Author: Brand_New_World_Betsy

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Eliza had three, yes, THREE, Christmases. She got to open presents and eat wonderful meals at Pop and Nana’s in Georgia and also at Papaw’s house in Kentucky. And got tons of wonderful gifts (thanks, everybody!). Her favorites were, of course, all the new books she got. And two new baby dolls from Nana, including her first Cabbage Patch Kid.

Eliza did fine with all the traveling and sleeping in strange places. She also let all of the relatives hold her and play with her, even the ones she hadn’t seen in a while. Her favorite person of all was her four-year-old cousin, Hannah. She tried to indoctrinate Eliza into the ways of the Disney Princesses and My Little Ponies, but I don’t think it has had any lasting effect. We hope not!

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Eliza’s one year checkup was yesterday, and she apparently had quite a growth spurt recently. They measured her at 31 inches, which puts her in the 95th percentile for height!! Still around 75th for weight and head. So overall, a big, healthy girl.

She sort of enjoyed the examination, thanks to all the cool gadgets, cherry-flavored tongue depressor, and nice doctor. But the vaccinations were not fun. She got over them pretty quickly, but I hadn’t heard her cry like that in a long time.

More on our almost-toddler soon. Will post a 12 month “profile” in the next few days!

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We had a small party for Eliza yesterday, and she had her first taste of cake. We baked a cupcake just for her, a smaller version of the big cake (yellow with buttercream frosting and sprinkles). It was a HUGE hit, and she ate every single bite and wanted more frosting. That’s my girl!

We had a great crowd, and everybody seemed to enjoy the festivities. Eliza had help opening her gifts from some two-year-old friends, and she seems to like her new loot. She got lots of books, bath toys, a stuffed seal from Daddy, a toy phone, a cool shape sorter, and a gorgeous handmade vest.

The big day is tomorrow, 12/15. One year old! None of us can believe it.

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Eliza is 11 months old today! She took several steps (3-4 at a time, 3-4 times) today! Walking is just around the corner. Uh oh…

Favorite foods: broccoli, cheese, yogurt, mandarin oranges, banana

Favorite toys: all her dolls and stuffed animals, empty bottles, anything she finds in the bathroom when we forget to shut the door

Favorite hobbies: “feeding” her babies, hugging them, talking to them, etc. Talking and talking and talking in her special Eliza language, trying to walk.

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Much to her dad’s chagrin, Eliza loves the few dolls that people have given her as gifts. She calls them “babies.” She “talks” to them, gathers them all in her arms, hugs them, drags them around the house, brushes their hair, and sometimes pretends to feed them when she is finished with her bottle. Dad is proud to say, though, that she also likes the enormous Iron Giant action figure that he let her borrow. And her stuffed bats and monsters.

She has slowed down in her desire to walk and instead put her energies toward learning to talk. She has at least six words that she says clearly and consistently: mama, daddy, baby, cat, duck, and dog/doggy. She has also said “teddy” (for teddy bear) a few times and sometimes instead of “cat” says “kitty.” She clearly understands many more words: no (and usually obeys, shaking her head), bottle, shoes, socks, book, blankie, lion and some other animal words. I’m trying to teach her colors, and I’m starting to speak to her more in Spanish. So far she smiles, but she can tell it’s not our “real” language.

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Eliza has a fifth tooth! It took us a little bit by surprise. We’re assuming the sixth one is on the way soon.

Still not walking, but trying really hard. Can now pull up and stand, letting go of the furniture, for about 10 seconds. Getting better and better with the whole balance thing.

Lots has happened since the last post: another ear infection, her first Halloween (Eliza was a bat!), a trip to Gatlinburg with family, and her first presidential election (Eliza helped Daddy vote).

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Favorite books: still loves her lift-the-flap books and recently has discovered Eric Carle’s 10 Rubber Ducks. Also likes any book, magazine, or catalog with babies in them.

Favorite TV shows (the only ones she pays any attention to): Yo Gabba Gabba and Sesame Street (especially when Elmo comes on the screen)

Favorite foods: pasta with tomatoes, toast (plain or with cheese melted on it), yogurt, broccoli

Favorite hobbies: pulling up on everything, cruising all over the place, practicing standing without holding onto anything, playing with her stuffed animals, “brushing” daddy’s and mommy’s hair

Favorite toys: remote controls, telephones, talking Elmo phone, all of her stuffed animals and dolls, anything she can reach but isn’t supposed to have

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The daycare reports that Eliza took 2-3 steps yesterday, 10/13. However, we have yet to see it for ourselves. She continues to “cruise” like crazy, though. In this photo, she has somehow managed to make her way to the kitchen table and then get trapped underneath. I got her out, but not before a total meltdown (just after this shot was taken).

I was gone for three days for a conference. By the time I got back, she had gotten a lot stronger and braver. She’ll pull up on anything now and tries to go everywhere. We’ve sort of given up on real baby proofing, since we barely have time to shower and go to the bathroom, much less baby proof. Instead, we just watch her closely and follow her around. Consequently, she’s starting to learn the word “no,” although she still smiles when mommy says it. Bad sign.