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.

Delanie Learns to Chew!

So, here's the scoop on this video...

If you follow this blog, you know that we have equated Delanie's eating habits to a squirrel - she likes to quickly fill her cheeks up and swallow her food whole. I swear, if she could use a straw to suck the food off her tray, she would. So, Dave and I have been working hard to teach her the concept of "chewing" her food. We will take a bite, and do long, exaggerated chewing motions in front of her, showing her how to chew. So, this is the reaction we got at dinner on Sunday. Enjoy!

Let Her Eat Cake...Part II

So, after many of the guests had left and we had butchered the face of the ladybug, she did try the cake. But, she never really got into it. She was more interested in seeing Lukas act like a monkey behind the camera (and she was exhausted!).

Let Her Eat Cake...Part I

Here is a clip from Delanie's birthday party, she wanted nothing to do with the cake! For those of you who know Delanie (and her appetite), it is rare that she turns down junk food!

1 Year Old!

Happy Birthday to Me!!

I turned one year old on March 28, 2008! This has been quite an exciting few days for me! So many people and presents and food!

My birthday celebration began on Friday, with a party at school. Mommy brought in blueberry muffins for my classmates and I to enjoy. Mommy picked me up early from school, so we could enjoy the warm weather. Daddy got home from work early and I was able to open my first gifts - a music set from Mommy and Daddy and a great package from Great Aunt Linda. We finished off the evening with some chocolate ice cream. But, the best part of my birthday - I took my first steps, right into Daddy's arms!

On Saturday, so many people came over to celebrate my birthday - Ladybug Picnic Style (see previous post for Sesame Street reference)! I was able to see all my long distance family: Grandma and Grandpa/Abuelo Blatchford, Mimi Bragdon, Uncle Nick, Mamo Foster. And, of course, so many local friends and family, including Papa Dave and Nana, Uncle Patrick, Aunt Kate, Aunt Connie and Aunt Sarah.


My BFFs enjoyed some playtime on the floor, while I enjoyed the arms of just about anyone willing to hold me. I also enjoyed lots and lots of goldfish crackers (thank you Papa Dave). We had a ladybug pinata, filled with treats. One of my favorite parts was having everyone gather around to sing "Happy Birthday" to me and take pictures. It was as though the entire papparazzi that followed me for the entire year was in my dining room! One detail my parents neglected to think about - a bug shaped cake can be a little scary. I wanted nothing to do with it! The picture here is actually several hours AFTER my party, when I finially decided to explore my cake a little bit. Still, not a lot of messy, hand smashing, as my parents had anticipated (not that they are complaining either).


As you may be able to see in one of the pictures, I had a "1" Ladybug t-shirt, which was fun to wear - what an accomplishment for me!

This past year has been amazing. Our family would like to thank everyone for all the love and support they have provided - the night shifts spent listening to running water in the kitchen; the free babysitting that Mommy and Daddy take whenever they can get it; the nearly-disposible clothing (thanks to my constant growth spurts); the phone calls, emails and IMs that have kept us sane; the advice from other "new" mothers as well as the experts; and most of all, thank you to Delanie, who has the most beautiful spirit.

Happy Birthday, Delanie!

One Year Photos

Here are a few shots from Delanie's 1 Year Photo Shoot. Instead of going to Sears and doing the normal package, we hired a photographer and got some outdoor shots at Meredith College. If you are interested in ordering prints, you can do so online and either have them mailed or sent to your Target store.

http://targetphoto.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=stw1qep.6k576axx&x=0&y=-9y6pjt
If this link doesn't work for you, just let me know you need the pictures sent by leaving me your email in the Comments section of this page, or email me.

Happy Easter!

This is Delanie's second Easter, and she is not even a year old yet! Last Easter, she was only 1 week old. Needless to say, it was much more fun this year! Overall, we had a pretty low key day, just the three of us.

We began the day by exploring our Easter baskets. Then we headed to jazz brunch downtown, where we enjoyed some great food. As you will see in the pictures, Delanie was more entertaining than the musicians.

We finished the afternoon with a walk in the park with our two dogs. We had an early dinner of leftovers, and we are all headed to bed!

We hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and holiday!