A special welcome to my new buddy!

I'm very happy to welcome my new friend, Bennett, into the world! Love you, buddy, and your mommy, daddy, and brother, my older friend, Graham! Glad you made it here safe and sound.

Love,
MH

My hair and other stuff...

I know it is not a big deal, but some people still think I'm a boy despite the pink outfits with ruffles and bows. Mommy's typically response is "She's a girl, just not much hair!" (A much less defensive response than this time last year!) In any case, I wanted you to know that I do have a little bit of hair on the very top of my head. See the evidence from the bathtub? Mommy and Daddy even went so far as to buy a little bow. However, upon putting it in my hair and laughing hysterically, they decided that it best to wait until I have a little bit more. Until then I'll just keep my hats and sunscreen...

Separately, just a few more updates. I'm working on my words now. I can say "boat", "ball", "quack-quack" (actually sounds like bock-bock), "bath", and a few others. Last week, I said "Hi Biggie" to my granddaddy on the phone. (I like "b" words!) I'm also a big fan of books, but I'm not very good at slowing down long enough to look at them...we're working on it.

I was a big girl and put my pajamas in the hamper all by myself (thanks, Mrs. Allison and Ella, for the suggestion!) I'm happy to report that there haven't been any biting issues at school lately, despite an increasing number of teeth. Most of my friends in my class are walking now, so we can get away from each other. I love to give kisses to my teachers and even some of my friends before I leave each day.

After I get home from school, I really like to be outside. So much so that it brings me to tears, screams, wailing, etc. whenever I come inside from the car. Despite the heat, I love playing in the garage as noted on a previous post. It is especially fun when my neighbor, Mary Carter comes to visit. Whenever Mommy or Daddy mentions her name, I giggle and say "hi" and wave, regardless of where I am. We like to hang out together in the garage, eating popscicles, stealing each others water cups, riding in our matching cars, blowing bubbles, bumping one another out of the chairs on my front porch, etc. The top picture is of me eating my snack outside. Henry was excited too! Fun times!

Oh, one last thing...I went for my 15 month check up. 23 lb 4 oz; 31 inches. About 75th percentile for both.

Well, I hope you are well. Thanks for checking on me...things here are good.

Much love and sweet dreams,

MH

The Sound of My Voice...

is the best sound in the world! Especially when I am in a place that echoes. Here is a little video from our trip to Tampa (Mommy's work). You can see that I have mastered the "head down-arms swinging-slightly leaning forward" run. So much fun! The hotel had LOTS of great places for me to practice running, squealing, and giggling. More about our trip later!

Much love and sweet dreams,

MH

MH running in Tampa 7.12.09 from Bill Wingate on Vimeo.

Sweet girl

On most days, most of the time, I am a feisty, energetic girl! I like to giggle, play with my toys, chase Henry, read books, eat, play some more, eat some more, have a little milk, play in the garage, water the plants, and then eat again. I'm busy! Mommy wanted me to tell you about a sweet moment in the middle of the night...

I woke up a few times on Wednesday night and at one point Mommy sat with me in the chair. Daddy came in to check on us and rubbed Mommy's arm and then gave both of us kisses. As Daddy was leaving, I looked at Mommy and started rubbing and patting her arm just like Daddy did. It was very sweet (of course I don't remember it, but I'll take Mommy's word for it.

Sweet dreams,

MH

About eating...

Hi my friends,

Well, as you might expect, I'm learning lots of new skills including mastering the use of eating utensils. Come to think of it, "mastering" might be a bit strong, but I'm trying! Some days I like to feed myself; other days I like it when someone else does it. Regardless, as long as I get the food, life is good!

Here are a few videos...see what I think about chocolate! :)

Much love and sweet dreams!
MH

MH eating chocolate pudding 6.28.09 from Bill Wingate on Vimeo.

MH eating with Fork and Knife 6.23.09 from Bill Wingate on Vimeo.

Happy birthday America!

Hi friends,

I hope you all had a wonderful 4th! Daddy, Mommy, and I made a trip to Atlanta to visit with some of our friends. It was a very fun, very busy day! This year I celebrated by playing with my sweet friends--Drew (2), Avery (16 months), Ansley (8 months), and Tyler (3 months). As you might imagine, we were a very busy group. Just to give you a little comparison, here is a picture from the 4th last year...what a difference! Have to say, as much as I love eating and sleeping in Mommy's arms, running down the hill, falling on my face, saying "Uh-Oh", getting up and doing it again (with a mouthful of grass), is so much more fun!



Much love and sweet dreams!

MH