Here I am!

Oh, I've been a busy baby. And I've been a little grumpy lately too. So Mommy got farther and farther behind on the blog...she apologizes.
So what has this big girl been doing? Learning to walk and talk and discover all kinds of things! See me standing with my pretty bows in my hair? I'm not sure I like them and I try to pull them out when I notice Mommy has snuck one in on me. Mommy tells me they are pretties that all girls need. I'll think about it.
I was very good to Mommy last night and slept all night long without a peep! We were both feeling very chipper in the morning. We had a great day!
It's been nice weather here and I was so glad to go outside today. I've been a little fussy for the last few days but by this afternoon happy baby was back! We walked to garage sales and I pointed at all the dogs and said "doggie". I bounced up and down in my stroller and waved at cars. I got two new books! Mother Goose and Touch and Feel Puppies. I like to pet the puppy's fuzzy tummy!
Daddy came home early from work and was there when I woke up from afternoon nap. I was giggly! We went out for dinner to the Crazy Horse Steakhouse. Mom shared her mashed sweet potatoes with me and Dad gave me some crackers to munch. I chugged on my sippy, too. My chugging makes Daddy laugh.
After dinner we went to the beach. We sat by the channel and watched the big boats go in and out. I waved to them! It was a little chilly and I had to wear my purple sweatshirt. Daddy says it makes me look like such a big girl!
When we got home I was ready for my bedtime routine. Mommy has tucked me in and hopes I will sleep like a big girl again tonight!

Playful day

I had a playful day today! I crawled and toddled around the house checking things out from morning to night. See how I got myself in the basket? Mommy thought I was being a very silly girl.
It was hot today and sometimes rainy. We went out in the yard for just a little while this afternoon. I waved at cars! The ice cream truck drove by with it's music playing. I was fascinated.
Today Mommy and Daddy got new sleeping bags. They are nice and will keep us warm when we camp. I liked the boxes. It's fun to climb in them!
Right now I'm having a little playtime before bed. I ate a big dinner and made a stinky diaper. Mommy and I are both a little stuffed up so she set up my Vicks vaporizer in my room. It helps my nighttime cough. Aunt Ellen told Mommy that it helped Ally so I hope it works just as well for me! I think I'll sleep well tonight so I can play all day tomorrow!

Trip to the fair!

Guess what I did today! I went to the Hudsonville Fair! Grandma and Grandpa took me. Allison and Andrew came too! We all had fun. I petted a bunny and waved to goats! I saw pig and cows. Mom's cousin Arend had cows to show at the fair. We said hi. A pig snorted at Ally and scared her. Pigs are big! They are not cute like the pigs in MooBaa. I had fun pointing at everything and seeing the lights on the rides. Grandpa says we'll go again next year! I can't wait.
I had a very good day today. Mommy worked so I went to Grandma's house all day long. She says that Ally and I tore around all over the house. I got all my toys out of the toy box!
At night it rained hard. We sat on Grandma's front porch and watched the lightning until the wind and rain came. Mom and I couldn't leave until it was done storming. Grandpa's neighbors tree lost a big branch! After it was quiet Mom loaded me up and we headed home. I waved bye bye to everyone!
I was very dreamy eyed when we got home but Mom had to wake me a little to change me. Halfway home she smelled a stinky one! I got all changed and into my Pooh pjs. Now I'm peeping a little while I settle in. Good night!

A napping day

See me getting ready for my nap? I need a good supply of pipes. I bring them downstairs in the morning and scatter them around. I found them all before Mommy cuddled me up for morning nap.
I took good naps today. I started the morning with a sneezy nose. I feel better now, but I was a little uncomfortable last night. Mommy gave me Tylenol and I spit it right back at her!
I had a good play day anyway. I pointed and talked to my animals and chased Ozzy. I like to point at the animals Grandpa brought me from Africa. The elephant family is my favorite. I should put a picture of my zoo up sometime.
I was hungry today so I ate all my food up and begged for Mommy's too! It was a little cold and damp during the day so I didn't get to go outside until my walk!
I got to walk with Parker tonight! I haven't seen him all summer. He was in Wisconsin with his Mom and Dad. They are back home now so we could walk again. We had fun watching each other and showing off our new tricks. He can roll over now and likes to sit in the exersaucer. He had his first bowl of cereal today! Now he knows how good that stuff is. I prefer the rice with mixed fruit. Daddy fed me a huge bowl of it in the morning. Dad says it looks like wallpaper paste but he really doesn't know what he's missing.
I went to bed very nicely for Mommy tonight. I like being clean and in my pjs. Tomorrow I'll go see Grandma! I like going to her house. It's nice to visit people who love me! I bet I'll be silly all day long.

Rainy Monday

It's been so rainy! I couldn't play outside at all today. And I had to wear my sweatshirt at night! I had fun anyway. It was nice to be back in my normal routine.
I woke up early and played with Daddy for a while. Then we went to wake up Mommy and Ozzy. I gave Ozzy a big hug. He lets me do that for a little while and then he walks away. I'm not fast enough to chase him yet.
I had a happy morning playing with my toys and reading my books. I enjoyed "Find the Kitten" today. Mommy had to read it over and over! I laughed out loud every time. "Tangled kitten can't get free!" I took a good long morning nap after that.
I was just as happy in the afternoon. I played and napped. I learned how to open the fridge! Someday I'll be helping myself to snacks. Daddy came home just after I woke up from a good afternoon nap, We were silly for a while. Then we did some errands and went to bring Grandma and Grandpa their beach stuff. We borrowed their umbrellas to keep me in the shade. I had so much fun there! I was very giggly. I got clothes from garage sales and from Ally. I will be well dressed this winter! Finally I got a little tired so we packed up to go home. It was chilly so Mommy put a sweatshirt on me. I'm not used to sleeves! I wiggled around to get used to the feeling.
I was almost asleep when we got home. Mommy fed me and put me in my crib. She's heard a few peeps from me but I'll settle in soon. Maybe tomorrow I'll be able to be outside again!

The "Chief Camper" returns

Did you all miss me? I was out being a big girl camper! I had so much fun! Grandma said I was the "chief camper." Mommy and I have not blogged since Monday!
On Tuesday it was rainy and Mommy was on call, so we did skip camping for one day. We went to Grandma's house to hang out! I saw Allison and Andrew. I tried to say baby and patted Andrew. He was sleeping in the bouncy. We went to Fricanos for pizza with all the aunts and uncles for dinner. I grinned at everyone and tried to beg for pizza. I didn't get any but Aunt Ellen let Ally eat two pieces. Only two, though! She got sick once when she ate more than that. At night we went back out to the campground to stay!
Wednesday was a damp and rainy day. We walked to the beach but couldn't sit out there. So Mom and I went downtown with her aunts Linda, Donna and Jeanne. We went to the Holland Peanut Store. It smelled so good! I squealed and begged for the bright candies but couldn't have any. Maybe next time?! Then we went to the Sandcastle toy store. I love to look around in there! There are bright toys to point at and stuffed animals to talk to.
Thursday started out damp and I was fussy at night so Mommy decided I should have my naps at home. I took long ones! Then we headed out to the campground. Grandma and Grandpa came to visit and make hobo pies. I was much better that night.
Friday was very windy! Mommy put me in my Burley jogger and we went out to the pier to see the big waves. She had to zip up the cover so I wouldn't get blasted by the sand. We couldn't sit out on the beach but it was very nice in the campground so we sat around and played. I pointed to a doggie and said "dog"! Mom and Aunt Donna heard me. It's my first word! Daddy is not so sure since he has not heard it yet. I saw so many dogs and was very excited every time. Friday night we packed everything up and went home. I had fun on my very first camping trip!
Today was Daddy's company picnic at Michigan's Adventure. I had a great time! It was too cold and cloudy to go to the water park and to my water slides so we stayed by the other rides. I rode the train, the carousel and the Ferris wheel! We had a yummy picnic in the afternoon with all the people who work at JCI. I ate some baked beans and pasta salad. I got my very own cup of ice cream for dessert! Mommy had to help me finish it but I did my best to eat it up! Soon after lunch it got colder and started to sprinkle so we went home.
I went with Mommy and Daddy to do errands and played around while they put camping stuff away. Then I got so sleepy! Mommy fed me and now Daddy is getting me all ready for bed. What a week I had!

More beach time!

Guess what?! I went to the beach again today! I had so much fun! Mommy says we will go to the beach on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, too. Wow.
I had a good day today. I slept in a little and then got up with Daddy. I was so sleepy after my busy weekend! I ripped around the house for a while in the morning. If you go see Flickr, you'll see what I can do with a box of Rice Krispies! I went down for a big long nap after all my busyness.
After nap I had lunch and then we loaded up for the beach! The weather was beautiful. It wasn't too hot or windy or humid. Mommy slicked me all up with sunblock and we rolled to the beach. When I saw the water I started to squeal, wave my arms and kick my feet. I know this place now and I love it! My aunts were there and so were Mommy's cousins Brandon and Kara. They were so excited to see me! We swam and played peekaboo in the water. They can sneak up on me! Then we went to sit under the umbrella. I played with my pail and shovel from Grandma A. Aunt Ruth fed me some pieces of her cupcake. Yum!!! Finally I started to get sleepy so we walked back for my nap.
When I woke up, I played with the aunts and cousins. I squealed at doggies and played in my packnplay while Mommy made dinner. The grownups had spaghetti. I had a chicken and rice dinner.
After dinner I smiled for a while and then I started getting sleepy. Mommy packed up our stuff and we came home. She has to work tomorrow so I am going to Grandma's house. Then we will go camp all night and all day for the rest of the week! So much sun, sand, playing and treats! I'm having so much fun!

A dirty face is a happy face!

A dirty face is a happy face! Those are the words Mom is living by this week. We're camping! It's the annual Zandstra family campout at Holland State Park. Mommy and Daddy set up our tent and we're hanging out with the aunts, uncles and cousins. I'm having so much fun!
We got out here on Friday night. See me sitting on the air mattress? I sleep in the pack n play and Mom and Dad sleep on the mattress. I like peeking at Mommy when I wake up!
I slept pretty well and woke up early when Daddy got up to take a bike ride with Uncle Neal. They rode to Grand Haven and back! Mom and I played in the tent and I ate my breakfast and got dressed. When we got up, Uncle Bern and Aunt Jeanne were right there in line to hold me! Mommy hardly has to carry me at all. But when I get fussed, she's always right there. I heard Uncle Bern say Grandma was there and I got excited and looked around but MY grandma was at home. Aunt Linda is a grandma too, but I made a sad face. I missed my Grandma! I cheered up soon and tried to steal pancakes from big breakfast. They were made with blueberries that Mom's cousin Shari picked.
I took a nap in the tent, but had to cut it short because it got to hot. So I slept in my packnplay in the shade. When I woke up, we walked to the beach and Grandma and Grandpa were there! They are not camping this week because they weren't sure when Andrew was going to be born. The rest of the family is missing them and the snacks that come with them! I like the graham crackers they brought. They are just right for me to mash and I know how to get them out of the box all by myself!
I had fun at the beach. It was hot but the water was nice. I splashed and laughed and tried to jump out of my float. Mom took me out and let me swim a little in her arms. I love the water! Soon it got to warm for me and we headed home. Mom and I splashed in a shower to get the dirt off me. Mom put me in the pack in play in my diaper and I played and laughed at everyone until we loaded up for ice cream. I got Mommy's cone with both hands! My face was getting dirty! After all that I had to take another nap in the shade.
When I woke up there were all kinds of people sitting in the shade. I hung out with Mom's cousin Matt. We have fun. Then everyone went to make hot dogs for dinner and I roamed through the chairs trying to snitch food. I didn't manage to get anything. Phil and Paula (more Mommy cousins!) brought their big dog to visit and I admired him...from a distance. When he got to close I got a little worried. Phil kept me safe and kept the doggie on his leash. I pointed and babbled at him. Mommy is also impressed by Phil's cookie making skills...yummy chocolate chips!
I was hot dirty and tired by then so we headed home for a scrub and a snooze. But I'm still having fun after my bath. I did get sad when I sat down on a Lego, but Daddy made it all better with a hug. We're snuggling and soon I won't be able to stay awake any more. There will be more camping next week! I can't wait!

I can walk!

Look at me go! I take steps all in a row now. Mommy says I'm walking! She and Daddy seem very impressed. I showed off to Grandma, Great-grandma and Aunt Ellen today, too. I practiced all day. It was all I wanted to do! When Daddy got home I was all ready to show him how I go. I walked 4 feet. Mommy knows this because I walked across 4 kitchen tiles. Daddy tried to get some video, but I decided that I don't walk for cameras. I just grabbed for the camera and babbled. Don't worry, I'll let them get me sometime so everyone in NJ can see.
Can you tell I had a good day? I slept very well and woke up cheerful. I ate a big breakfast and played around until nap time. After nap I went to Grandma's to visit. Andrew was there! He was sleeping almost all the time, but I patted him and pulled his socks off. Mommy and Aunt Ellen won't let me pat him too hard. I pointed at him and tried to say "baby". We headed home when I started to get sleepy.
When we got home, I met another baby! I have a new neighbor boy. His name is Kaeden. Mommy isn't quite sure how to spell it so she is spelling it like the other Kaeden she knows. He is cute and not so little! He weighed 9lb and 13 oz when he was born!
After my sleep I woke up and practiced my walking and tearing the kitchen cupboards apart until Daddy got home. He was playing disc golf and had a very good game! He had lots of birdies.
Now I'm winding down after my big dinner so Daddy is telling me a story and rocking me. I can't resist that. I'll be asleep soon!

Give me food!

I was a silly hungry baby today! I really enjoyed my playtime, my nap time and my eating time. I got up early with Daddy and we played until we had to wake Mommy up. I ate a big breakfast and then we played with blocks and read books until nap time.
After nap I had a big big lunch and then we packed up to go to Aunt Ellen's house. Grandma and Great grandma were there too. I was so excited to see Ally! She wanted me to follow her downstairs but I'm too small to chase down steps. Someday soon I will be able to run around with her. We played until it was her nap time. Then I looked at Andrew while Mommy held him. He was getting sleepy! He had a big spit up, so big that milk came out his nose! He didn't seem too bothered. He was just adjusting his tummy so he could have a comfy nap.
At night, Grandma and Grandpa came over and we took the truck to get a new couch and chair for their porch. I rode along and then spent some time begging for food at Grandma's. I make them laugh at my growling! I move fast and talk loud to get my share. See me sipping Daddy's milk shake? It was good! I had licks of Grandma's ice cream and then I found the puffs and goldfish in my bag. I munched and grinned! But finally I was getting sleepy so it was time to get home. I had a nighttime snack and then Daddy snuggled me to snoozes. What a good day!

Pointing!

See me point? It's my new favorite thing to do. I point at things and babble. Mommy and Daddy tell me what the things are and what they do. I like to point at lights, leaves, cars, people, birds, doggies and kitties, or anything that makes sound or looks interesting. I'm learning so many things!
I had a fun weekend with Daddy since Mommy had to work. We played disc golf and hung out. I took good naps and showed Daddy how fast I can crawl around and get into things.
On Monday I got back into my routine. At night Mom and Dad took me to the library and to the park. I liked watching the fountain. It has pretty flowers around it and makes splashing noises! I pointed and laughed. Then we walked over to downtown and went in the toy store! There were so many fun things. Some of the things Daddy let me try out. He says I might get some new toys when it is my birthday. Mom and Dad stopped to get some ice cream and then we went home. I slept so well!
It was a hot and rainy day today. I took good naps and ate lots and lots! I eat all kinds of things with my hands now. I had banana for breakfast and green bean bits for dinner. We played outside and took a short walk but it is very humid outside. I played drums with bowls and read my books. Finally I was so sleepy I laid my head down on a pillow and Daddy carried me up to my bed. I'm snoozing soundly now to rest up for tomorrow!

I took steps!

I did it! I took steps all on my own! Mom and Dad were very excited. I had been standing and waving all day, getting ready for my big feat. Grandma said I was really trying yesterday but couldn't quite get it right. I just needed some inspiration! Daddy walked in the door after work and saw me standing by the table. He smiled to me and said "come to Daddy, big girl!" So I did! I took three steps toward him. I felt a little shaky and was moving too slow so I finished up by crawling fast to Daddy. He gave me a big hug and smiles. He is very proud of me.
I had a fussy day today. Mommy thinks its a combination of a mixed up schedule and maybe some teething. I wanted to be held and snuggled. So that's what Mom did today. I was happy as long as she was by me. Mom came up with all kinds of things to keep me distracted. See me playing drums with bowls and a grown up spoon? I crawled around chewing on things today.
I went to bed early today and missed Grandma and Grandpa coming to visit! They went to Via Maria for an anniversary dinner. They have been married for 33 years! They were excited to hear about my stepping. Mommy gave them some of my pictures.
Thank you to Grandpa A for mailing me back my fuzzy pink blanket. I left it in New York! Mommy noticed it was gone when I was fussy and she couldn't find my blankie! I survived but I can't wait to get it back.
I'm peeping a little and want some snuggling. Mommy better stop typing and settle me in. Good night!