Things I Can Do - WALK

I almost forgot. We have a child who is mobile on two legs. She had been taking steps since her first birthday and the wedding, but I hesitated to call it walking. Then on Father's Day weekend - Saturday - she realized she could go more than 2-3 steps, and it was the beginning of the end. I think Uncle Culann has some of the first video, but here's another video of the WALKING (from our RI visit)! We even got her fitted for official walking shoes this afternoon. 4 extra wide, for anyone interested. Yes, she has muffin-top feet (her father's term of endearment) - the extra wide gives her feet room so they don't spill out over the top of the straps.

Rhode Island - July 4th, 2009

For her second fourth of July, Ripley made the trip north to our friend Tree's house in the woods. While it was a bit chilly, this did not stop Ripley from enjoying her first time in the surf at the ocean. While she's been to the beach before (Cape May and Virginia Beach), this was her first time in the water. She loved the first go-around despite taking in a mouthful of salt water.

In addition to the ocean, she got to swim in Miss Tree's pool. I thought it would be fun to capture an action shot of Chad tossing her in the air. Little did I know he was going to do so with such vigor. She's almost off the top of the shot. But in true fearless Ripley form, she was unfazed. No fireworks, but lots of fun!

Visit to Texas - June 2009

Chad had a conference in Chicago and a bachelor party in Philadelphia, so Ripley and I decided to make a trip to Texas. While it was a quick trip, we got to (1) see MiMi (Flossie) in Round Rock and made a visit to Hilltop Lakes where we (2) got to swim in the Texas pool and visit with cousins Emily Marie, Jamie and Austin; and (3) got to ride in the golf cart with Grandma Janet.

There was much much more, but those are the highlights!

Ripley's First Birthday: Part III AKA Culann and Carolyn's Wedding (5/30/09)

I would like to say that we've been out of the country or something similarly exciting, but I have no excuse for not updating the blog. My goal tonight is to catch up. We'll see if it happens.

When we last left our heroine, she was celebrating her first birthday. Over a month later, I can no longer say that she "just turned one." Ripley Annabel is now 13+ months old. We rounded out her first birthday week with her Uncle Culann and Aunt Carolyn's wedding. Ripley was part of the wedding party - and I was her accessory. She was the ring girl and I pulled her down the aisle in a fun blue wagon. She loved being in the wagon. Was not as happy out of the wagon.

We tried to get her to go to sleep early (see her in her PJs and getting a bottle), but there was a lot going on. A sampling of photos is below. Include one of her new official aunt and uncle.