'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.

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!