Big Step

This past weekend was a big step for Me and Lia. Paul went back to Maine for his Grandfather's funeral and took Lia with him. Of course, I was freaking out! But Lia did great. She slept well at night and ate well the entire trip. And she had fun with Mimi and Poppy! Monkey and I stayed home and had some fun ourselves. We went on extra long walks and I stayed up late watching movies and reading trashy romance novels. It was fun for a couple of days but I really missed Lia and Paul. I'm so glad to have them both home!

Climbing

Uh, oh! We have a situation here. Lia has discovered climbing. She likes to hang on our bathroom sink and swing like a little monkey. Yes, I let my daughter hang perilously while I ran to get the camera and take a picture of her coming down! Am I a bad mother?! Now she thinks it's an acceptable thing to do. Lia has also climbed up on chairs, our little side table and most recently the couch. One day I was in the kitchen while Lia was playing innocently in the living room. Next thing I know, she's sitting by Monkey in his spot on the couch! Monkey is no longer safe! Although I applaud her learning new skills, I don't think I'm ready for this. Child proofing has taken on a new meaning. At least she hasn't learned how to climb out of her crib yet!

Fall

We have been having a beautiful Fall so far. The weather has been crisp but sunny. The leaves are changing. Here are a few pics of Lia enjoying some fall festivities. Having fun at a pumpkin patch with her friend, Julian. Carving a pumpkin with Dad (which she took very seriously)! And trick or treating on Halloween. Our little baby bear had a great day. She seemed to know she was so cute! We went to the Munchkin Masquerade on pearl st where the stores pass out candy to the kids. It was a bit overwhelming and crazy but we had fun. Lia was very protective of her candy bucket and didn't want any help carrying it when it got heavy. She actually got pretty upset when I took a piece of candy out of it! Paul and I had to be sneaky about it. We did give her a small bite of kit kat but kept the rest for ourselves. Later we walked around our neighborhood and visited some neighbors. Hope you all had a fun Halloween and are having a good Fall.

Giggles

More things that make Lia laugh:

1. Being chased around the couch.

2. Anything that Monkey does; lick his paw, scratch, roll around in something stinky outside.

3. When I blow in her face.

4. Whenever she burps or farts!
5. If I trip or hurt myself (thanks Lia).

6. Being tickled, she's ticklish everywhere!

7. Putting things on her head like bowls.

8. Undressing! She can now take off her shoes, socks, shirt and pants!

9. Going for 'horsey' rides or whenever I imitate animal sounds.

I feel so lucky to have such a silly and happy girl. I hope I can keep making these lists for a long time!

Maine vacation pictures

The beautiful ocean


Relaxing!


Playing in the yard.


Climbing the stairs with Poppy. One of her favorite activities.

Meeting her cousin, the bride and groom's daughter Sophia.

Maine

Lia and I recently got back from another trip. We headed east and visited Paul's parents in beautiful Maine. This was the farthest that Lia has ever been. The trees were starting to turn and the colors were amazing. The weather was cool, crisp and sunny- perfect fall weather. We took a drive to the ocean and Lia was very captivated by the seagulls! And we saw Paul's cousin get married and visited with many family members. Congratulations, Nick and Angela. You make a great couple. And thank you for everything, Mimi and Poppy. We had a wonderful visit.

15 Months

Lia is 15 months old already! She has developed such a personality in the last few months. Much of the time, she struts around the house like she's on a mission! She is very 'large and in charge' and has her own agenda. Lia is independent, adventurous, silly, funny, happy and sweet. She gives the best hugs ever where she just holds on with all her might for a few moments. She even tries to cuddle with Monkey sometimes. Monkey's not so sure about that! Lia likes to talk and has a few words. She'll say Daddy, book and dog pretty regularly and she'll sometimes say 'all done', go, car and a few other words that I'm not sure what she's saying. She loves to dance whether it's to music on the radio or if I'm singing. Books are the favorite toy right now. She loves to open them and look at them by herself. And now she will actually sit on our laps and let us read to her. She likes to take all the books off her shelf and make various piles all over the house. Lia also loves to play dress-up. She likes hats and scarves and mittens and purses. She parades around the house wearing various things. It's really cute. Climbing is a favorite activity these days. She loves to climb up the neighbor's stairs, and on any small chairs, tables, shelves she can access. Baby proofing has hit a whole new level! Monkey is still safe on the couch; but for how long, I don't know. Lia has learned the names of many body parts and can point to them. Her belly button is by far the favorite! She seems so fascinated with it. Lia is also walking more when we take Monkey for walks, staying with me and holding my hand. She likes to stop and 'say hi' to all the flowers we pass along the way. She is very gentle and touches them with one finger. So cute (but it takes forever)! It is just amazing watching her grow from baby to toddler. Lia is such a joy to us!