"Hot Dog, Hot Dog, Hot Diggity Dog"

Lucas' first birthday celebration was last Saturday, and I had a hot diggity dog time! (It's an inside thing; only true Mickey Mouse Clubhouse fans can get it.) The birthday party was Mickey Mouse themed, which was so much fun. As far as the kids went, it was just Lucas, Selena, and me, and since Selena is still a little too young to play, Lucas and I partied enough for everyone. I really liked that it was basically just Lucas and I because we got to be our normal silly selves without all of the chaos. Lucas looked so handsome in his fancy party outfit, which only lasted until cake-time. Mrs. Allison gave me a big piece of cake to dig into while Lucas tore into his cake. It was so good! It makes me even more excited for my big birthday. Lucas wasn't terribly interested in opening his gifts, but I gave him a big sports center that came in a rather large box, and we had a blast banging on the box and pushing it around the room. Every time Lucas pushed it away from me, I laughed hysterically. Mom taped the receipt to the top of the box, and Lucas and I spent about 10 minutes trying to figure out how to rip that thing off. It doesn't take much to entertain us; all we need is each other. Mrs. Allison and Mr. Ben even set up a little splash pool in the backyard; it was a great idea, but it wasn't really my cup of tea. Again, I don't like to mess up my hair when I go to parties. My main focus was climbing the stairs anyways; everyone kept blocking them, but I managed to climb all the way up at one point. Lucas' Grandpa is a dentist, so he used the mouth impression mold to make molds of our hands. I had to keep my hand still for what seemed like an eternity, but with a few renditions of "Itsy, Bitsy Spider", I was able to do it. My hand impression turned out so cool; thank you, Lucas' Grandpa. Mom, Dad, and I even got our picture taken with Mickey Mouse; now, that is star treatment. I read Mickey a story, and Mickey even fell for me hardcore, or at least he fell on me. At the end of the party, Mrs. Allison gave me my very own goody bag with Mickey ears, a Mickey doll, and a Mickey bouncy ball. Opie is bound and determined to claim the Mickey doll as his own, and I love to chase the bouncy ball around the kitchen. I'm not sure what the deal is with birthday parties and having to wear things on your head, but they attempted to make me wear Mickey ears, which didn't really pan out. Thank you, Mrs. Allison and Mr. Ben! It was the best birthday party I've ever been to. Happy Birthday, Lucas! Love you!

Mom and I hosted the Moms' lunch again this week; it seems to come back around to us so quickly nowadays. It was just the three of us again: Lucas, Jackson, and me. Jackson stayed awake and laughed the whole time; he has got such a fun laugh. I was so excited to see him awake that I made a mad dash for his car seat as soon as he got there. I tried to play with him a little bit, but Mom says that I am a little too rough for him still. Lucas and I had a great time, of course. I had an absolute blast throwing his shirt around the room, and the Moms caught us trying to eat Opie's dog food once or twice; I've got my very own partner in crime. Poor Lucas didn't feel great because he is cutting two molars, and he had to get his one-year shots before he came to play. Lucas is leaving me in the dust as far as teeth and hair are concerned; it is starting to get a little bit unfair! I couldn't leave Mrs. Allison alone, not even when she was changing Luke's diaper. I love Tuesdays!

On Friday, Mom and I went all the way down to Atlanta to see Mrs. Lisa and her baby bump. We were supposed to go to the zoo, but after eating outside at Six Feet Under, we decided that it was just way too hot to remain outside, so we went back to Mrs. Lisa's house. Her pug PGo is hilarious. I had a great time watching and chasing him. I don't think he was quite as interested in me though. I can't wait to find out next week if Mrs. Lisa and Mr. Monroe are having a boy or a girl; I totally vote it is a boy. I'll be excited if it is a girl also, but I kind of like being the only girl; you know - more attention for moi, and we all know that I love attention. Mrs. Lisa, we are definitely on for the zoo as soon as it gets cooler.

Saturday was crazy! I didn't even have to take a full nap at all; I only took a couple of little car naps! In the morning, Dad, Mom, and I headed downtown to tailgate for Dad's Alma mater, Georgia Tech. I actually started to get my third tooth on the way down there; Mom discovered it when she was getting me out of the car. There is even a fourth one visible right underneath the gum. Lucas, watch out; I'm gaining on ya! Back to the tailgate, I got to wear my new GT outfit, which looked adorable, of course. There were so many people there! I hung out with Mr. Joe and his girlfriend, Ms. Leslie, the most. It was so much fun! Afterwards, the fam and I went out for pizza and then headed back up to the 'burbs for a Labor Day party at Mrs. Joanne and Mr. John's house. Parker was asleep when I got there, so I had to entertain myself until she woke up. Before long we'll be chasing each other around; I can't wait. She is in an even higher percentage for height than I am; we are so going to intimidate the boys as we get older. Her cousin was there, and I immediately took a liking to him. I even tried to give him a little kiss; I'm not shy when it comes to the boys. Mrs. Joanne's house has stairs right in the middle of the living room, so Mom and I battled all day. I don't see what the problem; how hurt can I really get from all hardwood stairs!? We hung out into the evening and then headed home before I completely crashed. Thanks for the fun party, and congrats on the new baby to come, Mrs. Joanne and Mr. John. It was an awesome day! The only downfall was that the GA Bulldogs lost their first game, but Tech won, so at least Dad is happy. Go Dawgs (and Jackets, I guess)!

Yesterday, we ran errands to get ready for the little cookout that we had today. I decided that I didn't have to take a nap since I didn't really take one yesterday, so I was miserable all evening. Grandma came up last night so that Mom and Dad could go out on a date - Yuck! I love it when Grandma babysits; she does whatever I want. I got her to chase me around the house all night long and up the stairs about 10 times. Grandma even spent the night - yay, slumber party - and this morning we did the stairs a few more times. I made sure to clap for myself, as I do after everything now, when I made it up the stairs and when I made it back down; a little positive reinforcement goes a long way. Dad is insisting on my wearing GT gear for the duration of the weekend; some battles just aren't worth the fight. I've been a little cranky because of the new teeth trying to make their debut, and I'm not really interested in eating right now - I know, crazy, huh! For the Labor Day holiday, Dad smoked some ribs and a turkey breast, which we enjoyed with Grandma, Aunt Mallory, Sebastian, Mrs. Lisa, and Mr. Monroe. After everyone left, my eye and the side of my face broke out in a really bad rash; apparently, it was an allergic reaction to something. Mom and Dad were really worried, so they called the doctor, but it cleared up on its own, thank goodness, during the two hours that Mom waited for the doctor to call back; she was none to pleased with the doctor. We then went down to the pool to swim, but we ended up dipping our toes in and coming right back because it was way too cold; I have limits, people! All in all, Labor Day was pretty good; that being said, I am still wearing white no matter what the rules say.

I am currently working on mastering the art of peek-a-boo. Now, for the biggest news of all; on Tuesday, I took my first step all by myself! I have also become a pro at standing without holding on to anything. It won't be long, folks!

West Virginia and Grandpa Purnell, here I come! I'll be experiencing my first plane ride on Thursday; wish me, and Mom, luck!