We've survived a year of Alyssa!

Today was Alyssa's birthday and Saturday was her party - Alyssa in Wonderland. She had a great party and with lots of planning, no one had to spend too much time in the kitchen during the party.

So, here is Alyssa's list of accomplishments. I follow the list up with a few party pictures...

1. Of course, she's walking... she's also mastered running now. Primarily she does her snatch and run. For example. She'll wait until you're watching, then snatch the t.v. remote and run the opposite direction of you... giggling all the while. Those little legs can move pretty fast!

2. Talking. She has many words. She says dad (dada or when she's calling him it's daaaaa!), mom (mom mom), brother (brobra or when she's calling him it's baaaaaa!), nana, book (buu). She also signs many things such as eat, more, cookie, bread, milk, bottle (she made her own up for this), and she's working on drink (just introduced tonight).

3. Sleep... still no real progress there. She can put herself to sleep, but you have to just let her run out of steam and she literally passes out where ever she is. Does that count as putting yourself to sleep?

4. Reading. She likes books and she will now occasionally sit still for a whole story (read fast!). Most often she can make it about four pages now.

5. Size 6 month (she did get some 3-6 month for her birthday and they fit her fine... but I'm saying she's finally in 6 month clothes). She wears a size 3 shoe... but has enough space in them that it trips her up (but she's too big for size 2).

6. She drinks from a straw like a pro. If you share with her though, be prepared for a chewed straw and a little backwash.

7. Loves to hug her "blankies" (they are really burp rags, but blankie sounds better). She will find a burp rag and hug it under her chin.

8. Bops and dances to music. She and her brother share this in common (I think it's the only thing they have in common), they both love music. Her favorite toys are those that play music such as her Tad frog and Piggy Bank.

9. Hugs and Kisses. When she gave hugs before, she would cuddle into your shoulder and tuck her arms under herself. Now, she will try to wrap her tiny arms around you (this can make a bad day into a good day). She also puckers up for kisses. But, be ready... she doesn't just give one. If you ask for a kiss, be prepared to make a game of it as she likes to get five or six kisses in a row. Brother loves this game!

10. Bouncing. She loves to bounce on the trampoline. No air... but she definately has the idea of how to use it. She stays clear of the sides and bops her little body up and down causing the trampoline to slightly move. After all, she's not very heavy.