My Future's So Bright....

I gotta wear shades!



The double fist pump for extra emphasis....



21. summer sun
22. not having a black out (no ac!) like we did a few years ago
23. impromptu date night (thanks, Grandma N!)

Communication Breakthrough

You know how good it feels to be understood, right? I think Abby finally felt that way today. The past few days her vocabulary has gone crazy. She's trying to say everything and once in awhile I actually understand her! Today she said "pool" while looking outside, tried to say "truck" when the trash truck rolled by, can tell us when she wants "up" or "down" is constantly saying "Mama" and "Da". She's also growing taller -- suddenly she can pull herself up and reach up to the fridge demanding either grapes or watermelon.



Do you know how much fun a little silicone brush can be?



She also fell in love with a chair that has been sitting under her nose for months. Suddenly, this week, it's a huge hit. She can climb up in it herself and just loves to sit backwards and point to the bugs.

And of course... reading. Still one of her favorite things. This week she likes "new" books. Things we've never read before.

Suddenly, literally overnight, our little girl seems very, very big. (sigh).

Watermelon Hair

As I was browsing (which takes all kinds of restraint) in Anthropologie this weekend, I looked over at Abigail and saw that after I put something like this on my head, she did this (wouldn't you know those wood floors, anywhere, you Anthro lovers?!) :



She is finally starting to mimic us! Our new game, "Where's Baby?!" was born. She is a great shopping partner - it's much more fun than being alone. Although, I do miss dressing rooms. I have a feeling I won't be seeing one again for quite awhile.

We also went to the park last weekend and Grant discovered an organic, natural hair product -- watermelon juice! She shovels in the watermelon and after she's done, there is likely juice everywhere. Grant gave her this sweet mohawk. It stayed in until bed time.

New words this week : bye bye, ch (chicken), ball, baby, dog

Pomp & Circumstance

She graduated! From her "baby" carseat to her "big girl" carseat. I wouldn't say she's completely thrilled with this new contraption (despite what we paid for it) and since we've read a zillion reviews saying that facing backward is safest until they're two (even though legally she can turn around once she's 20 pounds) that's what we're doing. Welcome to the next few years of your life, Abigail!

Swim Thursdays

Since we're taking a break from music class (although the music from music class is still a part of our every day!), in it's place this summer, we're taking advantage of our friend's gracious offer and swimming in their pool every Thursday. Abby got to try on her first pair of googles. These pics are a little dark but you can tell that she wasn't so sure about them. And later, Grant showed up to swing in the hammock to make what felt like the first day of summer complete.

Abby is also truly starting to learn her vowels. She can say "a, e, i" but hasn't quite gotten the "o,u". Grant started this a few weeks ago and she's getting it. She attempted "please" this week and her new favorite thing to do is throw her arms in the air and say "st" which means "stretch" or wiggle her fingers on your arm which means "scratch."

18. Abby's insane love of watermelon -- this just screams summer

19. living in a city with crazy good food that comes out of a truck (kogi tacos!)

20. farmers markets close by and often with local and organic food

Water World

If it's not the pool she's clamoring for, it's the sprinkler. Drought? What drought?

13. a tiny little roll-on perfume tube by Stella McCartney

14. quiet

15. summer reading

16. hammocks at the bowne's house

17. 12 plus hours of sleep a night (for her!)

Happy 4th of July

Three years ago today, we got rear-ended on the way home from watching the fireworks at a friends home. Grant's back has never been the same. Two years ago, we were wishing we were pregnant, but weren't. Last year, we had a just over one month old baby girl. I spent some of the night pumping my milk for her, then "fortifying" it (to add some calories, but which eventually made her very fussy because she couldn't handle dairy) and then feeding it to her from a bottle, praying she'd take it. From what I remember, she did. That happened to be a good day.

This year, as we all sat smiling and gawking at the amazing fireworks as we sat overlooking the Rose Bowl, our tummies full of gourmet burgers and sangria, I couldn't stop thinking about how far we've come and how blessed we are. The good years, the bad years... we are so blessed to be living in this country and to be able to share this fun tradition with our little girl who stayed up way past her bedtime with a smile on her face and loved the fireworks. Happy 4th of July, everyone!!