All dressed up and nowhere to go

Alivia and Daddy spent this afternoon assembling the new fire pit we purchased. While she wasn't much help, Alivia was very eager to assist in any way possible.

To distract, Mommy and Alivia took multiple walks around the house and neighborhood until the fire pit was ready. Little did I know she would be even more interested once the assembly was complete.

I tried my best to explain that we could only watch the fire from inside the house. After a mini-tantrum, I compromised by letting Alivia wear her sandals and hat inside. Here are the pictures of her mini-bonfire with Pig (bottom left of the first picture, perhaps he fell asleep?).

Leggo my Pig!

Today was the first time Alivia figured out how to build things with the Legos she got for her 1st birthday. While she busily built towers, daddy built a pen for Pig.

After daddy spent all that time on the pen, Alivia quickly took Pig out, knocked down a couple walls, rebuilt them to her liking, and put good 'ol Pig right back in. It was pretty funny.

Granted we hadn't taken the Legos out to play for more than a week, it fascinates me that Alivia suddenly understands the concept of building things with them.

So many books, So little time....

Every single day Alivia amazes me in some way. Yesterday while reading books before bed, Alivia's eye caught a glimpse of the book I was reading. I was hesitant to let her play with my book since it was a hardcover and all she knows are durable board books.

To my surprise, when I handed her my book, Alivia very carefully paged through the book pretending to read me each page. She did this for more than 10 minutes and then expressed interest in getting out of the comfy chair we were in. I was even more shocked when little miss Alivia climbed off the chair, still holding my book, and walked over to her basket. She carefully placed my book in, turned around and basically let me know her work was done.

Alivia surveying her nighttime reading choices.

Alivia's basket of books

Alivia's basket of books + mommy's book

Reflection

I'm a broken record, I know. I cannot believe how fast you learn. Daddy and I both have noticed you've come leaps and bounds. Between following commands, to helping with chores, you are becoming quite the independent young lady.

Tonight alone amazed me. After waking Daddy and I up at 3 a.m., you had an action packed day with Daddy.

Between 5:30 and 8:00 p.m. this is what you accomplished:

1. Once I got home and we ate dinner, you got out of your high chair and demonstrated an interest in helping me wipe down the kitchen counters. I gave you a dry rag and you instantly began wiping the face of all the appliances.

2. After a minute or two you sprinted to the bathroom and tried to open the door while tugging at your pants. When I opened to the door, you bolted in, helped get your pants down and used the potty within seconds. You ate your reward (2 m&ms) and helped flush the potty.

3. Again, the teething began. You screamed from 6:15 until 7:00 when your pain killer kicked in. Right before this happened, you got in trouble for standing on your toys. I told you that was not acceptable and that you needed a time out. All by yourself you walked to the end of the hallway, positioned yourself on your bottom and waited until I told you time out was over.


4. You saw a bird out the window and not only pointed, but waved once it flew away. This melted my heart.

5. While we got ready for bed, Daddy called to check in. I put him on speaker phone and you chatted away. He asked if your teeth hurt and you repsonded, "Yah." He asked if you got in a time out and you giggled. In between you rambled...so much that Dad couldn't get a word in.

6. Next came your nightly books, which you've somehow started to memorize. As we turned each page, you'd look at me to see the noise or motion I make for each photo.

7. Finally, my favorite part of each day. After storytime I scooped you up in my arms (you scooped Pig up in yours), and you puckered up and gave me a genuine kiss.

It might have been a stressful start and end to the day, but everything in the middle makes it worthwhile. I can't believe in 15 months you've learned all these things (and more). You make me so proud!

Aaron Kelly Fan

I could do without without American Idol this year, but I find myself watching it each week because Alivia loves dancing to the (albeit bad) singing. She really likes Aaron Kelly, the youngest contestant, who I don't really care for.

Bottle Feeding

This goes to show that toddlers repeat what they see. Since Alivia isn't old enough to use the bottle that actually came with her doll, she improvises with water bottles.

Yoda, are you?

Latest obsession? Getting dressed. Even better if mommy's clothes are involved. Check out this resemblance: