11 months

It's hard to believe it's almost been a year since our little lady blessed us with her snuggles, smile, sweetness, and laugh. She's walking a lot with assistance and taking steps on her own here and there though crawling is still her preferred mode of transportation. She loves eating.  Seriously.  If someone in the room is sneaking a bite of a snack, you can bet who will be right at their feet in no time begging (OK, just giving those cute puppy dog eyes) for them to share.  And she is 9 (NINE!) teeth to help her chop up anything we give her.

Likes: Playing with, petting, and laying on my dog, Tyler (this is more of a love), walking with the assistance of a walker or your hand, getting into the cupboards that mom and dad forget to lock from time to time, waving hi and bye, doing 'tricks' so everyone (including me) claps, taking everything out of my diaper bag and mom's purse

Dislikes: Getting into my new, big girl car seat.  Once I'm in I'm happy as can be but the initial process of getting strapped in is not my cup a tea. Laying on my diaper changing table. I'd much prefer to sit or stand up and get into anything in reach.

Best buds sharing Ty's bed

Walking with assistance of a mini-me grocery cart at Trader Joe's

The first of the first birthdays

As you may recall, our niece was born exactly one month before Lilly.  It's crazy to think of our adventures in pregnancy that turned into adventures in parenting.  Watching these two girls grow up side by side has been such a joy.  They're just starting to interact and I have no doubt that will just continue and hope they become the best of buds.  Since we'd be out of town for a wedding the weekend of her actual birthday, Meredith and Kyle were so kind as to move the birthday party celebration up a week so that we could join. They rented a pavilion in a park nearby for a little afternoon soiree.  There were kiddos and food and cookies and lots of toy trains.  Having a party outside always adds a level of stress about the weather.  All week they were projecting rain until they day of when they foretasted nothing but sun and warmth.  It was an absolutely beautiful day to celebrate our beautiful niece's first year of life. She's strong, sweet, smart and feisty.  My kinda gal!

Cinco de Walk-o

Cinco de Mayo celebrations of our past used to entail tacos and guac and margaritas, oh my!  This year's celebration was a bit different.  It included a full day of work followed by a nice family walk outside and dinner on the patio.  Oh, and Lilly's first steps!  That's right, Lill celebrated her first Cinco de Mayo by getting from point A to point B without the use of her hands and knees. When I got home from work, instead of being welcomed with the usual squeals, leg kicks and little person crawling towards me and tugging at my pants, I was welcomed by that same adorable little person taking 5 or 6 short strides to greet me. Best. Welcome. Ever.

We managed to get in one quick video before bath time and bedtime.  More to come I'm sure.

Cinco de Mayo.  The day Lilly took her first steps.