Growing Vocabulary....

Alida is starting to really talk! SOOOO much fun!! I took a short video of some of the words she's been saying....check it out!

Inappropriate Behavior...

A few weeks ago...maybe it's been a month or even more...anyway, us college gals got together to reminisce about the old days. We decided it was time to teach our daughter's what college was all about. Some people spend all their time boozin' (Alida) and some people work their butts off (Ashley). HA! I'm sure that letting children play with beer cans is somewhat inappropriate...it's pretty funny though.

NOTE: No children drank or even tasted beer in the making of these photos.

4 posts in 1!!

Changes...
Like usual, time is flying by and the things that should be done get passed by and neglected...like cleaning, sleeping, laundry, the list goes on and on! Recently, I left my job at THP to become a TSS worker. For the most part I will be working with autistic children. I am excited for the change of pace....the work will be similar to what I have done in the past...back to my roots. The new job will allow for more flexibility with school which I will need when I eventually start the Nursing Program. It will also allow me more time to study and to be with Alida....Matt is hoping that it will also allow for more cleaning and cooking!! Leaving THP was bittersweet....after almost 5 years it becomes more than a job....it's like a second home. I already miss the people I worked with...I hope we keep in touch!!

15 Months Stats...

Alida had her 15 month doctor's appointment the other night. She now weighs in at 20 lbs and 10 oz (a little less than I thought - only 10th percentile). She was about 30 1/2 inches tall (50th percentile). And her head still measured on the large end...I forget the measurement but it was 75th percentile. The doctor was very happy with Alida's growth and progress. Even though she isn't talking much she was happy that she could do some sign language. I recently taught her to say "please", "thank you" and "cold". I have heard that teaching signs can delay them in speech...I hope that's not the case. I can't wait for her to start talking.....it's so frustrating to not be able to understand her sometimes!!

Down on the farm....

As most of you may know (or not)...Matt's parent's are planning an organic garden for next year. It sounds amazing! Everything you can think of will be planted! We are going to be eating healthy next summer for sure!!! Alida is enjoying the "farm" already.....

Family Time...

It's always nice to spend some relaxing QT with family. A few weeks ago we visited for the day. Alida was thrilled to hang with her cousin's for a short time. It's fun to watch them interact (even if it is just a little bit)! Some day soon they will be off playing with each other and want nothing to do with the rest of us!

The Beach...

We just spent a few days at the beach with Mom-Mom. It was nice to get away for a little while. Alida loved the sand and enjoyed feeding the birds. We took some old cereal and bread to the beach for the gulls....she was holding a piece in her hand and a bird came up and snatched it! Alida didn't seem to mind but it scared Mommy!! She ate the sand a lot less than last time...but she still puts everything in her mouth....pebbles, sea shells, trash!! When does it end?!

Smart Cookie

OK…so, this may not be amazing to some of you...I am not entirely unaware of the phenomenon known as "my baby is an amazing genius" aka "parent pride".....but Matt and I were in utter disbelief when the following scenario occurred. First...here is some quick background info…..I just bought the Wii Fit (a gift from my mom for my 30th - it's a little early but I was never taught patience when I was little! HA!) and it came with 4 additional “feet” to put on the bottom of the board in case you have a thick carpet. They are these little, round plastic discs. Anyway, Alida liked them so much that she decided to take them and put them in the playroom and add them to her toy collection (along with the cinnamon from the spice rack and the Pam Spray from the pantry!!). I found them two nights ago but couldn’t find the fourth one to complete the set. I placed the three that I found in the living room….Alida discovered them again the other night and brought them to me as I was relaxing on the couch watching TV with Matt. This is what happened next:

“Onny mama monmon nah bop.” (Alida hands the three discs to me)
“Thank you Alida. There’s one more and mommy can’t find it. Can you go into your playroom and find it for mommy?” (Me)
“Unh– huhh.” (Alida)
She proceeds to go into her playroom as Matt and I stay in the living room.
“There’s no way she’s going to find it and bring it to you.” (Matt)
“I know…I’m just playing around.” (Me)
Alida re-enters the room with the fourth disc in hand. Looks of disbelief appear on the faces of mommy and daddy.
“Did that just happen?” (Me)
“I think it did…” (Matt)
“I feel like I should call someone to tell them what just happened.” (Me)
“Go ahead….call your mom” (Matt)

This was one of the craziest things that Alida has done. How the heck did she understand what I was saying?! And how the heck did she know where that disc was amongst all her other toys when I couldn’t find it for the life of me!!!!!! OMG!!

Smile for the camera!!

When asked to "smile" for the camera these are the expressions that I got! At least she was trying!!!! HAHA!!

Purses Galore

Alida might just be a girly girl after all! Look out Daddy!! If you are wondering what's around her neck in the one pic it's a furry headband from a Halloween costume...for some reason she likes to wear it around her neck!

Introducing the next American Idol....

Alida LOVES to sing (and dance)! It is the cutest thing. Often times when we take walks or when we are driving in the car you will hear this little hum in all different pitches coming from her. She tends to like the higher pitches the best and sometimes the song ends with her little screams…which Daddy is not too fond of. HA! Alida will also sing when asked….well, usually! Her current favorites are: Itsy Bitsy Spider – where she puts her hands in the air simulating the spider crawling up the web, You are my Sunshine, If you’re happy and you know it – where she stomps her left foot and claps her hands on command, and Jesus loves the little children. She may just take after her mother and perform a wonderful rendition of “God Bless America” at the top of her lungs while standing on a dining room chair during a family get together someday!! :-) Let’s just hope she doesn’t get her father’s tone deafness!!!