Smiles

First Word (Or Two)!

So, we waited awhile to post this one in order to be sure, but Lacy is definitely saying her first word...and it is not what you would expect...in the slightest.  

She says "All Done" while simultaneously waving both hands.

We have started baby sign language on several words, and this one has stuck.  We use the same hand signals for all done with our dog too, so she sees it a lot (weird, I know).  

It is absolutely hilarious when she chooses to use 'all done'.  Normally, it is after the first bite of anything she doesn't want to eat.  Eggs, all done.  Kiwi, all done.  Some weird squash/sweet potato mix, all done (I don't blame her on that one).  

So much for MaMa, DaDa, or any other of the typical first words....Lacy has spoken....she is All Done.

We Miss Daddy

Since Ryan has been away for a few days and we miss him I thought we would showcase a few photos of Lacy and her dad. These were taken last weekend when Ryan took Lacy on a "daddy/daughter hike" through Sausalito. We are two very lucky girls to have him!

**PS...Thanks mom for the magic tripod---its a hit!**

New Year, One Word

So, I know this is a wee bit overdue, as normally you would write about the new year either as the old year closes or the new year begins, but I found myself pre-occupied with catching up on all my other photos and random thoughts for the close of 2008.

As I reflect on the past year I can only think of one word. Grateful. I am so grateful for everything that I have in my life. Last year we were blessed with the most amazing gift I could ever ask for, our beautiful baby girl. She makes me smile at least a million times every day. My mornings have been transformed from dreary, ho-hum, quick grab a cup of coffee mornings into bright excitement when I open the door to her bedroom; see her big smile and hear her squeals of delight. My days, although they have become increasingly more difficult since I still work 40+ hours a week, are filled with amazement as I watch the world through Lacy's eyes. I would not trade it for anything. She is my world and the greatest joy of my life. A joy I didn't even know was possible or even existed. She has given my life a purpose and I love her for all she does for me.

I have the most wonderful friends and family. I am blessed, truly blessed, to be surrounded by such wonderful and amazing people. I am not always the best at staying in touch with people, but I have tried hard in 2008 and I will try harder in 2009. Distance and time zones make it a little tougher, and add a baby to the mix and free time dissolves, but it is my friends and family that give me support and keep me grounded. In the end it is your family and friends and the relationships that you have with them that mean the most.

More times than I care to admit this past year I have been reminded of how grateful I am for my health and the health of my family. 2008 was a tough year for a lot of people on the periphery of my world and it really brought home the reality of life and death. Some people come and go, some get a long time on this planet and other's only a brief glimpse. I have grieved for all those who have lost their battles and I have rejoiced at the hard won fights. Each time, I realized that I have taken my health for granted and the health of those I love. I am now acutely aware that our health is never a given. I hope that 2009 brings comfort to those who have lost so much and brings continued health to those who are still fighting.

Lastly, without my husband I wouldn't have our beautiful little girl and I wouldn't have a third of the family that I now have. I am so grateful to have found him again and to have him with me on my journey, our journey. He is truly my best friend and I am grateful.

Again, one word. Grateful.

What's Hot, What's Not @ 10 Months

To take a page from the Vonnahme's book here is a list of Lacy's what's hot and what's not:

WHATS HOT: singing, dancing, books (any and all), ripping magazines to pieces before Mom can even read them, drinking from a glass (still can't figure out the sippy cup), Harley, barking with Harley, Harley's toys, playing peek-a-boo with Harley, waving, CRUISING, emptying all boxes of toys/books, etc., however, now she is learning to put things back in the boxes, watching the clothes go around in the washer, army crawling, long baths, peeing while her diaper is off, swinging, sand, Beyonce and ColdPlay, cuddling with mom, and sharing.


WHATS NOT: taking a long second nap, her third bottle of the day, 6-12 month tops, hats, car rides, sitting still, learning how to fall, the vacuum, pooping, Ryan's remote helicopter, allowing Mom to work more than 10 minutes at a time, most of the toys she got for Xmas!

More Holiday Photos

With the holidays comes, of course, the obligatory Xmas dress up pictures. We are no exception to this rule. Watch out....I got all 'artsy' in these photos and there are sure a lot of them.

Lacy's new Chinatown outfit from Nana and Bumpa and her Chinatown shoes from Nana and Grandpa:


Our favorites:

Care to Wager?

While my CO family was in town for the Christmas holiday we made a friendly wager on when Lacy would walk. By walk, we mean take 5 or more steps on her own. Here are the predictions:

Dad: 2/03/09

Jane: 3/10/09

Sean: 3/20/09

Ryan: 4/15/09

Kristen: 2/23/09

**UPDATE**

Meg: 1/31/09

Michael: 2/25/09

Lillian: 1/27/09
Sarah: 2/27/09
Marcia: 2/14/09
Susan: 4/20/09

If anyone else would like to join in on the wager feel free to make a comment. What you should know is that as of Thursday (yesterday) Lacy started 'cruising' from one side of the couch to the other. Granted, she is not 100% confident in doing so and it takes her quite awhile, but she has officially 'cruised' for the first time.

Our little girl is not so little anymore!