'Tis the season to be...born?

This Saturday marks the fifth straight birthday party that we have attended (or thrown). What is it about the spring? Or should I say, what is it about the summer prior?

Here are some pics of Delanie at various parties! I hope she doesn't think chocolate cake is a permanent weekend ritual!

When Daddy's Away, The Baby Will Play!!

Dave has been out of town this week, so Delanie and I have been spending lots and lots of time together. And she is keeping me very busy! If I don't lose two pounds this week, I'll be surprised! As I mentioned in an earlier post, Delanie is much taller than peers at 31.5 inches. And, I learned today, this is just tall enough to grab pans on the stove. Developmentally, she is having such a hard time with her boundaries, but given her size, she is forced to learn some lessons earlier than other 1 year olds.

Maybe Delanie decided that playtime with Mommy was so much fun that she'd just skip her nap today, or maybe it wasn't that intentional (or malicious!). But, as advanced as she may be, she clearly has not developed her sense of empathy, or whe would have taken one look at my tired eyes and gone right to sleep! Instead, she decided to circle around and around the dog bowl, occasionally dipping one foot in the water. Of course, I didn't realize until she was wet up to her knee.


I thought I'd share these pics of Delanie, with her butt stuck in the dog bowl! The dog bowl has been quite a temptation for this girl, both when it is full of food and empty. We have tried to keep Delanie away from the dog bowls, to prevent any possession/jealousy issues with the dogs. So, when I turned around while making dinner to see her literally stuck in the bowl, giggling away, I had to laugh!



Daddy, your silly willy Laniebug misses you lots! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

One Year Check Up!

Today, Delanie had her one-year check up. Developmentally, Delanie is right on target. She is still only taking 1-2 steps on her own, but this is normal for her age. She stands and cruises easily around the room, using furniture. She has perfected the pincher grasp to pick up cheerios, dirt in the carpet, and the dog food crumbs she insists on eating. Her social skills are on target, as demonstrated by the way she plays ball or peekaboo. She has even started clapping to songs in the car.

As far as Delanie's growth - she is consistantly above her peers. Her official weight is 24 lbs, 6 oz (95th %ile) and height is 31.5 inches (>97th %ile). Dr. Durand says this year will say a lot in terms of her adult height - she will either even out and not gain much height, or she will continue to measure taller than her peers, suggesting a very tall height potential. And, again, we went through the family history, to confirm that Delanie's "genetic potential" is not that of the Jolly Green Giant, based upon her short parents.

Since turning 1, Delanie has decided to start throwing tantrums. Many of you who saw her last weekend are thinking, "No, not that perfect little Laniebug!" Sadly, it's true. And, while her behavior is, again, completely developmentally normal, it is a little frustrating for her parents nonetheless. We got a few books this afternoon and have asked some experienced folks for suggestions. Our research has helped us empathize with Delanie, she is going through a huge transformation - she is going from being completely dependent on us to being pretty independent. And, as parents, we are learning that as soon as we feel comfortable and confident at one stage of Delanie's life, she goes and grows a bit more.