September has truly been a month to savor for our family. Not just because Mattaya turned one. But mostly because her personality comes through more and more every day and because she's learning SO MUCH every day. She's become much more smiley and social, and she's learned to walk and talk (or try to talk, anyway).
To mark the major ONE YEAR milestone, we returned to Picturesque for some family photos. In spite of Mattaya's uncooperative attitude that day, Aletta was able to get some excellent pictures. I tried to pick the ones that were most interesting/entertaining and not so much the "pose-y" ones that you all might have found boring...
"Ready, set..."The WHOLE time, this girl was ready to bolt. She didn't want to be in this room at all, and she didn't want to sit still ANYWHERE.
Aletta was able to catch some cute candids while we were trying to inspire cooperation in our little girl.
This one was taken at a point when Mattaya didn't want to be anywhere near me...so I stole her duck.
Most of her "smiles" were actually defiant squeals...
"Fine. Take my picture."
"Mmmm--feet!"
Aletta was able to catch some cute candids while we were trying to inspire cooperation in our little girl.
This one was taken at a point when Mattaya didn't want to be anywhere near me...so I stole her duck.
Most of her "smiles" were actually defiant squeals...
"Fine. Take my picture."
"Mmmm--feet!"
"Dear Lord, save me from this torture, I pray."
"Hey, that lady keeps following us..."
Finally free to roam!
She still likes to sleep with her little hiney up in the air. Too cute.
Can you tell Daddy dressed her? I assumed the buttons and insignia were a dead giveaway. Guess not.
Mattaya had already finished lunch when Mommy and Daddy sat down with some Mac & Cheese. She came over to investigate. Here she's signing for "food".
And a new favorite is born.
Matt and a few friends ran a half-marathon in Bismarck. Here they are horsing around at the hotel pool the night before.
Kinda hard to see, but it's Matt and Randy racing.
The morning of the race, Matt had to be on his way very early. So I was kind enough to sit up in bed and take his picture. I'm lovin' those glow-in-the-dark shorts!
The last mile was a little rough, but he finished!
There was plenty to drink...
...and eat.
Later that afternoon, Matt showed his medal to Mattaya who reserved her applause...
...until after she'd tested the "gold".
"Grampa Lee, you know I love you, but I'm a girl ON-THE-GO!"
"This is more my style. Thanks, Auntie Linda!"
Brief moment of seated bliss on Gramma Cate's lap.
Our little "ballerina" is walking on her own now. Notice she is putting her heels down SOMETIMES. If she's got to get somewhere fast or far, she resorts to crawling, but she's getting braver and braver around the house.
Mattaya's first taste of a DQ Blizzard.
Brain-freeze.
"Hey, who put these 'toys' on my feet?"
(She tried to stomp them off until she finally cried for help.)
Watching Daddy get ready for work.
She got a little bump on the head that morning. Oops.
Although we've had LOVELY weather so far this fall, we've been having to "bundle up" some days when we go out for our walk.
And Mattaya is usually pretty good about leaving her hood up. Which is good. Because it always seems to be windy here.
One fine day we met Auntie Karen for lunch. Auntie Karen surprised Mattaya with a lovely present of BOOKS. Mattaya pretended not to care, but when we got home...BOY OH BOY. She tore into that present and played with those books like nobody's business!
Our messy but happy Eager Eater.
Mattaya has been out exploring the yard.
Discovery #1: If you push the swing, it will push back.
Discovery #2: Tree bark is rough.Discoveries #3-#10: ALL tree bark is rough.
Discovery #11: Pine needles are pokey.
Oh, the places she'll go...
The End