Let's see, we have to go all the way back to November...
11/02 We celebrated her first birthday at Pop-pop and Grandmom Mischinski's house, with Grandpa and Grandma Muckian and the whole Collier family (which, at the time, did include little kidney bean; I remember that because Kelly was remarking how hot it was in the house, and I said "Hmmm...You're the only one who is warm!"). We had beautiful decorations, courtesy of Grandmom Mischinski, and a thrilling wagon ride, thanks to Grandma Muckian. I didn't get a family photo - UGH! When am I going to learn!
Mike was still in Malta, NY during the weeks since his assignment got extended another few months. Elaine and I managed to get through the weeks okay, no small thanks to Mom and Dad. I did manage to lose 15lb. without Mike's gifted hand in the kitchen. Let me tell you, if you want to see lazy, observe me after a day of work when Elaine is in bed and I'm faced with the task of preparing food. Mike didn't enjoy his extended time on the project so much and was firm about getting a break from traveling when it was done.
Some things Elaine was doing this month:
- MELTING down when Mommy shows up at daycare or Grandmom's after work - throwing her head back, wailing, then falling face down on the floor.
- Turning herself around and getting down off the sofa by herself.
- Adoring sheepskin.
- Laughing hysterically when punching balloons.
- Signing "more," "fish," "fan," "water," "all done," "up." Her signs became perfect in form magically after her birthday. It was very sudden!
- Drinking from a straw.
- Became obsessed with getting into the refrigerator.
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| Cousin Mark chilling. |
Notable stats from her 12mo. appointment:
- Weighed 19lb.2oz.
- Height 29in.
- Head - still 90th percentile
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| Aunt Kelly was very popular |
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| Elaine enjoying her pumpkin cupcakes |
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| She loved all her books and other presents! |
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Looking at the Christmas displays at Cranex,
a favorite Holiday store from Mike's childhood
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The good news is, we made two trips to Pittsburgh to see Mike's side of the family! The bad news is, one of the trips was to lay Mike's Grandma to rest. She was very ill with cancer, so it was a small comfort that she was rid of her suffering. I am very grateful for her life, she was a strong woman who was open to life, which indirectly enabled God to bring my wonderful husband into this world.
Mike had some male bonding time clothes shopping with the guys in his family. (Odd that the men went out shopping...) Elaine had her first ride on Grandma and Grandpa's old rocking horse. (I would post a picture, but she happens to be very unhappy in the photos.)
Thanksgiving we were back in Pittsburgh for an extended weekend where we enjoyed the ever exceptional hospitality of the Muckians. We drove through the night through a minor snow storm. As we got off the highway near their house, I was acutely aware of what a bad decision it was. I was sure we were going to slide off the road and roll down the incline. Still, the Subaru handled it beautifully. (Thank you God for our new car!) I don't think I can make a trip in the middle of the night again...I did it twice by myself to make the funeral (Mike drove from Malta ). As always, we had a relaxing time gathered around watching.
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This is the month she became
interested in climbing |
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She also loves playing in our fruit bowl
(How many photos can I show of her with her mouth open?!) |
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| She LOVES brushing those teeth! |
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| "Helping" Mommy put on her makeup |
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This is what we see now whenever we open the fridge.
(Remember this one as a "before" picture. ;)
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Our menu for the party. Everything was spectacular! It was almost all very healthy and the babies were able to eat and enjoy it all. Thanks to Muckians for the delicious ham and everyone who helped supply/cook the terrific dinner. I would recommend any of these for a fall gathering.
Smoked ham
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