Underwear.

My 15-month-old loves to play with several items.

Keys.

Shoes.

And, her Sissher's underwear.

Anala Bears has spent AN HOUR straight quietly going though Nye-Nye's clean underwear basket. Patiently trying to put the undies on OVER her diaper. Once she has accomplished that task, then she likes to wear the rest as bracelets.

Sometimes she likes to wear them on her head.

I love this girl.

Happy 1st Birthday. Anala.

Dearest Anala Bears,

Your infectious grin and giggle lights up our daily lives. It's hard to remember what is was like before you made your Grand Entrance exactly one year ago.

You have a loud voice and are determined to be taken seriously. No one will ever call you a push-over. We rightly named you Juliette Anala. Anala means "fiery" and that you are, My Love.

You get very, very indignant when Mama tells you "no" or tries to remove something dangerous from your hand.

Many people have commented on your independence. You love cuddling with Mommy or Daddy, but spend most of your awake time doing your own thing.

Recently, you have really gotten into looking through books all my yourself. Your favorite two are "Noses and Toes" and "Chomp Zoo." Both are about animals. Not surprisingly, you go wild when you spy a dog or cat on one of our Daily Walks.

Another thing that makes you go wild is hearing music. You have started dancing by swaying your shoulders and spinning around in circles. We have just begun having Family Dance Parties. Sometimes, when you are dancing, you swing your arms back and forth so much that you fall over.

Today, Daddy just taught you how to give a high-five. It's the cutest.

You adore sitting on your Sissy's Potty. You grunt and groan while smiling devilishly, in her direction. I don't know if she realizes you are making fun of her. You also enjoy sitting on the Potty and scooting it backwards across the entire length of the Living Room.

Another of your favorite things to do is tickle Daddy's feet. You like to sneak up to him and do it.

You are fascinated by climbing and down on the sofa and armchairs, all by yourself. You look so proud. All of that practice has paid off.

Right now, you have 5 teeth (with 2 more just starting to poke through). You started teething at 6 weeks old, but didn't get your first teeth until after you were 6 months. Talk about a lot of work for a little compensation! Then, a whole 5 months passed before any more teeth started making an appearance. The last 2 weeks have been rough with teething. Sorry kid, there are a lot more teeth to go.

One a happy note, riding on the tricycle really mellows you out. You climb onto your Sissy's tricycle and demand a ride. Mommy puts the seat-belt on you and then you just start humming to yourself, as Mommy pushes you around the yard or on the side-walk. You still enjoy the Ergo, but the bike is now your favorite way to get around.

Happy 1st Birthday to the Sunshine of our Lives! This past year hasn't been easy for any of us, but we are so very, very Blessed to have been able to have spent it with you.

Our Love for you know no bounds,

Mommy, Daddy and Big Sissy

11 Months. Anala. (Playing Catch-up).

Our Dearest Anala Bears,

You turned 11 Months old on April 4th.

This hasn't been a Month of huge milestones, rather you have been refining all your newly learned skills. You gotten better at giving kisses (you can now give a close-mouthed kiss, no more open-mouth kisses...lucky us).

You enjoy using your sippy cup or regular cup, if Mommy gives it you (or someone leaves it in your reach). Meals continue to be your favorite time of the day.

You can sign "done" when asked if you are finished eating.

You still only have your two bottom teeth. Those two silly little teeth, crack us up.

You are walking very fast, especially if you have something in your hand that you know you shouldn't be holding. You love to be chased. Your favorite game is to have your Sissy chase you from the Bathroom to Mommy and Daddy's Bedroom and back again. Over and over.

You have gotten particularly good at taking pens from Mommy and then pretending to write on paper.

One of your recent mannerisms is to rub your cute, Buddha-belly and smile.

Your Nightly Routine includes taking a bath with your Sissy. Daddy is very silly and the three of you have tons of fun. Mama stays downstairs washing the dishes, while you take your bath and it makes her so happy to hear all of your squeals of delight.

When saying "Good-bye" or "Good-night" you blow kisses. Talk about melting our hearts.

Your Nightly Routine wouldn't be complete without your new friend, Baby Bear (or Chewy as Daddy insists on calling her). Auntie Julie and Cousin Nia gave her to you at Nye-Nye's Birthday and you love falling asleep with her soft fur next to your face.

You continue to put EVERYTHING in your mouth. But the good news is that now when Mommy asks what is in your mouth, you politely remove it and hand it to her. Thank you.

Our delicious, perfect little Imp, we adore you.



All of our Love,

Mommy, Daddy and Big Sissher

Learning How to Use a Spoon Video.

This one is for the Grandparents.

Yesterday, was the first day Anala Bears used a spoon.

Papa Bears HATES when the girls get messy. But, I think it's such an integral part of
Learning.

Having plenty of Sensory Experiences and the space to just practice new skills. I think it's so very important.

Plus, I'm the one cleaning up the kid.

I didn't get a good shot of her actually using the spoon properly. But, she did for a minute or two.

Did I mention this kid HATES bibs?

Happy 10 Months! Anala.

Today has been ONE OF THOSE DAYS.

So, no letter was written in time. But, I will get to it soon. How I love this Darlin' of mine, even if one of her favorite things to do right now is slap my face with excitement. Life is never boring with this one around.

10 Months.

I just want to squeeze her and squeeze her and squeeze her some more.

Happy 9 Months! Anala.

This photo captures you perfectly. Our Impish One. 

Nine Months???? 

Phew. 

Your Birthday Letter is almost finished...

This was the Birthday Letter I wrote to your Sissy at 9 Months.

Happy 8th Months! Anala.

My Dear Little Imp,

On Saturday, you turned 8 months. How we adore you! Your sparkling eyes and your devilish grin!

Your favorite activity right now is to find the one thing on the floor that you know shouldn't go in your mouth and PUT IT IN your mouth. And, then you turn and LAUGH at me.

Fresh cranberries, pine needles, pine cone pieces, Styrofoam, cat food (even though we don't have a cat living with us), stickers, board game pieces, garlic skins and even a piece of glass.(Thank God, you didn't cut yourself or swallow it).Talk about giving Mama some more grey hairs!

I swear, we are not Hoarders and sweep and mop the floors regularly. But, if there is one tiny thing on the floor, you WILL FIND IT. Talk about some serious observational skills.

You have continued to be very, very intrigued by sounds and by Music. You spend part of every day pounding away on your piano. When I sing to you, you often hum along.

Your legs are getting stronger and stronger each day. You love to go from sitting to standing. You can balance standing up for about 20 seconds before you get freaked out and have to sit back down. You do this ALL DAY LONG. You even like the challenge of trying to hold something big (like a soccer ball), while getting up to stand. You've spent a lot of time in the Basement cruising from one end of the futon to the other.

You clapped your hands for the first time. It was hard to tell who was more delighted. You or your Sister? The two of you just laughed and laughed and laughed. Seeing both of my girls giggling and clapping together was one of those Perfect Moments etched on my mind.

You've become very enamored by the wooden scooter Ra-Ra gave your Sissy last Christmas. You spin the wheels and examine every part of it. You just aren't quite as thrilled when Mama puts you on it. Maybe it's a bit too exciting for you, at the the moment.

You love to feed yourself and much prefer that to having someone else feed you. Tiny pieces of bananas are your favorite. It's wonderful having you sit right up at the table with us in the new high-chair Dada and Dadi got you. You look so proud of yourself.

Drinking water from a sippy cup (and sometimes a cup) is one of your activities right now. You seriously, LOVE yourself some water.

Luckily, having your face wiped doesn't produce quite the howls it did before. Thanks for that one. You still hate having someone put their fingers in your mouth to fish something out (who does?). You squeeze your lips shut and furiously twist your head side to side. Sometimes, I mimic you doing this and you think it's the most hysterical thing EVER.

You felt snow for the first time this Month. Let's just say, you're not a fan. You are a fan of Bath-time and water. You went swimming with Daddy this Month and LOVED it.

Teething is not making life terribly fun for you right now. It appears that your top two teeth of starting their journey southward through your gums. Poor Babe.

One of my favorite parts of the day, is when Daddy brings you into our Bed first thing in the Morning. You love to crawl over to your Sissy and wake her up with your slobbery kisses. The two of you wrestle and cuddle for a few minutes. Such Sweetness! Thanks for being YOU...we are so very, very Lucky...


All Our Love,

Mommy, Daddy and Big Sissher



P.S.  Here is your Sissy's 8 Month Letter. She's wearing the same dress that you wore, as well as Mommy, Aunt Mimi, Cousin Caroline and Cousin Katie. So sad you are too big for it now (I had to keep all the buttons unloosen, so you could fit in it during our Photo Shoot). You are growing too fast, My Love!

P.P.S. Here is your 6 Month Letter and all the ones before.

Happy 7 Months! Anala.

Only photos Today. My Monthly Lettter isn't finished yet. I'm having trouble narrowing down these photos to my favorite two or three. Which are your favorites?

Pulling Up.

 

 

 

 

This Week. There have been some ADJUSTMENTS.

Colds. Car-breaking down. No Mama at the Gym because of Colds and Out-of-Commission Car.

One-sided Bickering about toys.

Dreariness.

Re-committing to playing Outside every Morning.

Fazing out a Lovey.

Using a timer for Transitions.

Baby Bears discovering a new Love of computer cords, dust bunnies and trash cans.

And, now....Pulling up.

 

 

A Bear Crawl.

 

 

Here is our Baby Bears doing a funny little crawl, I've never seen her do before. Usually she does more of a crab crawl or a more traditional crawl. I have a feeling this one is going to say "Daddy" before saying "Mummy" (like her Sissy did), don't you think so?

 

I want to eat up this Baby of mine.

Happy 6 Months! Anala.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dearest Bright Eyes,

That happened fast. Today you turn 6 months old! Where did half a year ago already?

I look at your Sweet Self and I just want to squeeze and squeeze and squeeze you.

You continue to be an absolute Joy. Seriously, kid...thanks for being so easy going (except when you are getting your face wiped...you REALLY HATE that).

The Big News is that you started crawling a week ago. You don't go very far before you flop down, but you are definitely going. You especially crawl towards things you KNOW Mommy doesn't want you to get. That look of fierce determination on your face is priceless.

You know what also makes me laugh? Watching you attempt to snatch your Sissy's Milky out of her hand.

Milky is her blasted "Lovey" which is actually just an empty bottle she sucks on for comfort. She is still adjusting to sharing her Mommy with you, so Milky hasn't found a new home, yet.

One thing that makes my heart just want to explode is watching the two of you interact.

You both love to cuddle with each other and have started playing together on a very simple level.

A few days ago, your Sissy sat across from you on the floor and threw one of your fabric, squishy balls into your arms. You looked so surprised and then you giggled. You frequently giggle at her antics.

You are also very, very patient about her wanting to touch your face or your ear (much more patient than Mommy and Daddy).

 

 

You were an absolute Gem on Halloween Night. Even though you were tired (and it was nearing your Bedtime), you cuddled with Daddy in the Baby Carrier and quietly observed everything.

 

 

 

 

You are a wonderful Sport about having numerous Costume changes on the days leading up to Halloween and you don't fuss about having a hat on...that's very helpful, thank you.

 

 

 

 

You continue to be intrigued by watching others eat. You stare open-mouthed every time someone eats something in front of you that you can't eat. I guess sometimes pureed green beans isn't enough.

 

Your favorite song? Swing Low, Sweet Chariot. Your Ra-Ra first sang it to you, during your Colicky Stage. Sometimes, it was the only thing that would stop your crying. You continue to be enchanted by the song and now your Sissy now sings it to you. It's a beautiful song.

 

Your frequent mannerism of the Month? Feeling your hair. You love to stroke your own hair, especially when you are nursing. I love it.

 

 

 

 

 

And, I love you. We all love you. Thanks for being You.

 

 

It's an absolute pleasure to be your,

 

Mommy, Daddy and Big Sissher

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P.S. This is the letter I wrote to your Sissy when she turned 6 Months.

 

P.P.S. One Month, Two Months, Three Months, Four Months and Five Months.

On The Move.

 

 

She's cautious. She's timid. She's not going far.

 

But, our Bright Eyes has begun to crawl. Things have gotten just a little bit more interesting here.