A girl and her books

This gal just loves her books. She spends a majority of the day "reading" (i.e. turning pages, pointing, identifying objects, pulling books off the shelf, bringing them to me and uttering a little grunt which means "Hey Mama, read this to me right now!"). I couldn't be happier that her go-to toys are actually books, but that does mean that I spend most of our days together reading (i.e. letting the little lady turn pages, pointing and identifying objects, and not getting anything done...).

I kind of love when she takes that little, chunky pointer finger and points at the things on the pages, many of which are animals. She will point, say "Wassat?" I will tell her the animal. She will give the sound. It's a fun little game.

Baby, Baby, Baby OH...

So my daughter is in love with Justin Bieber. Ever since she was teeny tiny, her dad would play the "Baby" music video for her on the computer when she was fussy, and it would calm her right down. Now, we have a nightly ritual which includes playing the Biebs on our Apple TV so that Addi can shake her groove thang before bathtime. This girl has moves. We love seeing her face light up as soon as she hears the first few measures of the song.

Who says you have to stand up to shake your bum?

If you watch any part of these videos, watch around :20. That little "get low" move seriously cracks me up.

These videos were taken a month ago. Now, Addi will actually sing "Baby" during the chorus. Adorable.

1 Year Pictures

I really wanted to get Addi's 1 year pictures taken by my friend and favorite photographer, but our schedules weren't really lining up. So, I tried to find another photographer in my area...only to discover that most of places I liked wouldn't give you a cd with the pictures on them unless you wanted to pay a million dollars. I don't have a million dollars. I finally decided that I could do this. I have a super nice camera and lens. I know the basics. It wasn't like I needed a ton of pictures, just enough to document this milestone. Though these pictures are not professional quality, I'm pleased. It captures my baby's toddler's personality well. And, we had lots of fun running around outside together. Someone at the store the other day told me that "her daddy better get the gun ready." I agree. She's a looker.

These Boots Were Made for Walking...

We bought these adorable boots for Addi quite a while ago at the Gap Clearance Center. The tag says they're size 5, but supposed to fit a baby that is 6 months (which is probably why they didn't sell in stores). Addi has super small feet (still size 3), but I couldn't resist trying them on her the other day. She has no clue how to walk in them because they're so stiff and huge. It was hilarious. Oh little girl accessories!

Christmas Vacation '11

Christmas vacation was so nice this year. Chad got to take quite a few days off of work, so we were able to spend a lot of time together. Addi was in Dada heaven! We started our festivities off by making and decorating sugar cookies.

Obviously Addi was a fan.

Then, on Christmas Eve, we drove up to Michigan to spend the holiday with my sister and her family. My parents flew in late on Christmas Eve/early Christmas Day. We had so much fun and Addi enjoyed all of the attention.

Christmas Eve pj's and book.

7 AM Christmas morning

Addi's stocking loot

She hadn't quite woken up all the way yet...

All of the children received pillow pets for Christmas, and Addi pretty much claimed everyone's and hers. She loves stuffed animals!

A few days after Christmas, we came down to our house to party for New Years. Of course I don't have any pictures of those festivities. Sometimes I'm just too busy having fun and don't worry about taking pictures. So after my sister and her family went back to Michigan, we had a few days with my parents before they had to go back home. We decided to brave the cold Ohio air, and ventured to a quaint little town 20 minutes away. We walked the main street, went in a few shops, and about froze our tushies off. It was a good time.

Addi was bundled and didn't mind being out in the cold.

We had such a great time over the vacation that it was especially difficult adjusting to normal life again. We still miss our company, and Addi for sure misses the 24/7 attention. Who wants to come visit next???

Walking and talking

She's been mobile (of the 2-legged variety) for a little while now, but I thought I should document for posterity. Oh, and that scream at the end? That's because I wouldn't give her the video camera. Yeah, we're trying to work on the whole Addi-doesn't-get-everything-she-wants thing. It's tough.

And here are a few of the latest tricks. A little explanation: She has this habit of standing up in the bathtub, and her Dada (who is usually in charge of bath and bed time) always tells her to, "Sit down!" The other night she was getting ready to stand in the tub and he said, "Sit," after which Addi replied, "dowwww." He thought it was a fluke, but it's not. She now says "down" (or dowww) after you say "sit." It's pretty adorable.

Cupcake

I caught the last few bites of the birthday cupcake on video. So funny.