Watch Out World...Here She Comes

The biggest milestone for Molly this spring was learning how to walk. She took her first steps on April 24, but wasn't walking until about a week later. This video is from April 29. She is now walking almost exclusively. Go, Molly!!

Highlights of Spring

SPRING 2011 HIGHLIGHTS. This spring has been a busy time for us. We have attended many events and watched Molly learn many new things. What a whirlwind it's been. Here are some highlights of what we've been up to... End of the year Grad student picnic: Molly really enjoyed not only playing with another child at the picnic, but learning all about the wonders of sidewalk chalk. Here, her and Emma work on a rainbow together. Molly: Mom, are you sure I can eat my first popsicle? Me: Enjoy! Just don't get it all over me, please. (She did a really good job of keeping it in her mouth or on the bib. Way to go, M!)

Easter:

After hunting for eggs at Barbara's, Molly pauses in the shade to check out just what's inside each one. The cutest little Easter Bunny I've ever seen! This is at the egg hunt at church. She was way more interested in playing in the sand then hunting for eggs.

The Dogwood Festival:

The Dogwood Festival is every year in Atlanta. I've always wanted to go, and made it a point this year. My friend Anna, Molly and I went. They had a lawn where they were doing dog tricks. We watched that for a while before going to get something to eat. That was a disaster trying to maneuver the stroller through the crowd...but we found some yummy crepes! The main reason for the festival is to showcase different artists, so after our meal, we wondered to see what there was. It was a lot of very pricey photographs, sculptures, paintings, etc. But I did find a multi-media print for Molly's room. I haven't hung it yet but it's on the to-do list. First, I have to find the right frame for it. A fun afternoon for sure!

Ice cream:

This captures Molly's first ice cream cone. It was at Chick Fil A. She didn't understand that it doesn't go in our mouth - rather we lick the ice cream off. It didn't take her long to figure out how it works. The facial expression shows such anticipation...one of my favorite Molly photos!

Play time at home:

There is obviously a lot of play time at home. I've learned to live with the fact that our living room floor will never be "clean again". Don't waste her nap time cleaning it up, because it will all be brought back out post-nap. She is still learning how to really use crayons. The best way to use them is with a pacifier...or else they end up going into the mouth rather than on the paper. Another goodie...this is one that I couldn't resist taking. Apparently, I was a little older but there was one of me taken while I was playing in the dryer. I don't want Molly to get in the habit of thinking this is a play place, but she was pretty happy to pose for a picture while in there. Just make sure to put it on the delicate cycle. ;o)

Molly Turns ONE

(It hasn't been 6 months...for those of you who are still reading...) Molly turned one on March 11. This is a big milestone and of course, we had a party to celebrate. In fact - two parties. One was the week before with my co-workers. We had brunch at one of our favorites, J. Christophers. Pancakes followed by a red velvet smashed cupcake. Yummmm! Thanks friends for helping celebrate Molly wish us. And a huge thanks for the presents that you gave to the Children's Hospital.

Waiting for guests to arrive at J. Christophers.

She spotted the cupcakes and couldn't wait to get her hands on them.

Birthday Girl

Friends that came to help celebrate Molly's first birthday!

Her actual birthday we had Andrew's parents in town from Waco. My friend Anna also came to the celebration. We had dinner at Folks - good southern food (can you say peach muffins and corn nuggets?!!?).

Waiting for dinner... Granddad, Grammy, Dad, Mom, and Molly

Then we came home and let Molly smaaaaaash her cake. It was so fun, but the poor girl didn't know what to do with a WHOLE cake at first. She needed some "coaching" from mom, but she caught on quickly.

After a bath that turned the water blue, she got to open presents. Molly was such a trooper as it was clearly after her bedtime. But hey, who can say no to presents?

Happy birthday, Molly Marguerite. What a year it's been....I can't wait to see how you'll grow and change in the coming year. I love you.