Our Last Day Together in 2008

Ms. Beth wrote...
Kaylie made the sign for "butterfly" after I pointed at the stained glass butterflies hanging over the nursery window. Then she did it again on request and even performed for Mom and Dad! Afterwards she gave herself a standing ovation. "Yay!" Also Kaylie's hair is getting so long. I noticed it after being away for Christmas break. It seems fuller and falls longer over her ears. It's really beginning to look more and more like little girl hair rather than "baby" hair :-) :-(

Please...

Ms. Beth wrote...
Today Kaylie imitated the sign for "please" for the first time! She didn't do it spontaneously (totally on her own with any suggestion from me), but it is a fine start. What a polite baby she will became if only we keep persevering! Also today after I sang the "Itsy-Bitsy Spider" she clapped and said "Yay!" all her own and at just the appropriate time! We had a nice long walk today and Kaylie played with rocks and collected grasses and pinecones. Another first: I blew Kaylie a kiss at some point and she did the same back to me!! O.K. maybe not new. Appearently "Auntie JoAnn" already taught her that!

MRE

This morning we had a tornado watch in Fort Worth. The skies turned gray fast and the clouds rolled in. There is no need to worry because I am prepared with Daddy's Christmas gift. He got a vegetarian MRE (Meal Ready to Eat) from Santa. Always be prepared.

My Christmas Morning Song

All I want for Christmas is a pair of pants, a pair of pants, a pair of pants...

Christmas Eve 2008

I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Silent Sleeping Night! (oh, everyone else says hello too!)

Yay! Auntie JoAnn

Yesterday (Monday 12/22) we arrived in Texas for the holidays. Auntie JoAnn came in late that evening so I didn't get to see her because I was already asleep. This morning when I woke up I clapped my hands and said "Yay!"Auntie JoAnn works for AT&T wireless... I had to show her how I use my cellular phone.

Christmas Party

Today Jean, Paul and Patrick Sumner came over to play. We all opened presents, ate cookies and played "hide and seek/eat" in the huge Sony HDNA TV box. I cried because I thought the box ate them. Later that evening the grown-ups (Betty, RW, Theresa, Rose, Bob, Barbara, Doris, Eddie) came over for a party. Grandpap and I showed them how we dance to the tunes of the "Jumping Snowman" and "Singing Hamsters".

Christmas Stockings

This morning Grandma Debby, Grandpa Steve, Mommy, Daddy and I got to open our Stocking gifts from Santa. I got a cellular phone, a LeapFrog teething counting book and a skeleton-scarecrow-snowman figure which I love to chew. The most fun game is to have Mommy put all of my toys in a cardboard box so that I can take them all out again!

Christmas Morning in Ohio

This morning when I woke up, the Christmas tree lights were colorfully lit, the staircase stockings were glistening, white snow and clear twinkling ice hung on the evergreen trees outside. It's Christmas morning in Ohio! We opened presents, which I enjoyed all the tags and ribbons and boxes, and ate french toast. Yummy! Some of the gifts I received were a purse with lipstick, mirror, bracelet, car keys, and money, books, blocks, and clothes. Perhaps next year, I will think that the toys are the main focus of the presents not necessarily the tags and ribbons.

Yay!

Ms. Beth wrote...
Another lovely walk out in the snow. Later I sang songs to Kaylie while we did hand-motions together. I'm afraid she can't do them on her own yet but she'll get there. At the conclusion of some of the songs Kayle would clap and say "Yay!". Very cute.

Orange Poncho

Today we went to Children's Orchard to get a bright multi-colored poncho and a pair of new tights. I love the poncho because it leaves my hands free and still keeps me warm. Thought I would model them for you all.

Christmas Cookie Baking

Grandma Debby came to visit us today to help Mommy and Daddy make Christmas cookies. We made walnut crescents, fudge thumbprints, cream wafers, mint Santa sandwiches, peanut butter blossoms, caramel fudge and sugar cookie cut-outs. I helped by making sure the animal magnets and Tupperware were scattered on the kitchen floor, easily assessable to all.

Santa Claus

Today Ms. Beth and Mommy took me to see Santa Claus for the first time. I cried. He was strange. The mall was more fascinating. So Mommy had to be in the photo with me. Perhaps next year, I will understand this odd, odd tradition.
(I also signed for "butterfly!" for the first time on my own)

Long Winter Walk

Ms. Beth wrote...
Today we had our first real walk since the cold weather began. I've tried to take Kaylie outside each day but wearing a bulky snowsuit and hat and mittens and extra socks has been a tough change for her somehow. She always enjoyed our long walks and I was beginning to fear that was changing. However, today she seemed a lot more serene and we both enjoyed a long trek through surrounding neighborhoods. Kaylie seemed content to just view the snow, the cars, and the people passing by. Hurrah!

Festival of Lights

Today we went to the crafts fair at the Manistee High School followed by the Christmas Tree Festival of Lights. Earlier when I was taking a nap, Grandma, Grandpa and Mommy went to the church for the Polish luncheon. Daddy stayed with me since there was not a lot that he could eat there. We were bundled-up warm for the downtown Sleigh bell Parade, however, it was really cold with the snow blowing in our faces, so we decided to go back to the warm house and sit by the fireplace and open Christmas presents. That was the best fun ever!

Christmas in Manistee

I rode in my toddler car seat for the first time and had a fabulous time looking out the window at the snow coming down and the cars flying by. We arrived safely at Grandma and Grandpa Peter's house. Dixie was happy to see me even if she did not know what to do with me. In the house there was a very big tree with many lights and a baby Jesus ornament that I liked to point at many times. There were also many lit Department 56 houses but most of all they had the legos out for me to play with.

Packing for a Manistee Christmas

Ms. Beth set out three winter outfits complete with socks, onesies and hair clips and three pajama with socks in the pockets for our trip up north to see Grandma and Grandpa Peters. I just wanted to make sure that they packed my soft blue Elmo hat and mittens.

Tylenol is Good

Ms. Beth wrote...
We danced a lot today. Later in the day Kaylie's teeth seemed to be bothering her. She didn't sleep well, was more needy than usual, and cried easily. Greg gave her Tylenol at 2 pm and within 20 minutes she felt better and slept better.

Bundle Up

Ms. Beth wrote...
Yesterday Kaylie signed "sleep" for the first time! Today I asked if she wanted a banana and she brightened up and said, "Ba!" Are these really new things or am I too generous in my interpretation? Time will tell. We walked to the library today. Kaylie loves to be outside but she does not like her snowsuit, hat and mittens.

I am a big help!

Today Mommy is getting ready to travel to Wilmington, NC for work so I was happy to help her with her packing by taking out all the clothes when she would put them in the suitcase. My parents say the I am a big help!

Tea Party

Over the last three days at Grandma and Grandpa's house, I really got to explore the kids' room upstairs. I found the soft cloth tea set and loved playing "tea party" with Mommy. I also found very fascinating the legos, the babydoll, and especially the cell phone that Grandma Debby got for me. These toys entertained me for hours.

Stairs and Dogs

I love the dogs. Gable, Dillon, and Owen, did not run away from me when I toddled towards them. What a refreshing change because Luke and Ray always run away from me. The dogs lick my face which is alright, I guess. Also my favorite activity was climbing up and down the stairs--Grandma caught me yesterday as I tumbled "gracefully" down.

Happy Thanksgiving

What a wonderful holiday! Daddy, Mommy and I are spending the Thanksgiving holiday at Grandma Debby and Grandpa Steve's house. Early in the morning we went to SideCut park and met the sun as he started his Thanksgiving day. It was a bit chilly, but that's OK because I have Daddy's blue hat on.

Slow Day

I was not very hungry today. I preferred my bottle because my teeth were bothering me. Ms. Beth said that even though my teeth were bothering me, I was pleasant most of the day.

O Christmas Tree

Daddy and Mommy build the "Charlie Brown" Christmas tree today. I was curious about its branches, it certainly does not feel like the trees that I see outside.

Lunch

Today for lunch I had scrambled egg, pear puree, cheerios, and stars. I hear that later on this week I will be able to have a Thanksgiving feast. I can't wait to experience it at Grandma Debby and Grandpa Steve's house.

Dance, Dance

Ms. Beth wrote...
It's amazing to me that although Kaylie has only had the balance to walk for a couple of weeks, she can already dance and swing her arms back and forth while standing and she rarely falls doing this! She is learning so much, so fast!

My First Birthday

On my actual birthday, Grandma and Grandpa Peters came for a visit. I was really hoping for another chocolate cupcake, however, Mommy and Daddy decided (at 3 am the Sunday morning after the party) that the next time I have chocolate will be at my 2nd birthday. So instead I had a cherry cupcake, which also tasted good, though definitely not the same.

First Birthday Party

All there is to say... I LOVE chocolate!

Grandpap Arrives

Today marks the arrival of the last Herness. Grandpap arrives this evening so that he can also be present for my first birthday party. We now have a house full of family!

Homemade Lunch and Baby Hot Tub

I had some of Ms. Beth's homemade sauerkraut for lunch and I threw my head back and smiled and said "mmm". Then I had chicken soup that Ms. Beth made from homemade chicken stock. It had onions, carrots, celery, noodles and a touch of sea salt. Ms. Beth spoon-fed me the broth and then I drank it from a cup. I couldn't get enough of it. Ms. Beth said that this was the most positive reaction I have had to any food to date (with possible exception of egg yolk).

Auntie JoAnn came yesterday and will be with us for about a week. Yay! I love being with her and Obachan because we always play new games and go to new activities. Obachan let me play on the piano for the first time and I beamed and smiled when I hit the keys. Later in the evening, Auntie JoAnn, Daddy, Mommy and I went to the library for play time. I really enjoyed the "baby hot tub" with plastic pink and purple balls.

Baby Sign Language Is Great!

Ms. Beth wrote...
On the way back from the library I glanced down at the stroller and saw Kaylie looking quietly at the scenery and making the sign for milk. It seemed as though she was just thinking about it since she hadn't tried to get my attention. I stopped the stroller and asked her if she wanted milk (while making the sign myself). She gave me a huge smile and clenched her right fist together once (yes, milk) emphatically!

Obachan Arrives

Obachan arrived this evening from Texas. Her plane was delayed so she actually came to the house quite late. I was so excited that I tried to stay awake to see her, but my eyes were way too heavy. I'll see her in the morning.

Baby Faces

Ms. Beth wrote...
After lunch Kaylie wanted to see my laptop computer, so I found some baby pictures online and she was very pleased. She squealed with pleasure at each picture!

The Sadness

Ms. Beth wrote...
We went to a playground today and "out of the blue" Kaylie's eyes filled with tears and she started looking anxiously all around, then she really started to cry-the grieved, fearful cry of a child who can't find her parents. Luckily a few familiar songs and the signs for "mommy" and "daddy" quickly calmed her.

Pat-a-Cake

Ms. Beth wrote...
Wow! Kaylie just took 8 steps in front of me! The best I've seen yet! One of Kaylie's favorite things these days is listening to her new book on CD. Everyday in the afternoon we take out the "Pat-a-Cake" book and look at the pictures together while the music plays. She is very attentive and peaceful at these times. Thank-you Aunt Deana for the gift!

Ace the Japanese Maple

I just love autumn. The leaves are crunchy and vivid red. I told Ace,the Japanese Maple in the back yard, many grand stories today.

Election Day

This is an historical day. Today the first African-American, Obama, was voted in as the President of the United States. All that I hope for is to continue enjoying throughout my lifetime the freedom to peaceful naps, nutritious foods, an opportunity to be innovative, and to enjoy the great outdoors!
We walked outside in the backpack-style carrier Ms. Beth's sister lent me. I loved it.

Last Day in Texas

I really enjoyed my time with Obachan and Grandpap this week. Some of the "firsts" included: eating tofu, drinking out of a sippy cup, jumping on the doll bed, gently falling out of the crib, climbing the steps to the Japanese room, treat or treating, running around with the "walker", and watching Obachan dance at the Japanese festival.

Happy Halloween

OK. So there was a change in costume plans. Trick or Treating started in my Grandparent's neighborhood at 5:30 pm and the temperature was 80 degrees. So Mommy decided that I should wear my Japanese Festival outfit. That's fine, I really did not mind because the fun part was seeing my neighbor friend, Shelby, in her fairy princess dress and riding with Grandpap on the hayride.

Yellow Duck, Yellow Duck What Do You See?

I will be a yellow duck for my first Halloween. I had to show Obachan and Grandpap my little wings, tail, orange beak and feet. I love the suit because it does not restrict my movements so I can still "walk" on my own. Heading south to Texas for Halloween!

Walking on Rose-Covered Paths

Grandpap, Obachan, Mommy and I played in the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens this afternoon. The roses were in bloom and their scent filled the air. I saw many small children running around and I so wanted to join them. I am almost there...I can almost walk by myself!

Japanese Gardens Autumn Festival

This morning Mommy and I flew to Texas so that we can spend some time with Obachan and Grandpap and Auntie JoAnn. When we arrived we all went to the Fort Worth Japanese Gardens for the autumn festival so that we could see Obachan dance. It was a very nice hot 82 degree day!

Pumpkin Patch

What a wonderful cold autumn day! I wore my warm soft pants and matching zipper coat. We are all at Grandma Debby's house this weekend for the annual pumpkin carving. I loved playing with my cousins Kaitlyn and Lauren, especially when then dressed up in their Halloween costumes (Kaitlyn was a clown with colorful hair and Lauren was Spiderman). I especially enjoyed seeing all the pumpkins at the pumpkin patch.