Fun With Photo Booth

Just a quick hello from Peshtigo.  The weather has been so-so, but we've had a great time visiting family.  We've been staying with Grandma Joyce and Grandpa Dick and playing with their new MacBook (thus the crazy pictures from Photo Booth).  We also got to see Aunt Meagan, Uncle Bill, Emilie, Alayna, Olivia, and Gammy today at the vacation house.

Look, Ma! No hands!

Mabel had her 1 year check up last weekend and all is well. Here are her stats:

Weight - 21 lbs - 47%
Height - 30 1/2" - 88%
Head - 48 cm - 99%

We were excited that everything checked out normal. No meds, referrals, etc. Very exciting.

Some of Mabel's new tricks are to try to stand without holding on to something, blowing kisses, and finding our nose, mouth, and ears. She's also starting to copy more of the sounds we make, but we're still waiting for her first word other than the occasional "mama" and "dada". For some reason "mama" is always what comes out when she's angry and frustrated (like tonight at bedtime) and "dada" comes out when she's playful and happy. Guess that's what I get for being the strong arm that makes her go to bed.

Try as I might to capture the blowing kisses on video, I haven't been able to. I have included a picture of her standing. You can check out her new xylophone from Uncle Darren, Aunt Jill, Ab & Sam. It's next to her other smaller one. This new one is a major upgrade. We now have all 8 notes in the scale. Daddy has been playing all sorts of songs for Mabel on it. He was also pleased to discover that it's tuned the same as the little five note gator xylophone, so, eventually, they'll be able to play duets perfectly in tune.

It's My Party

Mabel is officially the big 0-1. On Thursday, her actual birthday, we took her out for some polenta cakes, scallop risotto, and four cheese pizza. She also received some awesome gifts from Uncle Darren, Aunt Jill, Abby, & Sam.

Her big celebration was this afternoon. We were blessed with a morning nap before the guests arrived, so Mabel was well rested and ready to party. Guests included Gammy, Grandma Katie, Aunt Meagan, Uncle Bill, Alayna, Emilie, Olivia, Grandma Joyce, and Grandpa Dick. Mabel received some wonderful gifts and enjoyed her homemade carrot cake. It was all a bit much for her so she crashed for another two hours right after the big cake event.

Thank you to everyone for driving in for the big event and for all the generous gifts. Mabel says a big thanks and sends her love.