Visiting!

See me with my great grandpa and grandma Abma? They came to visit all the way from New Jersey! I was so excited to see them. I jumped up and down and waved my arms.
The first part of my day was a little crabby. My mouth hurt! Mom thinks she sees another tooth coming next to the one I'm already working on. I was sleepy and just wanted to snuggle. Mom held me a lot, even though she was trying to get the laundry all done. It's all clean and now she has a lot of folding left to do. It's hard to do that with one hand!
I was much happier when I woke up from afternoon nap. I said hi to the girls next door, and then it was time to visit! I smiled for everyone and played with my toys and books. I showed off how I stand and how I crawl.
We all went out for dinner at 8th Street Grille. I sat in a highchair and nibbled at puffs and bits of french fry. There were other babies there to wave to! Dad heard me squealing all the way from the soup bar. He knew my squeak! Mom brought my pacifier and I think she gave it to me so I would be quieter.
When we got home I got ready for bed and now Daddy and I are cuddling after my snack. I'm starting to yawn and snuggle. Soon I'll be in bed! Good night!

Big girl playing

I'm having so much fun this week! I'm working hard on my crawling skills and getting into anything I can reach. I have so much fun crawling around!
Yesterday I went to Grandma's while Mom worked. She was really busy! Grandma and I had a fun day. I ate lots and lots and took good naps. I showed Grandma my crawling and how I eat puffs.
Today I went to visit Allison! She was napping most of the time we were there. We were very excited to see each other when she woke up! She can say my name! I can't talk back yet, but I point and smile.
After my nap, Daddy took me along to play disc golf at Jaycee Park. Mom and I walked in the stroller. Mom helped me slide down the slide! I made her give me lots of slides. I waved my hands and yelled! See me sitting at the bottom of the big slide? Mom won't let me slide on my own yet. She has to hold my bottom so I don't fall over. Someday I'll be big enough to do it all on my own.
After all that fun, we stopped to see Grandma and Grandpa. Grandma gave me a new counting book. She read it to me and I laughed and the counting sheep and horses and ducks. Mom and Dad got some books too, for an anniversary present. They have been married almost seven years! Wow.
Now Daddy is snuggling me to sleep after my bedtime snack. I have to rest up! I'll get to see my great grandpa and grandma tomorrow. They're coming all the way from New Jersey! I hope they are having a good drive.
Good night everyone!

I get around!

I'm getting so big! I crawled all the way across the living room rug today. I wasn't very fast or very coordinated but I got myself over to Mommy and my sleepytime blanket. Mom was so excited she called Daddy and Grandma to brag. She didn't get a picture of me crawling, but she did get one of me waking up from my nap. I stand up and push things out of my crib.
I had a rough night last night. My teeth bug me! I woke up early, so Daddy got up with me and fed me my cereal. I went back to sleep after that for just a little while. When I squeaked again, Mommy got up and fed me breakfast again! That's right, I got two breakfasts! Mom and Dad should tell each other these things, don't you think? I didn't want much for lunch after that, but I ate my dinner all up!
After dinner we went to Daddy's softball game. We can just call Daddy "Pudge" because he is a good catcher. He had some good plays and some good hits. He was up at the bottom of the last inning with two outs but he did not live up to Uncle Rich. I forgot to tell you about that! Grandma reminded me in her comments. Uncle Rich hit a grand slam with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning to win the game for his team last Wednesday. We are all impressed. Daddy's team lost tonight, but they played really well. Mommy tried to teach me "Swing batter, batter" but all I can say is Ba ba da da ba! That's close enough, isn't it?
Now I'm playing with Daddy and laughing at him. I'm crawling around on the rug and inspecting all my toys. I'm yawning a little. It's time for bed!

Home again

Wow. My beach vacation is over already. I'm all worn out with the fun. I fell asleep cuddling Mommy while Daddy loaded our stuff into the truck.
Our last night was fun, or so Mom and Dad tell me. I was sleeping. Mom and Dad watched the Tigers win and took a walk to the General Store for ice cream. They packed stuff up so they wouldn't be so busy this morning. All my grownup family sat around and talked until they had to go to bed, too.
I was awake on and off through the night. Mommy used the Tylenol! I think I was sad that vacation was over with. Daddy says not to worry, we can still go to the beach and swim again sometime.
When we got home, I went with Mom and Dad to get groceries. I rode in the cart and told stories to Daddy the whole time. After a long nap, I woke up to play a little. Mom and Dad got dinner from Logan's and Mom shared her baked sweet potato! She mashed a couple chunks up for me and I spent dinner time squishing the pieces and shoving them into my mouth. I ate them all up by the time Mom and Dad were finished! I knew the taste but I liked the new chewy feeling. I giggled and grabbed.
I was so tired after dinner that I cuddled right into my crib. Daddy lowered it today so I can't fall out when I pull myself up. He always keeps me safe! I'm going to sleep well tonight after my eventful week!

Water baby!

Do you know that I love the water? I had another day by the beach! Of course I had all kinds of fun. Look for some new video soon, Grandma and Grandpa!
I got up early this morning but Daddy was already gone to go golfing with my uncles and Grandpa. He did pretty good! He even got par on one hole. My uncles really like to golf. I got up and Mom fed me breakfast. She had to make two bowls of cereal because I threw the first one all over the dining room! I got my hands in it and squished it on my head. After we got all cleaned up we went for a walk to the beach. I watched puppies and seagulls and played in the sand. We walked around all the cottages and I got sleepy.
After nap, we went to the beach! I wore my bright suit and my new hat. Mom and Dad put me in the floaty! I love it! I kick my feet and wave my hands. After that I sat in the sand and let the waves roll into me. It was so much fun! Uncle Rich was afraid that I would get knocked over but I have pretty good balance.
I was so tired after all my playing that Mommy had to take me back to the cottage and let me nap. When I woke up, Mom and Dad were there and Daddy was holding me when I made a big stinky one! We played until dinner time. I tried a new food - sweet potatoes with corn. It was really good! The grownups ate Sluggo's pizza. It's the last night at the cottage and that meant pizza night.
After dinner we took a picture all together on the beach. I stayed awake just long enough to give a big smile. I went right to sleep when we got back. I had a busy busy day!

Tooth day

I'm getting a tooth today. I'm pretty unhappy about it. I cried and cried last night. Mom and Dad took me for a walk to the General Store and Daddy let me lick his ice cream, but even that didn't help. I was up so late! Mom and I finally fell asleep laying on her bed.
When I woke up in the morning, Mommy could see my tooth! I've been chewing everything in sight and whining about it. Mom has given me lots of Tylenol! I don't feel well and just want my Mommy. Sometimes Daddy is OK, too.
I did take good naps today. See me sitting sad on Daddy's lap getting a good cuddle? Its nice on the couch at the cottage. I hear birdies through the window! And when we go to the beach I see lots of seagulls. One pooped on Grandma's towel. Yuck!
I didn't go to the beach today. I was grumpy and it was windy. Mommy spent some time sunning and swimming. There were fun waves for her to jump in. Maybe we'll go walking tonight and I can play with some sand.
I hope I sleep better tonight. I'm sitting on the blanket playing right now, and soon we'll go for my walk. Then it will be nurse and cuddle time. Our beach week is going so fast!

Another day at the beach

I went to the beach again today! This place is so much fun! I sleep in my packnplay and wake up while Mom and Dad watch me. First I open my eyes just a peek. Then I roll over and stretch. I make a few squeaks to get some attention. If that doesn't work, I sit up and scratch at the side of the crib and make louder noises. Finally, Mom picks me up and gets breakfast going. Then we go out for a walk or sit and play. Today I watched Sesame Street with Ally. I like Ernie! When he came on to sing about rubber duckies, I jumped up and down on Mom's lap, waved my arms and yelled. I like Elmo too. Ally points to him and tells me his name.
Mom let me try banana chunks for lunch today. I had fun squishing them and waving them on the way to my mouth. I'm pretty good at chewing! Right now I'm begging for graham crackers from Daddy. It's a whole new world of food!
After my nap and lunch we went down to the beach! Mom let me sit in her chair. Mostly I stay in the shade under the umbrella but I did get to put my toes in the water. All that fun tired me out so Daddy carried me back to the cottage. I fell asleep before we even got back to the house and I took a good long nap until dinner time. I had pears an oatmeal for my dinner and then watched everyone else eat steak. Uncle Rich grilled them and they looked good! Mommy says I can have a little next year.
Now we are sitting and watching the Tigers. I'm sitting on my feet scooting around. Last night I crawled a little bit! I went from Daddy to Mommy. I didn't get very far but I think that I've got the idea.
Soon it will be time for me to go to bed. Daddy is going upstairs to change my diaper and snuggle me into a sleeper. I think that everyone has more fun after Ally and I go to bed but I can't prove it. I hear something about another poker game...what do these grownups do without child supervision??

Surfer girl

Another day at the beach! I like the cottage. I get to stay up late and eat all kinds of stuff and play with everybody any time I want to. I stayed up a little late last night but I slept pretty well. I woke up and Mom fed me a big breakfast. Then Mom and Dad took me for a walk around the neighborhood before their breakfast. After that, Mom and I took a good nap while Dad and Uncle Rich played frisbee golf. After my lunch, Mom put my bathing suit and sunblock on and we all went to the beach! I played with beach toys and then Mom and Dad took me out in the water! I loved it! I rode in the floaty and squealed when the waves moved me up and down. It was breezy today and there were some good waves. I waved my hands and yelled. Maybe someday I will go visit Daddy's cousins in Massachusetts and surf with them! I didn't want to get out of the water. Mom let me sit on the edge of the water and feel the waves splash on me.
When I got out of the water, I sat under the beach umbrella and played with the beach ball and toys. Grandma gave me my first graham cracker! I made a little mess out of it. I really liked it! Mom didn't realize I could chew that well. I'm a smart baby!
All that excitement tired me out. Mom had to take me back to the cottage. She had to rinse the sand off my bottom! I ate and ate and then we cuddled on the couch until I couldn't keep my eyes open anymore. I'm just finishing up my nap now. When I wake up we might walk down to get ice cream from the Ottawa Beach General Store. Then I'll go to sleep for the night. I wonder what fun we'll have tomorrow!

Big strong girl

Guess what I did today! I stood up all on my own. I didn't need to climb on Mommy or grab for a chair. I just got my feet under me and stood up while we were all hanging out on the deck. I was surprised! I stood for a few seconds and then sat down on my blanket. Uncle Rich said I looked like someone who stood up on water skis for the first time...not quite sure what to do but pretty excited to be there!
Today was another day at the cottage. I had a hard time getting to sleep last night. It was hot and my teeth were bugging me. Mommy left the Tylenol at home! She went to get it today, though and I feel much better. Mommy was supposed to work today but she got to be on call instead. I liked having Mommy and Daddy all to myself today! I went for a jog with Daddy in the morning and then played with all my family all day long. I like climbing on Uncle Rich and laughing at Ally. It was hot but the breeze was nice out on the deck.
I just woke up from a nap. My napping schedule is a little off, but I think I'm getting enough sleep. I've been enjoying play time and eating time. I had milk, oatmeal and peaches for dinner tonight. Yummy. Now I'm going to sit on my blanket downstairs and watch the Tigers play the Nationals. I'll have to move for a minute because Grandma is vacuuming up the sand we track in from the beach. It feels like it might rain and we're all going to hang out inside and have fun tonight!

Happy Father's Day!

See me and my daddy? We went for a walk early this morning. I was not at home in my crib when I woke up! I was at the cottage. We came here last night. I've been very busy checking everything out. I did not want to waste time going to sleep last night! I could not find my sleep and it upset me. I finally got comfy in my packnplay and slept so well all night long. When I woke up, Mommy fed me and then Daddy and I walked to the beach to see the sun come up. It was very hot! I fell asleep in my sling on the walk back. Daddy put me down and I snoozed for a while. In the afternoon, I played with Ally and with the toys I have here. I scoot around and pull myself up on people's legs. I've been so excited I wave my hands and talk. Right now I'm sitting on my blanket reading MooBaa and laughing at Daddy.
I might be fussy because I'm working on a tooth! Mommy felt it when I chewed her finger today. She can't see it yet, but maybe soon! We'll do a chomper check every morning!
My plans for tonight are to play with anyone who will pick me up and then to sleep well. Tomorrow we're going to the beach if it isn't too hot! I sat in the sand last night and studied it. It seems like fun! We're going to have a great week!

I went to Calvin!

See me at Calvin! I went to visit Grandpa at Synod. We ate dinner in the Commons! Mom and Dad used to eat there when they went to Calvin. I had some bites of jello, mashed potatoes and ice cream. Thanks Daddy! Then we walked over to visit Beets Veenstra where Mom and Dad lived. That's where they met each other!
I had a very good day today. For most of the day I hung around with Mommy and Grandma. I took good naps and Grandma learned to feed me my veggies and oatmeal. We had fun. We took a trip to Meijers so Grandma could get munchies for her trip back to New Jersey tomorrow.
Mom is making her list of things to bring to the cottage. Everyone keeps talking about this place very excitedly. I have to check it out! Mom is packing my bathing suits and onesies and some of my toys and books. She says that I'll see Ally all week long! And a whole week with Mommy, Daddy and Grandma and Grandpa! And my aunt and uncles. Wow.
Grandma is reading me some stories and soon I'll be getting ready for bed. I'm blinking my eyes a little. Good night, everyone.

Did you miss me?

Aunt Ellen says she is tired of reading about picnics. She needs an update! I'll apologize for Mommy, she was not feeling very well the last few days. She took good care of me but didn't have energy left to blog.
I was a good baby and had a busy time! I'll hit all the highlights for you. On Friday I was planning on seeing Grandpa and Grandma but their plane was canceled! Grandpa and Mr. Watson had to drive all night to get to Synod on time. I bet they were tired! I went out for dinner with Mom and Dad. We went to 84 East for pasta. I sat in a high chair and looked around. Our waiter was very nice and picked up my rattle when I threw it out of Mommy's reach. He asked if I wanted something to eat, but I showed him that I don't have any teeth and would have to wait until next time. Mom let me sip some of her lemonade through a straw. It was good! But she wouldn't let me have any Coke.
Then on Saturday I watched Daddy in the Lake Macatawa Triathlon. He did pretty well! I watched the bikes come down the hill and cheered "Na na na da da da!!" Dad finished in 2:22:24. Good job Dad! At night I went to Grandma and Grandpa's house so Mom and Dad could go play golf with some friends. It was the first time Mom ever golfed. She did pretty well. I was a good girl until Mom and Dad came to get me.
Mom had to work on Sunday and Grandpa A came to visit me! How exciting! We all went downtown for the big church service at night. I was a very good girl in that big crowd. I fell asleep at the end. We went to visit Mom at work before we went home since Saint Mary's is very close to the VanAndel Arena. I said hi to everyone but I was getting tired and had to go home to bed.
On Monday, Mommy was very tired. We did go watch Daddy's softball game. His team won! Dad had one walk, one hit and one strikeout. I had fun waving my rattle and saying da da da na ba ba yaaaa!
Mom felt a little better on Tuesday. Anika and Hayden and their Mom came over in the morning for a walk to the playground. Mom took me down the slide! It was so much fun. I waved my arms all the way down. Hayden and I strolled next to each other and tried to grab each other's hands across the space. Our Moms thought that was pretty funny.
Today I was very active and playful. I went to visit Grandma and Great Grandma in the afternoon. I played with the new play table and learned to crawl...backwards. I was trying to get to Mommy but just couldn't get going forward!
At night, my Grandma and Grandpa Algera came to see me! We had dinner and then I played in my pool! It's very hot out and it felt good. Grandma brought me froggies to put in my pool and I splashed and played with them. They squirt water when Daddy squeezes them! He squeezed one all over Mommy. When did I say that Mommy and Daddy could play with my toys? We all had lots of fun. Then I got into my pajamas and we all went for a walk. I got very sleepy and now I'm in my crib just peeping a little. I'll be sleeping soon!
What a busy few days! We better not get this behind again.

Picnicking!

I went to a picnic today! It was the church picnic. I had such a busy day on this hot and windy day.
I woke up bright and early and hung out with Daddy while he got ready for work. I tried to climb out of my seat, but he caught me. He's to quick for me! Daddy will keep me safe. Then we woke Mommy up and started the day.
After my morning nap Mom and I went to Grandma's house. We went shopping with Grandma, Aunt Ellen and Ally. I had fun riding in my stroller. We stayed at Grandma's for a while and I played with all the fun toys there. But then I got sleepy and had to go home for a nap.
After that nap, we went to the picnic at Teusink's Farm. It's in Holland near Mom and Dad's old apartment. It was hot and windy, but Mommy kept me out of the sun and wind. Mom and Dad ate grilled chicken and I ate my green beans. Mom did let me have some of her ice cream. It was strawberry and I liked it! After dinner we went to see the animals. I saw goats and horses, a pig and a cow,. I know those animals from MooBaa! After that we went for a carriage ride behind big horses. I stood on Daddy's lap and waved my arms! Then I hopped on a hayride. There were bunnies in the wagon. I watched them hop all over.
After all that, I was sleepy. Mommy and Daddy thought so at least. I think I was just hot. We got home and I ate a lot and then would not go to sleep! I'm sitting on the rug talking with Daddy. Maybe in a little while I'll wind down. Until then I'll sit here and shake my rattle!

Lick a pickle!

I did taste a pickle today! We went to Mom's cousin Catherine's graduation open house today. She will graduate from high school on Friday. Mom and Dad ate their dinner while I watched. Grandpa had a pickle and he let me have a lick! I puckered my face at the strange taste. Daddy gave me another lick and I decided that I liked it but no one would let me have a bite.
There were lots of kids there for me to wave my arms at. Allison and Buckrey were there! I laughed at Ally and she tickled my toes. Buck can crawl now and he has a tooth! Catherine discovered it when he chewed her finger.
I'm home now and getting ready for bed. I didn't take a lot of naps today. Mom and I went out to the library and I snoozed in my stroller while she read for while. But then I wanted to be awake and talking. I have just finished my snack and I'm rubbing my eyes a little. That means it's time for Daddy to read me a story and snuggle! Tonight we're going to read But Not the Hippopotamus. I like that one! Good night everyone!

Play ball!

Happy Monday everyone! I had a busy weekend. Let me catch you up. On Saturday, I went to Grandma's house in the morning while Daddy ran his 5K. Allison was there too because Uncle Nate ran too. Daddy beat him - his time was 22:05. Then Dad and I hung out for the day. I was a good happy girl.
Mommy worked part of Sunday, so I got another day with Daddy. He dressed me in my pretty white dress for church. Daddy does so good with my girly clothes! Mommy got home a little early and I was happy to see her. I slept so well.
Today I let Mommy have a little bit of sleep in. She was happy! Soon after my breakfast Parker came over for the day. I started off our day by getting his silly socks off. Mom put them back on, but I got them again! Why do Mommies think that babies need socks? I think they are only good for chewing. Parker was a little sad in the morning and I did my best to cheer him up. We both took good naps and were very hungry and poopy, so Mom stayed busy!
Daddy had a softball game tonight and Mommy bundled me up to watch. See me all wrapped up! I sat by Hayden and his Mom had him snuggled up too. It started getting much colder and our Moms had to take us into our cars because we were getting chilly. Daddy's team lost in the bottom of the last inning. Daddy had one good hit and scored a run!
Now I'm sitting with Daddy watching hockey. The Red Wings lost but Daddy still watches the Stanley Cup. He is cheering for Ottawa because the Ducks beat the Red Wings. He also thinks that the Ducks is a silly name.
Soon I'll demand my bedtime snack and story. Mommy better finish typing soon! It's time to cuddle up.

Social girl

I was a social girl today. I had lots of places to go and people to see! I had an awake night last night, especially in the early morning. Daddy had to snuggle me a little to calm me down. We fell asleep on the couch. When I woke up, I was ready to go!
After my nap, Mom and I went to garage sales. I got a play table! I can stand by it and make music and push buttons. I stood and played until my legs were so tired! I'm getting better and better at standing. See me practicing at Great grandma's house! I went to visit her for a while. We all went over to Aunt Ellen's where she is still scrubbing those walls. Ally was sleeping, so I didn't get to see her. I had to go home to get my own nap.
After nap and dinner we went to Grandma and Grandpa's house! Everyone was there, and I was so excited! I waved my hands and babbled. Ally is going to stay overnight tonight because her Mom has to be up early to score the Hope Classic 5K. Daddy and Uncle Nate are both running in it.
We all watched the Tigers game. Right now they are winning! I had to go home because I was getting fussy. I try so hard to stay awake when all my family is around but I just get so sleepy! And nine innings is a long time! I had my nighttime snack when we got home and now I'm cuddled in my crib. Yawn!