a little more, and at the end of the day, tuck them in with an extra kiss...and realize how very lucky you are.

Happy Birthday, Auntie Karen

It's Auntie Karen's birthday today! Can you see how excited I am? Her birthday makes me feel like dancing, dancing. That's a happy birthday jig I'm doing to celebrate. There was just no being still to have my picture taken. If Mom & Dad were smarter, they'd have taken a video.

I had to add a second picture taken during our first photo session. There really isn't anything written on the back of my sign, but I was doublechecking to be sure. It was very hard to pay attention while Mom was trying to take my picture (next time, don't bug me during Jeopardy!).

I did look very nice, though. My sweater and jeans came from Auntie Karen, plus I had on my new pink slippers.

It's Almost Here!

Can you believe in about two weeks I will turn one?! Where has the time gone? My birthday party is going to be the Sunday before my birthday, so I'm trying to help make plans. I know Mommy will make madeleines, but she might need some help picking out a cake. I decided to study a few of her books so I can show her which one I want. There are some really good ideas in here. They all make me smile and giggle with their bright colors and crazy designs. It's hard to tell which is my favorite. I know; I'll point to a few of them, so I can have extra cakes. Good thinking, eh? I guess that's why everyone says I'm a smart girl!

It Was Bound To Happen

Here it is, my first shiner! Before anyone calls me uncoordinated or sends the authorities to chat with Daddy and Mommy, let me tell you how it happened.

I don't want to place any blame because it was an accident, but she spells her name Kiana (she's staying with us again). I was busy wearing a trail between the kitchen (to visit Daddy) and the dining room (where Mommy was). One of the times I headed back toward Mommy, Kiana decided to come too. Did I mention she was carrying a big chew? That's what she does. Picks up a chew and paces. She was going a different direction than me at first, but I guess she thought I needed some company. And, she wanted to lead. As she was passing me, she knocked me down to the floor. Then she walked right over me. She didn't step on me, but she did bonk me with her chew. I now have a nice little shiner and a scratch by my nose. I cried a little bit when it happened, mostly because I was tired, but I am a tough girl. It hasn't affected me since. Neither Mommy or Daddy freaked out about it (good, I can still claim them).

Later went out for Daddy's birthday dinner with Grandma Mary, Great-Gommie, Great-Grandpa Leo, and Great-Uncle Mike. That was lots of fun.

Oh, and as far as Kiana and I are concerned, we're buddies again, though I did tug on her tail for revenge. Of course, she's staying with us for a while, so we'll see if anything else happens.

A Happy Birthday Fish Story

I went fishing the other day. Yes, on the living room floor. You’d be amazed at what you can catch there! Listen to the story of what I reeled into my invisible boat.

It was a day like any other, really. I slept late. Ate cereal. Read some books. Then I decided to take a fishing trip. First, I caught a small yellow and orange fish. Some kind of mutant sunfish, I believe. After that, I caught a starfish and a crab. Sounds crazy, I know. I still had my purple worm on as bait, so I thought I’d see what else would bite. Before I knew it, I felt a tug on my line. What could it be?


Wow! It was some kind of sign, and it had a message on it. I knew the words all looked familiar. Hey, so does that ship. It looks like the Nina replica Daddy took us to see last July. That was a really fun day. I never did get all our pictures posted. Anyway, back to the sign I caught. The first two words were ones I’d seen on many signs: Happy Birthday. That means someone is getting older, but who? I needed to pull that sign up so I could get a closer look. Better get it off the hook too.

Now, what are those letters? D-A-D (I think I know the answer already)-D-O. Hurray! It’s my Daddy’s birthday; he likes to be called the Daddo. He also likes to have apple pie instead of cake, so Mommy and I will make him one. I think for his birthday, I will give him “Hop on Pop” by Dr. Seuss. Every time he reads it to me a-hopping on my pop I will go! Happy birthday, Daddo. Let's go do some celebrating already; you're certainly not getting any younger. Tee hee hee, Daddy!

Happy 18th Birthday, Morgan!

It's a big day for my cousin, Morgan. She's an adult today. Lucky her, she's smart enough to turn 18 in an election year, so she can vote for president this fall. Until then she'll be busy graduating from high school, starting college...and then there's that trip to the casino.

P.S. My sign is NOT upside-down, that's how I read.

The Mommy Look-alike Meter...Take 3

Funny, only had to change photos a few times to get this result! :o)

Pig Giggling Party

Here are some pictures of me with the pigs (story on my December 23 post). They were funniest buddies I've ever had. In the second picture, you can see the girl pig sitting under the tree. Admit it, she makes you giggle too...or maybe it's just me. That tree was decorated with many, many pig ornaments. Boy, did I want to get my hands on those! Thanks to Grandma Mary for the photos.

Gotta Get This Sign Straight!

Today is Boppa's birthday. He usually likes to say he's 27 and a few years. Now that he's a Grandpa, maybe he'll embrace his true age of 32. 39? 43? Tee hee hee...I think he could be older than that because Daddy was saying there might not be enough candles on my sign. Yamaha-loving son-in-laws sure think they're funny.

Anyway, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my Boppa. And thank you for the fun sunfish pillow. I like to rest on it when I'm tired, relax on it when I'm playing, and drag it around just for fun. I can't wait to be big enough to go fishing with you and catch a real sunnie!