Boating Beauty

Saturday was such an awesome day! I was super excited when I saw Dad come in to get me up on Saturday morning. It was the first time that I had seen him since Monday morning, with the exception of about 15 minutes on Wednesday, which was nothing more than a tease, and I had missed him so much. That was the start to a wonderful weekend, which we spent up at Bob and Deb's lake house on Lake Lanier. Most of Mom and Dad's closest friends spent the weekend with us: Mrs. Allyson, Mr. Russell, Mrs. Teri, Mr. Justin, Mrs. Lisa, Mr. Monroe, Mrs. Heather, Mr. Dirk, Mr. Joe Guy, and Mr. Rommel. It was so nice of Mrs. Allyson to invite us all, so thank you. We had so much fun hanging out on the dock and eating good food, like the low country boil on Saturday night. Mr. Bob took all of the ladies out on his boat, which in theory sounded like a great idea; however, they forced me to wear this huge life jacket that prevented me from moving my neck and arms. I hated the life jacket - law or not! It didn't help that the boys had taken the boat out to do some wake boarding and did not return until right before nap time; therefore, I was hungry and exhausted. Once the boat started moving, I really freaked out! I cried hysterically most of the trip before falling asleep while standing up against Mom's chest on the way back to the dock. I need hair before wind can feel good blowing through it! It was miserable, and the memory wouldn't go away even after Dad took me up to the house for a bottle and a nap. I threw a terrible fit for about two hours, during which Dad and Mrs. Allyson tried to comfort me. Someone should have called Mom to come back from the boat. I don't think boating is going to become one of my favorite past times anytime soon. That being said, the rest of the weekend was great. I loved sitting on the dock, throwing water wings around, and eating snacks. A fish - I mean an alligator - attacked Mrs. Teri and left a huge mark, so Mom just dipped my toes in the water and refrained from taking me swimming in the lake. I was the only baby, so I got tons of attention. Mrs. Teri and Mrs. Lisa helped Mom give me a bath and played with me until I went to bed; I had so much fun with them. Mrs. Teri continued my entertainment trash education. I can't wait for Mrs. Lisa to have her baby so that I can teach him or her all of the fun things in life, like spitting food and stealing the dog's toys. Although everyone else stayed up and partied, I went right to sleep at bedtime because I was so exhausted from the sun and lack of an earlier nap. Apparently, people came in and looked at me while I was sleeping - how could they resist - and made quite a raucous outside my door, but nothing disturbed me. Sunday was just as nice; having lunch overlooking the lake is very peaceful. Mrs. Teri got up and played with me in the morning, and I flirted like crazy with Mr. Justin by smiling at him and then quickly crawling away just to turn around, smile at him again, and crawl right back, which I did several times - practice makes perfect. We spent most of the day down at the dock before going home too see Aunt Mallory, who had stayed at our house to keep Opie company. It was the perfect summer weekend, and summer is quickly becoming my favorite time of year, so far.

On Monday night, Grandma Purnell came up and had dinner with me. She just got back from her ten day trip on Saturday night, and she just couldn't wait to see me. I was so excited to see her that I immediately reached out for her to hold me. I love my Grandma! I thanked her for coming to see me by pulling up and standing completely by myself for the first time. She fed me one of my favorites, ice cream, and then I slung her shoes around the living room for about 30 minutes before bedtime. I was glad to hear that Grandma had a great time visiting old friends and relatives; she deserved it.

Yesterday, Mom and I went to the Moms' lunch at Mrs. Lindsi's house. It was my first time playing with Luke as a crawler. I crawled after him while he pushed his walker for an insane amount of time; in fact, my knees are still bruised today. Then I tackled him a few times while trying to hug him - I'm sticking to my story. I can't help that I am a bit of a brute; a girl has got to learn to hold her own in this world, and I would say that I am pretty good at that. Mrs. Lindsi blew bubbles for us, and Mrs. Allison made me laugh until I peed in my pants, literally. I love Moms' lunch days, especially when Lucas is there. He is so cute, and now, he can't get away!

I learned to dance this week, which consists of waving my hands around and shaking my head; I like to dance to the Imagination Movers and with my singing duck; although, I refuse to let Mom capture it on video. The less footage she has with which to embarrass me later on in life, the better off I am. I have also started getting the hang of walking while someone holds my hands, and this morning I practiced pulling up on my music station and on the side of the couch. I must say that I am becoming quite proficient. By the way, check out my name on my butt; now, that is hot. Speaking of hot, I have this new facial expression that looks like a cross between being scared and being surprised where I twist my mouth into a really big, scary sort of smile and push my eye brows all the way up; however, I don't do it when I am surprised or scared; I just do it to keep everyone entertained. To top everything off, I took my first five steps all by myself using the walker that Grandma Purnell got for me! Look out world; Olivia Lee will be a walker in no time!

Tall and slim, that's what I am!

Today, I went for my 9-month checkup with Doctor Silverman. I just want everyone to know, for the record, that I am officially becoming tall and slim. That's right folks; it is time to put the fat jokes to rest. I currently weigh 19 pounds and 15 ounces, which puts me in my lowest weight percentile since I was a week old, the 68th percentile. I am also 29 inches tall, which puts me in the highest percentile yet for my height, the 89th percentile. You heard me; as the percentages clearly show, I am officially tall and skinny. Cindy Crawford, eat your heart out baby! As icing on the cake, I no longer have a big head either, at least not as big as it was; my head circumference has dropped to the 62nd percentile, measuring in at 17.5 inches. Please, try to save your ohhs and ahhs for when you see me. I also want to let you all know that I have hit every expected milestone with flying colors, and I am even ahead of the average 9-month-old when it comes to finger foods and feeding myself; remember, we already put the fat jokes to bed. The doctor's visit wasn't all peaches and cream though. The mean nurse pricked my finger, which caused a delayed scream of pain lasting exactly two seconds until she put a band-aid on my finger, which was way too fascinating and tasty to warrant a continued fit. Doctor Silverman checked me from head to toe while I told him how I felt about such violations with my production 'Ode to Crying'. He said that I looked perfect but added that I was either saucy or feisty; I can't remember the exact adjective he used as I was too involved in telling him off. However, I have every right to be both saucy and feisty when I am being poked and prodded without my consent. Mom had to add fuel to his fire by telling him that in the last two days I have started yelling back at her when she tells me, "No". I usually listen to said, "No", with a look of sheer innocence on my face as shown in exhibit A, and I usually stop whatever it is that I am doing wrong, like trying to play with the dog toys, but I am not going to take it without letting her know that I do not agree with being told such things. In my defense, the dog toys really shouldn't be laying in a plush bed on the ground calling my name. I hope you know, Mom, that if I am already insisting on getting the last word, you are in deep trouble. Anyways, back to my doctor's visit, I continued my screaming and crying until Doctor Silverman left the room, - serves him right - and I thought I was in the clear until that mean nurse in tacky cartoon scrubs came back to abuse me, evidenced by the band aid on my leg. Thank goodness I only had to endure one shot this time; when DFCS is finally called regarding my multiple bruises, I am going to be sure to put in a complaint about Miss Tacky Nurse. When I finally got home, my band aid and I took out a few of our frustrations on the baby lotion bottle. I could have told everyone how perfect and on par I am without being tortured!

Moving on so as to forget my awful experience this morning, I would like to reminisce on the lovely weekend I had. I have gotten pretty good at pulling myself up onto my knees so that I can bang on the furniture and my musical center, and if one of the rents stands me up to play with a toy, I can stay in the position until I get bored. I probably covered the length of about a dozen football fields while crawling laps around my living room this weekend, hence the new slender physique. Having the coffee table out of my way is so convenient. On Friday, Mom and Dad took me out to dinner, during which I shot the 2-year-old boy next to me dirty looks. He was being so loud and immature that it was disrupting my peaceful dinner of butter noodles! On Saturday night, I got to go to a dinner party at Parker, Mrs. Joanne, and Mr. John's house. Parker had peas, for which she didn't seem to peased (get it), and I consumed as much garlic bread as I could, paying little attention to the "balanced" meal Mom was trying to force me to eat. Mom and Dad seemed to really enjoy the dinner that Mrs. Joanne made for them. Parker and I then enjoyed a little playtime; I hit her with her blow-up bat a couple of times, just to toughen her up. Parker has gotten so much older since we last hung out, and I have really missed her. I was very excited to see that she is pretty much sitting up on her own; now, if I can just teach her to crawl, we will be unstoppable. I included all of the pictures that my Mom took the other night in case Parker feels a great desire to decorate her room exclusively in pictures of the two of us, just an interior design suggestion. After being a little whinny due to the strange surroundings and staging a small protest, I fell asleep in the guest room so that Mommy and Daddy could have some grown-up time with Mrs. Joanne and Mr. John. By the way, congratulations on the new house; it is beautiful, and I cannot wait to get together again.

On Sunday, Dad and Mom drug me to the antique market where several antique...I mean old people admired my cheeks by making the totally overdone "she must never get fed" remarks. I know you people are old, but come on, use some creativity. I was even referred to as a boy by two not so observant old men; must be time to get new glasses because I was wearing all pink! So that the day wasn't a total wash, Aunt Mallory came over for dinner. She's pretty funny, and she must be funny looking because every time I see her, I try to attack her face with my mouth wide open. I can't help it; I feel a great need to bite her nose. After dinner, Aunt Mallory and I shared one of the mango, peach Popsicles that Mom made for me. When I say shared a Popsicle, I mean that I beat her with the Popsicle in between licks. I crack myself up! By the way, thanks for the cool Popsicle making kit, Grandma Purnell; the handles are perfect.

Today, my countdown to next weekend began with the ever so predictable Monday grocery shopping; I add my own flare to the weekly event by putting on a perfomance for fellow shoppers using the plastic produce bags. You can pay me later, Publix. Oh, let this tedious week pass quickly because I am spending next weekend at the lake with the Bickers, Throwers, Germanys, Lambs, and Guy. I can already feel my barely-there wisps of hair blowing in the wind as I cruise the lake on Bob and Deb's boat - only five days left...

The coffee table has left the building.

Actually, the coffee table just moved upstairs until I decide to stop trying, and failing, to climb it. Mom finally gave in and allowed Dad to move the coffee table yesterday when I gave myself a colossal bruise on my cheek. I am practicing for my future career as a stunt double, just in case I don't make it big as a musician; I think it could work out considering I am fearless. Dad says I look like I got in to a boxing match, and I am pretty sure that the coffee table won. For those of you who plan on having kids in the future, wrought iron tables are not the best choice. Mom just hopes that no one calls DFCS concerning the multiple bruises on my face; I'll have to keep that one in my back pocket for when I don't get my way.
Mrs. Teri came over last night so that Mom, Mrs. Teri, and I could do a little Yoga. I've got the downward dog and the pretzel positions mastered; although, I think that it is way more fun to crawl under Mom and Mrs. Teri when they are arched and to climb Mrs. Teri's leg when she is standing upright. I did a few arm reaches and even worked as Mrs. Teri's weight for a minute; she just couldn't handle this rock solid body for long. It was a nice addition to my 'crawl laps around the living room' routine, which has been a constant activity for the last week. The only break from routine comes when...ohhhh, Baby Einstein Mozart DVD, I can't look away. Mom only lets me watch it every once in awhile; she calls it her secret weapon...so weird! To go along with my new high impact workout schedule, I have chosen to go on a self-imposed strawberry, noodle, and liquid diet. I have taken to only sticking the tip of my tongue out every time an edible object comes near my mouth, and if it is not a strawberry, noodle product, or juice, forget it! I'm a girl who knows what she wants.










I did allow for an exception to my strict diet today when Mom ordered some ice cream for me at lunch. It was delicious! I still did the lick-trick, but after tasting the vanilla bean, I kept my mouth wide open for more. It was a really nice lunch, not just because I got ice cream either. Mom and I met up with her closest friend from college, Mrs. Amy. This was the first time that I got to meet Mrs. Amy because she lives all the way in Virginia; she was really nice, and she kept commenting on how cute I am, so she is definitely a keeper. I let her hold me, and I hammed it up a little for her enjoyment. I was totally fascinated when she ordered fajitas that came out smoking. Mom said that when I get a lot older she may tell me a little about their crazy college days. While at lunch, we saw one of the boys whom Mom used to coach in tennis. He had a couple of his friends with him, so I flirted a bit. I kept smiling at them, putting my face in Mom's shoulder, and then smiling at them again. They ate it up! That's two times this week that I have gotten to go out to lunch and meet one of Mom's friends. On Tuesday, I got to meet Miss Stephanie Wolf whom Mom has known since she was my age! I know, I know, I don't believe that Mom was ever my age either. I am always excited when we get in the car because I know that I am going somewhere fun. I hope this weekend is as nice as this week was.

"Finally, it has happened to me!"

I can finally crawl, and it is awesome; I can get into everything! Toys, shmoys...who needs 'em when you've got a coffee table and a couch to pull up on, as well as dog toys and shoes to go after!? I would rather have a box top any day. I started crawling last Wednesday, the evening before Mom and Dad left for their anniversary vacation; I didn't want Mom to miss the first crawl because I know that it would have crushed her. While they were gone, Grandma spent a lot of time on the floor with me, and I was able to perfect my craft before they returned. Mom and Dad went to Amelia Island, FL, from Thursday to Sunday to celebrate their 4-year wedding anniversary. Judging by the terrible sunburn with which Mom returned, I am guessing that they had a really nice time lounging around the pool and drinking cocktails without me. I guess I'll have to let them get away with it, but only once a year. Grandma Purnell spoiled...I mean babysat me while they were gone. It was like my own little vacation. She lets me get away with everything; I can't blame her though because I've got the adorable act down pat. She also gets me lots of different foods to try; I had such a plethora of food choices all day, everyday that I even had a puff left over to sport as a facial accessory - check out the picture below. Grandma and I went to the pool and to the mall; then Aunt Stephanie, whom I hadn't seen since I ate her sleeve at Grandma's house, and Uncle Ian came over and went out to lunch with us on Saturday. I was really excited to see them! I could not get enough of Uncle Ian; I even pulled myself up to a sitting position to watch him from my changing table. Aunt Stephanie and I played a little soccer, which was hysterical! That evening Aunt Mallory even came over and watched me so that Grandma could go out. I had so much fun with both of my Aunts that I couldn't even stay awake through my whole bottle, and that is really saying something. Grandma lets me do pretty much whatever I want, including get up at the butt crack of dawn, which I am attempting to make a regular habit. Thank you for watching me, Grandma; I loved every minute of it. Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

On Monday, I turned 9 months old, so now I've been out in the world for about the same amount of time that I was in, if you know what I mean. I have added professional crawler to my 9-month resume, so I can get around pretty easily now, which comes with its fair share of bruises on my forehead, from face planting, and on my knees, from the hardwoods. You would at least think that they would put down little mats all over the house for me. The uniform for a professional crawler seems to be a diaper sans shorts most of the time, which is cool with me because it makes it easier to get around, and it has been super hot lately. I am attempting to get into everything humanly possible this week because rumor has it the rents are going to finish childproofing the house this weekend. They gotta suck the fun out of everything! Mom also has to clean the floors pretty much every other day now to minimize the amount of Opie hairthat I am currently ingesting on a regular basis. Food is getting better and better as I get older. Now, I can pretty much eat whatever Mom and Dad have at meal time, which means a lot more variety for me. I am not big on the meats, but I love my strawberries and anything with cheese. I also have mastered the juice cup, which means that I rarely put it down - when you've got a good thing going, why quit? Life has become so much more fun in the last couple of months, and I can't help smiling and laughing most of the time. I still get very serious when I am studying something or someone and when I am in new social situations, but other than that, I am giggly and bubbly all the time. Grandma thinks that I am so smart that I was really bored when I was younger, and that's why I was crabby all the time. You know Grandmas are always right, so I think I'll just have to agree with her that my status as a genius must be the reason why I was so whinny back in the day. Anyways, I no longer like to be in my exersaucer or jumperoo because they just don't go anywhere, and I am quickly making Opie my best friend. A little cheese dropped here, and a bagel there; it doesn't take much to win him over. I know that this crawling thing eventually turns into walking, which sounds even better, so I am going to continue working on that. In fact, just the other day I pulled up to a complete standing position using my piano; this shouldn't take long to figure out. All of the new exercise has been making me svelte and wearing me out. Here's to 9 month me!

As a quick recap since I didn't get to blog last week, I had an awesome time at playgroup last Tuesday. In fact, I was so excited to see Luke that I tackled him in his living room, literally, and knocked both of us to the ground. He looked a little stunned, but I thought it was hilarious! I think falling in general is really funny. All of the crawling, playing, and practicing to be a concert pianist, amongst many other careers, has really made me sleep like a log lately.

Sorry to inundate you with all of the videos in this blog; I just want my Grandmas and Grandpas who live far away to be able to actually see what I am up to these days.