Elmo

Elmo... Elmo... ELMO!

What's Lucy Up To These Days?

It feels like Lucy has grown up so much in the past few weeks!  She's a busy little monkey who's constantly on the move and surprising us every day with new tricks.

She can say several words:

• Ball (this includes anything that resembles a sphere) 
• Hi Kitty (her first two-word combination)
• Mama and Mum  
• Dada
• Baba
• Elmo
• Go
• Quack (when she sees a duck)
• Woo woo (when she sees a dog)
• Moo (when she sees a cow)
• Vroom vroom (for anything with wheels)
• Uh-oh
• Yay/Yeah

She understands even more words, including commands.  She doles out kisses on request (more like bumping faces), and she loves to high-five.  She waves "hi" and "bye."  She nods her head "yes" and shakes he head "no."  She can also point to her mouth, nose, and feet when we ask, "Where's your ___?"

Right now she's fascinated with putting things where they "belong."  She really loves to transfer clothes back and forth between the chest of drawers and hamper.  She also knows that keys go to the door and that cups are filled up at the water cooler.  This has resulted in some interesting associations, such as my keys going into the compost bin and numerous pairs of socks going into the trash.  The other day at Dolores Park, she took my sunglasses, walked over to the people sitting next to us, and put them in their backpack.  She's not at all mischievous about it (at least, not yet).  She's all business.

At the table, she's learning how to use a spoon and insists on having one every time she eats, whether or not she actually uses it.

Lucy has also mastered the art of throwing full-blown tantrums.  In classic toddler fashion, she plants her face on the floor and kicks her arms and legs while screaming bloody murder.

Thanks to her dorky mom, she loves Jeopardy.  I think she likes the pattern and predictability of it.  She even claps for the daily doubles.

Here are a few random pics and a video from the past few weeks.  Enjoy!

Licking things at the park.  Yum! 

Chillin' at Duboce Park.

Wearing Mom's glasses.

Oh, you want this puff?

Hanging out in the bookcase.

Taking the bus to Dolores Park. 

Testing out the new booster seat.

More fun with the booster seat.

See ya later, high chair! 

The Smirk of Approval

Dinner at Nopalito. 

Lucy's First Birthday Party

Well, I'm a little behind on this post, but better late than never, right?  Here are some highlights from Lucy's first birthday party in June.

We reserved a couple of picnic tables in Golden Gate Park next to the Koret Children's Quarter and carousel. While San Francisco's weather can be hit-or-miss in June (especially in that neighborhood), we enjoyed a beautiful, sunny day that was free from fog and drizzle.

In perfect accordance with Murphy's Law, Lucy skipped her morning nap and was exhausted by the time we arrived at the park.  So she spent the first half of the party asleep in the Ergobaby...

... which gave me some time to say hello and catch up with our guests.

Cousins Henry, Alex, and Chris

Newlyweds Anthony and Allison

Cousins Ashley and Bri

Papa C with Leanna and Laura, all the way from Hawaii!

John, Toni, and adorable baby Rhodes

Lucy's daycare owner, Mirna, and her family

Dad!

Lucy and JJ

Chatting with Delaney

Like any party, the best part was cake time! At first Lucy wasn't sure what to do, but after some encouragement and demonstrating of proper cake-eating technique, she settled into the gig like a pro.

She also scored some great gifts.

Once home, she broke in her new toys and enjoyed a Smith's cookie from Bakersfield...

... while Dad and Uncle Frankie enjoyed some tequila.

All in all it was a wonderful, memorable day.  Thanks to everyone who joined us in celebrating this most excellent and amazing year!!!