16 Months: Meeting Great Grandpa Ward

It's been a very eventful month for Rose.  Walking is now her primary means of transportation, and it's practically evolved into running.  She's picked up a few new signs, including "please" and "thank you," and a few more spoken words, like "baby" and "Papa," much to the delight of Grandpa W.  Of course, she still has a little trouble with her p's, so sometime's it's Papa, and sometimes it's Bapa, Paba, or Baba.

We also took a trip up to the Boston area so Rose could meet her Great Grandpa Ward.  But before we get to that, some random cuteness.

Love for cousin Gavin.

Trying a spoon for the first time.  Some food did actually make it into her mouth.

Rose learned how to climb into her little rocking chair, turn herself around, and "rock" herself.  Here she is showing off the new squinty-eyed smile she now gives every time she sees a camera.

Now, off to Boston.

Playing with Aunt Marti.

Cousin Bridget, I can help with your homework if you let me play Baby Smash after.

PARTY!!!!!

Four generations of Wards

Modern Day Last Supper

Look, I can walk AND drink at the same time!

Thanks for letting us stay with you, Aunt Janet!

AND for letting us play with your blocks!

15 Months: Walking with Cousins in Detroit

Rose has done a lot of growing in the last month.  Walking is now her primary way of getting around - after her older friend Ruby showed her how it's done.  She can also now speak about half a dozen words, and can sign about twice as many.

One of Rose's favorite signs is Touchdown!  Unfortunately, she didn't get to use it much the day of the National Championship Game, at least before her bedtime.  But she was dressed for the occasion.  She also loves seeing the leprechaun, especially on someone's shirt.

Rose was quickly outgrowing her winter coat, so Mamaw was kind enough to make her a new one, complete with pockets for the mittens that never stay on her hands.  Here she is modelling for us.

Cousins Garrett and Beckett moved closer recently, so Rose and Erin went up to visit the other day.  Here are pictures from that trip.

Do I have some pizza on my face?

Cousin Garrett shows Rose how the big kids eat.

This is the only picture where the three cousins would sit still.  Mostly it was Rose who wanted to get up and move.

Garrett shows Rose how to build, not just take apart.

And she's off!

Beckett was happy to just watch the action from the couch.

Christmas 2012

Rose's Great Grandpa S. dresses up as St. Nicholas for his church, so of course Rose and Cousin Gavin had to pay him a visit.

Rose did much better with St. Nicholas than she did with Santa Claus, which is why she's with us in this picture.

It took Rose a little while to get the hang of opening presents, but once she did...

she absolutely loved it!

And of course she still loves reading with Daddy, especially when Elmo is involved.

The Wards, Berners, and Katricaks came over for Christmas dinner.  Here's Rose showing her new toys to Gavin.

Then it was time to eat.  Both little ones got to sit at the big kids table, but were a little impatient.  Gavin tried to start eating his chair.

After dinner, more presents!

Like aunt...

...like niece.

A birdfeeder!

Rose's First Birthday

Finally catching up....  We celebrated Rose's first birthday party the last weekend in October (her actual birthday was November 2).

The Katricaks have a birthday tradition where four things are laid out, then the baby picks one to determine what they'll be in life.  There's a silver dollar for wealth, a bible for religious life, a hammer for hard workers, and a shot glass for heavy drinkers.

Rose faked towards the bible...

and went for the shot glass.  We think this means she's going to be a hard-drinking nun.

Friend Ella was amused by the whole tradition.

Then it was time for cupcakes!  Rose wasn't quite sure how to attack her cupcake, so she ended up feeding some to Daddy.

Ally and Izzy showed Rose how it's done.

Sorry Cousin Gavin, you're still too little for cupcakes.

Present time!

The ribbon, of course, was Rose's favorite toy to play with.

After opening presents, Uncle Ken helped Rose model the Halloween costume Mamaw made for her.

Our little one is on the move!

April 15, 2012 our little one Rose was baptised. Uncle Ken performed the ceremony and Aunt Becky and Uncle Collin were the Godparents. Rose is a very loved and blessed child! We had a wonderful day full of family and friends. A special thank you to the Hattons for all of your help on Saturday!

Here Uncle Collin, let me check for cavities!

The Godparents

Rose handled the water very well

Collin did a good job of not lighting the church on fire!

Four generations

Hello??