The beginnings of Independence

As Jennie's abilities and talents increase, so does her budding sense of independence. She likes to do some things herself, and likes to do lots of things her way!

Most of this new sense of "independence" comes during meal times. I think this is because she has figured out that she can exert a little control over the situation... she can refuse to eat things, throw them, and blow raspberries instead. I am pretty sure there are no foods she has tried that she dislikes, but certainly there are times when she doesn't chose to eat them! Besides food choices, she certainly has other demonstrations of independence during meal times. She often likes to grab for the spoon coming at her mouth, and gets a little mad when I don't give it to her. She will then decide that she will not continue to eat unless she gets to hold a spoon on her own. I personally can't wait until she can feed herself. I really don't mind that she is into her own spoon! Jennie also likes to take off her bib. It is so funny to see her do it. She looks you square in the eye, grabs the bib, and starts to pull it off (pausing about half way to see your reaction). This morning, I said the big-bad "N" word - "No Jennie, keep your bib on." She then put her hands down and cried. To me, it was kind of funny, because she clearly had no reason to cry other than not getting her way.

Jennie also starting to "get it" with dressing and undressing. At bath time, she always pulls her own shirt off once Justin or I get her arms out. When getting dressed, she knows where to put her legs and arms to get into her clothes. I am a little nervous for the inevitable stage where she only wants to wear clothes that she picks out herself.... well, maybe I am a little curious, too! I mean, I am sure the outfits she selects will be more interesting than the matchy-matchy ones that I pick out!

Nothing really says "growing up" and "independence" like up-right mobility! Jennie has this adorable scooter/walker that she has started bombing around the house in (see video below). At first, she needed us to hold it a bit to keep it from going to fast, but now she has enough balance to push it around on her own. It is surreal to see her "walking" around our apartment - she looks so little, but like a big girl at the same time!  She'll be walking all on her own in no time I think.


In only a few weeks, Jennie will no longer be our little "infant." She will officially be a toddler! Every day that goes by will reveal more and more "independence" - from eating, to getting dressed, to going to bed, and on and on! Along with that will be tantrums, but I am sure it will be fun and exciting to see her do things on her own... that is, until she is about 12 or 13 and thinks she can do everything on her own, and whatever she wants... and will hate me, and want to borrow a car, and... oh my. I'm going to enjoy her childhood as much as possible. Teenage years are too scary to think about right now!

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Daddy and Jennie horsing around in the leaves

Jennie is now 11 months old. She has been developing quite the personality over these last few months, and it seems to be really taking shape lately. I can't get over how such a little girl can have such a big personality. Jennie is expressive, determined, curious, bossy, independent, loud, lovey, coy, outgoing... I could go on forever!

I love that she tries to hold back her giggles when we tickle her, but always busts out with giant belly laughs. She now knows that when Daddy gets home in the evening, it is time to horse around. Jennie can't get enough of bouncing in Daddy's arms, "falling" backwards, and getting tickled. It is so cute to see her look at Justin while in his arms, waiting for him to "drop" her. She even throws her own head backwards and giggles if he takes to long!

Mom, does this thing work?
How do I get the Wiggles??

Jennie's curious streak is definitely coming out big time! This combined with her determination (....determined to get what she wants, that is) have created quite a busy girl. She is speed crawling all over the apartment to get her hands in what ever she can - pulling up and down on all furniture and climbing on everything. She pretty much loves anything that she is not supposed to get into - like tearing apart the shelves of Daddy's night stand, or emptying the recycle bin. She frequently gets up on her tip-toes to try and reach objects. I find this simply adorable! She also already has that tell-tale sign of when she is doing something she shouldn't - she gets very quiet! It is so funny how all kids seem to do that. One day, some generation of tots will learn that becoming silent is a parents first sign of the kid getting to trouble.

Yes, Mom?

Jennie also has the best "Who, me? What? I'm not doing anything wrong" face (see next pic). This one was taken when she was crawling behind the recliner in our living room, digging through old magazine and such. I said, "Oh Jennie, what are you doing?" and she looked up at me with that face, smiled, and went right back to her business! So cute! Jennie also knows what the word "No" means, but rarely acts accordingly by stopping her action that caused the "no." If you say, "Jennie, no" when, for instance, she is trying to knock over the kitchen trash barrel, she looks at you, takes her hand away, pauses, and then tries to touch the barrel again (of course looking back at you to see what will happen). After a few rounds of this game, she them will sit and pout (and sometimes fake cry) because she can't have what she wants. Oh Jennie, the first of so many things that you will want and we'll say, "NO!"

Perhaps my favorite part of Jennie's personality these days is how she acts when we go to the grocery store (or Target, or the Mall...). This girl LOVES to shop! I mean, she is such an outgoing little flirt at the store. She sits in the cart, and waves at everyone she sees, usually adding a "Hi" as well. She does her happy yelling (or singing, as I call it) up and down the aisles. Jennie tends to be the "life of the party" when we go shopping. She delights other Mommies out with their kids, and all the elderly people who are out and about mid-day on a Monday. It simply amazes me that she smiles and laughs at all the strangers! She even gets coy with the check out clerk - when they say hi, or tell her she's a pretty girl, she smiles, giggles, and looks away. Look out boys.... she's got this down pat already!

Jennie has so many great characteristics already - ones that I hope she carries with her as she grows up. I mean, who doesn't want their little girl to be curious, independent, and determined? But, above all, I am just so proud that she is happy - that will always be my number one priority!

Hmm.... what is this....  almost there....!

Growing like a weed... or like a daisy?

To a baby, Halloween must feel like complete torture. Their parents dress them up in bulky, uncomfortable (but adorable) costumes, and parade them around the office, the neighborhood, grandma and grandpa's house... etc. Then, they are dragged door-to-door in chilly weather for more pictures, flashes, and oohs and ahhs. To top it all off, they don't even get to eat any of the candy that they get in their completely-for-show treat bags. Oh, to be a baby...

But hey - the parents all have a great time! On Thursday the 28th, Jennie ventured out to Justin's company party that they have every year for the kids. Then on Halloween, she went to trick-or-treat around Watertown and saw her great-grandparents, her great-aunt and uncle, and various cousins, including her best-bud Owen. Amazingly, our dainty little flower was A-OK with her daisy hat - she didn't try to rip it off once!

I realized on Halloween that Jennie's "first holidays" are quickly coming to a close! She's got Thanksgiving coming up, but then she will be 1 year old! How on earth did that happen?? Christmas this year will be her second... our little flower is growing up so fast - after all, she is well nurtured, watered regularly, and gets plenty of sun ;)