1 for Sybille!

At 12 months, Sybille's eyes are still blue, much to my surprise. Her vocabulary consists of: Mama, Papa, Dat (that), Poop (not necessarily corresponding to anything in, or about to be in, her diaper), Boo, and Boom. She loves to play peek-a-boo, especially with books, that she will hold over her head, rather than over her face. She is capable of taking a step or two on her own, and is slowly gaining confidence in that respect. In the last month or two, her sleeping patterns have settled in considerably, much to Mama and Papa's relief. She has even been known to sleep through the night! (Tonight would make 4 in a row!!!) She has discovered books, and loves to leaf through them, especially on the potty chair. She does have a bit of a rivalry, especially with Tassia, and will scream at me if I'm not paying enough attention to her! She knows when she makes people laugh, and has a funny way of laughing along with them.

More Xmas Picts

Santa came and handed out candy at our grocery store. There was no place to sit on his lap, though...

Couldn't get Sybille to sit still for this one!

Forgotten?

When I was expecting Sybille during Christmas season last year, I often asked myself what it would be like for the child I was carrying, to have their birthday so close to Christmas. I don't want to make anyone feel guilty or anything, but today, Sybille's birthday came and went. She is a year old. We wished her happy birthday. Thomas's parents wished her happy birthday. I'm assuming everyone out there reading this was sending her silent birthday wishes and no one has actually forgotten her birthday. In any case, I don't think that her birthday rocked her world very much.
Notice that her eyes are still blue: Eating cake: (pictures got a little out of order)

Notice Alina's handiwork on the refrigerator behind Sybille!

(This is Tassia hugging Sybille's birthday cake.)

Belated Christmas Show

We may be a bit behind, but here are some memories of Alina's first ever school Christmas show. She is the fairy in purple (but, of course, you could tell that!)

Sybille's first

step today!
 
It would have been yesterday, but Tassia came running up at the wrong time and spooked her.  But, she made one baby step from hanging onto her dresser to throwing herself into Mama's arms.  A big smile was on her face, and much cuddling and clapping ensued.

3 goods and a bad

Good: After pulling it out from the wall, detaching and re-attaching some hoses, and running a cycle with white vinegar, my washing machine can actually complete an entire wash cycle and stop at the end.
 
Good: The cilantro I planted that went to seed in July and has shown no signs of life since?  Little sprigs of cilantro are springing up!
 
Good:  I did not lose my voice.
 
Bad:  Alina has had a fever since Sunday.  Starting antibiotics tonight.

Something's wrong

with this picture! I think we have the wrong children in the playpen, and the wrong child out!

Here's the escapee: