Pumpkins, Parties & Playdates

 

Some firsts for our 14-month-old girl ~

She has found a friend in "Teddy." This big old stuffy bear given when she was just born from the ladies at the Amica Cincinnati office. She even calls him in her sweet little voice "Ted-dee." He sleeps in her crib with her and she tells him "nighdee" when it's time for a nap or nighty-night. She babbles to him in the morning. I was wondering when she'd find comfort in a toy animal, as I so loved mine as a kid, and she has. She loves her doggy, kitty, Elly the elephant, baby doll, froggy, but Teddy is her best friend.

And out of nowhere, Peekaboo is her favorite game. "Where's Anna?" we say as she covers her little face with her teeny hands, fingers separated just enough so you can see her little eyes peeking through. It's so darn cute. And her new favorite rhyme that we have to practice at least twenty times a day...

Pat-a-cake, Pat-a-cake, baker’s man,
Bake me a cake as fast as you can;
Roll it, pat it, mark it with a B,
Put it in the oven for baby and me.

We ask, are you hungry before mealtime and she heads straight to her highchair (not that she sits in it for long.) And she likes to practice feeding herself with a spoon.

Party Girl

Anna loves a party. And today was Jillian's first birthday celebration. 

Happy 1st Birthday, Princess!

No stranger anxiety for this one. She loves people, especially other kids.

And this big old Teddy...(I'm thinking Santa may bring her one for Christmas)

 

Anna's Motto: It's good to be a baby.

 

Life is grand.

And so is cake.

Friends

"Zavta" came for lunch on Friday and Anna has never sat more still in her highchair. She showed her playdoh. And I'm pretty sure there was a round or two of Pat-a-cake.

We went up to New Hampshire for a playdate with Mary, and for some catching up with Michelle.

Here, just a couple of friends having a snack. Lucy and Anna --- BFFs.

Ooh and Aunty Mandy's back for a month...we can't wait to see her. Off to Boston this week for some serious catching up. And I know with Grams and Opa back from Naples, a visit up to Exeter will be in the works. And Mimi and Papa come down next weekend. Our family rocks.

Time's a flyin'

She's learning and developing new skills right before our eyes. Sometimes, I have to close my eyes and take a deep breath, for it was just this time last year that she was this little bundle in the bouncy seat...

 

and sleeping in my arms...

These are happy times. Memories have been made these past 14 months in our family of three (plus seven fur-kids who continue to be shockingly patient toward this active toddler.) With many more good times to come. The holidays are upon us and I can hardly stand it. Mark and I both agree, having this little in our lives has brought out the kid in us. And I know it will be that extra special singing silver bells, baking cookies, decking the halls with sleigh bells and candles and red and green and making a snowman...and all those favorite sugary plum, gift wrapping things...because holidays truly are made for children. Let's celebrate!