Countdown to One Year

Aerin's first birthday is less than two weeks away. I can hardly believe it. She does something new practically every day. She's "talking" so much more now. Andrew is convinced that she said "Mama," when he was watching her, but I have my doubts. Really, I just don't want to have missed her first word.

Aerin is so close to standing without support and walking. She's stood for about 2 seconds so far and she tries every day. She just loves being on the move and getting into things. She loves books and will quietly listen to one and a half. She can turn pages and likes to pound on the pictures that she likes.

Unfortunately, Aerin is still teething with no actual teeth in sight. Her favorite teethers are her spoons, which have rubber coatings. She can hold a spoon herself and just chomps away. I think she'll be feeding herself early. Her pincer grasp is coming along - I anticipate she'll be ready for finger foods next month.

We had a very nice visit with Aerin's Marx Grandparents, who doted on her and bought her lots of fun toys for her birthday. They agreed that even Aerin's pictures don't do her justice.

The cut in this picture was self-inflicted when Aerin pulled her hat off and threw it on the floor. She'll wear headbands, but not hats for some reason.

On a sad note, Andrew and I would like to offer our sincerest condolences to the Robertson family, who recently lost their daughter Kate. She will be very much missed and we pray that whomever took her is quickly brought to justice.