One, Singular Sensation!

We're settling into life at the Eicholtz house with our one-year-old. We've kicked the bottle habit; we actually sit and listen to our bedtime story; and what would life be without another ear infection? We wouldn't know, but we've got our golden ticket (a.k.a. the referral to the Ear/Nose/Throat Dr.) and we're cashing it in, baby. Until then, here are some more examples of what we do 'now that we are one'...

We feed ourselves...sort of. (Mom! Elmo says this bowl should NOT be empty!)

We get creative with how we play with strollers (Wheels are for sissies...and apparently so are wet-wipes and shirts.).

We help cook dinner...

We sometimes make it 'to go.'

We rearrange the kitchen furniture two stools at a time, thank you very much.

We recognize that our purse doesn't have to match, it just has to 'go.'

We decide when the kitchen cupboard needs reorganizing...

And when the floor needs 'swiffering.'

And, of course, we still love our Abby.

Happy Birthday, Dear Allie!

Well, it's official. We have a daughter whose age we now count in years. Allie's 1st birthday was today, February 12th, and we celebrated in true Eicholtz ladies' style by stretching it out over the entire weekend (and beyond, really, since the cupcakes are in the fridge, ready for Allie's daycare buddies tomorrow).There's a lot we could say about this past year, but her Daddy's Facebook post (who ever thought those words would go together, am I right?) sums it up: Best year of our life. Happy Birthday, Alliebelle.

First week, February 2011. And now...

Did someone say 'Birthday'...?

I thought so!!!

We started her birthday-party-morning with some early gifts from Grandmom and Grandpa...

Hats on inside, Grandpa...that's just silly!

Good to know there are still some things she needs to grow into. Thanks for the homemade bathrobe, Grandmom!

 What's a birthday celebration without tons of sugary goodness? We don't know...and probably will never find out :o).

Cupcakes for our cupcake.

'I want her to have a whole cake for herself.' (Direct quote from Daddy. Translation...'Mama, get baking.')

We scooped her up long enough for a family photo before there was more cake than dress on our girl.

Allie made sure to share her wisdom and knowledge gained over her lengthy 12 months with the newest of the group. We had some very special guests in attendance, three who are still counting in months (OK, one in weeks).

Allie's partner in fashion, Lakshmi, our newest next door neighbor.

Cousin Alice showing off her standing for the big event.

Sarah, showing off her peaceful sleeping skills (I tried to get Allie to take notes, she would have none of it).

And of course, what party is complete without a little something to rip into?

What? I could get used to this.

Our little bookworm getting some help from Lakshmi's big brother.

Strollin' with the homies.

She loves cupcakes...vanilla, chocolate, plastic. All are clap-worthy.

Workin' the room (molar drool and all).

You may have a headstart, but I race this track each day, my friend. I WILL catch you!

And, of course, there's the birthday cake...

I've been training 12 months for this...'bring it.'

Seriously...you're not gonna stop this?

Suit yourself.

You! Put this on the nightly menu, would ya?

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

And one last unbiased wardrobe contribution from Grammy. 

We wanted to take this post to say again how blessed we feel to have such wonderful family and friends in our lives and in the life of our daughter. We know she will never have a shortage of loving support from all sides and we are so very grateful.

February's Finest

It's here. The month that marks one year of Al! I've done my best to try to instill a healthy sense of awe and importance in our daughter when it comes to birthdays. We're gearing up at the Eicholtz house for the big 0-1. We took care of our monthly trip to the doctor's to grab a new script (see, I'm even down with the 'pharm-lingo'...I can hear Christopher cringing on that one when he reads it, but he's not here, so I'll leave it in) for the expected return of another set of ear infections. We may be talking tubes at her 1-year appointment in a week, we shall see. Until then, our little patient is doing great, so much so, that it almost feels like cheating to stay home with her when she gets that first ear infection fever and can't go in to daycare...almost. We had a great sick-day on Friday complete with a run to Party City, Starbucks, and Costco where Allie graciously offered her services as pro bono greeter to anyone willing to look her way...and even those who didn't. She's persistent, that one.

Someone's getting a little too cozy with her meds...yep, that's our girl sucking lovingly on the 'amox'-syringe.

The energy level is still pretty high, of course...

Just sitting calmly...quietly...I'm always serene...

 

EXCEPT WHEN I'M NOT!!!

WHO'S WITH ME?!?!

 Allie and her friends at daycare all have the same 'modified' sign for 'more' when they're eating in their high chairs. Al's 'more' has morphed into, 'I want.' Sometimes we're not really sure WHAT exactly she wants, but we're pretty sure she knows...often the safe guess is 'everything.'

'I want'...that...and....that...and...that...

Of course she's not the only one who 'wants.' (This may surprise you, but she never got to finish that graham...someone else did, though.)

That's fine. I'll just wash my dishes in your water bowl, good buddy. Payback, pup.

You may remember Allie's office snapshot from earlier.

Once again, confused about the dresscode, but ready to get down to business.

Well, the grind continues...

Right...double-that and throw in a retainer.

WHAT is so hard to understand? I know I said I wanted you to bake me that cake 'as fast as you can,' but I NEEDED it to be here yesterday!

Yikes...we may have created a monster.