Home again. . .

. . . .sadly, all vacations must come to an end. Lucy was wonderful on the flights home. She only complained a little to being seated for 14 hours! What a trooper!  We can't wait to go back to Wisconsin and play with Great Nana, Great Papa, Aunt Kate, Uncle Rob, and Meghan again.

But first, a few more pictures. . . .
Meghan and Lucy on Chris's swing. (Note flora and fauna on Lucy's pants. She's quite the nature girl. . .)
Gazing adoringly at Uncle Rob on the boat
Inspecting a pine needle. . .
Obsessed with the small things. . .( I think she looks like her Dad when he was this age in this picture)

Wisconsin continues. . . .

Papa reads us a special story about a little lost teddy bear. We lift up all the flaps and encourage him by saying 'tacka! tacka! tacka! tacka! tacka!"  It seems to work.
Just one more chapter! Please!
Happy little cousins in their little moose suits!
They are SOOO BIG!
We love to look at the leaves in the boat! We are having so much fun here in Wisconsin!

Tricks or Treats

The bears here are very nice, and awfully soft. Not at all scary like the ones in Mimi and Papa's kitchen all those years ago!

Lucy at the Eagle River Farmer's Market! Pumpkins, squash, birdhouses and gourds a-plenty!
The cousins!
Lucy chooses her Halloween costume very carefully. . . .

. . .and decides to be "Baby Crocket!"

Wisconsin fun

Amazing leaves! Reds, yellows, and oranges. .  .
Don't mean to complain, Mom, but this life jacket might be a tad snug.
Sea legs. . .
On the swing!

Lucy's first trip to Wisconsin has been WONDERFUL so far. We are enjoying the cool air, colorful leaves, and delicious cheese! (Well, I am, Lucy is allergic to dairy.) We went on a boat ride, sat on the swing, and ate at our favorite restaurant, The White Stag.

ONE!

Dear Lucy,
You are one today, and as I sit and remember your birth, and this past year together, I am overwhelmed with so many emotions I can hardly breathe! Thank you for teaching me notice the simple things like fans, magnets, warm baths, our old beagle's ears, and daddy's hats. Thank you for being patient with me as I learn to take care of you, and fumble with daily life. Thank you for opening up a place in me that is an abyss of love I never knew possible.

I love you!
Love,
Mommy


Do I dare?
YUM!

Ok, this Elmo guy is hilarious!

Lu plays peek-a-boo

This child consistently amazes me! Today she pointed at my eye. I said, "eye.eye.eye." she pointed at her own eye, recognizing the word. From then on, she knew it! Her learning curve is off the charts! Here she is playing peek-a-boo, well, sort of.

Monkey girl

Ok so FINALLY and I mean FINALLY I think we see a couple teeth coming in! The whole family has asked Lucy repeatedly "Lucy?! Where are your toofus-es? Where are your toofus-es?" She's taking it all in stride, and barely even complaining. I guess that comes with the wisdom and strength of being almost one year old.

Hello?!!

I know. I know. I know. After much cheerful heckling from friends and family near and far, I am back on the blog! I could say I've just started a new job. I could say we're remodeling our office. Excuses, excuses. Ok. Sorry folks.
Lucy is growing. She is growing physically, as she is almost 19 pounds now. Her hair is so long, I have to put it up in a little rubber band, or one of the cute and colorful "scrunchies" her Nana Hunt sent over. She is growing developmentally. She plays peek a-boo, stands alone, "cruises" around the furniture, and dances whenever she hears a beat (even when it's just her dad beat boxing!) She is growing verbally. She says dada, mama, all done, and pants just like our old beagle Marcie whenever she sees a dog. She's so funny and such a delight. We are in love with her in every way.