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Walking

For those of you who haven't witnessed Ebony walking yet here is a little glimpse.  This video was taken at the beginning of the month so speed and intensity have definitely increased!  

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing

ONE

I am completely baffled that a year has gone by with 'baby Ebony' as part of our family. Ebony brings joy, smiles, laughter, mischief and a constant pursuit of discovery to our home. We couldn't imagine life to feel more full of love and happiness, and her presence brings exactly that. Happy 1st birthday to you Ebony! Keep smiling, discovery all the wonders around you and remember that your family will always be here to support and cheer you on. We love you! As a memory for this big milestone I had my friend Karin take pics of sweet little Ebz in action. Eating her first cupcake and just being cute as punch. Here's a small glimpse into the smiling spunkster we call Ebony. Try not to get too lost in her gorgeous eyes. They'll swallow you up!

Let me at her!!!

Ebony has been the object of poking and rough housing for long enough.  It seems she thought it was her younger cousin Emma's turn.  Sorry Em!

At least she's holding her sweet little hand in this picture.  I can't wait to watch these girls grow up together. 

These girls both have darling smiles...

'Working' hard

What kid doesn't want to pull out the hose and have free reign of the place once and awhile?  This has become one of Malachis favourite things to do.  On this particular day he wasn't up to mischief, rather, he thought he'd help me out around the yard.  :) 

....somehow those twinkling eyes always look like trouble is brewing!

Messy!

Now this is how to eat spaghetti.  Whole heartedly dig in, enjoy every bite and smile your bright blue eyes away until someone comes to clean up your crazy messy face.  Yum!

11 Months

We are just a few short weeks away from celebrating our baby's first birthday! Crazy but true. Here is what she's up to now:

 In true toddler form Ebony is playing in the toilet, pulling down toilet paper, getting into cupboards and all around making a complete and utter mess! If she sees that someone has accidentally left the bathroom door open she crawls faster then ever to splish splash before mommy appears. With a huge grin on her face she proudly giggles at how she managed to find her way to play in the beloved toilet. Luckily she's equally as happy to get washed up and move on to something else, bathroom door firmly closed again. She also climbs in the dishwasher and speedily pulls out all the cutlery and lighter dishes, whipping them over her shoulder to make a pile behind her. One day I heard Ebony in the kitchen but couldn't see her, she had opened the cupboard climbed in and closed the door behind her. She's quite the goof.

 Food is another favourite. If anyone happens to put a bite or sip of anything in their mouth Ebony is grunting and making it clear that she needs in on the action. I'm in awe of the amount of food this little peanut can eat. If you think half an avocado is enough you'd be wrong. She needs it all. If one tray of spaghetti is enough, wrong again. She wants two trays. Girl can eat! Yet somehow she's still only 17lbs 4oz. 

As Ebony has had to fend for herself amongst older siblings she has found a way to tease them. The craziest part to watch is the twinkle in her eye when you know she's planning trouble. If I'm holding Ebony her hands are at the perfect height to grab the kids hair. She hangs on tight and grabs on as they squeal in pain. She loves every minute of it. Also, if one of them falls asleep on the couch she will crawl up to them stand at the side and pinch, scratch and pull at them until they wake up. If I say no before she gets there she crawls faster, giggling the whole way. 

So far Ebony has only cut two teeth. The top four are all just below the surface appearing like they're ready to all come out at the same time. So my fantastic sleeper has turned into a constant night waker. Unfortunatly she's waking about every two to three hours so we're all a bit exhausted. It's like there's a newborn in the house again. But when those teeth finally come out it will all be worth it and she will suddenly look so much older. Then she just needs to grow some hair. :)

 Ebony hasn't started fully walking but she can squat and get to standing position without any hands or help and takes a couple of steps before going back to her quicker crawling position. If she has something in her hands to distract her she will stand longer and try more steps. As ebony gets busier and into more mischief I've had to find places to put her so I can get stuff done. I'd like to call these places 'baby jail'. For now the bathtub in our ensuite works as a great short term place for her to be when I'm getting ready.....or trying to sleep a little longer in the morning:). I've also been zipping her in to the tramp, as we have one with the safety net. The tramp is becoming a favourite spot either alone or with bouncing buddies. I'll have to post pics because she's so tiny and sweet with her little bouncing grin.

Lastly I must say that Ebony is always quick to smile, laugh and have a good time. She brings much joy to our lives and it's a treat watching her grow into a little girl.

The grab

One of my friends caught Ebony on camera doing two of her favourite things: sucking her thumb and holding my boob, simultaneously.  Yup, you heard me right.  For some of you this may be too much information, however, Ebony is not shy about this love of hers.  In fact if I hold her and don't want these two things to occur together then I have to face her outward....and even then she sometimes tries to twist one of her arms behind her head to reach!  As much as I look forward to having my body be my own I am treasuring these quirky precious moments with my little ham.

Bring on the mud!

We headed out for a little photo shoot with my friend the other day and here are the fantastic pics she captured for us.  I haven't included all of them but I was so thrilled to capture our family of five in a favourite spot close to home, the creek!  

I begged Jayda to wear her tutu as I thought it would make for some fun contrast to the mud and rugged terrain.