the eleventh month-a-versary

This will most likely be my last "monthaversary" post, as 12 months equals an actual birthday (I can't believe that!) This has been a busy month in the life of Michaela and the family. In addition to moving into a new home and all that entailed, we have had play dates with friends, bought and frozen pints and quarts of fresh, local strawberries to be eaten during the winter, purchased a quarter of beef from some friends in Newberg and tucked that away in the freezer, took notice of the fact that our 6th wedding anniversary happened - actual celebration to occur later in July!, tackled the backyard overgrowth with a reciprocal saw (Michaela did not partake in that activity), hosted visits from Adam's parents and Adam's sister and brother-in-law, and gone to several Timbers games. We had a great time at the most recent game, as Michaela busted out a new talent - cheering for the home team. She noticed that everyone around her was clapping, and realized that she should probably be doing the same. So she clapped loudly and yelled a bit. This made the folks behind us laugh and engage her more, and she was off. She had a great time at the game and slept very well that night.

As far as developmental updates, Michaela continues to jabber in a language unbeknownst to us. She says dada and mama and I think she is making efforts to identify the dog and cat. She can push herself up to a standing position and is able to balance herself flat-footed when assisted by one of us. Her favorite activity is wrestling with the dog, who handles it with good grace I didn't know she had. Michaela's favorite toy seems to be the vacuum cleaner. She follows me around with enthusiasm while I clean and tries to grab on to the head of the vacuum - not in the least bit helpful. With the motivation of having Michaela be able to eat her birthday cake in a month, I have been trying to introduce her to more and more foods - wheat, blueberries, beef & ham (pureed and in a can, reminiscent of SPAM), cheese cubes and more.

But by far the most exciting event occurred exactly on Michaela's 11-month milestone. We welcomed her first cousin into the world!! Just over a week early by typical measure, but exactly right in God's timing, Abbey and Dave's first son was born on July 8. Greyson Isaac is a handsome little guy (and I mean little, he makes Michaela look so grown up!) with a thatch of black hair and a winsome expression when he is awake.

Michaela has acknowledged his presence but mostly found intriguing how many of the adults were gathered around this little blanket bundle who didn't even move. We've been reassuring her that he will make a wonderful playmate in just a few months' time. Congratulations to the new parents and the thrilled-to-pieces grandparents. Adam and I are pretty pleased to be called uncle and aunt... or whatever similar words eventually come out of Greyson's little mouth.