One Year Ago

Exactly one year ago, we had this...

Today we have this...

One year ago, we had this...

And today, we have this...



A miracle. A gift. And it makes my heart smile.

A Little Climber

AC started walking on June 26th, just after she turned 11 months old. This was for-real walking. You know, letting go of the couch, taking more than 5 or 6 steps, and going wherever her little heart desired. I had been expecting her to walk early because both me and her dad were early walkers. I was surprised when she didn't walk until 11 months. Later the pediatrician informed me that she was an early walker, indeed. She said baby girls typically don't start walking until they are around 14 months old. One might be proud of this first big accomplishment, but veteran parents know what early walking means. It means that Mom and Dad must step up their game, and quick. A few months later, at almost 14 months, I wouldn't call her a walker any longer. I would consider her more of a runner. And a climber. This girl is serious about her physical development. She doesn't say much (that makes sense, anyway), but she sure can hustle. So you probably won't be surprised to hear that today she climbed into her stroller when I wasn't looking. I turned my back to open the back door for the furry child. When I turned back around, there she happily sat in her stroller. I got her down and grabbed my camera, knowing she would try it again. She did. Here it is:

Have a good weekend everyone. Oh, and don't call us tomorrow from 3:30-7:00. Ohio State plays Miami. It's a big deal, so the daddy says. We love you!

Going on a Rock Hunt

Like most kids, my girl loves to be outside. Unfortunately, we don't have a safe place outside for her to play. The new house has a really nice screened patio, but we'll have to wait at least a week to enjoy it. In the meantime, we make due with what we have, the side walk and driveway. It's not too exciting, but it'll do. Besides being outside, my girl also loves rocks. She won't hestitate to eat one either! Nina and Papa can attest to this. I think she ate a few rocks from their driveway the last time we were home. So, when we ventured out for a little outside time this afternoon, naturally my girl went on a rock hunt. (Warning: Picture overload!)

"Let me see if there are some under here!"

What about here?

"Mom! Move with that camera! I'm on a mission!"

Yay! Finally found some!

Showing her rocks to G.

She found a nice cool spot to store her new rocks!

And yes, she tried to eat the rocks...until Mama freaked out (because they look more like barnacle-covered snails) and threw them out when she wasn't looking! Don't worry...she never noticed! Tomorrow is Friday...wooohoooo!

A Toddler Tornado

Her daddy calls her his little tornado. She proved him right today. She is bonafide mess-maker. I must say that most days are slightly tornado-ish when you live with a toddler. She is like a linx, this one. She can sneak into a cabinet, pull out all the contents, and drag them all around the house before I even know she's missing. She was extra special messy today. Maybe it's because I was exhausted (I stayed up WAY too late last night) and didn't have the energy to follow her around and pick up all the stuff she dragged out. Also, she is a strong baby. She can pick up a gallon of water and carry it around. This strength aides in her daily destruction of our house. She is able to push and pull things that I wouldn't even think of (sofa tables, hampers full of laundry, packs of diapers, sacks of potatoes, the trash can, the vacuum, etc.). Daddy thinks she is destined to be an athlete. He hopes so, anyway. I know it's been an exceptionally messy day when Daddy walks through the door in the afternoon and his first words are, "Wow. This place is a disaster." But I must admit, I probably let her explore a little too freely. I have a bad habit of just letting her make a mess if it makes her happy and isn't dangerous. I'm afraid I've created a mess monster. She's going to grow out of this, right?!?!

She has pushed and pulled this pack of paper towels around all week. Well, today she managed to rip it open and here is the result. This is just what you can see. There are more. And yes, that black thing is a scale. She brought that in from the bathroom!

Just taking a little break in the cake pan!

This picture has nothing to do with messes, but I had to throw it in! She loves to climb up on the couch using this step stool. This morning, she stood on it and helped Daddy eat his breakfast.

Just Another Tuesday

Today was very uneventful. We did the usual. You know, a nap, play, eat, an errand or two, and repeat. Here are some pictures of my growing girl who, by the way, has 3 teeth breaking through the gums right now! Pray for me and Daddy (and AC, of course).

Such a big girl!

A little sisterly love!

We hope you had a great Tuesday!

Curls!!

Happy Labor Day! We hope you enjoyed this day by making it laborless, as we did. The only memorable thing that happend here today was a long, fun bath for the baby girl. She has discovered that if she pulls up on the stopper all the water will disappear! I had to run the bath water 3 times before she finally moved on to another toy. After a bath, I usually towel dry her hair (or blow dry if it is bed time), but today I just let it do it's thing naturally. I bet you can guess what happened...

CURLS!!! Daddy said, "She is definetly a Redmon with that hair." Yes, she is, and I love it!!!

My Girl and Her Duck

I've been trying to "clean off" my camera this weekend. As of yesterday, I had about 800 pictures on my memory card. I decided it was time to upload or delete most of the these. As I made my way through this massive collection of pictures, I noticed a lot of them contained the same 2 subjects: my girl and her duck.

When AC was around 9 months, she received a package in the mail from her Uncle Bud and Aunt Emily for Easter. Tucked securely inside was a big yellow duck, as well as other Easter goodies. You should have seen my girl when she laid eyes on this duck. It was love at first sight. They have been inseparable ever since. Here is a video of some pictures that illustrate this little friendship!!