Maryn and Valentine

Maryn made her first bear at Build a Bear. She receieved a gift card from her Aunt deedee for Christmas. Maryn, Aunt deedee and I went to the store together to make this special bear. deedee and I fell in love with an adorable Valentine's day puppy, white with pink and red hearts. What more could a little girl ask for? Well the answer according to Maryn, is a cute black bear (not a puppy). We tried to steer her towards the puppy on several occasions to no avail. deedee asked, "does she usually know what she wants?" My answer was an emphatic "YES."

deedee made her own puppy and went first so Maryn could watch. She wasn't too sure about things, but quickly caught on. She pushed the pedal to stuff her bear, then "washed" and brushed it, then came the fun of accessorizing. Of course, many of the items were at the perfect height for a little one to rearrange the shelves. Again deedee and I picked out our favorite outfit, but Maryn chose the cute red dress with matching shoes.

What did we learn? Maryn knows what she wants. You might as well save your breath because she doesn't change her mind. Enjoy the time when I can dress her without her picking her clothes. Build a Bear is lots of fun and I'm sure we'll be back. It was a fun experience for all...so much fun that Maryn needed a nap to recover. Thanks for a fun day, Aunt deedee!

Snow?

We've had a lot of rain this winter and very little snow. The boys haven't even had a snow day yet, which is unusual for the DC area. We've had school cancelled for the threat of snow. We've had a few dustings of snow but we hope for a big snow and a couple fun days off from school. We had some flurries today...Maryn watched as the flakes fell from the sky. She's had a few opportunities to walk in her snow gear, but we hope for more...only time will tell.

These Boots Are Made For Walking...

You know the song...here is Maryn's maiden walk in her pink boots. She wasn't too sure of them at first and her gait was awkward at best, but she sure looks cute! Thanks Kristie for the boots!

I Want What You're Having

The boys were on their youth group retreat, Rich was flying in from California so I decided to get a cheesesteak for dinner. Maryn and I got home and I got her plate ready, but she wouldn't have anything to do with her plate. She carried on and I couldn't understand what she wanted. She kept pointing to my plate, though she had the same things I had. Finally, I just handed her my cheesesteak...yup, that's what she wanted! The sandwich is about as big as she is!

Life is Fun!

It is such a joy and blessing to have a little one running around the house again. Maryn is learning new signs from her Signing Times DVDs and is starting to say more words. Yesterday she said "Bible." Last night she was hiding around the corner from where I was sitting and popped her head around and said, "Boo!" So cute!

Of course along with those blessings are the not so pretty scenes in life, though some of these you have to laugh at as well. This morning I was emailing our pastor when I heard the toilet seat drop...Maryn was trying to raise the seat so she could wash her hands. How do I know? She smiled at me and signed "wash hands!" I laughed, then promptly shut the bathroom door.

15 Month Stats

Maryn had her 15 month check up this morning. At her 12 month check up she weighed 16 lbs. 4 oz. and was 28 3/4 inches tall. Today, she weighed in at 20 lbs. 2 oz. and was 31 1/2 inches tall. This puts her weight on the growth charts in the 10% (for the first time) and is now in the 75% for her height (she was in the 50%). She says about 8 words, normal at 15 months is 3 words. The doctor is thrilled with her progress and says we have a smart little girl. The only other hurdles to jump are routine eye and ear screening. The only down side of the visit was 3 shots - OUCH! Maryn took a marathon nap today(6 hours) and went to bed an hour earlier than usual. Hopefully we'll have a quiet night! It's amazing to see the tremendous progress Maryn has made in such a short time. I know I have said it before, but we are truly blessed!

No?!

I can hardly believe the injustice of it all...I waited so long for this beautiful little girl. We've only had her 4 1/2 short months. She's learned so many things and starting to speak more, included in her repertoire is "No!" She used to shake her head no, and that was very cute. Sometimes it's funny when she says "no" and she certainly hears it as she "trolls for trouble." (My phrase for her when she is in "stinker mode" looking to get into trouble.) I've also heard of little ones entering the "terrible twos" around 18 months and (encouragingly, NOT) lasting until they turn three when their catch phrase becomes "why," and of course every parent wishes for their child to be gifted, but gifted in "NO?" I think not! I've been told, be careful what you wish for! Seriously, this new found independence is sure to challenge me, but I wouldn't trade it for the world! The pictures below were taken on a Sunday morning before church, this was before Maryn said no, but as you can see her actions were saying no. She did eventually give us a smile!