Madly Updating

Since returning from Arizona, I have been completely behind on blogging. I think one can attribute it to having an active one year old running around the house, pulling everything reachable off the shelves. Lately, our house looks like a hurricane hit it: tupperware and toys litter the kitchen floor, books are strewn throughout the house, clean laundry sits forever folded in the basket (but not for long if Laine can reach it). Now that Christmas is upon us, we have added wrapping paper and gifts to the pile of STUFF that Laine can distribute to various rooms. Maybe January will be dedicated to digging out.

Since early October, Laine has been walking. She first stood up in the middle of the room completely unassisted on the 30th of September, and about 5 days later took her first steps (two steps and a lunge at me) just over two weeks before her birthday. By the 20th of October, she was walking about 15 steps or more at a time, amazing me by walking from the master bedroom closet to the bedroom door. From there, her development in all areas seems to have exploded, sometimes overwhelming us. I am constantly surprised with her comprehension and always seem to be smiling at our happy, eager-to-learn girl.

In October, Laine:

• Picked up her nail file and started to "file her nails." She then proceded to give me a manicure.


• Mooed at the cow picture in her book; well, it was more of a "Mmmmm!"


• Continues to "clean" everything--the floors with a washcloth, her highchair tray with a baby wipe, and herself while in the tub.


• Pointed to a pumpkin in her book when asked where the pumpkin was.


• Puts the lid on her box of blocks. I love it that my girl is an organized cleaner.


• Began nodding yes--much to our amusement. She doesn't just nod, she stops when her chin is on her chest and gives us a very stern look. Poor girl, we are constantly trying to make her do this, as it cracks us up!


• Got another lower tooth (left of the middle).


• Got her first fever and bad cold, on her actual birthday!


• Still tall and thin, Laine was 21 pounds even and 31.5 inches long the day after her birthday.

In November, Laine:

• Gave me a tongue kiss. She pretty much licked my tongue.


• Can imitate meow and quack, but both sound a little like, "waah." You can only tell the difference by what animal she's pointing at.


• Can point out her nose when asked.


• Puts her arm through her purse and carries it around like a little lady.


• Started walking backwards and gets very excited when doing it. Somehow, it sort of looks like she's doing the moonwalk.


• Started quacking when she sees ducks in her books.


• Started woofing when she sees a doggie in her books or outside. Her bark is a high pitched, breathy and excited "woof woof!"


• Got another lower tooth (right of the middle).


• When she was "rearranging" the fridge for me, she suddenly turned around, put down the soy sauce and walked over to her sippy cup. She took a swig, put it back on the chair where I'd put it in her reach, and got back to work.


• When I asked if we should call Daddy, she looked up at the phone on the counter.


• When eating meals, Laine likes her sippy cup to be placed specifically in the cup holder on her tray. Anywhere else is unacceptable.


• Can point out her mouth, tongue, eyes, ears and toes when asked.


• Tries to put on her shoes and hats, with some success.

Please ignore the giant pile of toys...they were all gathered to make room for the Christmas tree!