Nature Girl

I am a believer that talking to Frannie about my hopes, dreams, and expectations for her while in utero has really paid off. She's really sticking to the plan. What I didn't bargain for (or make clear during those 9 months) was her taking the hope of "loving the outdoors" to an extreme. The wonder of being able to walk coupled with it finally being nice enough to go outside without getting frostbite has her hooked. She stands at the door crying to get out and getting her back inside if she's not ready? Forget about it. I was pretty sure social services was going to be called the other night the way she screamed when I tried to bring her inside. She loves listening to and watching birds and attempts to make bird calls which is hilarious...especially her crow imitation. Her absolute favorite however is walking through and splashing in puddles. She heads straight for any puddle the minute you set her free. I found some baby Bogs so her feet don't get soaked everyday. That way she can be just like her mom :)

Walking

She's full out walking now. We call it a zombie walk because one arm is out in front and the other is out to the side and she'll go pretty fast then slow down then wobble then speed forward again. But make no mistake, she's fully mobile now-and quite pleased with herself as well.

Walking apparently makes her think she can do/have anything she wants because she is VERY vocal (I'd say she's yelling at the person) when she wants something and she's thwarted. Her eyebrows knit together, brow furrows, eyes squint and she yells, "Memememe" which I think means "mean mean mean". :) Sometimes along with that comes slamming hands down and kicking feet. I thought this didn't happen til age 2. I guess I said I wanted a smart, strong, independent woman.....

We've been doing more sledding since this is the winter that never ends. Also she got some PlaySilk scarf things from Uncle Ben that she's been enjoying. Books are still a favorite and now she'll look at them in the car (I hope she can continue that as she gets older....I love reading in the car but some of the fam gets carsick). 

Finally some other big news.....she's attempting to use a spoon!! It's not pretty but I'm so happy to see her try.

One Year Stats

Right on track said the Dr at Frannie's one year visit. She's 29.5 in long (60th%ile) and weighs 19 lbs 10 oz (50th%ile). Her head is still solidly in the 90th%ile. I knew her head got bigger because I couldn't fit some of her shirts over that noggin without stretching them a bit :)

So all is well....next visit is at 15 months in June.

Turning One

Frannie,

One year has gone by and every day I love you more. You have such a sparkly personality, are very independent (yet make it very clear when you are frustrated or want help), and are so smart. I love watching you learn new things every day. I'm thrilled with your love of books, animals, and music. The way people react to you is proof of how special you are....on a regular basis strangers will comment on something about you. Today in fact two older men were having coffee where we were meeting friends and they offered to adopt you. People have been saying stuff like that since you were born.... So I hope you read this as you grow older and as I tell you how wonderful you are and how much I love you and you think "that's my mom she has to say that" know that you don't have to take just my word for it.

When you look at me and say mama it melts me and it's hard not to laugh when you are mad and throwing a little fit. Speaking of laughing, you are quick to giggle and chuckle but your belly laughs are not as easy to come by....but when you let loose with one, anyone around it bursts into smiles and laughs along. It's like music to my ears. 

You are surrounded by love and I can't wait to see how you continue to grow into your own little person. Happy birthday!

Sassy

The girl's got spunk. She's little miss independent and has got a devilish growl/cackle that she uses as she is crawling like a bullet or careening through the house with her walker. Her temper is hot but short lived. At least now she looks at me as though asking if what she's about to do is ok and when I say no or shake my head she may actually not do it. For a while there it was look at me, I say no, she does it anyway. 

Cool things she does: signs all done, more, and please; growls when she sees a picture of a bear or dog or when you say bear/dog; is into peanut butter and jelly and oranges; loves opening and closing the microwave; gaining confidence with her walking; knows how to push every button on every toy to make it talk/play music; dances and claps to songs she likes; loves being pulled in her sled outside; loves computers and iPhones; and a million other things....

Snow

Just a quick post and pics (at our rental and that shovel is about 4 ft tall) of our current snow situation....last report was 2 feet in Duluth. I'm posting these pics (including one of sleepy Frannie with her new big girl backpack from her cousin) now so I can compare them to the ones I'll take Friday afternoon after the latest round of snow rolls through in this never ending winter. School was cancelled at 3:50 pm TODAY because of the storm that comes tomorrow. We are now going to have our last day the third week in June. And it's only mid-February.....

I'll be going to school til July I think.....

First Steps

Frannie took her first steps last Saturday! Brian and I were on the floor playing with her and she walked between us. Solid steps too, not like falling forward. Then on Sunday she was in the kitchen (only in a diaper cause the girl is on the move) and she was bear crawling-then stopped, squatted, and popped up to a stand! Oh the expression on her face....a combination of excitement, surprise, and amazement. 

Since then she will only take a couple tentative, falling toward you steps but is loving standing up. Tonight she stood up and started bouncing while saying "ahahahah" like she was dancing. She was so pleased with herself. She also has learned how to turn her walker herself. So if she gets stuck or has to turn a corner, she either backs up or manhandles the walker to the direction she wants it to go. Wow.

And as for the teeth, they are looking much more suitable in her head. And I'm pretty sure there are more on their way soon because after the two week reprieve of no drool, chewing, or ear pulling, she's back at it. 

She is 11 months old on Saturday and I am loving this stage. She is pretty good at telling what she wants and has a great sense of humor. Overall she's really mostly in good spirits. She's quick to smile, loves music and when someone sings to her, babbles constantly, and LOVES sitting and looking at books. Boy we lucked out.