Happy Birthday Bronwen!

I will post a series of birthday pictures as I did last year, but Bronwen's party is Saturday, so this will have to be delayed a bit. I will immediately post the pics Saturday evening, however, to quell the angry mob that is waiting anxiously for them. (ahem, Aunt Jana...please put the pitchfork and torch down now)

Today marks the third anniversary of the birth of my dearest first child, Bronwen Marie. She came into this world shortly after midnight on Mother's Day. It was a meaningful day for me since her birth made me the best thing I ever imagined: her mother.

Since that day, her bright smile and precocious nature has both cheered and astonished me. She is my child, through and through, both in personality, wit, and downright silliness. Every day with her is a joy and adventure, and I love how her smile and little voice make me laugh all the time, even when I am not feeling well.

Thank you, my little mouse, for always being ready with a cuddle or a "Don't worry, Mama, I am here with you" whenever I need it most. I love you!

Busy Busy

I can't even say why or how I've been too busy to blog, but it seems like time is running away from me! Mother's Day was okay, slight snafu with lunch TJ was supposed to buy me, so I ended up eating leftover noodles, but he made up for it by giving me a new digital camera on Monday. Hooray! I have to get a memory card for it, and after that, I am trying it out, both pictures and video.

When I opened it up, Bronwen looked at it and said, "Oh...a new camera, I'm jealous." Um. I didn't know that she knew that word OR what it meant. Typical.

Hopefully this means my video quality will be better. Joy! A few last videos for you to enjoy from my old, decrepit camera.

Lila having a blast in the truck (one of the only times she will ever be allowed to ride in the back of a truck as far as I am concerned):



Lila perfecting her walking with objects:



Bronwen eating lunch and being silly:

Walk This Way

The video I took of Lila walking last night was too dark, so we went outside and gave it a try.

Grits and Baseball

This video accompanied T.J.'s post from a couple of days ago. Here you can see the action of Lila's learning to use the spoon.

Also, in the background, you can witness Bronwen's mad running skills as she "runs the bases."

Walking

T.J. had Lila help him feed the cats last night, and as he was bringing her back to her room (where Bronwen and I were), he just let her walk on her own--she usually demands a finger to hold.

There she was, holding a measuring scoop, toddling toward me, and she made it down the length of the hallway!

Soon she won't need any help at all. Bittersweet.

May 3rd

Tonight T.J. came out of Bronwen's room after putting her to bed and asked me, "Do you know she kisses John Denver goodnight?" I did indeed know this, mainly because Bronwen told me the other morning that she kissed John Denver.

To clarify: She kisses the john Denver picture on her iPod, so technically she is kissing the iPod.

I asked him: "Does this bother you?"

And he replied: "Only because she won't kiss me goodnight."

Great Strides

Lila is clearly happy to have her Daddy home. Within 3 days of his return, she has made great strides in her already swift development. After taking her first unassisted steps (see earlier post; more to follow), she is now becoming proficient at using utensils. To anyone who knows Lila, this should be no surprise given her enthusiasm for eating. Nevertheless, here is the proof from Saturday morning's second breakfast: