Nightly ritual

We've started a new nightly ritual. Before Riley goes to bed, she tucks in her baby doll. She's a pretty good little mommy. Incidentally, the cradle that she's putting her baby in (and deciding to crawl in herself) is one that my grandpa made for me when I was little. Too cool.

Oh Riley!

Okay, so I'm a terrible blogger, but I'm sure you all already figured that one out. However, this time I have an excuse for at least the last couple of weeks - computer issues.
Riley gets more incredible every day. She's talking up a storm, sometimes we completely understand her and other times we're completely lost. But, as long as she knows what she's talking about, I guess that's what matters! She's so smart- she does really well with flash cards and her books. She can jump and she loves the water. I think she might end up being a swimmer. I'm always impressed with how much she understands when we ask her to do something. It makes me wonder if other times she's just pretending NOT to understand. Hmmmm....
Well, I've got so many pictures to post and I'm not sure what they're all from, but I'm definitely going to put some on there from the Phoenix Zoo. We went up there with my cousin Andy, his wife Krysta and their two kids, Ethan and baby Kaelyn. My Aunt Judy and Uncle Terry also joined us. It was a great day! Riley really loved the animals, even though a sheep knocked her down at the petting zoo. She didn't know what to think of that one. She also tried her hardest to pet the stingrays, but her little arms just weren't long enough.

I forgot

She can also tell you what the dog, cat, chicken and monkey all say. She's brilliant! I wish I knew how to add a sound file!

Monthly update

So, if I can get to this blog once a month, is that good enough? I sure hope so, because that's about my track record so far! Riley is so great. She keeps us so busy. Let's do a run down:

8 teeth

Can tell/show you how old she is (1!!)

Is doing some baby sign language ("more" "eat" "please" "milk" and my personal favorite "monkey" Don't ask me why we taught her that one, it's just cute.)

She is building quite a vocabulary and whether or not she says "real" words or not, is talking all the time.

Loves to go to the park, but will not let us help her on any of the playground equipment, resulting in a scratched nose and busted lip. Oh joy. Adverterous like her daddy!

Loves books! Bookworm like her mommy!

Got a teddy bear from a boy at school for Valentine's Day.

Has uncontrollably curly hair.

Gets more BEAUTIFUL every single day!

Worst Blogger EVER!

Wow, I'm really bad at this blog thing. Riley just keeps me so busy that I have a hard time finding time to keep up. But, I have a few moments now. We had a great holiday season. Christmas morning, my side of the family came over to open presents and have a big breakfast. Then, we spent the rest of the day at Ty's family's house. It was such a great day and being able to share it with our whole family was fantastic! Riley really got the hang of opening presents. She made out like a little bandit! She had a great time playing with her cousins and grandparents and great-grandparents the whole day.
After the new year came Riley's first ear infection. She was trooper though and was pretty much over it in no time. She's back up and running in full force. She's learning some baby sign language, which is cool. She's still talking, too. In fact one of her favorite new games is to throw something down on the floor from her high chair and look at me and say, "Up, Mama, up." Okay, so she's a little demanding too. We're all learning our boundaries and what battles to fight and which ones to just let go. But, it's tough. I had no idea she'd be such a little diva so early! Fortunately, she's also such a sweetheart and for a one year-old she actually minds fairly well. (For me anyway- she's totally got her daddy wrapped around her little finger!)
Alright, well I'm going to add some pictures and call it done for awhile. I'll try to be a better blogger!

Birthday Girl!

I can't believe our baby girl is already 1! Where has this year gone? It simply befuddles me. I pray every day that she will know God, follow His ways and that He will bless and protect her always. It has been a truly amazing year and she does something new and joyous everyday! I am so incredibly blessed to have such an amazing little family. We were just meant to be together and I am so thankful. Enjoy the birthday photos and say a birthday prayer for our girl!

still more pics...