Following Directions

Three Words

AJ said three real words this week! In addition to the "Meow" and "Woof" and "Da" she's been saying for a while, she actually said three things that sounded like real words, and said them in context! We caught a video of #3:



#2 was "book"! Girl after my own heart.

And #1, her first real word, was "Amen." We said grace before dinner, P said "Amen," D said "Amen," and AJ, clear as a bell, said, "Amen." We about died laughing. That's your first big word? Hilarious.

Inspired by Eva

After watching Eva's great signing and talking video, D was inspired to catch some of AJ's signs. Of course, P hijacks the video at the end...

Snow Day

Breakfast

Eating Yogurt

Nightly Romp

Curling Up with a Good Book

Inaugural Madness

We took AJ out yesterday (the day before the inauguration) to mingle with the crowds on the National Mall and see what there was to see. Happy people filled the streets, often spontaneously bursting into cheers. If you look closely at the Capitol below, you can see the flags and the grandstand for the swearing-in ceremony.

Today we ventured out again for a stroll, even though we had decided not to take AJ down to the Mall for the actual ceremonies. The atmosphere was so much fun, we almost wished we had decided to go -- until we had spent about 45 minutes outside in the windy 20 degree weather. We happily headed home, through streets swarming with people.

Mama's Scarf

Out for a Stroll

Cool Chica

AJ found these and now thinks they are the coolest. They're not mine -- the only thing I can think is that they were left behind by some erstwhile houseguest. Um, Secor family, did you happen to leave some sunglasses here like eight months ago?

Rainbow Breakdance

Chilly Playground

Sorry for the light blogging -- last Friday, D's beloved laptop sputtered and sparked out. We'll be back on track soon!

First Birthday Cake

Running with the Big Boys

With a Little Help from My Friends

At Yia Yia and Grandpa Lou's house, AJ had a fantastic time pushing their barstools around and around. Here, Ellie helps AJ pursue her favorite pastime...

Yia Yia and Grandpa Lou!

Birthday Girl

We took AJ out for some photos at the Capitol today -- her first birthday! She's our gorgeous one-year-old now.

Visiting San Diego

AJ and her parents got to spend a day with friends in San Diego! AJ and Eva got into everything:





While James wisely watched from a distance.

Getaway