birthday.
a creature of the deep sea, or the shallow pool, however you want to look at it. My favorite thing about swim class is the rubber ducky portion. The teacher gives each of us a rubber duck to throw around the pool and "swim" to retrieve. My main objective is to get the rubber ducky into my mouth as much as possible, so when I swam to retrieve it this time, I decided to stick my entire face in the water as a quicker method of getting it into my mouth instead of just lifting it out of the water. When you are desperate for duck, you are desperate for duck. Mom decided since I didn't seem fazed putting my own face in the water that she would just put me completely under at the end of class. I didn't mind it at all; I love the water! My new aspiration is to become a mermaid; I think that I am a shoe-in. At the end of class, I even received a very official certificate to prove my newly acquired water abilities.
On Friday, Grandma Purnell and her best friend Regina, who lives in South Carolina, came over to visit. I feel kind of bad because I let this new social anxiety thing take control of me, and I cried when Grandma held me. I'm sorry Grandma; you know that I love you; this is just part of growing up - so I am told. Then Dad, Mom, and I went out to dinner; I had so much fun talking very loudly and eating puffs off of the table. Good thing Mom got those sticky table place mat things for restaurants. To end the day, I hung out with Dad and James while Mom went out with her old co-workers to celebrate high school graduation, aka beginning of summer break. From what Mom says, I think that the teachers are more excited about graduation every year than the students! 
Saturday was errand-running day, which suites me to a tee because I get to people watch and give people the "you are crazy" stare when they talk to me - two of my favorite activities. People always comment on my natural beauty, my obvious intelligence, which is apparent from my serious nature and intent curiosity, and, of course, my cheeks. Mom and Dad, especially Dad, got really excited about the baby formula sale at Costco; they are sooo weird! Mrs. Stephanie M. even met us for lunch at Jim n' Nick's, and yes, I really do like you, Mrs. Steph. 
On Sunday, I went to my first Memorial Day party at the Bickers' house. Hudson and Brayden were there, and I got to meet Lainey and Canyon Taylor. Lainey is 11 months old, and she can crawl! I was so amazed that I craned my neck around everything to watch her; I must figure out how to do that. I couldn't help laughing hysterically at Brayden and
his friends, Canyon and Peyton, being boys. They are wild! It was so funny! Hudson and I hung out in the backyard with the grown-ups for awhile - thanks for letting me borrow your excersaucer. I had a really good time, and I kept it together pretty well considering the mini-nap I took. It's always fun at the Bickers'!
interested in all of the plants. Dad has really gotten into this gardening thing. Our yard is starting to look really nice from the new hobby though. That afternoon we put my swim classes to the test, and I went to the big, outside pool for the very first time. I wasn't so sure at first; I mean, the YMCA pool is at least heated, and the outside pool was FREEZING! Sitting in the 
kids' pool wasn't bad until Mom decided to go get the camera, and Dad had the brilliant idea to take me up the stairs, through the waterfall, and down the slide. It was terrible! It sent me in to a 5 minute fit, which probably scarred me for life; come on Dad, you have to ease a person in to that kind of stuff. Finally, someone handed me my trusty bath friend, ducky, and I calmed down. By the end of our pool trip, I was having quite a good time splashing and talking - again, very loudly. I haven't figured out volume control yet. Here's to the pool, sure to become a summer staple!
under three-feeters play. Yesterday was really fun because Parker got to sit and play with us, and Jackson stayed awake the whole time. Selena wasn't able to make it, but I'm sure I will see her at the park tomorrow. Lucas has the best toys, and he even threw the ball with me. I didn't quite get 
the part about throwing the ball back to him; I mean, when I get the ball, I want to keep it. Duh! He tried to show me how to throw it several times, but when I didn't comply, he started stealing the ball from me. Boys! Mrs. Allison is really funny; you can tell that she used to teach pre-school because she's good at playing. Thank you, Mrs. Lindsi, for having us over. I can't wait to see everyone at the park tomorrow. Today, however, I have to go along and help Mom start cleaning out her classroom. I think that she is kind of sad to say goodbye to her dear trailer, but I know she's happy to stay home with me. 
The insane amount of rain has not stopped me these last few weeks. This weekend was the annual Pet-A-Palooza at Suwanee Park. I attended the festival last year, but seeing as it is hard to see the festivities from inside Mom's stomach, this year was much more entertaining. Opie and I were really worried that we weren't going to get to go because of the rain, but we waited it out in the car and then we were on our
way. The mix of people and dogs was quite interesting; in fact, some of them were just plain strange, dogs included. A few of the dogs got all dolled up for the event, painted nails and all. I should have worn a dress to compete because no one even commented on my level of cuteness; darn dogs took all of the attention. Mom, Dad, Opie, and I walked around and checked out all of the booths, listened to some live music in the amphitheatre, and watched 
a Frisbee show, which didn't really catch my attention. Later in the day, my Great Aunt Marsha and cousin Haley brought their two dogs, Charlie and Oscar, as well as a neighbor's dog that drooled everywhere. Opie was so excited to see Oscar and Charlie, and having them there really seemed to put Opie at ease; Dad thinks that Opie just needed some guys around to have his back, just in case. I know - Dad is a dork. I was really excited to see Aunt Marsha since I haven't seen her very much thus far. We hung out with them for an hour or so and then I made it known that it was nap time, which ended up consisting of about 25 minutes in the car and a refusal to lay down when we got home. It's hard to sleep on the weekends because I don't want to miss any Daddy-time. Pet-A-Palooza was a huge success, despite the cruddy weather and wet dogs. Opie and I can't wait for next year.
Dad - and I really do mean old; remember, it was his birthday last week - while Mom went out with Teri and Allyson to celebrate Mrs. Teri's upcoming birthday. Mom had a great time, and I was so excited when Mrs. Teri woke up with me the next morning. She fed me my bottle and played with me until Mom got up, which Mom really appreciated - I could tell. Mrs. Teri is so much fun! Happy almost Birthday, Mrs. Teri! I hope you have a blast in Italy; Mom and I are so jealous; although, I don't think I would be able to handle the plane ride quite yet. 
Today was an interesting day. It started out a little rough due to the neighbor's lawn mower waking me up at the very beginning of my nap. It seems that someone is mowing one lawn or another everyday during my nap, which is getting a bit rude. Remember, beauty sleep is a necessity in this household! The inadequate nap led to an hour long meltdown around 11:30, which left Mom grasping at straws to figure out what was wrong; a lady needs her rest. Finally, a bagel settled me down - mmmm...bagel, but don't you just know 
my luck, I proceeded to choke on the bagel, which really shook Mom up. Does anyone have any Xanax? I think Mom may need some; she seemed a little high strung after the choking incident. After the bagel mishap, Mom decided to get me out of the house, and although we were an hour late due to my hysterics, we made it to the Moms' Group lunch. I decided to 
make Mom look like a big, fat liar by being perfectly content and even smiley while we were there; it's funny to make Mom look crazy. I had a great time playing with Lucas, and he even let me play with his instruments and his beach ball, which I thought was quite hysterical to grab. Every toy passed the taste test, which is the pinnacle of all tests to prove a toy's worth. Lucas 
is a wild man! He was crawling everywhere and playing with everything; I can't wait until I can give him a run for his money. I was able to wrestle a toy away from him at one point; I just had to throw a little weight into it. He's awesome - a wild man who will still let me win once in awhile. 
Parker sat in her little chair and hung out with us as long as she could, but I think she preferred her bumble bee Barnaby. I can understand; Lucas and I can get a bit rowdy when we are together. My two youngest new friends, Jackson and Selena, slept the entire time - oh, the good '
ole days, for Mom, I mean. It made my day so much better to hang out and forget my teething woes for awhile; I am so glad we went. I think that Mom really enjoyed seeing Allison, Joanne, Lindsi, and Sindy as well - I guess she likes grown up time once in awhile; although, I don't know why; I am way more entertaining in my opinion. I can't wait to see everyone at the park tomorrow! Current goals: learn to crawl to keep up with Lucas and grow some hair to rival Parker.
Things to remember when looking towards the future:
Last but certainly not least - the remote control is the best invention ever; I'll take it over any of my toys any day of the week. 
helped her out more than staying away to voice my opinions on each shoe choice. Grandma Purnell came over and watched me so that Mom and Dad could go out to dinner and then to Darwin's Blues Bar; I haven't quite figured out why I was not invited - I mean what is a birthday without me!? I did, however, have a good time with Grandma, so I guess I will forgive them this once for leaving me off the invite list. Happy Birthday Dad! I love you!
Day; it was the first time that Mom got to be included in the celebrated category. I think that she had a really nice day. Dad and I let her sleep in, and we even made her something called a Mimosa when she woke up; try as I might, I couldn't get even the tiniest sip of the bubbly masterpiece. Dad took care of everything that I requested. He picked up the frame that I wanted so that Mom could frame my big professional picture, and he even got Mom a gift 
certificate to Spa Sydell, which I believe comes with another day of Daddy/Daughter time in which I may or may not get changed out of pajamas for the duration of the afternoon - sounds like good times! We also took Mom and Grandma Purnell out to brunch at Aqua Blue with Aunt Stephanie, Uncle Ian, and Aunt Mallory; my lunch of avocado, banana, bagel, and cookie was excellent. Everyone 
else's lunch was just okay; for once I think that I got the better end of the deal. Dad made up for it though when he fixed Mom a really nice dinner of crab legs and shrimp. I desperately wanted to spend more time with Mom on Mother's Day, so I woke up numerous times during the night just to get those few extra moments of rocking with her. Your Welcome, Mom! Happy Mother's Day to Mom, all of my Grandmas, and all of the other mothers out there!
responsibilities in feeding myself. I like to be a woman who is in charge of her own life, so I have decided to take control of the spoon in the last few days. I am also getting the hang of 
finishing off the bagels and cookies instead of immediately feeding them to Opie. The end result of this new found job is a bit messy but totally worth it, at least in my opinion. 
Opie seems to appreciate this new chapter as well judging from the fact that he sits intently by my high chair throughout every meal. I love to give him my bagels and cookies when I am done, and I throw my hands over the edge every once in awhile so that he can lick them clean - hilarious! Now, if I can only figure out that sippy-cup-deal, I would be well on my way. This week I get to try blueberries, plums, and kiwi; sounds good to me, but keep the cookies coming.
