21 Months

I spent the beginning of my 21st month being cultured on the finer things in life, like weddings and limo rides. The remainder of my time was filled with another beach trip, a birthday celebration for my Dada, and the start of my newest obsession: Bebe's. Three of our friends welcomed little ones into their families in a relatively short time span, so there were baby's popping up around every turn. Suddenly I wanted nothing more than to have a baby of my own, and since everyone knows different is best I decided to put a twist on the somewhat boring word and pronounce it "bebe" as if I were French. 

Another big winner this month was the book "Beep" known to the general public as The Little Blue Truck. My friend Jack gave it so me as a birthday party favor and my obsession grew rather quickly. I liked to read it over and over multiple times in a row, always before bed, and often asked to sleep with it. Mama and Dada love it too... although it seemed to make Dada nervous when I turned the book upside down to read on the same page every time. I'm not sure why... everything is better when you are standing on your head.

So you see Lottie, on the plane I was so overcome with excitement I just bounced around like a jumping bean in Mama's lap for the entire first flight... I could not wait to get here. But then we had this thing called a layover and had to get on another plane! I couldn't handle it... so I crawled up on Mama's lap, looked over her shoulder to everyone on the plan, chanted "all done" really loudly about ten times and then passed out in her lap. And when I woke up... we were here. Good talk, Lottie.

 

Returning home from Watercolor, via the Atlanta airport. I developed a slight watch obsession and demanded to wear everyone's watch I saw... no one seemed to mind but Mama and Dada did get a little uptight when I started pointing and groaning for the watch of the person on the plane next to us. I also was introduced to the glorious experience of "dipping" now when I want to dip I just wave my hand around in the air like I have a magic wand.

We hadn't been back in town very long when GG came to visit and I experienced my first meal at a Hibachi Steakhouse. So I know you want to take a picture and all, but is no one else concerned that fire is coming out of the table?

I would say my first gardening experience was a success. The cuter you look, the better your results.

Once GG left, I gathered up my friends for a very much needed water play date. Notice all the boys... of course not one of them complimented me on my gardening job, but that's ok I'm still glad they all came... I like to keep my options open.

Come on Hunter... this way.

I'm worried we're forgetting something... are you sure we can't bring more toys? We are gonna be gone for a long time.

On our way to the Outer Banks we stopped in Raleigh for the night. Once they dug me out from under all the toys we got to meet up with our old neighbors... I had never met those girls before but I can now say they sure know how to make a good pizza.

See, aren't you glad we packed all the toys? I think I could get used to beach life.

So you see Cousin Lauren the sand goes in the bucket.

Nannie and Papa came out to watch me play.

I just feel a little wind blown.

Mama and Dada even got to sit down and rest for a minute or two.

After our first beach day, we had some serious celebrating to do... Happy Mother's Day Mama. Everyone say cheese.

I thought my crab dress was a good choice for Mother's Day dinner, naturally. Well, so did the restaurant. It turns out they sell crab stuffed animals since they have adopted them as their restaurant mascot. This lady hanging out in the rocking chairs spotted my dress, and bought me a crab. She told my Dada I just "had to have it" since it matched my dress so perfect.

Hurry up Cousin Matt, I'm taking my crab and hitting the road before that lady decides to change her mind!

Back home I gave Mama her Mother's Day gift... so glad we got you tissue Mama... I just love playing with it.

Sadly the rest of our trip was either rainy or windy, but we found some things to keep us busy. I spotted this alligator at the Aquarium and hopped right on him.

Dada thought I might need some help conquering him, so he hopped on too. Mama feels very confident that next time we visit there will be a sign next to this guy that says "no climbing".

Look, fish.

I am so glad we were able to get to the aquarium this day, as my skills in turtle saving were greatly needed. I rescued this endangered turtle from the ocean, got him the care he needed in my lab, and was able to send him back out to sea. Mama and Dada didn't get lab coats... sorry you two but it's better to learn early on... not everybody gets to be the boss.

I love fish.

At the petting tank the worker told Mama to be careful I didn't put my hands in my mouth or nose after petting the starfish... she said ok and I promptly began sucking on my finger. Mama thinks the petting tank worker may not have ever had a toddler.

My favorite part of the aquarium was the gift shop. They had all kinds of cool toys. Dada said he would buy me something if I seemed interested but somehow forgot his promise when my interest turned towards the rubber snake.

Although with 12 family members hanging around and only 1 baby I knew if I just held out somebody would cave...

And they did. Here I am leaving with Mae, one of the three things those suckers (I mean sweet family members) bought me. My workshop on "How to Work Over Your Loved Ones" begins next month... call my cell or visit me on Twitter for details.

The next day it was still to yucky to go outside so I got a little creative. My new interest in opening and closing buckles, led to me buckling myself in the seat saver and then walking around with it attached to my waist.

That afternoon it seemed safe enough to fill up the baby pool, so while Dada played golf, Mama, Nannie and I played on the deck. Nannie, if you could pour the water a little more to the left please.... yes, yes that's about right. Thank you.

I had great fun lounging in my pool and dumping and refilling the buckets.

I think Nannie had fun too... almost Nannie a little more to the right this time. Great, now if you could just squat there and hold it that would be perfect.

The next day we hit up the Wright Brothers Memorial. I am not really sure who this Wright guy is but Dada must really like him because he pushed my stroller all the way to the top and then carried it up those steps to get a picture.

The beach wasn't all fun and games. We all got dressed up and I had to put my super cute face on for family pictures.

What do you mean this face isn't super cute enough?

I wasn't in the best picture taking mood, but once Aunt Jill gave me her jewels to play with I calmed down. Clearly I'll be picked as the new model for this guy's photography business.

 On the way back from the beach we stopped in Cary so we could have lunch and hangout with our friend, Cary.

I think he's warming up to me.

Leaving the beach was a little sad, so Mama made it up to me by letting me have my first ice cream ever at Coldstone. So, they will put these items in a cup and give them to me?

I'll have this one please!

It's so beautiful!

I can't contain myself Mama... can I have one of each?

When I got home I told my side kick "Bebe" about the new treat I discovered called ice cream. Bebe and I became best friends and constant companions this month.

When I couldn't take Bebe with me places I sought places where other bebe's would be- like here in the church lobby. Car seats are amazing, not only do they have buckles but bebe's sit in them.

Maybe if I just sit here I can channel some of the bebe energy.

We found out we were having a little sister and our neighbors gave us three cupcakes to share... the funny thing is I have seen this picture but I never actually saw the cupcakes. Hmmmm....

When Bebe, bike pump, and I woke up from our nap we were so excited to hear the news- we love little girls!

On the 25th of the month Dada turned 33 and I turned 22 months. May is so hard... this has already been discussed but I really don't like to share my big days Dada.

I guess I'll be happy anyway- Happy Birthday Dada!