Long Time, No See

Hey, everybody! I'm back from an extended stay at my Nonna's place and am ready to update you on all my new (mostly verbal) accomplishments. I'm sorry it's been so long since I posted, but I didn't want to advertise on the Internet that I and my family weren't at home and give anyone any ideas about breaking in and stealing my birthday loot. We moved back home last night, but we've been staying at my Nonna's for almost two weeks because we had a mouse in our house, and my mommy is completely freaked out by them and especially by this particular mouse which followed her up the stairs.
My daddy doesn't see what's so scary about a mouse, but on the other hand, he is disturbed by lizards, whereas Mommy thinks they're no big deal. I'm not sure about my own feelings about either creature at this point, but I think getting to play with Nonna's toys and waking up in the same room with my parents is fantastic. What else is fantastic? Well, how about me saying ABOUT A MILLION WORDS?

• Chief among my new words is "UP!" I've figured out how to tell everyone that I want them to pick me up, and if it first it doesn't get results, I just keep saying it until my target capitulates. For example, while I was staying at my Nonna's, I would always wake up before my parents but I would be content to play by myself and sing to myself until my parents gave some sign of wakefulness, at which point I would chirp, "Up? Up? Up? Up? Up? Up? Up? Up? Up? Up? Up? Up? Up? Up? Up? Up? Up? Up? Up? Up?" and so on until Mommy reached over and pulled me into bed with them (where I hugged each of my parents and then climbed up on the headboard and rattled it until they got up and gave me my breakfast). Because of the success of "UP!" I've been using it to mean "I want to get down," too, but we're working on the concept of down. Give me time.
• My farewells have become more elaborate and consistent. I respond much more quickly (and more often) with a wave and a "bye bye" when so addressed, and I'm catching on to the whole blowing of kisses thing. My blown kiss involves putting my fingers in my mouth (or, in the last day or two, pressing the back of my fingers to my mouth) and making an "MMMn" sound. My hugs are becoming more intentional and squeezy, too (see pictures below).
• I've been on a roll with new food words, the biggest one being "theeth" (cheese), which, as you may know, I adore. I'm also a big fan of "thooth" (juice) and "bed" (bread). And really, when you think about it, what other foods does a person need?
• The really huge thing is that I've developed my first sentence: "AHdoot!" ("I do it!"). I've always been the independent sort, and that essence of my personal identity has manifested itself in this phrase. "Ahdoot" can mean either, "No thanks, I'll do it for myself," or, "Yes, I know you want me to do that, but I want to do this," or, "No, you need to do what I want you to do." I've also been heard saying, "It does!" in response to a statement ending in "...doesn't it?" but it was only once so until I've offered further corroboration of my understanding, that sentence will remain in the questionable category.

• Some other cool developments are that I've stood on my own for 5+ seconds or so on several occasions (picture below), and my aided walking has become quite facile. I can tell you that my parents get extremely sappy when we walk down a hallway or sidewalk with me between them, holding one of each of their hands. I'm also enjoying singing and reading to myself a great deal.

Enough with the talk; let's get to the pictures!

I love that fall is here and I am getting to wear all kinds of new sweaters. Okay, to be honest, I don't really enjoy being pinned down to put on the extra clothes. But I do enjoy the compliments, and I appreciate getting to spend more time outdoors.

I had such a good time at my Nonna's. Some of the fun things I did there were: playing with Nonna's little farm animal figures, having her blow bubbles for me, standing on my own (I DO IT!) and watching "Arthur" in the morning while everyone else was getting ready:








I am such a sweetie-pie; here are some of the hugs I've been spontaneously offering:
























Last Sunday Daddy ran in the Race for the Critters, and he wore the shirt with me on it that I gave him for Valentine's Day, so it was kind of like I was running with him. The two people right behind my daddy are my Uncle Bruno's dad, Carl, and his brother, Clete, whom we saw there. I enjoyed all the dogs there for the Pooch Walk.












On Sunday I also went to a lunch honoring my cousin Lilliana after her baptism. Here I am, visiting with Lilli, Grandma T and Daddy; my great-uncle Stash; and my great-aunt Barb:







I met up with my friend Maggie and her parents at East Coast Custard the other night. Look how much Maggie has grown up! We're are going to be getting into some serious trouble together, very, very soon.


















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My friend Emma has a new little sister! Amelia was born last Friday. Isn't she cool?