Big Girl Chair, Big Girl Bed

As AB's second birthday was approaching, she made it plain that she did not care for her crib or her high chair. She started napping in the guest room on a queen-sized bed and fought going into her crib at night. She also resisted (strongly) when I tried to buckle her in the high chair. So, it was time for a couple of key upgrades.

Big girl chair - first day
(Note the mismatched pajamas)

Big girl bed

First Words!

Earlier this month, Annabelle debuted her first two words - it is unclear which came first. They are (drumroll, please)...."Uh-oh" and "Jakey." Yes, the baby said the dog's name before Mama or Papa. Recently, she has added "Pa-Pa" and "Bye-Bye." She had been saying these things along with "mamamamama," but it was unclear if she really associated them with their meanings. This morning, we walked into the room with R, and she said, "PaPa...PaPa." Tonight, when Christina was leaving, she said, "Bye-Bye!" about four times.

She's got 4 words!!

Pulling Up

Annabelle is so busy these days: crawling so fast, pulling up, waving, and clapping her hands. She also gives sweet little (often open-mouthed) kisses. She's growing up so fast!

AB, pulling up

Annabelle Laughs!

Today, Annabelle laughed for the first time, and it was such a sweet, gurgly sound. I think she may have laughed a couple of times before, but I wasn't sure. Today, it was unmistakable. I was mimicking the noises she was making, and she let out a little giggle. She is such a sweet girl, and as a friend put it, she is generous with the smiles!

Annabelle Smiles

As early as Annabelle was 3 weeks old, I thought I saw her smiling...real smiles, in addition to the reflexive smiles of a newborn. I didn't really think it was possible even though she seemed to be responding to noises and talking. A friend visiting confirmed that Yes, it seemed Annabelle was already smiling.

It's taken me a couple of weeks to really capture those heartmelting smiles with a camera, but today, I got some! She responds well to clicking noises and having her cheek tickled.