Put a long sleeve shirt on all by myself.
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Today I...

Got a visit from some friends. Well, they weren't my friends, mommy's best friend forever came to visit with her new baby, Jake. "Auntie" Jennifer and her sister "Auntie" Laura were lots of fun. Auntie Laura has two kids and she brought them too -- Chase and Hailey. I wasn't so good about sharing my toys. I really wanted Chase to play with me, but he's six and didn't really want to, despite my desperate pleas of "please, please, please!" Mommy seemed a little sad when her friends left. I think she misses Aunite Jen. Mommy said they had many fun times together.

Today I...

Visited Nana and Poppy. Mommy and Daddy were there too, of course. We opened more presents! It was very exciting. I wanted to open every present and figured every one was for me. I was upset to find out that other people get gifts too. Ha ha!

I got a neat "Poodle dog" (it's really a Pluto dog, Mickey's friend, but I like to call it a poodle). And a piano with a microphone. And a shopping basket. Pretending to shop is one of my favorite things to do! It's especially fun at Nana's house because they set up a "bookstore" too, where I can fulfill all my reading needs.

We ate pizza for dinner, but I was too busy to eat. Far, far, too busy playing. Nana was still sick and that makes me sad. I hope she feels better soon.

Today I...

Got a visit from Santa Claus. I was so excited when I saw the basketball goal set up by the tree, and all the presents. Mommy was awake, but she pretended not to be so I could come in and wake her up. (It's a weird tradition from when Mommy was growing up for the kids to wake up the parents on Christmas Day.)

After I opened my gifts and looked through my stocking, I played for a long time. Then Mommy and Daddy tried to put me down for a nap, but I was too excited to sleep. So, we went back to that Russian consulate place where Mommy was supposed to pick up something. Unfortunately, we were stuck in traffic and didn't make it in time to get it.

We had dinner with Mimi and Papaw. Auntie Lee Lee, Gloria and Eddy were all there. Nana still wasn't feeling well, so I didn't get her or Poppy at dinner. I got more presents -- a Barbie and Ken; a carriage for them to ride in; a guitar; a Build-a-Bear gift card, books and so many other cool things. It was a fun day and even at 9:30, after having had no nap, I still didn't want to go to sleep!

Today I...

Went to my first Christmas Eve service. I lasted about 15 minutes before Daddy took me out to the nursery (I am a little bit loud for quiet church services right now). Mommy and Poppy -- her Daddy -- stayed at the service. Nana wasn't feeling well and had to stay home. We were sad.

Today I...

Visited Santa Claus and I didn't even cry. As a matter of fact, the conversation went something like this:

Santa: What do you want for Christmas
Me: Toys
Santa: What kind of toys?
Me: Pets ... Like the kind they have at Target.
[laughter from Santa and passersby, not to mention mom and dad]
Me: Do you like my princess shoes?
[I held up my foot so Santa could see]
Santa: Beautiful shoes.

Mom and Dad say I am so adorable.

Today I...

Went to the zoo with Mommy and Daddy and Nana and Poppy. I also went to an interesting place ... the Russian consulate.

Today I...

Ate a peanut for the first time. I said, "I like peanuts ... they're good!"

Today I...

... Made up a word "coo-kuh-lee." Mommy and Daddy don't know what it means but it makes me laugh like crazy.
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Today I...

Saw Nana and Poppy after more than two weeks. Yay! They are back!

Today I...

Saw Nana and Poppy after more than two weeks. Yay! They are back!

Today I...

Danced, Danced, Danced!

Today I...

Took my first dance class!

Today I...

When Mommy's phone rang, I said, " 'lo?" Mommy said I was "Smart as a whip. I don't know what that means, but it must means I am pretty smart.

Today I...

Went to feed the ducks! One of them had a "red foot" -- he was hurt (or as I kept saying, "sick").

Today I...

Today, as I was lying down to go to sleep, Mommy asked me, "where's Mommy's baby?"

"In the crib!" I said.

Mommy and Daddy found this to be very exciting. I speak in complete sentences!

Today I...

Had a tutti-frutti snowcone -- and I loved it! It was light pink and the ice was butter soft. I also went to Dos Mas today with Mommy and Poppy. I wanted more guacamole and turned to the waiter and said, "Hola! I need guacamole."

It was HILARIOUS.

Today I...

Got kissed by a Dachshund at the dog show! I also got to see my cousins, Collin and Jonathan.

Today I...

Spoke Russian! Mommy is taking Russian classes and today she asked me, "Do you speak Russian?" To which I, with great gusto, exclaimed, "DA!"

Today I...

Put my skirts and tops and socks and hats on my stuffed animal kitty cat. I am going to be a fashionista!

Today I...

Ran back and forth between Mommy and Daddy, running and jumping into their arms and giving hugs and kisses.

Today I...

Danced with Daddy while watching "Dancing With the Stars." I love to dance already!!

Today I...

Went Trick-or-Treating with Mommy and Daddy. I went to Mimi and Papaw's house first and changed into my butterfly costume. Then I trick-or-treated around the neighborhood (five houses or so); then I went to Nana and Poppy's and did it all again (just a few houses there too). I was very cute -- everyone said so!

Sprinkler time

Today daddy let me play in the sprinkler two times. I also was able to turn the water faucet on and off all by myself. I am so very smart!

Today I...

Went to Gymboree with Daddy!

Today I...

Slept right through my first hurricane (Hurricane Ike). The howling winds and driving rain did nothing to wake me from my baby slumber.

Today I...

Went to the store with Mommy. I am very inquisitive and wanted to see and touch everything I saw. I did lots of pointing. I really love cheddar-jack cheese and, at one point, I picked up the block of cheese that was in the cart and started gnawing through the wrapper! Mommy got me some snack-sized cheese pieces to eat in the cart instead. I am so cute.

Today I...

Went to visit my Mimi for Grandparents Day! I had a wonderful time visiting with her and Auntie LeeLee, but I missed Papaw, who was away on business.

Today I...

Went to Gymboree again with Mommy. We ran and played and went down slides. We sang songs and got to go under a parachute. I was a little more hesitant this time, but I still smiled and giggled a bunch. Daddy wants to take me to Gymboree too, so Mommy signed me up for a second class: I'll be going twice a week now. Yay!

Afterward we met Daddy for lunch. Then Mommy vacuumed out the car.

Today I...

I had my first swim lesson! Mommy and me. And Mr. Charles was there with Gavin. We learned about kicking and how to sit on the steps ("Criss-cross-applesauce!"). I laughed and smiled until I got dunked (part of the class!), but I got through it well. They are teaching me what to do if I ever fall in. Mommy and Daddy want me to be safe. And Snoopy and Woodstock are tiled on the bottom of the 3-foot pool! Yay!

Today I...

Started doing something new. I've been talking to myself in a low whisper of babble. I've also started talking in sentence cadence, "Nomm nommy, mummm, mumm?" Mommy says it's really funny.

Today I...

Identified myself in a picture by saying, "me!" I was looking through pictures of Gavin's baptism with Mommy and Daddy. When they showed me a picture of me and asked me who it was. I pointed at myself and burst out, "Me!" It was the most adorable thing ever.

Today I...

Played with Gavin. Auntie Gigi and Uncle Charles came over to have Chinese food and hang out with Mommy and Daddy. I was all alight with excitement and played with Gavin and colored with Auntie Gigi. I love people!

Today I...

Went to Gymboree playgroup with Mommy, where we went on slides and climbed on things and rolled balls. We sang songs and danced and I got my hand stamped with purple clown stamps! Then we met Daddy for lunch and went to the mall. It was a busy day!

Today I...

Went out to dinner with Mommy and Daddy. We met Auntie Gigi, Uncle Charles and Gavin at a Mexican restaurant, where I ate a cheese enchilada for the first time ... and rice. I loved it! I wore my cute strawberry, seersucker summer dress and was "adorable" defined.

Today I...

Got signed up for Gymboree! Mommy and I will be going every week to play and sing.

Today I...

Visited the doctor and got shots. I was such a big girl. I only cried a teeny-tiny bit. Mom and Dad were so proud and amazed at my bravery. Now I am taking a nap.

Today I...

Signed up for my first swim class with Mommy, Auntie Gigi and Gavin.

Today I...

Told the kitty to get "down!" Mommy and Daddy were telling Sarah to get off of the countertop. They kept saying, "down!" So I pointed my finger, shaking it up and down and saying emphatically, "DOWN!" Mommy and Daddy laughed and clapped for me.

Today I...

Unscrewed the cap on a bottle of water, took a big drink of it and put the cap back on. (Then I cried because it was on again, but I am making serious progress!)

Today I...

Colored with Mommy and Daddy in my Spongebob coloring book and shared my stickers with them.

Today I...

Brushed my teeth with Mommy. Well, Mommy helped me brush my teeth. Mommy put the brush near my mouth and I gave her a sassy smile and snapped, "No!" (This is my new favorite word, by the way.) Then later before bed, Daddy brushed my teeth again.

I am also now talking more in my own way. I went to my high chair when I was hungry. I say "pop-pop" when I want a popsicle and nod my head and smile when I am asked if I want a pickle. I feign being scared when Mommy and Daddy ask me if I want to "listen to birds" (the bird book we have that has pictures and plays the calls of the birds of the world). I pull on my towel or point to it when I want to get out of the tub. I know how to "step out" of my swimsuit and pants. I can undo my own diaper (Mommy doesn't care for this new skill all that much). I can run and giggle and sing and kick a beach ball. I love to swim and explore and sit down and read my books.

My Mommy says she can cry just thinking about how adorable and fleeting these moments are.

Today I...

Mommy asked me if I could read my Bible to my baby doll. I sat down on the floor, put the baby in my lap and flipped through the pages of my copy of "Baby's First Bible." I couldn't be any cuter.

Today I...

Said a muddled version of "goodnight" when Daddy put me in my crib for bed. He said it was the cutest thing he'd ever heard.

Today I...

Was reading a book with Mommy, and I kept pinching at the pictures on the pages. Mommy had no idea what I was doing until she remembered I have a sticker book that I like to pull stickers from. I was trying to pull the pictures off the pages thinking they were stickers. I am so cute it hurts.

Today I...

Tried a pickle for the first time. And, being the sophisticated baby that I am, I didn't make a sour face or spit it out. No! No! I wanted more! More pickle! Plus, the word "pickle" makes me giggle like crazy.

Today I...

Spent about an hour in the pool. I used to love to get in my little inflatable boat, but now I am much too grown up for that. I want to swim like the big girls do and jump off the side of the pool. Mommy and Daddy aren't letting me do that yet, but I want to try!

I also visited with my new friend Gavin. He was rather stoic and didn't seem to care whether I was there or not, but I enjoyed pointing at him and playing with his car seat.

Today I...

Indicated myself. I have finally learned who this "Annabelle" person is. When asked "where is Annabelle?" I now know to point at myself. Mommy and daddy delight in asking me just as much as I delight in showing them!

Today I...

Went with Mommy to Nana's house to pick her up. I got Nana and Poppy's "Big Book of Animals" and brought it home with me. I so enjoy looking at the pictures of real animals and pointing to them and being told what they are. On the ride back home, Nana was showing me the pictures. I kept pointing at a picture of a bird called a "toucan." Every time Nana said the word "toucan," I laughed and laughed and laughed.


I also went in the pool with Mommy, Daddy and Nana. Nana and I had fun playing in the spa. She'd hold my hands and let me splash into the spa. Daddy cooked chicken on the grill. It was good!

Today I...

Spent the afternoon with Daddy, Mimi, Papaw and Auntie LeeLee. We went to The Cheesecake Factory, where I had yummy macaroni and cheese.

Today I...

Walked over to Mommy with a book. Then I crawled into her lap to sit with her while she read to me. I also watched a playoff hockey game -- well, sort of.

Today I...

Tried to blow Mommy a kiss. She was blowing kisses to me and I put my little hand over my mouth and made a kissing sound. It was the height of adorable, I am told.

Today I...

Got my picture taken at J. Pamela and I was so very funny and aborable.

Today I...

Went to visit my Mimi and Papaw and Auntie LeeLee. When I got home, Mommy and I played a fun game where I tried to crawl away from her. when she caught me I squealed with delight and buried my head in the pillows.

Today I...

Had furniture delivered. It was a dresser from my Mimi. Mommy says she'll take pictures of it and put them online so everyone can see the beautiful gift. And I tried a popsicle (green a.k.a. lime) for the first time.

Today I...

Was miserably sick. I caught my cold from Daddy who has to work with all these sick people everyday. This is the very first time I have been ill since I was born Mommy says. I hope I get over it soon. Mommy said she heard me coughing all night last night.

Today I...

I had a horrible runny nose and have been sick.

Today I...

Spent the entire day with Mommy! We played in the water, played with my toys, made lunch, had a nap, and played some more. It was fun!

Today I...

Said "WOW!" when Daddy opened the back door for us to go outside. It was hilarious. Nana said it was one of the funniest things she'd ever heard.

Today I...

Wore a cute little green outfit for St. Patrick's Day. I went to the mall with Mommy and Nana. I got to cruise all around in my stroller and look cute. I've been in a bit of a grumpy mood lately. I pout now when I don't get my way. And these days I really want to be outside with my feet in the pool -- all the time.

Today I...

Had my first friend over. Gavin W. came with his mommy and daddy (Miss Gigi and Mr. Carlo) to my house for dinner. Gavin was in his car seat sleeping and I was just so curious about him. I kept peeking in to see what he was doing. One time I reached out to touch him on the nose -- to see if he was real or something. It was fun to have a visitor, even if he slept the whole time!

Today I...

Made funny sounds and made myself laugh. It was so very adorable, as am I.

Today I...

Dipped my little toes in the pool and laughed and laughed. Then I kicked and kicked and kicked my feet. Mommy and Daddy think I am going to be quite the water baby. Silly Mommy and Daddy! I already am!

Today I...

Refused to take my nap. I went from 8:50 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. without a nap. Mommy needed a nap by the time I finally went to sleep -- and took one.

Today I...

Said "gig 'em" and help up my thumb. It was adorable.

Today I...

Slept until 11 a.m.! Mommy said she kept coming in to check on me, but I was fast asleep. I guess this weekend, with the shower and the visitors just wore me out.

Today I...

Tapped mommy on the shoulder repeatedly and said, "Mama! Mama! Mama!" I also said "Nanny" while I was talking to Nana on the phone.

Today I...

Attended Baby Winter's baby shower. All the ladies thought I was very cute and said I looked "just like my Mommy." All of the people kind of scared me though and I started to cry, so Daddy took me upstairs.

Today I...

Mimicked mommy and daddy cleaning. There was something on the carpet and mommy and daddy were cleaning the rug. Mommy gave me a piece of paper towel to hold. As soon as she did, I started moving my hand like I was cleaning too. I was the most adorable, precious thing ever.

Today I...

Ate some of daddy's pasta. Mommy had made lunch and wasn't sure if the sauce turned out good or not. I thought so. I ate several pieces. I like to put my hand in my mouth when I have solid food in there. I like to push the food against my lone tooth.

Today I...

Got my first taste of The Cake Lady's buttercream frosting. And, for the first time ever, I did not take a nap. No nap! Up all day, just like the big girls. Poor Mommy. After today, she needed a nap.

Today I...

Tried some of Mommy's homemade mashed potatoes. I also went on a long walk and went for a ride in the swing.

Today I...

Said "bye" to Auntie Gigi and Uncle Carlo. I waved and everything. It was a first. I am adorable!

Today I...

Wished Mommy a Happy Birthday. I ate Cheerios and guacamole! I was very active a did a lot of fast crawling and pulling myself up to a standing position.

Today I...

...Experienced a New Year's Day for the first time.

Today I...

Went for a ride in my new red wagon. I also tasted and loved mommy's homemade blueberry muffins. I opened Christmas presents for the first time and got scared by Tickle Me Cookie Monster. Nana and Poppy gave me a magical Pooh Bear book that I just adored. I wanted to read it again and again.

I also tried Nana's marshmallow Christmas cookies and loved them.

Today I...

Met Santa Claus!

Today I...

...tasted guacamole for the first time and loved it.

Today I...

Waved "goodbye" to Auntie LeeLee when she left to go home. I am told it was adorable.

Today I...

Tried a little taste of a biscuit with gravy on it. I chewed. Swallowed. Then, with a very serious look said, "num." It was the cutest thing ever. Mommy and Daddy can't stop talking about it. It's a bit embarrassing.

Today I...

...took my own shirt off! Mommy was amazed.

Today I...

Went to visit daddy's old clinic. I saw my doctor. I didn't get any shots. I saw all my old friends: Miss Sheila, Katie, and the rest of the gang. I waved, I said "hi," to everyone in the clinic. I think I was a big hit!

I also went to PetsMart and laughed at the cats, the birds and the rats. We saw the mice too.

Today I...

Waved to mommy and said, "hhhhhaaaa..." She came in to get me this morning and said "hi" and waved. I waved back and said "hhhhhaaaaa." Later, I was in my walker and I turned to mommy, put my hand in the air and waved. When mommy said, "hi!" I said, "hhhhaaaa..." and waved. I am so cute.

Today I...

Said my first word: Mama! And I like to say it over and over and over. "Mama! Mama! Mama! Mama! Mama!" I am cute.

Today I...

Spent most of the day with Daddy while Mommy went to appointments. Then we met Auntie Kerber and her brother. We had fun watching the Thrashers at Jocks and Jill's.

Today I...

Grabbed Daddy's muffin, crumbling it in my hands before putting it my mouth. Mommy said I am just too cute.

Today I...

Stood up on the tips of my toes and my hands -- like I was doing a pushup. It was so very cute.

Today I...

Tried a lime for the first time and, believe it or not, I liked it! No sour faces from me. I am tres sophisticated.

Today I...

Made this hilarious "ggggggg" sound in the back of my throat. Mommy laughed and laughed.

Today I...

Spent the morning with Daddy. I visited Miss Sheila and Miss Katie and all the wonderful ladies at the John's Creek Clinic. Mommy and I miss seeing them more often. I also spent the evening with my Nana while Mommy and Daddy went to a hockey game.

Today I...

Held my hand in the air and made a waving motion. Mommy and Daddy said "hello" and "hi" in a distinctive tone of voice, which I responded to in the same tone of voice.

Today I...

Waved "hello" to Mommy and Daddy and said, "Hhhhhhhh..."

Today I...

Rode in a car with Nana and Mommy. I was a good girl the whole way.

Today I...

Sat up all by myself!

Today I...

Woke up at my Nana's and spent the morning playing with Nana and Poppy. Then I got to spend the evening with my Mimi and Papaw.

Today I...

Rode in the car for a really long time, but I didn't notice it really because I was asleep the whole time.

Today I...

I saw Clifford the Big Red Dog and laughed and laughed.

Today I...

Laughed and laughed when Mommy and Daddy kissed my cheeks at the same time.

Today I...

Took a sip from a real cup. Not a sippy cup. Yay me! And yay water!

Today I...

Went to Circuit City with Mommy and Daddy. On the way out, a woman told me how beautiful I was.

Today I....

Looked down when I dropped something. I also rolled onto my tummy and started creeping slowly -- backwards, then I manged to maneuver myself about 90 degrees.

Today I...

Went shopping with my Mimi and Auntie LeeLee. Mimi bought my daddy a tuxedo!

Today I...

Got to see my Daddy! Mommy and I have been in Houston for two weeks now. I've missed my Daddy.

Today I...

Went to Mommy and Poppy's favorite dive: Dos Mas. Mommy says the best Mexican food is from little hole-in-the-wall places. Plus, she says, she has really happy memories of good times and good friends at Dos Mas.

Today I...

Slept a long time. I was really tired out from traveling to see Gigi and Carlo.

Today I...

Spent all of the morning with Daddy since Mommy and I are going to be in Houston for a while and I won't get to see him. Then we went to The Woodlands with Papaw, Nana and Poppy to see Gigi and Carlo.

Then we went out for dinner and the waitress was rude to Mommy. She doesn't know that's not allowed!

Today I...

Opened my mouth like a little baby bird when I saw my spoon. Mommy and Daddy said it was ridiculously cute. Of course it was -- this is me!

Today I...

Spent the whole day with my Nana and Poppy. We had fun.

Today I...

Ate more applesauce and I love it! It's my favorite!

Today I...

Spent the night at Mimi's house!

Today I...

Rode in a car for a really long time. I slept most of the way while Mommy drove. Mommy says I am a good baby.

Today I...

Had some applesauce for the first time and I loved it!

Today I...

Went for a walk in my stroller with Daddy!

Today I...

Rolled over and over and over again! I am a pro at it!

Today I...

Held my blanket in front of my face, then pulled it away when Mommy and Nana said, "peek-a-boo!"

I also continued rolling over like crazy.

Today I...

Rolled over very quickly. I started going and bada-bing-bada-boom! I was over on my tummy. I am quickly perfecting the art of turning over.

Meanwhile, I am trying to teach myself to crawl. I am not there yet though.

Today I....

Spent the day with Nana and Poppy while Mommy went to a funeral. I also rolled over from my back to my front -- both ways.

Today I...

Got scared of my Tickle Me Elmo doll. Mommy's good friend Jennifer got it for me and we just took him out of the box. When Elmo says, "You tickled Elmo!" and starts laughing, it kind of scares me.

Today I....

Was so tired. I think my busy baptism day led to extreme tiredness. I slept a lot today. Mommy held me in her arms for several hours straight, while I smiled and giggled in my sleep.

Today I...

Got baptized!

Today I...

Rolled over from my tummy to my back all by myself.

Today I...

Spent about 30 minutes in my bouncy chair. I got so excited and jumped so high I scared myself.

Today I...

Slept in my big girl crib until 5:30 a.m.!

Today I...

Visited the doctor and got three shots. I cried and cried. Mommy held my hand and cried with me. She gets really upset when I am hurt. Now I am asleep in my crib, with a bandage on each thigh. It doesn't hurt as much as it did: Mommy and Daddy kissed it better.

Today I...

Went to North Pointe Mall and rode around in my stroller.

I also rode in an elevator and received many compliments on how cute I am. Women seem to love my baby Mary Jane socks! Thanks Auntie Gigi!

Today I...

Woke up at 4:30 in the morning and started babbling. Mommy said I sounded a little bit like a stuttering person trying to get a word out. She said it was cute. Naturally! It's me! Annabelle. My name is synonymous with cuteness.

Today I...

Turned over in my sleep and slept on my tummy for a brief while. (Then Daddy came in and woke me up.)

I also rolled over on my tummy going right. Then rolled over on my tummy going left!

Finally, I slept in my big girl crib for the first time ever.

Today I...

Somehow turned myself 180 degrees in my crib. Daddy put me in my bed and my head was facing north. When mommy looked in on me a few hours later, my head was facing south. I am an amazing little creature.