Santa's little helper

I woke up to find all kinds of fun stuff in my stocking and under the tree.  But the best part was definitely the tissue and wrapping paper -- so much to tear up.  Do you like my elf outfit?  Grammie just can't help her crafy self, so I get festive holiday garb to show off.

Helping Santa stay trim

Mommy and Daddy told me that Santa likes cookies when he visits.  If every kid is giving him cookies, Santa must suffer from all kinds of health problems.  I think Mommy and Daddy should just let me eat these cookies to save Santa's life.

Baby steps

When Mommy and Daddy least expected it, I walked a few steps all by myself today.  Luckily other family members were present to confirm my solo excursion because Mommy thought she imagined it.  But I'm still more comfortable holding on to something so don't expect me to be running marathons anytime soon.

Ho Ho, Oh No!

Mommy and Daddy are teaching me to not talk to strangers and don't let strangers touch me, and then they dump me in the lap of one of the strangest people in town.  What's up with that?  No wonder, I'm screeching.


I think I'll like Santa much better when he comes to my house on Christmas Eve.  I'll leave cookies and milk for him.  I think Daisy will let me give some of her treats to the reindeer.


Only two more weeks until Christmas...I'm definitely on the nice list.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

We trekked to the country to find just the right evergreen to become our Christmas tree. After lots of "what about this one," Mommy and Daddy settled on a tree that looked not too big in the field but takes up a whole corner of our living room. Oh well, more for Daisy and me to play with.

Gobble, gobble

This little pilgrim is thankful for my wonderful family and friends.

Last Thanksgiving, I was fresh out of Mommy's tummy so I was stuck with breast milk. But this year, I got to enjoy all the good stuff -- turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, pie, etc. I REALLY love pumpkin pie.

Daddy and I enjoyed the Thankgiving parade and watching high school football. Those poor Dons -- maybe next year.

Chatter

I've been babbling for months and "bye" and "da" have been my most reoccuring sounds. Mommy and Daddy were reluctant to call these THE FIRST WORDS. But now, I say "bye bye" in response to others and I look at Daddy and say "da" so it's official. Mommy thought my first word would be "ole" because she ate so much mexican food when she was pregnant. Ha.

Party - The Sequal

Let them eat cake! Or in this case, cupcakes. It was wonderful to celebrate my first birthday with my family. Thanks everyone!

I Say It's My Birthday

I turned 1 today! My grandparents joined Mommy, Daddy, and me for dinner and cake. Since I'm a big girl who has been feeding herself for ages, I had no problem digging into a slice of carrot cake. It was very tasty!

I got lots of nice presents, too -- shoes, pearls, money for shopping [or savings per Mommy]. What more can a girl ask for!?!

A Triple Date

My favorite guy, JP, and I joined our parents for a date night at St. Leo's ravioli supper. The volunteers made about 15,000 ravioli and 600 pounds of meatballs. That's a lot of italian food! We finished off our meal with home-made cannoli. Mommy plans to be a ravioli maker volunteer for the next dinner, but I think Daddy and I will just be eaters.

Trick or Treat

Dozens of kids came to our house to get candy out of a basket while Mommy and Daddy drank wine and chatted with the parents. Mommy says this is called Halloween but it looks more like happy hour to me. I'm not sure why I have to dress like a lady bug for happy hour but damn I look good!

The Great Pumpkin

So, is this the great pumpkin? Probably not, but I had lots of fun at the farm -- animals, bales of hay, and lots of pumpkins.

Hosting my first play date

I had three guy friends over to play with my toys and bang on stuff. The banging is always the best. Their parents came so Mommy and Daddy got a play date, too. Win-win.

Into the woods

We trekked west to the Appalachian Mountains to enjoy a family camping trip. Mommy and Daddy were very quick to set-up our camp...surprisingly quick in fact. I was a bit concerned that the tent would come crashing down during the night, but our base camp withstood wind and rain. Yep, Mother Nature did not shine on us after the first day.

I enjoyed my first camping trip. I can't wait to try it again...perhaps on a warmer weekend.

Know Your Stats

Mommy and I joined a group of Mommy's co-workers to raise money and awareness for prostate cancer. I walked in honor of my Pop who is a prostate cancer survivor...along with uncles and friends. Prostate cancer strikes 1 in 6 men. Men 40+ -- Know Your Stats! www.knowyourstats.org

So long summer...

We spent a long weekend soaking up the sun at the beach. I walked (with help) to the shoreline at every chance and loved having the waves wash across my legs and watching my feet sink in the sand like magic. We also visited the amusement park where I rode the merry-go-round and teacup ride. Bring on Disney World!

Shake, rattle & roll

I lived through my first earthquake and I didn't have to go all the way to California. We had a 5.8 quake right here in neighboring Virginia on Tuesday. Baltimore shook a lot, but frankly I didn't feel much because Grammie and I were picnicking outdoors. Had we been at the swim club, I bet I would have noticed the extra big waves in the baby pool.

Now, Hurricane Irene is headed for us. And we all have our fingers crossed that Grammie and Pop's beach house doesn't get messed up because we have a big vacation planned there next week.

Go Ravens!

I'm all ready for tonight's home opener. Where are the wings and beer? Daddy and I can't wait for kick off.

I managed to get the food chunks into my mouth today -- I guess that counts as feeding myself which is another milestone. While Mommy is dreading the messy meal times, Daisy is liking the whoopses that end up on the floor for her.

3/4 birthday

Nine months old - 18lbs, 9 oz., and 27" long. I'm getting big! And today, my first tooth popped through my gum. The doctor says I need to practice my chewing so I can speak well in the coming months. It's chunky, soft food for me. Mommy needs to come up with a new menu for me.

All Good Dogs Go to Heaven

Our wonderful Regis went to heaven today. He was over 12 years old and suffering lots of ailments. We are all very sad.

100 Years of Family

We attended the 100 year reunion of my grandmom Dorothy's family this weekend. It was fun to see so many aunts, uncles, and cousins. And for a change I wasn't the baby because my newest cousin Jax was born just a week before the big event. Can't wait for the next one.

Cruisin'

I guess today will count as my first crawling. I managed to make it a few "steps" before face planting. I've been pseudo crawling for a week or so, but why should I struggle to learn that maneuver when I have perfected my roll, flip, scoot to get where I want to go. Mommy is a bit scared because I managed to get to a magazine and shred it in less than 2 minutes. She says I'm faster than Daisy when it comes to destroying paper. I'm not sure if that was a compliment.

Madame President

Put a modern girl like me behind the big desk and I can solve this darn debt crisis, healthcare, and Afghan troop draw down. Now if I could only learn how to crawl forward.

Water Lillie

My first trip to the beach!!! It was so great. I played on the beach with Mommy, Daddy, Grammie, and Pop. I liked the waves washing over my legs but Mommy and Daddy stayed close so I didn't get toppled over. Grammie and Pop had a small pool on the beach so I could splash and play closer to the base camp. It was definitely base camp -- a canopy and tent to protect me from the sun, chairs, umbrellas, coolers, etc.

I also got to enjoy my first 4th of July -- fireworks, a cook-out, and a red/white/blue bathing suit!

Talk to the animals

We went to the zoo today! There was too much to see on one visit so we visited the barn yard section where I got to pet goats and a donkey nuzzled my stroller. We also went to the African Journey section so I could see the elephants, rhinos, and giraffes. There were lots of other animals but frankly I couldn't see them to well when they were hiding in the habitat.

Celebrating the dads

Daddy and I got to snuggle and open gifts on his very first father's day. We also visited the grandfathers and great-grandfather to shower them with hugs and kisses...and customized Lillie gifts.

We wrapped up the father's day fun with a picnic and concert at Ladew Gardens.

Partying like rock stars

I attended my first friend birthday party. And boy, Mommy and Daddy are a little nervous because the bar was set pretty high. There was a petting zoo for the kiddies, catered meal for the adults, and an ice cream truck for all those struggling with the heat. Mommy says my friends will love the retro pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey and Twister marathons at my future parties. I'm not sure exactly what those things are but does anything really beat ice cream?

Strolling to save the ta-ta's!

I got Mommy and Daddy to push me for the Red Devil's Heart & Sole Stroll. Thanks to the generosity of family and friends, I raised over $250 to help local families living with breast cancer get access to basic services such as catered meals, cleaning services, and transportation services.

A Whole Lotta Pomp

Today, my godfather Alec graduated from high school. I got all dressed up and was perfectly behaved during the long ceremony. The Head Master said "what are we going to do without Alec" so I reckon he's a pretty popular guy. I'm going to miss him when he heads off to Texas this fall to attend college. Mommy says not to worry -- it's just a Southwest flight away so we can visit. Yeah -- a college tailgate or frat party!

It's Gettin' Hot In Here; Let's Take Off All Our Clothes...

Yep, I've been hanging out with just my diaper because it's just too darn hot! Mommy and Daddy had to buy me an air conditioner for my bedroom. One night of trying to share their room and they decided it was worth the investment. They should try spending the night on a 1" pack and play mattress -- they would cry, too. We're all hoping for a better night tonight.

Water baby

I had my first trip to the pool today and boy did I like it! It's going to be a long hot summer so I'm glad Mommy and Daddy joined the RP community pool. I have to say, I'm one of the hottest chicks in the baby pool.

Happy birthday big boy!

We celebrated Daddy's 41st birthday all weekend long! There were lots of desserts and I got a nibble of ice cream and lemon mousse. Yummy!

Mommy had her first business trip for her new job. Although it was six days (way too long), Daddy and I visited her in D.C. for the weekend. We took in a bit of culture while Mommy worked the conference. Later we all enjoyed fine cajun cuisine and I proved my restaurant behavior was a true skill not just lucky fluke. It was my first time in a hotel -- that room service and maid service are awesome! Wonder if we can get that at home. Wait -- I think at home we call it "mommy".

Ladies who lunch

Mommy took Grammie, me, Auntie Gilda and Miss Rande out to dine al fresco for a pre-mother's day lunch. Boy -- I like this lunching out thing. I put on one of my pretty dresses and dazzled all the diners with my superb restaurant demeanor.

Then I went two for two by being on my best behavior when Daddy surprised Mommy with dinner at Milton Inn. The other (snooty!) diners kept eye-ing me up because they either liked my dress OR thought I was going to be a shreaker. Once again, I was perfect.

Bunnies and goodies

On Saturday, we colored eggs and I colored myself. That's what the adults get for putting the dye too close to me. They should know how energetic I am these days.

On Sunday, I got dressed up in my pretty dress, bonnet, and shiny black mary janes to attend church and visit all the family. There were goodies for me at every stop!

My secretary has really slacked off in recent weeks. So to catch you up -- I'm loving the solid foods and can't wait to expand my menu choices. I really like to roll around on my playmat...and I hope my Daddy puts me down so I can show him my skills. He likes to cuddle a lot. I got a very cool new toy that I can sit/jump in while playing with lots of toys. I think it's called an exersaucer. And I'm tearing up the streets in my BOB; I even had to visit Mr. Joe at his bike shop to get a flat tire fixed.

Go O's

Me and my O's shirt are bringing the team good luck!

What Happens at Grammie's...

Check out all the cool stuff I have at Grammie and Pop-Pop's house. I have no time to miss Daddy and Mommy because there are so many fun things to do.

Accessorize

I inherited Mommy's purse fetish. There goes my future savings! Today I got my first purse...it matches all my new spring dresses. Today I got white "pleather" but one day I'll have an Hermes Kelly bag in ostrich. Oh a girl can dream...

March Madness

I got to watch basketball with Pop-Pop on Saturday and Daddy on Sunday. That's a lot of basketball! What's up with those Blue Devils and Tar Heels -- barely beating those "lesser" teams. The ACC has its rep to protect! And although March Madness is a time for beer and nachos, I had to settle for mushed carrots. At least they are better than rice cereal.

I spent the night at Grammie and Pop-Pops so that Daddy and friends could toast Mommy's 40th birthday. Why can't I party with the grown-ups?

Luck of the Irish

I love a holiday where I get lots of kisses for being so darn cute...and wearing my heritage on my shirt.

Foodie in training

Today, I had my first solid meal. It was rice cereal mush but Mommy says I need to start somewhere. I can't wait to have all the good stuff I see on the dinner table...and let's not forget those desserts. And when do I get to go to Pazo or Charleston -- Cindy Wolfe wants to meet me. Perhaps I should start with Ruth's Chris because I hear they have good creamed spinach and mashed potatoes which might be easier on my tummy.

Stats

I'm 4 months old today! I weighed in at 10 lbs., 14.5 oz. and measure 23" long. This is a big spurt for me and everyone is happy. Best part -- I get to start eating solids. Bring on the crabcakes! And I can't wait to try Chipotle and Qdoba.

I'm in demand

What a weekend... I volunteered at Priceless Gown Project on Friday evening with Mommy. Then it was off to Roland Park Little League picture day to volunteer with Daddy on Saturday morning. I scored a hat! And then after all my volunteering, I deserved a treat so Daddy took us to watch Loyola play lacross -- we even got to sit in the skybox and enjoy a yummy spread of food and drinks.

Another baby in the house

Apparently I haven't been the only baby in our house in the last few months! Not only were there squirrels playing in the eaves, but a mommy squirrel delivered her babies inside our roof/eaves. It appears the mommy squirrel left through a one-way door installed by the pest company, but her family stayed behind. Mommy and Daddy have already captured two babies in our basement in less than a day. Mommy feels bad releasing them in the wild since they've been so warm and comfy for the last month or two.

Naptown

Today we took a little trip to Annapolis. I looked very stylish in my BOB. Thanks to the BOB's shocks, I had a pretty comfy ride over those brick and cobblestones of historic Annapolis. I like the "lazy" Sunday afternoons and will do my best to make sure Mommy and Daddy enjoy more of them!

Cruising the neighborhood

The 70 degree day was perfect for me to make my debut in my new stroller (The BOB!). I cruised around the neighborhood with Grammie for a half hour soaking up the sun. I can't wait to do it again tomorrow! Oh yeah - check out my cute hat that Miss Stacy knitted for me. It looks like a watermelon BUT don't call me "melon head."

My 1/4 birthday

I celebrated my three month birthday today. Mommy and Daddy enjoyed the sweet dessert and I had to settle for breast milk. What's up with that?!?

Growing up

I'm getting "mad skills". I can mimic simple facial expressions like sticking out my tongue but haven't mastered fishy lips yet. I'm pulling myself up into a sitting position but I haven't quite gotten to 90 degrees. Mommy says it looks like I'm doing crunches so maybe I'll have a flat tummy. I have a few syllables -- Ga and Ow. I can "stand" on your lap if you hold my arms. I'm really into watching Baby Neptune and Access Hollywood on TV. I like "gym" time with Grammie on my tummy play mat. I'll be three months on Thursday!

Snow day!

I've seen a little snow over the last 11 weeks but today we had a real snow storm. Mommy and Daddy had to shovel a lot. They said I'll get my turn in a few years. It looks hard so I'm not sure if I want a turn.

Back to the grind

Mommy went back to work today. I'm sad.

Night Out

Mommy and Daddy have a hot date so I'm going to spend the night at Grammie and Pop-pop's house. It will be my first night sleeping in a different crib. But I'm sure it's just the first of many nights spent away from home because I'm going to be a traveling girl.

I like long weekends. Mommy, Daddy, and me had more time to play and cuddle. All weekends should be long weekends. Why haven't you grown ups figured how to make that happen? Oh well, when I'm President...

Helping hands

We packed 20,000 meals for Haiti. Not just Mommy, Daddy, and me - there were about 100 people working together after church. It was pretty neat and I got "youngest volunteer" status. Whoo-hoo. Wonder if I can start racking up the community service hours now for that future high school requirement.

Baptism Day

Dozens of family and friends gathered at Cathedral to celebrate my Baptism. Father Hugh (a cousin, too!) did a great job as celebrant. I was awake and happy (i.e. quiet) during the service, even with Father Hugh doused me with water and annointed me with oil. My godparents, Andrew F., Alec, Rachel, and Andrew M., all looked so good standing at the alter with Mommy, Daddy, and me. Even my grandparents participated by putting on the special white garmet/bib and lighting the Baptism candle. We had a big party afterward and everyone said how pretty I looked in my gown, which was Mommy's Baptism gown (many, many years ago!).

Baby New Year

I didn't have to wear wings and a diaper but I was still Baby New Year at our house. I woke up at midnight to see the fireworks (on TV) and Skype with Grammie and Pop-Pop so they could see and talk to me. Skype is my new thing!