Busy Week

It has been a busy week. Being one is hard work. I now have 6 teeth, four on top, two on bottom. Last night Daddy took Mommy and me to the Greeley Stampede for fair food. I had my first corn dog. It was ok. Then we walked around the fairgrounds looking at the games and rides. We even watched the rodeo horses being herded into the arena. Mommy didn't get any pictures of that, but she got a few others this week. Here's one of me from this afternoon. All that shopping wears me out!! Starting tomorrow I get to sit in a new carseat. I'm not quite heavy enough to be forward facing, but I am almost too long (I have a 1/4 inch to go) before I am too tall for this one. So Mommy decided that I needed a new seat, one that can convert from rear to forward facing once I reach 20 pounds.
When I woke up from my nap, I went swimming in my new pool! It was very fun. I like being outside and I especially love water!
I learned how to TaDa this week. I throw up my arms and say "Da". However, in the video, Mommy forgot that I had picked up my pacifer and so when I finally get around to throwing my hands up my mouth is full so I don't "DA". But it's still cute so Mommy wanted you to see!Mommy is lucky. She has such a wonderful place to work. This week a doe and her twin fawns came to visit. Mommy got a picture of one of the little fawns. I just get to "torture" a kitty everyday!
I also learned how to really climb this week. So now the couch is not safe from me.

Birthday Surprise

Daddy surprised Mommy and I for my birthday. I was busy playing, starting to get ready for my morning nap, when I look up and Daddy is there. He came early to pick me up so that we could go take Mommy out to lunch. When we get up to Estes, Mommy was busy at her computer when I walk into her office. She was very surprised to see us. Daddy is always full of suprises!! Mommy thought it was a wonderful birthday surprise, both for me and also for her birthday (which is on Wednesday).

I am now officially one year old! Daddy says my birthday celebration is the longest he's seen. We had my party Saturday, at church people sang Happy Birthday to me and then today Mommy came into my room this morning to say Happy Birthday first thing!! But it has been a good weekend. Yesterday after church we had our annual mountain picnic. Mommy was miserable because the pine pollen was very thick in the air and she couldn't stop sneezing or blowing her nose. So we only went on a very short hike, whereas Daddy did the whole hike. I also got watermelon straight from the rind--very fun and very messy! Notice that I have to have one for each hand!!

Growing Up!

Here's just a few pictures to show how much I've grown in the last year. The first picture is from Father's Day last year (6 days before I was born). Notice Daddy's beard!! The 2nd picture is my Baptism Day, when I was 2 weeks old. The last two pictures are from my birthday party! Not only have I grown, but the oak tree behind us as also grown this past year. It's taller than Mommy and Daddy now.

Let's Party

Yesterday, I had my birthday party. I wasn't quite sure all day whether I would have fun or not. Mommy and Daddy were busy with things, and I was in misery breaking through a new tooth (my 5th one!). All I wanted was to be held, but Mommy kept saying that she had to get things done. Finally she realized I was in pain and gave me some medicine. That helped a little, but things really looked up when people started arriving and I finally got ALL the attention! Most of Daddy's family was able to come, Aunt Rachel, Pastor and Irene, and friends from down the street. It was fun to have so many friends to play with. Daddy grilled hot dogs and Mommy had bought watermelon, so supper was excellent. After we ate, Mommy cleaned me up so that I could open presents. The box was pretty fun to play with!!

Then came the fun part--cake!! The frosting was the best part of the whole thing.

Well, all in all I had a very Happy Birthday party. I imagine my actual birthday will be just as good.

Random pictures!

Here are some cute pictures of me!! I have decided that the closer I am to my toys the better.
You should hear me play piano, I'm pretty good. Notice my cute ponytail.

Blueberries

Mommy made waffles last week and had blueberries with it. Once Mommy put the blueberries on my tray, I ignored everything else. Here's just a few pictures of my excitement and the mess I made.

Family Time

We just got back from a vacation, just a short weekend getaway. G&G gave Mommy and Daddy a timeshare week more than a year ago. They finally got around to using it and decided that they just couldn't be away from me that long, so they took me with. We had lots of fun. We took our time getting to the condo on Saturday, stopping to let Daddy get a hair cut and to eat lunch. Once we settled in Mommy and I explored the resort and decided to go swimming before supper. I found another thing I love about the outdoors--pools!!! The best thing about our room was that it was on the ground level and had a fenced in patio. Mommy and Daddy would leave the screen door open and I could walk in and out, in and out--loads of fun I tell you!

Sunday morning when Mommy and I got up we decided to go for a walk and explore the town of Avon where we were staying, while Daddy was still relaxing. When we got back to the hotel, Daddy decided since it was Father's Day he got to decide what to do for the day. Mommy and I discussed it and agreed that was a good plan. Daddy chose to go for a drive. So we headed out of Avon and started towards Leadville on the scenic byway. It was an absolute gorgeous drive, although I slept through most of it!!! But Mommy and Daddy enjoyed it! Once we got to Leadville we tried to find a spot to have a picnic lunch. While looking Daddy saw a sign saying that Independence Pass was open. So after consulting a map (to see where Independence Pass led) Daddy decided we should continue on. So we headed to Aspen, driving past Mt. Elbert (highest point in Colorado). I started getting a little hungry by this time, since we weren't finding a picnic area. We finally go to the top of the pass and stopped to eat, with all the snow still on the ground! There were tons of snowboarders, skiers and snowmobilers all having fun. Without consulting me, Daddy decided it was too windy to have a picnic, so we started back down. But at least Daddy jumped in the backseat with me so that I could eat some cheese and have some apple juice. Almost at the bottom we finally found a picnic area. After eating we went on a short hike to go see some ice caves and cascading waterfalls. Mommy even let me hike some. I'm getting pretty good at this whole walking thing. Just watch!!

We got back into the car and continued to Aspen, which was pretty busy with a wine festival and skiing. That's right--skiing in June. Aspen got so much snow earlier this week that they decided to open the very top runs for Father's Day weekend! So in the town of Aspen it was 70+ degrees and people are skiing! Anyhow, I fell asleep again on the way back to the interstate. When we got to Glenwood Springs Mommy and Daddy checked out the hot springs and decided that might be the thing to do the next day.

So Monday morning after sleeping in some (almost 8 am!!) eating breakfast, and packing a lunch, off we went to the "stinky" pools. But I didn't let the sulfur smell stand in my way of having fun. Since I slept in the car on the way to the pool, I just needed to eat and then I was ready to go. I swam up and down the length of the pool. I tried out the kiddie pool, but Mommy wouldn't let me walk in it without her holding on to my hand and I wasn't too keen on the fountain in the middle so we went back to the "big" pool pretty quickly. I learned how to "jump" off the side into Daddy's waiting arms. We stayed and played for almost 4 hours. I was pretty tired when we got back in the car, so I slept all the way back to Avon.

Tuesday morning our time was up at the condo. However, we still had time to go for a quick swim in the hotel pool, where I perfected my "jump" off the side and the steps. Well, now we are home and I have to go make sure all my toys are still in order. Plus I need to help Mommy fold laundry.

Pictures

Yesterday Mommy took me to get my pictures taken. I can't believe I am almost a year old. This year has been so busy and so filled with all sorts of learning. I was a little unsure at first about the whole picture thing, but I got comfortable near the end. Mommy kept laughing at my response to the flash; my facial expressions and eye blinks!! But hey it was bright. This is just a sample of pictures that we didn't purchase. Mommy was even trying to get into the picture!!!

Walking

I took 6 steps yesterday evening. Watch my video, Mommy caught it on camera!! I have walked a few times, but usually just a step or two, but last night I was on a roll. I walked at least 5 times in the course of the evening.
Another exciting event in my life was that on Sunday Mommy took me on a hike using the backpack. Here is a pretty good picture of my family. Mommy really thinks I look like Daddy in this picture. Mommy also had to take a picture of me sleeping. Appartently I look pretty cute. I usually end up in the corner of my crib, on my belly with my feet under me and my butt in the air. But this time I twisted myself around and am grabbing the side post.

Well, that is the excitement in my life. I will keep exploring and get back to you soon.

Sunday Mornings

I have decided that Sunday mornings are my favorite time. Like every morning it is just Mommy and I awake (we let Daddy sleep in on Sundays since usually he is always the first one up and gone!), but Mommy is not in a rush to get to work so she actually spends time playing with me rather than just a quick tickle or two like weekday mornings. Besides its bath day and what is more fun than baths?! This morning I decided to sit and read my books while Mommy laid on the couch trying to wake up. It's like she thinks 6:30 is early or something. Anyhow, enjoy this picture of me sitting in my Elmo chair reading.

I've had a busy week. Early Wednesday morning my aunt Rachel came into town to work at the YMCA all summer. She played my favorite game with me that night. She's pretty good at "Going to Get Brileigh" game! Although she was attempting to change the rules by trying to get me to chase her. I only play those rules when playing with Daddy (or so he told Mommy)! Last night Mommy's cousin Zach came into town. He's going to go to church with us this morning. Two visitors in one week, how lucky can a girl get!!

I also had a few big accomplishments this week. Thursday morning I cut my fourth tooth. I'm still working on one more, but I can only handle one at a time. I also climbed the whole staircase this week. See the video below for that excitement.
Mommy also finally got around to putting my seat on the back of her bike. Once we did that then Mommy and I went for a bike ride while Daddy was working. It was pretty fun. I got to see a lot more of the neighborhood then when we go for a walk in the stroller.

The only down thing about this week is that I got a cold from all my playing outside last weekend. So my nose as been runny all week. I have learned though when Mommy comes and "attacks" me with those Kleenexes she is just trying to help, so I don't fight as much as I used to. I just let her do her thing and then its over and I can go back to playing!

While I better get back to exploring my world so I will have something to update you with next time.

Camping!!

For Memorial Day Weekend, Mommy and Daddy took me on my first camping trip. They had to try out their new equipment--camper and ATV. Well I decided since I had no choice but to go, I might as well have fun!! While my parents went out riding (Mommy went twice and Daddy went six times) I went exploring. I learned that there are not only rocks, but also dirt and sticks out there on the ground. I even tried tasting some of it. See the video below for that!! I was filthy dirty by the time we came home, but boy was it fun.



This picture is of my cousin and I. I'm on my little four-wheeler and she is helping me drive it. I drove over rocks and sticks, up dips and down. It was so fun, I felt like I hardly left the campsite!

The fresh air wore me out every day, so I took really good naps during the day. The first night, Mommy made a really nice bed for me on the floor. However, about an hour after I went to bed my cousins woke me up with their talent show around the campfire. I forgot where I was and was a little scared, so Daddy decided the best place for me to sleep was on their bed. So Mommy put the sleeping bag next to the window and covered me with 3 layers so I wouldn't be cold and I slept on their king size bed with them the whole weekend. I just had to keep checking to make sure Mommy didn't move, so everytime I woke up I reached out to touch her face and when I felt her I would roll back over and go right back to sleep.

I tried many new things while camping. I even took my first steps. Daddy came into the camper to give Mommy back the seasonings he had used on the pork chops and when Mommy turned to put them away I took a step towards Daddy. He then turned me around and I took a step and fell into Mommy's arms. They were pretty excited and made me go right over to G&P's camper to tell them right away.

It was a fun weekend, but it sure was nice to come home again. After my bath, I went downstairs to play while Mommy did laundry. I had to race around making sure all my toys were right where I left them and that they all still worked. I am satisfied that all is right with my world.

Rocks and Things

I have decided that the best thing about the outdoors are the rocks. You can toss them, hit them together to make noise; the possibilities are endless. Strollers are nice too because you get to go places, but rocks are pretty cool. I'm not so sure about the grass though. I know it's fun to pull, but it just doesn't have the same appeal as rocks do. Enjoy this little video of my and my rocks! Daddy can't figure out how I can crawl on them.

Yesterday, I learned to give a Zerbert. Mommy and Daddy have given them to me since I was just weeks old, but I finally gave one to Mommy. She was trying to feed me from the bottle and I just didn't want any of it, so I put my lips to her arm and blew. So then she had to give me one on my belly. It tickled, so I laughed and then gave her another one on her arm. This went on for few times. Me giving Mommy a Zerbert on her arm, and Mommy giving me one on my belly!! Fun times.

I also figured out Velco. My sandels are not safe and don't stay on very long at all. I even chased Daddy's feet around Sunday morning trying to get his Velco undone.

Mommy is trying some new things with my hair. It is getting long enough that Mommy has had to use a comb on it. She also tried spiking it the other day--here's a picture.

I like to give out hugs and kisses. Like the time when I was passed back to Mommy in church from the end of the aisle. I just had to smother her in kisses. Yesterday when Mommy came home I was so excited to see her that I just kept giving her hugs. I think she liked it.

Well I have had a busy day exploring my world. Gotta go and get some rest. Good-night!

Busy Days

This weekend was a busy one for me. Saturday we went to pick up a new camper. Here's a picture of me in the front toy hauler part. Kind of like a big playpen!! It was fun crawling around in it. Here's a picture of what is looks like all set up!!! Once we got done with the camper, Mommy and Daddy took me to eat. I actually got my own meal--cheese quesadillas . Mommy ate my leftovers though. It was a Mexican restaurant, so Mommy thought her food would be too spicy for me. Then on the way home we had to stop and pick up some accessories for our ATV. I slept through most of that. It wasn't as exciting as the camper! Once we got home we had to rush to get ready for company. Daddy was grilling for all the Sunday School teachers so Mommy could say thank you to them all for their help this year. It was fun having so many people to play with. We got to eat outside! Today was the last day of Sunday School and we had a big fellowship dinner after church. So I got to eat outside two days in a row. I can't wait until this weekend when we got camping and I get to be outside for 4 days straight!

This morning I also had a new tooth break through--my 3rd one!! I've been working on it for a few weeks now. It almost comes and then retracts back up. It's just one of those things, I guess.

I wanted to leave you with a couple videos. Remember I told you Mommy tried to put up barriers for me, so that I wouldn't get in trouble. While as you can tell, they just don't work!

The second video is Mommy and me playing with the trunk on my push cart. It really is a good place to hide balls!!

Until next time, I will just keep exploring my world!

Thank You

Mommy looked at a calendar today and saw that tomorrow is Armed Forces day. So I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who serves in the military. Daddy is a Navy veteran, Papa is an Army veteran and Uncle Wade is currently serving in the Marines. So thank you for keeping me safe and allowing me to have the freedom to explore my world.

About Myself

I just wanted to tell you a little more about myself. Right now my favorite toys are my cellphone, light-up piano, books and bouncy balls. Those bouncy balls are fun to chase as I crawl around the room. I enjoy being outside crawling around in the grass, picking up rocks, going for a walk in my stroller or waving bye-bye to all the cars that go by. If I had my choice, I would live outside. But sometimes I have to settle with sitting in my high chair, looking out the sliding door. Speaking of highchairs, I really like this whole finger food/feeding myself thing. Very cool!! Almost anything they put on my tray is good, and if it isn't I just toss it over the side onto the floor. I love helping Mommy wash dishes--especially the part where I get to pull the silverware out of the holder and throw them all over the floor. No matter where I am, I will come crawling when Mommy opens the dishwasher. The DVD shelf is also pretty fun. When I pull them off, Mommy comes and put them all back up just so I can pull them off again. Isn't she nice?! I also enjoy dancing to almost any music--I will sit on the floor and bounce to the beat. I'm pretty active all day; crawling around and exploring things. I also love to pull myself up on furniture and walk along. Mommy tries to put up blockades but I am pretty determined and usually find a way around, over, or under them. One of my favorite games is "Going to get Brileigh." For those of you that don't know, the point of this game is for me to take off across the room and Mommy or Daddy running/crawling after me. Sometimes I sit and wait for them to catch up before I turn and crawl some more. When they finally catch me I let them tickle me a little so that they have a little fun too. I don't want to hog all the fun!!

Even though I'm not talking yet, I can get my message across pretty clearly. Like last week when I wanted to go for a walk. I just had to pound on the front door to get Mommy's attention, then I pointed to the door, pointed to my stroller and said "VroomVroom." Pretty smart, huh? Really anything that moves is VroomVroom--balls, my push cart, cars and my stroller.

Here's a video of me pushing my cart and then playing with some of my toys. Enjoy.

It's About Time!

So I finally decided to get my family up and running. Come on, I'm almost one and i need to get out there! So please enjoy family and friends. I can't promise how up to speed Mommy will be, but hey I can't control everything--although I sure try.

To bring you up to speed a little bit. I am an active little 11 month old and have the run of the house. Being a firstborn has its perks.

This picture was taken on our recent trip to see G&G out in NJ. I was very interested in looking down at the floor/mirror just below our feet as Mommy and Daddy held me out over the edge. I guess it is funny, but I don't get the joke. Maybe in a few years I will.

This one is of me playing in the mirror. I have quite a bit to say about this matter as you can clearly see.

I will leave you with just one more picture of my recent trip to the park. The outdoors are quite amazing and I hope to spend most of my summer there!! Please join me again as I explore my world, make new discoveries and have many adventures.