a little christmas cheer

It's late here, and we're heading to bed - Maren was up very late opening presents at Grandma and Grandpa McCallum's house, and crashed into bed when we got home.  But a few photos to share, of Maren eating her first Christmas cookie; opening her presents from Mom and Dad earlier this afternoon; and enjoying her new table and chair.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

a little stroll through the kitchen

We've been trying to catch Maren on video while using her (still developing) walking skills, but it's been tricky.  Usually, once she sees the video camera she wants to run right to it and push all the buttons.

But we finally got a bit of her the other day.  If you watch carefully, at the end you'll see her use her sign language for "food" (pointing at her mouth) and "more" (putting her finger on the palm of the other hand).

catching up

We are way, way behind on posting!  Much has happened - Maren's walking skills are getting better every day, and she's using more words (or, what sounds more like words), including "nana" (banana); "buh!" (bird); "dada" and "mama," and "no."

A few recent photos:

 Getting ready to "watch" the Apple Cup

 Coug or Husky?  Both!

 I don't know about you, but I always prefer to empty the dishwasher while wearing a swimsuit.

Getting ready for Christmas 

 Staying warm

 Who put this barrette in my hair?  How ridiculous.

Dancing at cousin Garth's wedding tonight!

she walks!

Maren took her first official steps yesterday! There wasn't time to catch them on video, but we did get a little bit today - at the end of a long day, when she was tired, so she wasn't too happy about it, but it's real! She's walking! Time to nail everything to the floor.

 

a moment with Maren

maren and the leaves

boo!

Maren was a pumpkin for Halloween (a dishwasher-emptying pumpkin, no less).  She had fun with our jack-o-lantern during the day but slept through most of the trick-or-treaters.  Behold, the Great Pumpkin of 2011:

a birthday party!

It's a day early, but birthday celebrations should last more than one day anyway.  We had so much fun celebrating Maren's birthday today, with family and friends.  And cupcakes!  (Video of Maren's first cupcake will show up soon.)

Happy birthday to our darling girl, who is our greatest joy.

Birthday cupcakes!

Our first attempt at barrettes - a relative success.

I started out the day a little cranky.

I looked like this for awhile.

But then there were presents!

And cards!

And cousins!

And more presents!  

So then I was in a much better mood.

I had a lot of great help opening the gifts.

AND THEN THERE WERE CUPCAKES AND MY PARENTS ACTUALLY LET ME EAT ONE.

Although at first I was not sure what to do with it.

Should I eat it?

I was very careful with my cupcake.  This surprised my parents because I am normally not very dainty about eating.

Mmmmm.  Yes, I should eat it.  I liked it.

The frosting in my hair was an extra-special touch.