Self-Regulated Snacking

You can't imagine how happy I was to witness what happened a couple days ago. I'm all about Winnie being independent and being in charge of little aspects of her world. I heard some rustling around her snack/food cabinet and went to check it out. (Puddy, of course, did as well...he's always hoping for a handout) Winnie found her container of Puffs, opened them up, used her chubby little hands to get a handfull, ate them, put the lid back on, put the container back in the cabinet, and shut the door. That makes Mommy very happy! I caught a photo of the middle of the process...I wish I'd made a video!

Lafayette Park

This girl is all about playing.  She loves Gymboree class, being tossed around by Daddy, swinging, chasing Puddy with Daddy...anything active and wild causes squeals of delight.  She and I went to Lafayette Park yesterday while we were waiting to pick Puddy up from the groomer.  We were swinging, climbing, sliding, crawling, jumping...even pregnant Mommy was in on the action.  She threw a fit when it was time to get back into the stroller and was inconsolable when I was putting her into her car seat.  I am so excited for summer when we will be able to stay outside more!  These are just all my favorite pictures from the afternoon.

Happy Easter!

Here are some shots of Winnie in her Easter dress. The Easter Bunny brought her a xylophone (Plan Toys...we are huge fans of this amazing company) that was perfect for our little drummer who has made a musical instrument of most things in our home. And the picture with Daddy is taken in front of one of Grandpa's beautiful trees in their backyard.

Big Girl Stuff

Now that Winnie is a year old, and now that she is old enough to keep up with a purse and its contents, I figured she's old enough to start feeding herself (Jaimie would be so proud). We are working on a lot of big girl stuff lately. She's finally gotten the whole sippy cup business, she's eating more foods, and this morning...she fed herself applesauce for breakfast. I, of course, was so proud of her skills and couldn't care less about the mess she was making on an already rushed Easter morning Sunday. Having a baby has worked wonders on my clean-freak tendencies and compulsive needs for cleanliness.

The Feminine Muscle

Winnie got this purse for her birthday from the Reinbergs, and she is not letting it leave her shoulder.  I was just telling Aaron how I don't even understand how she knows that a purse even goes on her shoulder!  It's hilarious to watch it all: when the cell phone falls out, she stops to put it in...if it slides off her shoulder, she stops to readjust.  Well, this morning, she needed to move TWO barstools at a time, but obviously couldn't perform the task without her purse with her.  Be patient watching the video...it's long, but it's cute.  And I wish that it were not of the back of her head, but she will not let me film her lately. 

Not Just "Some Year"

Winifred Gray is now a year old. I can't believe it. I keep tearing up when I think about how fast the time has flown by. Andy made up this ridiculous song on Sunday... the lyrics were "one down, 17 more to go." I hate that! It's going by at a rate that I do not approve of. I can't believe that 365 days ago, she came bursting forth, helpless from my belly, and right now, she is trying to cram her cell phone and puzzle pieces into her new purse Al got her for her birthday. I want to keep her a baby forever. We think that Winnie is just terrific and amazing and hilarious and beautiful, and we are so thankful that God gave us THIS little girl. She is perfect for us. I love her so much!

Party Time...Excellent!

Winnie turned one on Sunday, and we celebrated the landmark with a little party.  During the day before the party, she "helped" Daddy put together her red wagon, so she got her present from us a little early.  

Andy's parents and Becky and soon-to-be brother-in-law Joel came over Sunday night for the festivities.  She received many awesome gifts from the family that she's enjoyed playing with this week.
Winnie was so-so on her feelings towards her cupcake, (which is fine...I've had no problems handling the leftovers) but loved the ice cream she crammed into her mouth.  


She capped off the evening with an intense poop in her high chair and a much-needed bath.  Happy birthday, baby!