Two Thumbs Up!

I attended my first Play and Learn class at Gymboree yesterday, and I loved it! I was excited to see Luke and Ms. Allison when we first got there; he's my main man - in a totally friend way, Dad. The class was full of potential friends, and although I was the second youngest, I didn't let age stop me. I had a blast hanging out in the tunnel, going down the slide, playing with the noise makers, banging on the wooden bench, playing peek-a-boo with the clown, dancing around the room, singing the up-the-hill song on Mom's knees, and watching all the other babies. However, my two favorite parts of the class were when Ms. Joyce blew little bubbles all over the room and when we played with the big parachute. The parachute was awesome! First, my new friends and I sat on top of the parachute while the moms made waves with it; then, everyone under 3 feet tall got underneath the parachute, and the moms pulled the parachute up and down while we played peek-a-boo. It was so much fun; I was full of smiles and couldn't stop looking at everyone and everything! I liked it a lot better than the Music class, so I am trying to persuade Mom to go back for more classes; however, I don't think that it will take very much persuading. I mean Mom only got two pictures yesterday before her camera died; you know that two will never suffice, so I am sure that she will go back, at least to get more pictures. The class wasn't the only excitement yesterday; I also got my first tooth! I was a little grumpy yesterday evening, and when Mom was feeding me dinner at Grandma's house, she noticed an addition to my mouth, which makes chewing on the spoon as much fun as eating the food. I am well on my way, Cheerios and Goldfish!

"Sunny Day / Sweepin' the Clouds Away"

I love sunny days, and sunny weekends are even better! The nicer the weather gets, the busier my schedule becomes. This weekend was one of the busiest weekends I have had to date. On Friday, Mom and I met her old co-workers at Olde Blind Dog Tavern. I had a great time smiling at everyone as they oohed and awed. I also got to have a little taste of lemon and pickle, pickle being my favorite; however, one of the lovely, delicious items made the side of my mouth swell up, which freaked Mom out, so we had to leave early. I just don't understand how something as wonderful as food can cause a negative reaction - the injustice of it all!

Saturday was really crazy. Mom and I attended Jill Barrow's baby shower in the early afternoon; she was Mom's babysitter when Mom was young - I don't really buy that Mom was ever young, but whatever. The shower was really nice, and I was the youngest guest in attendance, which warranted a lot of special attention. Ladies just can't get enough of the cheeks! Jill looked great, and I am very excited to find out if she has a boy or a girl. After the shower, we met Dad and went downtown to the Inman Park Festival with Aunt Stephanie and Uncle Ian. There were soooo many people to watch, and I got to hang out in my sling like the trendy young lady that I am. It was really hot outside, which caused my cheeks to turn bright red, but I love being outside, especially in the midst of all the action. I always enjoy seeing Aunt Stephanie and Uncle Ian. Uncle Ian is funny; he always makes fun noises at me. Aunt Stephanie wore a big sun hat to match mine, and I felt so cool hanging out with her downtown; although, I don't think she appreciated the dirty diaper I made just for her. I also got to see Ms. Lisa, Monroe, Ken, and Joe Guy down at the festival. Ms. Lisa was very entertaining; she took lots of pictures of me and carried me around. It was an exhausting day,but I had a blast!

Sunday was a little more relaxing. I went out to lunch with Mom and Dad, and I got to sit in a restaurant high chair for the first time. That's right! I'm so grown up. Dad kept laughing at me and saying that I looked like a full old man after Thanksgiving because after I ate lunch, I got comfy, lounged back on the pillow attached to my high chair cover, and picked a TV to watch while still sporting traces of lunch on my face. It was like heaven; there were TVs everywhere, and I got total freedom over what I wanted to watch. I think that I like this new high chair thing. After lunch, Dad and I went and watched Mom play tennis. She is not very good, but don't tell her that I said that. She got beat by a woman who was like 90 years old - sad, Mom! Ms. Teri walked me around and played with me so that I did not get bored during the match. She is super fun and always willing to do whatever I want; I see us becoming lifelong friends. When we got home, I enjoyed the best part of my weekend - playing with Dad on the couch and trying to bite him with my non-existent teeth. I love

Dad-time! He really knows how to crack me up, and the evening was truly the icing on my perfect weekend cake. (Oh, and the icing on Mom and Dad's perfect weekend cake is that I am totally done with my 10:30 p.m. feeding, so I now sleep from 8 to about 7 with no interruptions.)

This week is going to be just as busy as this past weekend. It is so hard to be a baby socialite. Yesterday, I had my swim class, and my new favorite thing to do is drink the pool water. I think I look pretty cute kicking around the pool with my tongue darting in and out of the water; however, I don't think Mom agrees, but what does she know? Owen splashed water in my face, which I didn't mind too much, and Luke, not Luke Wheeler but a different Luke, blew kisses at me from across the pool. There are definitely advantages to being the only girl in a group. My new goal is to play a male-dominated sport and keep this attention going. Ms. Maria even held me after class yesterday; I am beginning to warm up to her. All in all, swim class went pretty well, as you can see from the pictures Mom took of me hanging out at the YMCA after class. We also went to the grocery store, and I tried that restaurant-high-chair-thing again when we took Dad out for a Monday-blues beer after work. I love to smile at EVERYONE now, mostly because it is my way to demand attention from all who pass. I also tried to feed myself strawberry-apple puffs last night, but I think Opie got more in his mouth than I got in mine. (The sippy cup attempt last week didn't go so well either, but I refuse to give up; you will be mine eventually, apple juice.) Today, I will be attending the Gymboree Play and Learn 2 class with Lucas Wheeler - bubbles, here I come - and then I am having dinner at Grandma Purnell's house. Also lined up for this week: another swim class, a neighborhood play group, and lunch with the ladies. It should be a fun week! Don't worry though; I'll keep you updated.

Here's a little taste of my 6-month pictures that I get to pick up on Wednesday; eat your heart out Heidi Klum; there is a new body in town:

The Weekend (and Weekly) Update with Olivia Kendig

I want to start this update with some exciting news: I'm not chunky; I'm just tall! I went to the doctor for my 6-month appointment last Friday, and I got all of my updated stats. I now weigh 17 lbs. and 6 oz., which is in the 75th percentile, but I am 2 feet, 3 inches tall, which puts me in the 85th percentile for height. So there! That being said, my head circumference is also in the 84th percentile - more room for my enormous genius brain. During the appointment, I got my eyes tested; they stuck things to my head and made me look at a blinking screen while wearing an eye patch - bizarre to say the least. I was very good about the whole thing; even though, it was not my favorite activity, but more importantly, I passed my first test with flying colors. The nurse then gave me a popsicle stick with two stickers stuck together, which has become my new favorite car toy. I do wish that it was a real popsicle though, so it constantly finds its way to my mouth, just in case my dreams have come true. At the end of the appointment, I got more shots, and they were even worse than I had remembered! I am really beginning to dislike the doctor's office; although, all of the nurses did comment on how cute I am, so I may go back...someday.

Last week was full of quality Dad-time as well, which was awesome. Mom and I met Dad for appetizers at Summits one evening, and I discovered a very handy item: Dad's wallet. I must figure out how to get my hands on that wallet as much as possible; although, I'm pretty sure Dad will indulge me most of the time. I went ahead and practiced my cute look on the server so that I don't lose my touch any time in the near future. I also went to visit Dad at work last week, which was a nice treat. He showed me off to everyone, of course. Then we sat in his office and got some work done. Dad is really good at his job, and he even got invited to speak to a paying audience at his alma mater Georgia Tech tomorrow, so good luck, Dad. I, on the other hand, don't think that I am ready for the workforce as of yet since I couldn't reach everything on the desk despite my best efforts, and I couldn't quite figure out how to hold the pen. I'd rather go to my swim classes and Gymboree classes right now anyways.

Speaking of classes, Lucas and I attended the Music I class at Gymboree yesterday. I'm not so sure that it will become one of my favorites. I really liked the clapping and bouncing songs, and I didn't mind the dancing, but everyone banging on the instruments was a little much for me. We had to use a different instrument for each song, which

did not catch my fancy and even made me whimper at some points. Mom also sang along with all of the songs, which I tried desperately to ignore. However, I did like the free play at the end when we got to grab all kinds of different instruments and play whatever we wanted. I also sat up really well during the entire class; I now prefer standing or sitting up at all times, which makes bath time increasingly more difficult for Mom. I'm working on toning my leg muscles before bathing suit season. Anyways, I don't think that Music Class I is going to become a regular; maybe, Music Class II next year will be more entertaining. I think that my favorite part of yesterday was when Lucas first came over before the class. He crawled around, played with my toys, and pulled himself up by the side of the ottoman to "talk" to me, which I found beyond entertaining and funny. He is the first baby or kid to make me laugh, and I just think he is the bee's knees. Next week, Luke and I are going to try the Play and Learn class at Gymboree; I have a feeling that we will both like this class much better because it involves bubbles and slides. I wonder if it will be even better than swim class, which was very exciting today, by the way. I put my face in the water; actually, Mom put my face in the water, which I don't really appreciate because it made me choke a little bit, but I guess I'll try it again next week. I am getting really good at kicking in the water, but the paddling with the hands is extremely confusing; I am not a boat despite what Ms. Maria sings!

Today, I get to try juice from my very own sippy cup for the first time (mega-mess, here I come), and hopefully, Aunt Mallory is going to come over and go to the park with Mommy and me. Plus, I've got a really busy weekend planned. Life gets more and more exciting everyday!

The Beginning of My Fishy Days

Today was my very first swim class, and it was a blast! There were five other kids in the class, and of course, they were ALL boys. Once again, I got to be the only girl; I am starting to like this role. I was the youngest in the class, and the only other boy close to my age, Max, was nine and a half months old. Two of the boys cried almost the entire time - wusses! I really liked the water, and I didn't even mind when Mom splashed water in my face; I can't look like a big baby in front of all the guys. I still had to be cautious, like always, so I didn't crack but one smile in the pool, and that smile was just for the camera. I was practicing for my photo shoot at 3:00 today. During the class, we sang songs, kicked in a circle, sat on the edge, blew bubbles, passed a ball, and threw a duck around the pool. I actually sucked on the duck more than I threw it; I have to maintain my rebel status. Apparently, after the Moms and Tots class was an older aerobic class, and the older ladies loved me. I'm getting quite used to that reaction. No one could believe that I am only 6 months old; I'm not sure whether to take this as a compliment or not. I think that it is simply a comment on my obvious maturity. Anyways, the only time I got a little fussy was when I had to change out of my bathing suit in the locker room; the middle of nap time is not the best time to maneuver a wet swim diaper off of my little butt. I can't wait to swim with Ms. Maria and the rest of the class next week. For now, I am off to take a nap to get ready for my 6-month photos happening this afternoon, just another addition to my modeling portfolio. Oh, and by the way, Happy Tax Day to all, especially Grandma Purnell and the crew at Carr Riggs & Ingram.

Happy Easter to Everyone and Happy 1/2 Birthday to Me!

I have just discovered, as of yesterday, a new and exciting holiday: Easter. When I woke up yesterday morning, Mom and Dad informed me of a late night visitor, the Easter Bunny, who came not to ransack our house but to leave me gifts. Now, he is the kind of visitor I'll invite back again and again. He left me a basket with rubber duckies, bunny ears, Easter eggs, leg warmers, fun socks, and a beach towel to use at my swim classes; he must know everything! However, I was slightly disappointed because as the day progressed, I figured out that Easter revolves largely around candy, and I didn't get any candy. I will make sure to write a complaint letter and send it to the Easter Bunny. Other than that minor detail, the holiday was great. I got dressed up in my Springy Easter dress that found its way to my mouth throughout the afternoon; a little flash here and there was my gift to everyone. Mom fixed a big dinner, and Grandma Purnell, Aunt Stephanie, Uncle Ian, Aunt Mallory, Mrs. Sharon, and Mr. Carl all came to celebrate with us. I was really excited to see everyone and equally as excited that they came bearing gifts. I want to thank Aunt Stephanie and Uncle Ian for the butterfly puppet that tastes quite yummy, Mrs. Sharon and Mr. Carl for the beautiful sweater that I have not yet tasted, and Grandma Purnell for the awesome basket of clothes and the singing Splish, Splash duck, which is a little scary but fun nonetheless. I even made a new friend, Stella Blue, who kept licking my face; I don't think that Opie was a big fan of her though. I think that everyone had a nice time; the guys watched the Masters, which I found boring, but the ladies entertained me non-stop. I love family days! Grandma Kendig also sent me an Easter package containing an Easter quilt, outfit, and stuffed animals, which I thoroughly enjoyed - thank you Grandma Kendig. I think that this holiday is a keeper, as long as I don't get stiffed on the candy next year.

Even more exciting than the Easter holiday, today is my 1/2-year birthday! I feel so old! Here are some new things that come with being 6 months old: the ability to see the world, and my toys, from a sitting position; swim lessons, which to my dismay didn't even start today because a tree knocked out the power at the YMCA; remote control privileges - now, I just have to figure out how to work the darn thing; and 6-month pictures, which will allow me to revive my modeling career on Wednesday. I even got another little lick of cake icing yesterday - oh, the small joys in life. Here are some things that Mom hopes the 6-month-mark brings: an end to my peeling scalp; the ability to sit and play on the floor without assistance; the disappearance of one nap, which will, hopefully, make the other two last longer; the ability to hold my own bottle; and my first word, which better be mama. We'll see how I feel about these requests as I settle in to my new age. Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me...I think that I will celebrate Dad-style!

Here is adieu until Wednesday when I will let you all know how my first swim class goes.

I love weekends!

I spent another glorious weekend enjoying the outdoors: the sun, the hats, the walks, the people... I love it all! On Saturday, Dad went golfing with a bunch of guys, so Mom took me down to the Virginia Highlands for a ladies' lunch thanks to Mrs. Melissa. I was just one of the girls hanging out on the patio at Neighbor's - the youngest girl, by far, but one of the gals nonetheless. Mrs. Heather and Mrs. Teri took turns holding me; there is barely enough of me to go around. I got to meet some other lovely ladies, like Mrs. Taylor and Mrs. Larin. Larin's son Jake came to keep the girls company, and he was so much fun, with the exception of the bunny ears that he gave me when I was getting my picture taken. He paid lots of attention to me, like all the boys do, and kept me quite entertained. I hope I get to hang out with him again soon. After lunch, Mom and I headed over to Little Five Points to see Aunt Stephanie. We took a really long walk to Aunt Stephanie's favorite new chocolate shop where I got to try a lick of icing, of which I want more. When I say a long walk, I mean a looong walk. I loved it, but I think Mom was a bit worn out after pushing me all the way there and all the way back on sidewalks not meant for a stroller. It was great to see Aunt Stephanie, as always, and I even got to see where she lives for the first time. I am so jealous that she gets to live down where all the action is; my new mission is to get Mom and Dad to move closer to the city. I got to see Uncle Ian, Mrs. Sharon, and Mr. Carl for a few minutes as well, and I made sure to flash them a couple of good smiles to hold them over until Easter. It was a great Saturday! Mom didn't even kill us while parallel parking; however, I kept my eyes closed, just in case.

The fun continued on into Sunday; Dad and I went to Mom's tennis match to support her and her team. I got to see Mrs. Teri again, which was quite a treat. I waited for Mom's match to begin for two hours while basking in the sun and hanging out with Dad, but wouldn't you know it, it started to rain before she even got to play. We hung out in the car for awhile hoping that the rain would stop, but it didn't, so we never got to see Mom play. I must say, however, that I even enjoyed hanging out in the car while it rained. Mrs. Teri is very funny! I love being out and about, and I was perfect all weekend long!

Of course, after the beautiful weekend, it SNOWED today - ridiculous! I have pinpointed Georgia's weakness: horribly fickle weather. I hope that it is pretty this coming weekend because we are supposed to have an Easter celebration, and I want to hunt for some eggs. I'm not sure what the point of this tradition is, but I'll go along with it in the hopes of getting something yummy in one of those eggs. Gotta keep the dream alive.

As a quick update, I am now very good at sitting up, and Mom got me some really neat toys to entice me. I am finally getting to taste different fruits; bananas are pretty good, and I'll let you know how pears go later this week. I also tried sweet potatoes again with no reaction; no food can stop me! As a parting note, I have now decided that seeing people upside down is hilarious. Tah-tah!